Chapter 14

TENTEN P.O.V

I stood with Matsuri at my locker. I was grabbing my books for my third period class.

"And do you remember that scene where the cat goes cross eyed?"

I looked at her and smiled. "Yeah. That was pretty funny."

"Heck yeah it was! So did you ever hear back from Temari after that last text?"

I shoved my books in my bag then closed my locker door.

"No actually. I texted her a bunch but I never got a response."

Matsuri shrugged as we started walking to our next class. "I guess she had a busy weekend then."

I nodded in agreement as we continued walking. This was the period I didn't have with everyone else and neither did Mat. I couldn't remember where she went but I was going to my math class. I was glad I had it early in the day, that way I could get it done and out of the way. We split ways as I headed into the class room.

I sat in the back because I didn't know anyone in this room and I didn't care to. I sat down and took off my shoulder bag, then waited until the teacher would start. As soon as the bell rang the teacher stood up and told us to quiet down and to get out our homework.

I glanced at the clock then rolled my eyes. I only had fifty minutes left starting now.

TWO CLASSES LATER

This was the class I was either dreading or really excited for but I couldn't make up my mind on which. Neji asked me out yet he didn't tell me when he wanted to go. I opened the door but I didn't look up at all. I would just stare at the ground, that way I wouldn't have to look at him and may appear as if I didn't really care. I mean I wanted him to think I cared but I didn't want to look like I was too excited.

It felt like it took five hours to reach my spot but when I did I still hadn't looked to his spot yet. I knew I had to though because otherwise I would look like an idiot and I was so not an idiot! I looked up, then turned to my left and saw…nothing.

My jaw dropped open a little.

Why was he not in his seat? Was he even here? I looked around the whole room and I didn't see him anywhere. How could this happen today? Of all days! I know he didn't remember me because there was no way he would be acting the way he was. I may have dumped him but he would never stop talking because of that. Would he?

So many possibilities were running through my head but I knew I had to be over thinking things. The more I thought the more paranoid I got. Right as I contemplated just forgetting about it and giving up, he walked in the door.

It seemed like he stood there for a few moments but I knew that was just my dramatic mind going into overdrive. He started walking toward me so I decided to sit completely still and stop staring at him. I hoped he didn't notice me watching him like some kind of creeper. I got out a piece of paper and started doodling so I wouldn't have the urge to look at him.

Or even worse, say something to him.

Neji sat down and leaned back in his chair. He was acting as if he hadn't asked me out last Friday. That was starting to really irate me.

"Ok class put away everything except some paper for notes."

I flipped the page in my notebook and continued to doodle on my notes page. As the teacher started teaching and people started taking notes I couldn't help but glance over at Neji. He seemed to be taking occasional notes but he didn't seem to be really paying attention.

I sighed and looked at the clock. Only forty five minutes left until this torture would be over. And here I thought that maybe this class would be fun. As it turns out I just wanted to get to lunch just like any other day.

FORTY FIVE MINUTES LATER

This was crazy! He hadn't talked to me all class period! What did I expect? Did I really believe that things would go back to normal between us? I shook my head. I had too much hope. The bell finally rung and I was up out of my seat putting my things away before it finished.

"Tenten you're not going somewhere are you?"

I finished putting my book in my bag as I replied: "Yeah actually. I'm going to lunch."

He grabbed my arm and stood up slowly. "I don't think so. We need to discuss something first."

I looked at him and tried to imagine how a girl who didn't know Neji Hyuuga would respond. He was quite intimidating honestly. Anyone would second guess pissing him off.

"What do we have to talk about?"

He looked around the room for who knows what reason then said: "We're supposed to go out tonight. Unless you've changed your mind."

I lifted a brow. He remembered?

"Um wow, I'm sorry, I didn't think you remembered."

"How could I forget?"

I smiled a little. "Ok then. Where to?"

"How about you leave that to me and you'll see when we get there." His smirk said more than he was willing to say.

"Hmm. Deal. You still remember where my house is?"

He nodded.

"Good. Pick me up at six. I like to eat early." Then, with one final smile, I turned and walked away.

NEJI P.O.V

I watched her walk away and couldn't help but smirk. She definitely knew that I would be watching her walk out the door. What a little minx.

I grabbed my note book and left the room and headed to the spot where I said I would meet Naruto and Kiba. We usually met under one of the trees in the middle of the school, but today Naruto changed it to the parking lot by one of our cars.

When I found them I quickly made my way to their side so we could get this over with.

"So you asked her out?" Naruto asked.

"I told you I did that Friday. Today I was just confirming." I responded.

"Right, whatever. Now your goal is to make sure that she does not believe anything her friends might tell her about us. Make it convincing that you're the same as before. You think you got that?"

"Absolutely."

"Good. We'll meet later to discuss what happened."

I nodded at the blond and then we each went our separate ways.

Why Naruto wanted me to do this I had no clue. Tenten probably didn't know anything. It would seem logical to instead focus on other issues that had arisen. Such as my cousin along with Gaara's sister, Sakura, and that big mouth Ino knowing what we were.

This morning Naruto had told all of us to be on the lookout for any of the four and prevent them from telling anyone else about us. Especially anymore of their friends. The worst thing in the world would be if any of the Youkai found Hinata telling others what she had seen.

She was a fool to even have stuck her nose where it didn't belong but she did not deserve to die because of it. I sighed as I stuck my notebook in my locker then shut the door. I suppose cafeteria food it was today.

