Previously, on SSHS:

"I think I've got an idea. Tell the rest of the "Will of Fire" to meet us in the music room right now."

"Man, do we really have to meet now? I need to get home and walk Akamaru!"

"Shut up, Mutt-face! Shikamaru said it was urgent, so let's just get it over with!"

Kiba growled. "What did I tell you about calling me that?"

They started another glaring contest as Neji opened the door to the music room. When he saw the scene, he let out a frustrated sigh.

"Kiba… Naruto."

The two failed to notice Hyuuga, and his patience was wearing thin again.

"Kiba! Naruto!"

They continued to growl at each other. Neji was about to tear them apart by hand when suddenly-

"Hey! You made it!"

Sakura hurried out of the room, finally catching their attention. Neji's eyes narrowed. They ignore me, but one word from her and they come running?

Naruto blinked. "Sakura? What're you doing here?"

She blushed a little. "I… I have a favor to ask."

Shikamaru had to admit; these girls were pretty creative with their plans. Still…

"Are you sure you can handle that? You do realize that plenty of people could see this."

Sakura turned to him. "I know. But he's the one who told me to stop hiding from the world. Besides, he wanted me to sing at the festival, so it could be like an audition."

All of the guys gaped at her. She innocently looked at their shocked expressions. "What? He didn't run it by you?"

Neji coughed. "Well… no… not exactly…" If I had known that, we wouldn't be in this mess, he thought grimly.

Kiba crossed his arms. "I'm not buying it. This is Sasuke Uchiha we're talking about. I can't see him making promises to some girl. I mean, can you even sing?"

Naruto glared and was about to give him a piece of his mind, but Sakura cut him off. She looked him directly in the eyes.

"Well, if you help me out, then I'll show you."

Kiba raised an eyebrow at her boldness. Shikamaru smirked. "So, Kiba, does that mean you're in?"

Kiba returned the smirk and looked at Sakura. "I don't back down from a challenge. I'm in."

Sakura looked over at Neji; he smiled and nodded. Shikamaru did the same.

"I'M IN, TOO! LET'S DO THIS!" Naruto pumped his fist in the air.

Sakura smiled. "Thank you. So, let's start at the top."

In the halls of the school, a pale, dark figure made his way through the crowds, observing his surroundings. He remained quiet, but he was constantly on the lookout for some inspiration for his art.

Speaking of inspiration, he saw his art partner sitting alone with distress in her complexion. He wasn't sure, but he assumed this was a sign of needing some…well, comfort.

"Miss Yamanaka."

Ino was a bit startled, he observed, as she jumped a bit before turning to him. "Sai… what's up?"

Sai frowned. Her attitude was strange; she certainly wasn't as energetic. "Miss Yamanaka, may I ask what the matter is? You look like something is bothering you."

Ino turned away. "Well… I guess you're right about that…"

"Is it something I can help with?"

Ino shook her head. "Not really."

Sai was confused. "Well, then, what's going on?"

Ino looked at him carefully. "I don't want to bug you with this… But listen. I know we agreed to meet tomorrow to work on portraits, but something's come up."

Sai tilted his head. "Does this something have to do with what's troubling you?"

Ino raised an eyebrow. What's got him so concerned?

"Well, yeah. Something happened between Sakura and Sasuke. But, Sakura's got a plan! And I'm going to help her! It'll only be for a little bit, so we can still meet. It'd just be a little later." She paused for a second. "It's okay to get upset. I know we already agreed to meet, but this is something I have to do!"

Sai smiled as he shook his head. "It's really no trouble. You want to help your friend. You are as loyal as you are confident. It's what I like about you."

Ino blushed. "What you…like?"

Sai nodded. Then he looked away with a slight blush of his own. "Actually, I was meaning to ask you. The school festival is in a few days. I understand that it's customary to bring someone with you, and-"

"Umm… can you get to the point, Sai?" Ino was trying not to get her hopes up. It sounded like he was looking for a date, but there was no guarantee he was going to ask her. For all I know, he wants me to set him up with someone.

Sai swallowed a bit before he turned to her, looking into her eyes. "Ino… would you care to accompany me?"

