Beauty and the Geek

Chapter Thirteen

It was the last day before half term; A whole week off to lie in my bed and watch cat videos on YouTube. As expected, the whole school's eyes were strained on the clock, counting down each second until the end of the day when they would be freed from the educational prison.

It seems like the school had also stop freaking out about Sasuke and Naruto's degradation. It's weird actually. How people just stop noticing them, like they've blended into the background. It's been a good few weeks since Sasuke was in hospital and things really seemed to have calmed down. My friends are now fully acquainted with the two, and it's all turned out rather nicely. Except that nagging feeling at the back of my mind, like I'd missed out something. But I couldn't place my finger on it. Whatever it was I'm sure it wasn't important, otherwise I would remember it.

But, the big news is that Ino's birthday is this half term, and we're all going to the big theme park an hour's bus ride away. The best thing about it is that Sasuke is going. Sasuke. On a rollercoaster, I couldn't wait for this.

I had tech first...all the way up the top of the technology block skyscraper. After a body-breaking climb of what must be at least 500 meters, I made it to my tech room. Sasuke was already outside; his usual habit of being late had died down considerably, now that he didn't have anyone to bunk off with.

Everyone ambled into the classroom; Mr Itachi had long since given up with trying to get our class to do anything constructive. He told us we had to build 3D models, then he mooched off to somewhere in the building, maybe to the staffroom, where he'd get a lemonade explosion in the face due to me and Naruto's antics. I laughed aloud at the thought, and Sasuke turned to me.

'What's so funny?' he smirked, cutting off a piece of tape and sticking it to his shanty-looking model

'Oh, nothing' I smiled vaguely, before noticing his model and snorting 'What is that meant to be?'

'A CD case'

'It looks like a house'

He looked at it, then frowned angrily and screwed it up into a ball, throwing it to the other side of the room without looking where it went. He leaned forward and put his head in his hands. I touched his arm and he looked at me, I thought he was overreacting again.

'You didn't have to screw it up'

'Everything I do is rubbish' he spat.

'No it's not' a hurt frown appeared on my face, what was bothering him? 'Sasuke what's wrong? It can't be that your model was messed up. You don't care about stuff like that' I shook his arm gently 'What's wrong? You can tell me'

The loudness of the class was increasing to deafening levels, and no one seemed to be doing much work. Seeing this as an opportunity, I held his hand under the desk. His eyes widened for a fraction of a second, but then softened and he squeezed my hand back gently in reassurance.

'Nothing's wrong Sakura' the corners of his mouth twitching up in what he thought must have looked like a convincing smile.

'Oh yeah, because you're always alright aren't you?'

'Hn'

'Hey, the teacher's gone...want to sneak out?' Instead of a reply he simply raised an eyebrow and looked bemused 'I know I know, who are you and what have you done with Sakura. Come on'

I stood up and yanked his arm, making him follow me out of the classroom.

'Where are we going?' he asked from behind me. I didn't know where I was going. I acted out of impulse because holding hands and holding that eye contact felt like too much, and really not enough. Dashing into an empty art room downstairs and closing the door behind us. The adrenaline coursing through my veins, as I realised that I had just left a lesson without permission. The little nerdy Sakura in my head was having a breakdown. But, thankfully, the new bold Sakura was in the lead, and she noticed the suggestive look in Sasuke's eye as we leaned against the door, panting slightly at the short run here.

'Is it hot in here or is it just me?' I asked, trying my best to be flirtatious, but ending up failing, I reddened with embarrassment when he didn't reply with anything. But then thankfully Sasuke just smirked and closed the distance between us, his hands encircled my waist and I leaned up into him, our lips meeting with a kiss. This all felt so scandalous. But it really wasn't...was it? My thoughts were interrupted when Sasuke pushed me into the wall and deepened the kiss considerably...not that I was complaining. I went with him without hesitation, my hands roamed freely without instruction across his chest, his shoulders and his back. We were to all outside viewers, for lack of better term, snogging each other's brains out.

poooooooooooooooooooooooooo

But while this romantic activity was going on, a lone blond-haired art student at the back of the classroom watched on in absolute disbelief. His mouth agape, his body rooted to the spot, unable to look away from the scene that was unfolding before him.