As I made my way down the hallway I kept an eye out for my younger cousin just in case she decided to show up today. From what I could tell she didn't appear to at school at all thus far. So just maybe she was staying away.

I made one last glance around the hallway before opening the door to the cafeteria and heading straight for the lunch line. If she and the rest of her friends knew what was good for them they would continue to stay away and hopefully try to forget what they saw.

TEMARI P.O.V

I glanced around the corner one last time to make sure that Neji had indeed entered the cafeteria before I went on my merry way. Trying to avoid certain people like the plague was harder than I ever thought it would be. Then again it was probably easier for me than Sakura to sneak around. Her hair color definitely put her at a disadvantage.

I quickly made my way to my locker and did the combination as fast as possible and threw anything I did not need, that I was currently holding, inside. I closed the door and quickly made my way to where I knew Sakura and Hinata were sitting for lunch.

Paranoia is not a pleasant fleeing what so freaking ever. Especially when you're trying to avoid your ex and his friends because they may potentially kill you.

I looked around every corner and would check behind me every five minutes just to make sure no one was following me. Then, to my relief, I saw my two friends sitting together chatting as if nothing strange had happened this weekend.

"I don't know if you guys are on something but whatever it is I want it."

The two girls looked up at me with confused expressions on their faces.

"What are you talking about?" Sakura asked as she took a bite from the apple in her hand.

"I'm referring to the fact that you guys are acting as if we are not hiding from our ex's. Or am I the only one that is completely freaking out still?" I responded.

"No you're not the only one. Sakura and I were just pretending. We thought that if people saw us acting strangely then things would be worse."

I sighed. Hinata had a point.

When people acted suspicious than others tended to notice. "You're right. I'm sorry I'm just still trying to process everything."

Hinata nodded and motioned for me to sit down.

"So what are we going to do about Matsuri and Tenten?" Sakura asked.

"I'm not sure about that yet. I think it may be best to tell them but the guys are obviously going to try and stop us. We should try to figure out a way to get them the information without being caught." Hinata told us.

There was silence for a few moments while all of us thought. "Maybe we could tell them after school at one of our houses? The guys won't seriously be watching us all day." I said.

"That may be true but I just don't want to take any chances." Hinata replied.

I nodded because in all honesty she was right. We didn't know for sure how far these guys were really going to take this.

"I say we should try to tell them as soon as possible. I just remembered that last week Neji asked Tenten out!"

"And you didn't think to tell us sooner Sakura?" I asked; the agitation apparent in my voice.

"I'm sorry! I swear to you I forgot until just now!"

"It's ok Sak, don't freak out about it. Everything is going to be just fine." Hinata said.

It was at times like these that I was thankful for Hinata's patience and kindness because if it were me I would be very aggressive with what I thought was best. All decisions I made would be to protect those I was around and if things did not go the way I wanted them then all h*ll would break loose.

"If Neji and Tenten do indeed go out tonight then that means that we will have to act quickly. We'll split up and each one of us will try to get the information passed on to her. Whoever's the last one will have to make sure that they tell her no matter what. Are we agreed?" Sakura and I nodded at Hinata.

"Good! Ok as soon as the bell rings we split." Not thirty seconds later the bell did ring and the three of us just looked at each other until someone got up first. Not surprisingly it was Hinata.

"All right you two no chickening out! We'll meet up after school by our cars. Remember the plan and if one of the guys catches you send a text with the word blue."

"Blue?" I asked her.

"Yeah blue. Nothing else besides that. That way we know you failed." I nodded at her and then went my own way to class.

Ok so this was sixth period which meant that Tenten had shop right? I couldn't remember which was rather aggravating since I walked with her to class every day after lunch. I rolled my eyes and continued down the back hallway to try and intercept Matsuri if possible.

Didn't she have drama? Well whatever she had it didn't matter. I was heading toward the drama room and if she wasn't there then I would continue my way to class. I took a deep breath and steadied my nerves because I was going to have to enter the hallway. I stepped around the corner and quickly made my way through the crowds of people.

I slowed down a little in order to search for Matsuri better. Where was she? That's when I saw a little brown haired girl walking into the drama room. I pushed people out of my way and fortunately made it in time to stop her from entering the room entirely. I grabbed her arm and pulled her back toward the lockers.

"Whoa Tem! What's up? Tenten and I tried to get a hold of you."

"Yea I know, look I really need you to stay away from Gaara for a while." I looked around to make sure none of the guys were around.

Especially my little brother.

"What are you talking about?"

"I don't have time to fully explain right now but if you see Gaara or any of his friends stay away from them." I looked up just in time to see Shikamaru heading right to me. On second glance I noticed Gaara following him.

They were moving way too quickly for me to finish my warning. I would just have to give her some basic info and then run for it. "Mat listen to me! Hinata and I went to the ceremonial grounds and we saw them and they followed us and tried to-"

"Hello Temari, Matsuri. It's great to see you both again."

D*mn that Shikamaru!

I glared at him as he finished talking to Matsuri and then he grabbed my arm. "Come along Temari or you'll be late to your next class."

I struggled to get away from him but he was just too strong now.

"Temari!" I turned around to see Matsuri being ushered into the room by my younger brother.

"Matsuri remember what I told you!" I said.

Shikamaru just pulled me forward and farther away from her. I glared at him and continued to try and pull away.

"Would you let go of me!" I yelled. The more attention I drew to us the better.