Ino gasped. "S-Sai… You…"

Sai kept his gaze up, serious in his face mixed with a small hint of desperation. "I understand if you already had plans. I am aware of the number of invitations you've received. But still, I-"

He was cut off as Ino got a hold of him. "It's about time, you baka! I was waiting for forever!"

Sai's eyes didn't blink. "I don't understand. Is…that a yes?"

She looked at him and beamed. "Duh! Of course I'll go with you!"

Ino was shocked for the second time when she saw Sai give a smile. "Well, that's good."

Ino was sure her face was turning pink, but Sai didn't seem to notice. "So, then, may I help with Sakura's plan, then?"

Ino nodded. "Sure. If you want to."

Sasuke tried to make his way through the mess that once looked like a school. Everyone was hard at work setting up the stands for the festival, but he couldn't stop and enjoy the sights. His destination was the outdoor stage. He was a little early for the time they agreed on, but he didn't really care. He liked the peace.

When he got there, he was surprised to find all of the band members ready to go. Wait a minute. Naruto's always the last one to show, and that's at least 20 minutes later!

Shikamaru saw Uchiha coming; he touched the radio in his ear.

"Alright, target approaching. You ready?"

He heard a deep breath in the background as a voice responded. "A-All set back here. Whenever you're ready."

"You're sure? She's good to go?"

"Yes."

In the back, Hinata turned to Sakura, who was trying to control her breathing. She was dressed in casual wear: jeans and a green jacket. She also had her hair tied up. She was close to strangling the microphone in her hand. Hinata gave a reassuring smile. She whispered. "It'll be great. You rehearsed this over and over; you can do it!"

Sakura slowly nodded, grasping the pendant. She wasn't sure if Sasuke noticed she wasn't wearing it after what happened, but she decided it fit to put it back on.

"Right. What about the surrounding area?"

A different voice groaned before it responded. Obviously, it was the blonde. "Ever hear of plain English, nerd? Anyway, everyone's a little busy right now, but we're ready for any psycho fans!"

"All clear on this end, too." Came Tenten's voice.

Shikamaru nodded. Everyone was in position. The band was set, the 'guest star' was ready backstage with Hinata, and the other girls plus Sai (Shikamaru still wasn't sure what he was doing here, but whatever. It's not his business) were on guard for any threats. This had better work. All this planning was such a pain. He looked over to Naruto and sweat-dropped. He'd better not blow our cover.

Naruto was grinning like an idiot; he really couldn't help it. This is going to be epic!

When Sasuke got close enough, his suspicions were raised when he saw dobe's face. "What's going on?"

Naruto looked like he was in pain, but in reality, he was trying to keep from bursting into laughter. He snickered, "He's so clueless! I love it!"

Neji grumbled, trying to keep his volume low so Uchiha wouldn't hear, "Says the loud-mouth idiot. You're just happy it's not you this time."

"Yeah! …Wait, what did you call me?!

"Naruto, cool it!" Kiba growled.

Sasuke rolled his eyes. These guys still failed to realize how sharp his hearing really was. "Will someone tell me, already? I know something's up."

Shikamaru buried his face in his hand; this was getting troublesome.

Hinata saw what was going on. Oh, Naruto, you can't stay serious when you're this excited, can you? She turned to Sakura. "I've got to help."

Sakura nodded in understanding. "Go for it. Thanks, Hinata," she whispered

She swallowed her fear and dashed around the stage.

"Sasuke!"

He looked over to the dark-haired girl approaching him. What's she doing here?

She smiled. "The band has a surprise for you."

As soon as she said that, Sasuke turned to walk away, but she quickly grabbed his arm. "You'll like it, I promise. Please stay."

Sasuke sweat-dropped. I highly doubt that. It was probably the dobe's idea. But, his curiosity got the best of him.

"Hn."

Hinata took that as an agreement, so she released his arm and nodded to Neji. With a quick glance, Kiba clicked a beat, and the guitars started.

Sasuke blinked; this song wasn't on the list the dobe gave him. He would know, since he had to look up every single one.

What's this song? Have I heard it before? His thoughts were cut off as he heard a different voice start to sing.