He hastily grabbed his sketchbook and left with extreme difficulty unnoticed. He stormed down several flights of stairs, his breathing ragged and his thoughts more unfocused than ever before. He felt a whirlwind of emotions rage through him, betrayal, anguish, shock, rejection, bewilderment, pain and above all sheer frustration. Why did Sakura choose Sasuke? What did he ever give her other than glooming up her days, which could be bright and sunny with him, Naruto Uzumaki? The greatest thing that ever happened to her.

He kicked the banister with force, making his toe crack painfully, but he ignored it. Heat was pouring off his body, and he was getting too worked up over this. The situation can be turned around, he thought. Sakura would surely choose him over the emo boy. What did she possibly see in him?

Pooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

'So?'

'So what?'

'Who's hyped up about my theme park party on Monday?' Ino cried out in the middle of the music room, currently occupied by myself, my friends, Sasuke and Naruto.

'Me!' cried Tenten, hi-fiving Ino.

'I still don't know what to wear' Ino moped, her attitude changing in a split second.

'I'm not sure I like rollercoaster-'

'Yes you do Hinata!' Ino interrupted, refusing to let her back out of this, even if she did sit out of all the rides.

'How are we getting there?' Sasuke asked

'By bus. It leaves at ten, so none of you better be late' Ino looked at me when she said that, her ice blue eyes boring into mine. I was in fear for my life. I was always late.

'So, your house, 9.45?'

'Yep'

'Sounds fine' Tenten said 'I think we should be getting back to class now' she eyed the clock, and we all soon departed to endure the last two lessons, before our reunion on Monday, which would no doubt be a hilarious episode.

Pooooooooooooooooooooo-

Monday couldn't have arrived quicker. There I was, Saturday morning eating a bowl of cereal and taking it easy. The next thing I know it's Monday morning and I'm rushing to get ready to go to Ino's house.

After a quick shower I style my hair into a side ponytail and curl it slightly, I hastily brush on a little makeup and then I try to find something fashionable in my wardrobe, and failing that I improvise. Jumper, scarf, jeans, trainers. Done. Smiling at my reflection for a few seconds I realise that I'm behind schedule. Grabbing my bag and coat I rush out of the door in my usual fashion and head off to catch the bus to Ino's house.

Once I got there everyone had already arrived.

'Sakura! You're late' Ino scolded me, tapping her foot on the ground and glancing at her watch.

'I am?' I panted, out of breath due to the speed walk from the bus stop down the hill.

'By 3 minutes!'

'My bad'

'Well, at least you're here' she bumped me on the hip, sending me crashing off-guard into Sasuke who had magically appeared behind me without my notice.

'Whoa' I pushed myself off him then regained my balance using him and stood upright in a dizzy way, my disorientation was fading quickly afterwards however. 'Sorry about that'

Sasuke looked at me like I'd just dribbled on my shirt, oh wait he always does that.

'Are we ready to go?' Ino asked, looking at everyone. The group nodded and Ino put her hands on her hips 'Then let's go!'

Poooooooooo-

Apparently a lot of people had the idea of going to a theme park in the holidays...it made sense really. The bus was practically empty when we got on, but by the time we reached the park an hour or so later, it was as packed as a jar of pickles, and just as unattractive. Like my school bus, there were quite a few younger children, they were the most annoying little buggers you ever did see, you just wanted to grow a giant foot and stamp on them all, even if it was to only keep them quiet.

Naruto eventually lost it when some cocky kid trod on his foot while trying to 'impress' his friends. I don't want to repeat what he said, but it was very imaginative. The kid shut up after that, but the others didn't. However, eventually, after a very long and aggravating bus journey, we stepped off the bus into the clean air. We all had a stretch and took a breather, before heading off towards the massive front gates. You could see the tips of rollercoaster's from here, and the screams got louder with every step.

Ino paid for us all (it being her birthday treat) and we passed through the gates into the giant reception complex area, it was full of cafes and shops selling overly priced pick 'n' mix options. I gazed in awe at the whole place, it was full of people of all ages, I felt my heart speed up and I was really excited. I hadn't been to a theme park in quite some time. In fact, the last time I went on a ride was this eventful spooky house ride with Ino a year or so ago, but she fell out of the cart when this mummy thing leapt out of nowhere. I smiled at the memory, and I looked over to Ino now, who was examining the map.

'What do you want to do first?' Ino asked cheerfully

'Loo'

After a toilet break we met back up again.

'What do you want to do now?' she asked again, a little more attitude in her voice.

'I think we'd all like to go on the rides!' Tenten said matter-of-factly 'Let's go!'