"Would you shut the h*ll up?" He said calmly.

"No. You have no right to drag me away from her like that!"

"And you have no right to reveal our secret after what happened this weekend. Do you want your friends to get hurt?" He replied.

I didn't answer him. Instead, I still struggled against him to be free.

"Will you quite that? You're making this a lot harder than it needs to be." I pulled harder in response. I heard him sigh, and then quicker than any human could ever do, he pushed me against a wall and put a hand on the front on my shoulder to prevent me from running away.

"Temari listen to me. If any of Deidara's friends find out that you told anyone they'll kill you. Do you understand yet? By telling Matsuri or Tenten that puts everyone in danger."

"What's going on? I don't care what you are! All I want to know is what is so important to keep hidden from people."

He was silent for a moment. Probably thinking whether or not he should tell me anything. Finally he said: "We're protecting Konoha."

I rolled my eyes. "I gathered that much myself thank you. Is there any special reason why?"

He shrugged. "I guess not. They said it was tradition."

"Who's they?" I asked.

"The council. Don't ask who's on it because that's not safe to talk about here."

"Well where is it safe?"

He looked around then said: "Outside of school."

He slowly took pressure off my shoulder and motioned for me to walk first. I did, hesitantly, but I still did. When we we're finally outside and a ways into the parking lot he told me everything. He told me about the families, the ritual, and the process. Everything that he knew.

"So what does it all mean?"

"It means that because of some crazy tradition we were forced to forget people that we knew, experiences that we had, in order to fully protect the city from any supernatural threats."

"Are you saying you remember?"

He stopped walking and looked at me. "No. Sasuke does though."

I nodded and looked down. Well I couldn't say it made any sense to me but I did understand what he was saying. "What now then?" I finally asked.

"We protect others. Do what we were made to do."

"What about us?"

"Who's us?" He asked.

"Me, my friends. The people you don't remember or are starting to remember."

He looked away from me and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I don't know Temari."

"Do you really think that any of us can just forget and move on? At least give me some closure Shikamaru!"

He looked straight into my eyes and raised a brow. "What kind of closure?"

I didn't know how to respond to that. Was I supposed to tell him to let me go and move on? To try and remember me even though it seemed impossible? Maybe ask him what happened while he was away at Sauna Private? There was nothing that could be said. So I did the only thing that felt right to me at the moment.

I kissed him.

It started slow; some many questions were put into this kiss that there was no other way to do it but slowly. Then as I let them go it turned passionate. How many minutes I had spent this summer thinking of him and wondering if I would ever see him again. Did he ever think of me, did he miss me, did he still love me…so many things would run across my thoughts every day.

And so, I waited for anything from him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and pulled him close to me. He responded by wrapping one arm around my waist and holding my neck with his other hand. It felt like he didn't want to let go. Heaven knew that I didn't want to.

But he did pull back and look at me. I slowly opened my eyes, afraid of what he would say. "Was that all you wanted?"

It was more than just a question about the kiss. I could tell just from that question that he knew me, he remembered me, even if it was only a little. I knew what I wanted, and I still wanted him. That fact had never changed since that night on the dock.

"No." I replied.

He smiled, then kissed me again.

And this time he didn't let go.

SAKURA P.O.V

This was absolutely humiliating. Not ten minutes after I left my friends I get caught by none other than Naruto and Kiba. Now I was sitting with them in whatever class they currently had. It had happened so fast that I didn't realize Naruto was holding my wrist until I felt myself being pulled backward through the hallway.

"Can I please go to class now?" I asked for what felt like the tenth time.

"No. Just sit there and shut up." Naruto replied angrily.

I put my chin in my hand and sighed. This was totally unfair and un-called for. After what seemed like an eternity the bell finally rang. I quickly grabbed my bag but Naruto and Kiba were already in front of me and pulling me behind them to the gym.

"Ok! Now that we're here will you let me change in peace please? No boys are allowed in the girl's locker room anyway."

Naruto propelled me forward and then, as a final warning, said: "If you're not out of there in ten minutes we'll come in after you." I stuck my tongue out at him then darted into the locker room.

What a bully Naruto had become! He never used to be this mean to me before. I set my bag on the counter in the bathroom area and unzipped it. I pulled out my shorts and shirt and quickly changed my clothes. After I was done and put my other clothes in the bag I stepped back and looked into the mirror.

I felt so stupid right now! Plus I wasn't in the mood to be obedient to the dumb blond idiot. If he wanted me out he could magically get in here and get me out himself. I hopped up onto the counter and stared looking through my phone. Neither Hinata nor Temari had texted me back so I could only assume that meant that both of them were still trying to tell Tenten and Matsuri.

Lucky them.

As I started playing one of my games everyone slowly left the locker room until I was the only one in there. Actually, I had been sitting here for probably fifteen minutes and no one was coming to get me. I smiled to myself in victory. I knew there was no way Naruto could get in here.

I continued to play until someone took my phone out my hand. "Hey!" I shouted as I looked up.

I was looking into the face of Sasuke of course. I crossed my arms in a huff and said: "They would send you in here to get me. Well for your information I'm not coming out. And would you stop looking through my phone!" I got down off the counter and tried to grab my phone back from him.

"Sakura you need to be out in the gym."

"Uh, actually I can be wherever I want to be. Now give me back my phone Sasuke!" I held out my hand as I finished my sentence.

Sasuke raised a brow in response. I kept my hand out, waiting patiently. That's when he picked me up and put me back on the counter.