Guess this means you're sorry; you're standing at my door

Guess this means you take back all you said before

Sasuke looked around. He thought he knew who was singing, but he didn't want to get his hopes up. Unfortunately, she wasn't anywhere in sight. But where's the singing coming from? There's no one else on stage.

Like how much you wanted anyone but me.

Said you'd never come back, but here you are again.

Sakura burst from the curtains; when he saw her, Sasuke stiffened. But at that moment, his feet weren't functioning properly; he was frozen.

Sakura made her way to center stage, but she was having trouble looking at Sasuke directly.

'Cause we belong together now, yeah

Forever united here somehow, yeah

You got a piece of me and honestly

My life would suck without you.

Sasuke processed what was going on. He paid close attention to the lyrics. Is she…?

Maybe I was stupid for telling you goodbye.

Maybe I was wrong for trying to pick a fight.

I know that I've got issues, but you're pretty messed up, too

Either way I found out, I'm nothing without you

'Cause we belong together now, yeah

Forever united here somehow, yeah

You've got a piece of me and honestly

My life would suck without you.

Sasuke's eyes widened, refusing to blink. I think she's…forgiving me…

The band members all smirked as they saw his expression. It's not everyday you get to see Sasuke Uchiha completely caught off guard!

Being with you is so dysfunctional

I really shouldn't miss you, but I can't let you go.

When his body was finally responding, he slowly made his way towards the stage; his eyes remained focused on her. She was looking at him now, and she was smiling. She made her way to him.

'Cause we belong together now, yeah

Forever united here somehow, yeah

You got a piece of me and honestly

My life would such without you.

When they met, they stared at each other for a moment. Sasuke opened his mouth to speak. "Sakura, I…"

Sakura held up her hand. "I was an idiot, Sasuke. Can you forgive this paranoid freak?"

Sasuke's mouth was slightly agape. I'm supposed to do the apologizing. What's she thinking?

Sakura was getting nervous. She had planned to respond to Sasuke's song with one of her own, but she hadn't anticipated what would happen afterwards. Maybe he's not ready to forgive me for the pain I caused him...

Suddenly, Sakrua found herself caught in his embrace.

"…You really are annoying."

Now, most girls would get offended, but Sakura knew better. She smiled. "Thank you, and apology accepted."

They parted slightly, though they didn't let go. Sasuke's eyes moved to her neck. Relief swept over him at the sight. "You're wearing the necklace again."

She blushed. So he noticed?

They stayed there for a while. Ino, Sai, and Tenten smiled from their locations. A couple of girls had tried to get closer, but no one really posed as a threat, so they watched the whole thing. Ino sighed with relief.

As for the "Will of Fire", it had to be the most awkward situation of their lives! They kept exchanging looks, not sure what to do. Shikamaru sighed before he coughed. Sasuke and Sakura quickly parted out of shock and embarrassment. Sakura turned to the band. "S-sorry you had to see that… so, thanks for helping me apologize, guys." She turned back to Sasuke. "I guess you have rehearsal now, so…

Ino and Tenten were screaming in their heads. COME ON! TELL HIM!

Hinata looked on with anticipation!

"…so I guess I'll leave you to it. Good luck at the festival."

Ino groaned as Tenten face-palmed. "Saaak…" Hinata sighed.

Sasuke just looked at her for a second. "Sakura…"

The guys raised their brows. IS HE?

"… … Hn. Have a song picked out. You're still singing."

The band members groaned.

Sakura stood there in shock. "Really? You're sure?"

He turned to the band. "Unless you have any objections."

Naruto wildly shook his head. "None here! Sakura's awesome!"

Kiba nodded. "I'll admit; she has some skills."

Sakura blushed. "Well…"

Naruto put down his guitar and ran over to them. "Come on, Sakura! It'll be great! Believe it!"

Sasuke rolled his eyes. He really hated that catchphrase.

Sakura looked down. "I…" She looked at Sasuke, then back to Naruto. "I guess I'm in."

With that, Naruto pulled her into a bear hug. "YES! WELCOME TO THE WILL OF FIRE, SAKURA!"

Yay! All is well again! But these couples have some unfinished business, now don't they? Next time: Far Away

Music: My Life Would Suck Without You by Kelly Clarkson