'Rides first? We've got about 45 minutes until lunch. So, let's knock ourselves out!' With a cheer she turned and led the way to the park outside. We followed behind, Sasuke and me at the back of the line, Naruto in front of us.

'Do you even like rides?' I asked him, nudging his elbow.

'Of course'

'Well, I didn't know. You don't really talk about it much do you?'

'Why would I talk about rides?'

'I don't know'

'You two sound like an old married couple' Naruto said from the front.

'Sasuke being the old one' I pointed out

'Hn'

'See'

'Sasuke, stop being such an old man!' Naruto said, lifting his arms behind his head. Everyone laughed except Sasuke himself, who glared at the back of Naruto's head like he could burn holes in it.

'Hey! We should go in the haunted house first!' Temari pointed at a creaky-looking building decorated to the old Victorian style.

'Yeah!'

We all went up and joined the relatively short line. The cart's held two people each.

'Want to go with me-' Sasuke begun

'Want to go with me Sakura?' Naruto deliberately interrupted

'Urm...' I could see Ino giving me this look behind Naruto and I couldn't stop from laughing a little, even in this situation. I guess I had to pick Sasuke, but then Naruto would get upset...but then Sasuke would get upset...I could ride twice...rock,paper scissors?

'How about you two play rock, paper, scissors?' I suggested, and they looked at me, then at each other.

'Fine'

'Let's do this'

'Rock, paper, scissors!' we all chanted, Naruto drew out scissors, Sasuke drew out rock.

'Sasuke wins!' Tenten cheered, I saw Naruto's face fall and so I quickly said

'Naruto, you can sit next to me on the next ride' I gave him a smile and he returned it, instantly looking a million times happier.

'I'm going to get a drink' Naruto said. 'You can only go on in two's anyway'

The line moved along some more and Hinata and Tenten got on, trying to cover their nervousness they waved at us as the carriage moved along into the darkness at the end of the tunnel. After a little while Ino and Temari got on the next carriage, already clutching onto each other and laughing hysterically before the ride had begun. Once they were off into the abyss-like tunnel at the end of the line, me and Sasuke stood there alone.

It felt like...a date.

It was a nice feeling, it gave my stomach butterflies, but not in an unpleasant way. I reached for Sasuke's hand, and he took it without hesitation, looking down at me for a few seconds before looking back over to the carriages and motioning with a tilt of his head that it was our turn.

We clambered into the little carriage and the bar moved downwards, trapping us on the ride until the end. A little shock of excitement shot through my back, I took Sasuke's hand again, and after making sure no one was around, I leant my head against his shoulder as if this was going to be an easy-going romantic ride, like a love tunnel that smells of cake and sunshine. Suddenly a giant hairy plastic spider fell from the ceiling onto us as soon as we entered the tunnel, making me scream in surprise, and making Sasuke grunt in what must have been surprise. I flailed my arms around madly to get if off, and with some difficulty we pushed it out of the carriage, laughing nervously, and both thinking what else would happen now.

We went through rooms of ghosts and mummies and Frankenstein's. We had a run-in with a vampire and met several ghouls, at some parts you just had to squeal. Well, I did, not Sasuke. It was fun, playing the damsel in distress, I buried my face in his shoulder whenever some skeleton leapt out behind a coffin, and he had his arm around me the whole time. It was so hilarious, because the wicked witch got stuck when she was meant to fly past on the broom stick, you could hear the metal work behind it malfunctioning. It was great. I got the feeling Sasuke enjoyed it as much as I did, even though he'll refuse to admit it.

By the end I had tears in my eyes, and we both let out a little moan as we came back into the sunlight at the end of the ride. Sasuke immediately removed his arm from around me, and we saw the others waiting for us

'I could hear you squealing from out here Sasuke' Naruto laughed

'That was Sakura' he mumbled, half to himself.

'Sure it was'

'Sakura! Enjoy that?' Ino called out as our carriage came to a stop. The bar lifted up and we climbed out

'Yeah! What do you want to do now?' we were all back together now, in our big group.

Our gaze fell on the hair-raisingly high rollercoaster behind the haunted house ride. We exchanged glances and we all thought the same thing, without words we started towards the coaster, Hinata following nervously behind. We joined at the back of the short line, already eager. Once you go on one ride you can't stop. The queue moved forward relatively fast, and we were being sorted into lines by the bored-looking staff quickly.