"What are you do-" He cut me off with a kiss.

I pushed against his chest to try and get him off me but it was no use. He was holding my face so gently and making me forget why I wanted to push him away. After a few seconds I couldn't push any longer, so I rested my hands against his chest.

Sasuke kissed like no one else, whenever his lips where anywhere near mine I always wanted to kiss him. To feel his tongue in my mouth and know that he didn't want to be anywhere but right there with me. As the kiss continued I felt his hands slide up my thighs and then squeeze. I moaned a little and deepened the kiss. One of his hands continued up and under my shorts and started to stroke me through my panties. I pulled away.

"Sasuke don't. You can't be doing this."

"Why can't I?" He asked arrogantly

I frowned at him. He knew why!

"Wouldn't Naruto be extremely pissed if he knew?"

"Since when have I cared about what the dobe thinks?"

He kissed me again. I tried to stop him again but he wasn't letting me go. The hand under my shorts was still stroking and rubbing and I wasn't able to think any longer.

"Sasuke please." He didn't listen. But instead started kissing my neck.

I always hated when Sasuke was gentle because then I could refuse him nothing. It made me unable to concentrate on anything but him. I pushed again but he wasn't budging.

"Stop…please." I moaned.

He groaned against my neck and then he stopped. A moment of silence passed and then he looked up at me.

"You need to go out to the gym. Naruto was being kind by allowing me to come and get you."

It was my turn to raise a brow at him. "And when did you start caring what that idiot thinks?"

He smirked at me and kiss me one last time before pulling me off the counter.

"Go." He said as he returned my phone.

I walked a few steps then turned back to him. "What about you?" I asked.

Sasuke raised a brow.

"How will you get out?" I clarified.

"Just go Sakura."

"But I-"

"No buts. Next he'll be sending Neji in after you and I can promise you it won't be as pleasurable as this was." At that I turned and walked out to the gym.

I never got to see that side of Sasuke. What he just did was something he would've done only at the beginning of our relationship. It only made me miss what we used to have even more.

I looked around and saw Naruto leaning against a wall, probably waiting for me, and the rest of the guys playing basketball. The girls seemed to be doing an assortment of things today. Some were in the weight room while some practiced their cheer moves and others played volleyball. Quicker than anything in the world Naruto was beside me.

"What?" I asked.

"You and Sasuke took quite a while in there. Where you two f*cking?"

I narrowed my eyes in anger. "I don't have to answer that question. Besides if we were you d*mn well know that we would still be in there."

The blond raised an amused eyebrow at me and smiled. This was probably the first time I had seen him smile so far this year. "You know you look semi normal when you smile. You should start doing that more often." I told him.

He shrugged. "It's hard to find time to smile when you have to make sure your old best friend and her friends aren't telling other people personal secrets."

"Are we really old best friends? I thought our friendship was still intact."

"I haven't talked to you since sophomore year!" He replied.

"And whose fault is that?"

He smiled at me again. "You're right."

"I know I'm right! Now will you stop being so serious and talk to me? Naruto what's been going on? I don't understand but I want to help if I can."

The smiled disappeared from his face and a haggard look replaced it. "Sasuke hasn't told you then?"

I shook my head. He sighed and put a hand through his hair.

"It's so complicated Sakura. I can't tell you a whole lot right now but I'll tell you what I can and I suppose teme will tell you the rest later." Then he launched onto what he remembered from Sauna private and how it all went downhill.

He told me about the surgery and how it hurt and why the ritual needed to happen. He showed me a list of names of teachers that they suspected to be youkai and warned me to stay away from them.

"That's why whenever Sasori-sensei came around you guys you were always so upset." He nodded in response then continued with what his mission was as leader of the group.

"As you can see it's made me a different person from who I was. After being elected leader it was hard to remember who I am. I just saw myself as a leader of my friends and it was weird."

I honestly didn't know what to say to him. Everything made sense now however. Why he acted the way he did and how they had no memories of us.

"You said it was Shikamaru who figured it out right?"

"Yeah. We didn't believe him at first, obviously. We can remember what happened at Sauna private, just not you guys. And when I was informed that Sasuke remembered things, I knew it must be true."

"So he does remember me? Or more like our past together?"

Naruto nodded with a smile. "He's the only one whose actually accomplished it though so don't get any ideas about reuniting everyone together."

I smirked at him and raised a brow. "You don't think it's possible?"

"Not right now no."

I pouted in contemplation for a few seconds until he broke my train of thought. "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing really. Just ways to get everyone back together." I said with a smile.

His eyes narrowed sarcastically at me. "Watch it Sakura."

I shrugged. "I'm not scared."

Naruto leaned forward and got rather close to me. Actually he could kiss me if he really wanted, that's how close he was. I pulled back slightly.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

He smirked at me, then said: wondering why it's taken Sasuke so long to come over here and pull you away from me."

I gave him a little smile. "Has he been listening to our conversation?"

He shook his head. "He can't really hear it."

Well that made things exciting! I suppose it wouldn't hurt too much to play along for a bit. I gave Naruto one of my flirtiest smiles and batted my eyelashes for effect. Naruto's smile widened in return and he whispered: "He's pissed now."

I giggled while Naruto leaned back and smirked. In the blink of an eye Sasuke was next to us and looked as if he would kill Naruto at any moment.

"What's up Sasuke?" Naruto asked jovially.