It was three on each row, and with Hinata looking far too pale to be let on, the numbers fitted perfectly. I waggled my eyebrows at Ino, but Naruto stepped out in front of me, blocking the view of my blonde friend.

'Naruto!'

'You're sitting next to me this time'

'There are three seats you know'

'My bum needs two' I snorted and shoved his shoulder more boisterously than I would have wanted, as he actually stepped back into Sasuke who had again magically appeared behind him.

'Watch it' he commented as Naruto regained his balance in a flurry.

'Who are you sitting next to, Sasuke?' I asked as innocently as I could, I noticed Naruto out of the corner of my eye staring intently at Sasuke.

He shrugged 'Doesn't matter'

'Yes it does' I rolled my eyes 'I'll sit next to both of you' I decided, linking my arms around theirs. 'allonsy everyone, yeah?' I said awkwardly, giving them both a i have no idea what the hell I just said face. Really Sakura? Allonsy? Is that what I say now?

To my surprise they both ignored my last comment and my facial odd facial expression. Maybe they were being nice and letting me think they didn't hear. Or maybe they were both just partially blind, and deaf. I would have thought they would have mentioned that to me. Anyway.

When the next carriage rolled along we got in, with Ino and co behind us. I sat in the middle, feeling in an undeniable awkward situation, but trying my best to ignore it. This was a ride, with two friends. Naruto and Sasuke pulled the bar down forcefully, as if it was a competition or something. They did it just a little too hard and it clamped down tightly over our laps uncomfortably. Even more awkward thoughts rose through my brain before I could control it.

'Bit tight?' I asked, eyeing the bar.

'Yeah' Naruto's eyes bulged slightly and I had to bite on my lip so stop myself from making a loud, retarded laugh that would lead to embarrassing questions.

'You're telling me' Sasuke agreed in a nonchalant tone. Thankfully, my retarded laugh didn't come because the ride started to move forward, and all previous thoughts were forgotten as the carriage left the safety of the little room and headed out into the light.

The tracks curved sharply up towards the sky soon after the exit of the room, and the little carriage wheezed as it climbed higher and higher until it was practically travelling vertically upwards. With all of us lying in our seats horizontal to the ground at least 75 feet below, my stomach was churning unpleasantly at the thought of our little carriage coming to an untimely halt. With effort I turned my head towards Sasuke on my right. Sasuke was gripping onto the bar tightly, his veins were popping out and his knuckles were white. I looked up at his face, expecting to see him trying to feign nonchalance, but he was just narrowing his eyes like he always did. I turned over to see Naruto on my left. He was looking slightly green, but like Sasuke he was trying to play it cool. Turning my head back to look up at the sky which had never seemed so close, I took hold of their hands in mine, so that we were all linked. I felt them both turn their heads.

'Gentlemen, it was nice knowing you'

'You too Sakura' Naruto said, his voice shaking slightly

Sasuke grunted a 'hn' and that was that.

With a horrible feeling of your stomach being left behind, the carriage tilted at the top, giving us a brilliant view for a few seconds, before plummeting down out of control back towards the earth far below.

I let out a scream and gripped their hands as the carriage surged at high speed, I head Naruto shouting 'Aaaah!' but no girly screams from Sasuke much to my disappointment. Through the feeling of free falling I was very aware Sasuke's hand gripping mine tightly, and I leaned towards him subconsciously. The ground was getting closer, and my scream got louder, probably deafening poor Sasuke. Then it jerked and shot forward, level to the ground, the tracks shot up again, and looped around in all directions. We were flung about in the carriage, banging our heads on the back of the seat, squashing another as it turned violently and lurching out over the bar as it braked and sped up again. At another extreme dip, a sign flashed past saying 'smile for the camera!'

Instinctively I grinned and put my arms up in the air, forcing Sasuke and Naruto to also raise their arms. The camera flashed briefly and then the carriage continued its harrowing journey along the tracks that resembled curly strands of noodles. The cart hurtled round a corner one final time, making me lean into Naruto's shoulder, and making Sasuke lean into me, before the cart screeched to a halt back in the little room where we started. After zoning out for a good few seconds, I shakily released their warm hands with reluctance and pushed the bar up. Naruto stood, clinging to the sides of the carriage like his life depended on it – which it had sort of, and climbed out slowly. I stumbled out after him, and Sasuke came after me, trying his hardest to be casual as we walked down the hall towards the exit.