I looked at the Uchiha and noted that he seemed even angrier than just a moment ago. Now seemed to be the time to calm him down. Otherwise there would be quite a big fight and one of them was likely to end up hurt.

"Naruto was just telling me about what's been going on lately." I said sweetly.

Sasuke looked at me, the possessiveness apparent in his onyx eyes, and said: "He was awfully close to your lips to be merely talking about that."

My lips parted slightly at his tone. He sounded rather dangerous right now. As a matter of fact his nails had already grown longer. "Sasuke." I laid my hand on his arm in a peaceful gesture.

The look in his eyes changed to lust almost instantly. No one could quite look at a woman like Sasuke did. He always made me feel so beautiful because that look was reserved solely for me. Now, who knows how many girls had received it and much more from him. The thought was almost able to stop me from moving closer to him. Almost but not quite.

His sultry gaze slid down my body and then made its way back up to my eyes. Anyone near us could probably feel the heat of his gaze.

"Well I think I'll go take a cold shower or something. You two have fun!" Naruto said.

Then I assumed he left to go tell everyone else that Sakura and teme were about to get it on right there in the gym. At least he would have done that before. Sasuke brought his hand up to my face and stroked my cheek with his thumb. I leaned into his palm and smiled up at him.

"Why haven't you told me about what happened to you?"

His thumb stilled for a moment, then started again as he said: "There has been a lot going on recently. I've also been meaning to ask you about something that I was told at Sauna."

I looked at him quizzically. "Who told you what?"

He paused again and this time it made me nervous. "Sasuke what's wrong? I can't tell you what happened unless you explain."

Sasuke looked up and around then grabbed my hand and pulled me into a corner.

"What's the need for the secrecy?" I asked.

"You never know who might be listening." He replied.

I stood there with my hands on my hips waiting for him to tell me something; anything. "Well?" I started.

"Did you sleep with Itachi?"

It took quite a bit of effort on my part in order to refrain from slapping him right then. I counted to ten in my head then finally I answered the insulting question.

"I have never been a slut and that fact did not change when you left Sasuke. I have never slept with your brother and have never wanted to." I could see him relax and it sickened me.

How could he believe that I would ever cheat on him with his own brother?

"Now who the h*ll told you that, and why would you believe them?" I kept my hands clenched in fists at my side in order to keep some my anger from showing.

"That's not important." He replied.

I raised my brow. "Oh really? Than why would you accuse me of something that you know I would never do?" I was really trying to keep my voice down but it was rather hard.

"I've never even showed any interest in Itachi! I barely knew him even before you went to Sauna."

"Sakura keep your voice down." He said menacingly.

I crossed my arms huffed. There was too much I wanted to yell so there was no point in opening my mouth.

We stared at each other for what felt like an eternity. Neither of us willing to forgo our pride. Then finally, he moved.

Sasuke leaned closer to me until his lips finally reach mine. He grabbed my face in his hands as he deepened the kiss. His tongue traced my lower lip until my lips parted. I couldn't move or think and I knew that was his intention. I held on to the front of his shirt and kissed him back with all the passion that had been dormant inside me. I felt the heat of our kiss all the way down my legs. As he pulled back I couldn't stop the whimper from escaping me. Sasuke looked down into my eyes and continued to hold my face. I wish I knew what he was thinking because at least that way I wouldn't have to deal with all my plaguing thoughts.

The bell rang just then, making me jump a little. This had felt like the longest P.E class ever.

Sasuke started to walk away from me but I grabbed him before he disappeared. "Sasuke please talk to me. I don't understand what could make you believe something like this."

"Now is not the time to discuss it." Then he pulled away from me. How effortless it was for him.

It probably wouldn't matter if I had a death grip on his arm. He would always be able to pull away like that.

"Sakura go get changed. I'll be waiting for you outside the gym doors." I barely perceived what Naruto said to me; I nodded anyway.

Getting changed was all a blur because I couldn't get my mind off the kiss or what it might have meant to him. Why hadn't he been the on to tell me about what had happened? Naruto even said he thought that Sasuke would have told me by now. But it seemed that the Uchiha had different ideas.

The thing that really bothered me was the person who told Sasuke that I had cheated on him. It had to have been someone close to him otherwise he wouldn't have believed it. Although it would take more than just words for Sasuke to accuse me of cheating. Was he shown something that would make him doubt me? If he was it was a fake because I had never cheated on Sasuke Uchiha.

I left the locker room and then headed for the doors that led out of the gym until I heard my name being called. I turned around and saw Sai walking toward me. What the heck did he want?

"Hey Sakura, you were just the person I was looking for." He said with a smile.

I hated the smile of his. It made my skin crawl.

"What do you need Sai?"

"I was wondering if you could help me find Ino. I just saw her a few minutes ago and now she's gone." That immediately caught my attention.

"You didn't see if she left with someone did you?" I asked;trying to keep the panic out of my voice.

Sai smiled again and said: "I did actually! She left with that teacher with the long blond hair. I think he said something about her test. I don't know where his room though. Do you?"

I was so stiff it hurt. What the h*ll had Ino been thinking?

"I do. Come on lets go." I said quickly.

I practically ran out the side door thinking of nothing else than Ino's safety. As I made my way across the school I just barely heard Sai say: "I'm right behind you."

If I had been thinking logically at that moment I may have realized the way he said that phrase was creepy. It sounded as if he had figured something out because I gave him the answer. It sounded as if maybe the person I should have been thinking of was me.

NARUTO P.O.V

It had been twenty minutes and Sakura still wasn't back.

"What is taking her so d*mn long?" Kiba growled.

I rolled my eyes. There was no need to ask such dumb questions. I started scanning the crowd to see if I had missed her when I saw none other than Miss Hinata Hyuuga.

"Wait here." I told Kiba as I made my way across the hall to her.

She didn't see me coming so she obviously must be looking for Tenten. Well that was just perfect. I grinned to myself in happiness. Today was turning out to be quite grand. I snuck up behind her just in time for me to grab both of her arms and twirl her around to face me.

"It's so lovely to see you again Miss Hyuuga."

The girl narrowed her eyes at me but said nothing.

"You don't have to be so angry at me all the time ya know."

"You threatened my friends and have done nothing but insult me. If you expect anything nice from me you're crazy." She replied vehemently

I thought about that for a moment. "Fine you're right. But that still doesn't mean that you can go and tell everyone in the whole wide world about me. As you heard just a few days ago, you're being watched by people who will kill you without a second thought."

I could tell that she was thinking about what I had said this time. "True. Where's Sakura?" She asked.

I didn't let Hinata go as I scanned the room looking for anything pink. I looked at Kiba and he shook his head. D*mn, where did she go?

"I don't know." I replied.

Then I grabbed her arm and pulled her along behind me. "Naruto where are we going?"

"To find Sakura." I responded.

I was really getting agitated with how many people were asking such dumb questions! Maybe that's how my friends always felt when I used to ask obvious questions. Well I felt truly sorry but right now it was time to focus. When we reached Kiba I told him that we needed to find Sakura fast and let the others know she was missing again. He nodded then took out his phone to notify everyone else. When he was done the three of us took off down the hallway.

Halfway Sasuke met up with us to help with the search. "How do you lose track of a person with pink hair dobe?"

"Shut it teme! I let her change and told her to meet us outside the main doors." I replied.

"You shouldn't have waited so long to realize that she was missing." Sasuke retorted.

"It's not like I purposely lost her!" Behind me I heard Hinata giggle a little.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"Oh nothing. Do you know if she left with someone?" I thought about her question for a second.

"It's quite possible. But who?" I replied.

"Well she and Temari and I had a plan to meet up after school. Maybe she found Temari and left with her."

I shook my head.

"How is that not possible?" Hinata asked. I could tell she was a bit agitated.

"Shikamaru is with Temari and has been for a while now. He would have told us if he had Sakura too."

It was silent for a second before Hinata said: "Well that explains why no one is responding to me."

I came to an abrupt halt which caused Hinata to bump into me, and Sasuke and Kiba to keep walking until they realized I had stopped. I turned around and said: "Give me your phone."

She looked aghast, which was actually rather cute. "No!"

"Come on Hinata hurry up."

"I'm not giving you my phone Naruto!" I narrowed my eyes and quickly swiped it out of her pocket.

"Hey! Give it back!"

I held it above her reach and watched her jump up and down. It was a rather nice view from where I was standing.

"Not until I've found what I'm looking for." I finally replied her demand.

Sasuke snatch the phone from my hand and looked through it to find anything useful. I watched Hinata cross her arms in a huff and glare at the Uchiha.

"You look cute when you're annoyed." I said. I hadn't actually meant to say that.

"You've told me before." She replied.

I smiled at that. "Oh yeah? What else have I told you?"

She smiled a little and said: "You've told me I'm the most beautiful woman on the planet."

"Please tell me I got something for saying that."

She giggled. "You got a laugh and a kiss."

That gave me an idea.

I moved closer to her and said: "So then I must have told you that you have very kissable lips."

"You've said something along those lines yes."

I moved even closer, and she didn't move away. "Then I must have kissed you to prove it."

I looked at her lips then back to her eyes. Her smile faded. "Actually you never did."

As I stepped even closer I said: "What a shame. I really wouldn't want to waste such an opportune moment to be able correct it."

Then I leaned down and kissed her. She really did have the most kissable lips. I had never really gone slow with girls. But with her, I felt as if I should always go slowly. Never rush, just savor. That's the way this kiss was. I wrapped arms around her waist as she wrapped hers around my neck. I couldn't get over the way her body felt pressed against mine. Nothing had ever felt so soft and warm. I could just stand here and kiss her for hours if she let me.

I had never tasted someone so sweet and innocent. My tongue swirled around hers, then ran over her lower lip. She moaned and I couldn't help but pull her closer.

"Naruto." I looked down at her. She looked breathtaking when you could tell she had been thoroughly kissed. She placed her hands on my face and pulled me to her lips again. This kiss was not gentle and sweet, it was rough and passionate. I pushed her back until she hit the lockers and then I started kissing and sucking on her neck. Her hands felt so good in my hair. I moved my right hand up her waist and cupped her breast in my palm. She arched her back against the lockers and pressed herself against me. I squeezed her then started rubbing my thumb over her covered nipple. She gasped and moaned my name. I groaned against her neck as I left one final hickey before I pulled away.

I looked around us and noticed that Sasuke and Kiba had left. Most likely they had a lead on Sakura and went to go get her.

"We better go." I said.

Hinata didn't respond so I looked at her. She seemed a bit upset. "What now? Hinata we really need to go. Someone could find us."

"After what just happened you want to go run around and find your friends?"

I looked at her as if she were insane. "Um, your friend too! This is no time to get indignant!" I grabbed her hand and pulled her along behind me as I began my search to try and find Sasuke.