The photos were up on the wall from the ride, and it wasn't very hard to find our picture.

'I think I want a key ring of this' Naruto declared, eyeing the embarrassing picture of us. Sasuke looked like he'd just been whacked in the head with a log, I looked like I'd had way too much to drink and Naruto looked like he was about to be physically sick, his hand that wasn't in the air like he just didn't care was actually over his mouth.

'That is definitely key ring worth' I agreed, fishing out some money from my bag and going up to the desk, Naruto not far behind me.

'You getting one Sasuke?' Naruto asked

'Why not'

'So three key rings for picture number one seven one? That'll be ten please' the lady at the counter said in a bored voice.

'How shall we split?' I asked them both.

'I'll pay five' Naruto said, then he glanced at me 'I'll pay for you aswell Sakura'

'But-'

'I'll pay five and for Sakura instead' Sasuke said, looking at Naruto.

'But that means-' I started, before getting cut off by their rowing.

'I'll pay six' Naruto said, puffing out his chest as a result of Sasuke's penetrating eye contact.

'I'll pay seven' Sasuke replied, his eyes narrowing to dangerous levels

'Eight!'

'Nine'

'Nine and a half!'

'Why don't you just-' I tried again, but they were going overboard and seemed to forget I was standing right next to them.

'I'll pay for Sakura, there's no need to get so worked up' Sasuke said, rising to his full height.

'Why should you?'

'Why shouldn't I?'

'I will'

'Why?'

'Why shouldn't I?

'Sasuke-' I tried for the fourth time.

'You can pay for yourself, I'll pay for her' Naruto interrupted, straightening up and walking towards Sasuke so that they were facing each other down

'I'll do it!'

'No, I'll do it!'

'WHY DON'T I JUST DO IT?' I shouted after finally having enough, shoving past them and giving the startled lady a 10. She quickly passed me the key rings, and I grabbed them from her outstretched hand, giving one to each of them before raising an eyebrow. 'You know you don't have to buy me anything'

They looked around awkwardly.

After we'd reunited, gone on the teacups at least five times in a row and had enough chocolate to sink a ship, we were all feeling rather hyper – everyone except Sasuke that is.

'Sasuke!' Naruto called out, leaning against the giant ice cream model by the sundae bar. 'Quick take a picture of me with this ice cream!'

'No'

'Come on man'

'Do it yourself''

'Sakura! Get over here!'

'Coming!' I trotted over to him, and when I saw the giant ice cream I squealed hugged it like an idiot. 'Sasuke take a picture'

'This is so going on Facebook'

'Who would want to see this?'

'Sasuke! Just take a picture'

'Fine' he grumpily snapped a picture with his phone. 'Why do I have to have this on my phone?'

'Memories of our friendship!'

'Whatever'

'You know you love it' Naruto chimed

'You know I really don't'

The bus journey home was an overly loud one when everyone on the bus ended up hating us by the end of it after our sing-a-longs to Avril Lavigne. Talk about causing a scene. When we all got back to Ino's house the sun had gone down and everyone felt out of their hype, becoming immensely tired. We started saying our goodbyes for the day.

'I'll see you later' I yawned at Ino, hugging her tightly before starting to walk half-asleep to the nearest bus stop. I smiled at Naruto and wanted more than anything to give a massive bear-hug to Sasuke and never let go – but I couldn't with everyone here. Instead I gave him a smile and a failed wink that made him smirk.

'I'll see you later'

'Keep your phone on' he said quietly

'I can't stay awake all night and talk' I yawned again, wanting to just collapse on him like punctured paddling pool.

'Just do it'

'M'kay'

'Bye'

'Bye'

When I finally got home that night I was missing him more than ever. None of the teddies on my bed (laugh if you will) could ever compare to a real hugging session. I felt cold and alone, and even though I was exhausted sleep just didn't come. I held my phone tightly in my hand, if he should choose to ring me.

Sneak Preview:

'We want you both to be safe' mum said

'MUM PLEASE-'

'Take these' my father said, throwing a handful of condoms at me from nowhere

'OH MY GOD DAD!'

Thanks for reading! Please review and tell me what you think xD

I promise you there will be tons of teen awkwardness and drama in the next chapter, the kind of drama you get in Asian dramas – the best kind in other words!

I hope to update soon...but you know how I am with updating TT_TT I apologise. PLEASE REVIEW! x Thank you! x