I checked my phone and saw a message from Kiba telling me that he and Sasuke had gone to find Sakura and to text him whenever Hinata and I were done hooking up. I rolled my eyes then sent a reply. A few moments later I got a response telling me to go meet up with Shikamaru instead.

"Change of plans Hinata. We're meeting up with Shikamaru."

"Do you know where they are?"

"No. But we'll find em' don't worry!" I said with a grin over my shoulder.

She shook her head and said: "Alright Naruto-kun."

MATSURI P.O.V

It was strange to have one's ex-boyfriend be so calm and friendly toward you when your best friend, who was also his sister, said to stay away from him. If that wasn't enough our teacher had been looking at us strangely all throughout the class period. After drama he insisted that he walk me to my seventh period. It was kind of awkward having him watch me as I got my books out of my locker.

"Gaara, you know it's not necessary for you to do all this right?"

He looked at me and nodded.

"Ok. Well I need to find Tenten I guess. I told her I would help her pick out an outfit for tonight. So you don't have to walk with me."

He didn't say anything. I couldn't tell if he would leave me alone or not.

"Gaara what did Temari mean when she said stay away from you?"

The red head crossed his arms and raised a brow. "I told you. Nothing. Why do you keep bringing that up?"

"Well she sounded so serious. She said you were dangerous!"I said as I closed my locker dramatically.

Gaara smirked and leaned closer to me. "Did she really say that?"

I bit my lip because it seemed that he had caught my lie. "I might have been exaggerating a little. But that doesn't change that she was warning me to stay away from you."

The red head crossed his arms and looked at me skeptically. "I think you and my sister have an overactive imagination."

I shook my head in response. "I think you're hiding something from me."

"What would make you say that?"

"A simple fact really. Last period you let Shikamaru just drag your sister away even though they could potentially hook up."

Gaara stood there just staring at me. If he didn't remember that he hadn't completely liked Shikamaru dating his sister, than obviously something was amiss.

I smiled. This was just too easy now. "You know you don't like it when they're alone. They tend to get themselves into all sorts of trouble. You should go find them before they do anything serious." I was so good. Now he would have no choice but to go find Temari and that would leave me free.

Gaara looked around then grabbed my arm and pulled me along behind him. Ok this scenario did not ever occur me.

"Um where are we going?" I asked.

"You talk way too much." He replied.

I rolled my eyes. "Tell me something I don't know."

Just as I said this he stopped again. He was reading a text on his phone.

"This way." He mumbled as he pulled me in another direction.

After a minute we ran into Naruto, Hinata, Shikamaru and Temari.

"Where have you been?" Naruto asked his friend.

"In class." Gaara really didn't ever want to talk.

I rolled my eyes and looked over to Hinata and Temari, who were whispering without me! Life was so unfair sometimes.

"Sakura disappeared so Sasuke and Kiba went to look for her. You haven't seen her have you?" Naruto asked again.

Gaara shook his head.

"I didn't think so. Shikamaru has a hunch so we're following that until further notice." And just like that we were racing through the halls again.

Going with the hunch wasn't such a good idea. It lead us straight to a dead end.

"What exactly did he think we were going to find?" I wasn't really asking anyone in particular; mostly myself.

Gaara shook his head in response.

"Shikamaru find Sasuke." Naruto said.

A moment later we were running through the halls yet again. How Shikamaru supposedly found Sasuke without taking out his phone was beyond me.

"What are we doing?" I heard Temari ask.

No one answered her. It seemed our mission was now to find Sasuke. It was honestly so bizarre to be running around looking for someone like they were in grave danger. What was even stranger was that this didn't seem like real life. It felt more like a movie or novel.

Up the stairs and down to the end of the hallway is where we ended up. As we drew closer to the door it suddenly dawned on me whose room it was. I pulled back from Gaara. There was no way I was going anywhere near that door.

The red head turned and raised a brow at me. "Um, I need to use the bathroom." I lied.

"Now?" He asked.

I nodded quickly. He looked back to his friends who had already entered the room then looked around the hallway. Most likely seeing how close the bathroom was. "Go quickly. I'll be waiting right outside the door."

This was my only chance so I didn't waste it. I hurried to the bathroom and stayed there. I don't know how long I was really in there. I just know it was long enough that Sakura came in looking very flustered.

"Saki! Are you ok?"

She looked up shocked. That tended to happen when one didn't take in their surroundings.

"I'm ok. Just shaken up a little bit."

I frowned at that. "They never told me what we were doing or looking for. I assume it was you."

She nodded. "Sasuke found me. If he hadn't been there I don't know what would have happened."

"What happened?" I asked. She looked like she had seen a ghost or something.

She wrapped her arms around herself. "Well, I thought Ino was in trouble because Sai told me he had seen her leave with Deidara-sensei."

"Sai?" I questioned.

She nodded gravely. "Honestly it happened rather fast. We ended up in Sasori-sensei's room and then he started backing me against the desk with this evil look in his eyes until…i don't know."

I was confused. She continued on anyway.

"I want to say he heard the guys coming after me. He said one last thing before he left. Then a few minutes later Sasuke and Kiba showed up."

"Well what did he say last?" I asked.

Sakura swallowed and closed her eyes.

"Saki?" I asked softly.

"He said: 'I'll be back for you, don't think you're safe with him.' Or something to that extent."

As Sakura trailed off I couldn't help but wonder what it meant. I knew I should be solely concerned with my friends well-being, and I was, but I was still curious.

"I hope this doesn't upset you further, but I don't think it was possible that he heard Sasuke and Kiba coming after you. You did say that it took a few minutes for them to reach you afterward." I told her.

"Maybe he's like the guys and has powers."

I narrowed my eyes. "Who has powers?"

Sakura's mouth formed a small circle. "I can't believe no one told you. That was the whole point!"

"Sakura what are you talking about?" First Temari and now her. This was getting old fast.

"Hinata or Temari didn't tell you anything?" She asked frantically.

"Well Tem came up to me and warned me to stay away from Gaara earlier. But I have no idea why, he was acting normal enough around me throughout class."

"You need to listen to her! She and Hinata went to that grave yard and saw-"

"Sakura! You've been in there long enough! Get out here and bring Matsuri with you!"

I might be wrong but that sounded like Naruto.

Sakura sighed and mumbled to herself. It sounded like she said 'not again' but I wasn't entirely certain. As the two of us left the bathroom we were immediately surrounded.

"Geeze we weren't injured while we were in there." I mumbled. Gaara was the only one who seemed to have heard it because he raised a brow at me. I lifted my hands in a 'what' gesture. He crossed his arms and just stared at me.

"Was I really in there that long?" I finally asked.

"Twenty-five minutes." He replied.

"Oh. Well, sorry. Didn't know you were keeping track of time." He rolled his eyes than grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the group. I noticed that Sasuke did something similar with Sakura. However he swept her down the hallway and out the door. Leaving us all behind.

"Alright you guys better get to class." Naruto said to Hinata and Temari.

"Since when has it been ok for you to boss everyone around?" Temari responded. I saw Shikamaru elbow her in the side.

"They're going." The lazy Nara finally replied. Hinata grabbed Temari's arm and was about to grab mine as well when Gaara stopped her.

"Matsuri and I had a previous arrangement. I'll be walking her to class."

Hinata smiled at me then dragged Temari out the door before she could protest.

"We'll come with you Gaara. We have have the same final period anyway." Gaara nodded at his blond friend and then we made our way to our last class of the day. The bell rang as we walked and the crowds of people covered up the fact that there had been four students just standing in the hallway.

"Ya know you never answered my question from earlier." I said softly. Just for the red head next to me.

"What question?"

"The one about Temari telling me to stay away from you."

I saw him roll his eyes. "I answered that multiple times. I didn't tell you where we were going earlier."

I hated how he remembered all those small details. It would always make me wrong in a discussion.

I stuck my tongue out at him. "You don't have to be such a smarty pants!"

The only response I got was a small 'hn' of recognition.

We had finally made it back down to the first floor and into the hallway of my class when I heard a shout from behind saying: "Gaara Sabaku! Stop right now!"

I turned to see Tsunade-sama heading straight for us with fury in her eyes. "I warned you once Sabaku and now it's detention!" Our principle grabbed my arm and pulled me behind her. What was Gaara in trouble for? Maybe it was just skipping class; at least that's what I wanted to believe. From the way she was yelling at him in a hushed whisper I knew it was something different. Wait, this wasn't about me being around him was it?

Once again I was being dragged down the hallway but this time it wasn't by the gorgeous red head that I was foolishly in love with. It was by my principle who hadn't looked at me once since she took me away from Gaara. I glanced back just in time to get one last look at Gaara, he looked just as furious as Tsunade-sama but infinitely more dangerous. I could just make out Naruto's hand on his shoulder, holding him back. It was frightening actually.

When we reached the office I was told to 'sit and stay' before Tsunade went into her office with Shuzine. After a few minutes the secretary came out and told me that I could go in now. I forced myself out of the chair and into the office of my scary *ss principle.

"Sit down." Tsunade barked. So I sat.

"I told you, Miss Shiga, to stay away from Sabaku. Was I not clear?"

"You were, yes, but-"

"Silence!" She roared. I was so nervous I was shaking slightly. After a moment she started up again.

"I don't want to ever see you or hear about you being around Gaara again do you hear me?"

"Yes." I replied.

"Your schedule will not even remotely collide with his. While on this campus I expect you to respect the rules and do as I tell you. If you don't I will have no other option but the expel you. So for the last time, stay away from Gaara Sabaku!"

I didn't respond, but a single tear slipped down my cheek. What was going on? Why was thing happening?

"You may leave." I stood up and walked to the door. I put my hand on the handle and was about to turn it when the question just came out of me.

"Why?"

"I beg your pardon?" Tsunade said.

"Why? I said louder. "Why can't I be with him?" I turned to face her. Too angry to just leave without a reasonable answer.

"Why go too all this trouble to keep me away from my ex boyfriend? What right do you have!" I yelled. "You think that you or anybody else in this school can keep me away from him forever than your wrong! Dead wrong!"

"Matsuri Shiga watch your tone! He's nothing but trouble, he's not right in the head, there are many things wrong with Gaara that you just don't know. Now i'll give to thirty seconds to get out my door before I suspend you!"

Without another look back I walked out of the room and slammed the door. Who did she think she was? She couldn't keep me away from Gaara if I wanted to be with him! She had no right. I walked out of the school and found a curb to sit on until the last bell rang. I didn't know what to do at this point. Things had become too dramatic, even for me.

I wrapped my arms around myself and watch the cars go by in the street. When I got bored I started counting how many red cars drove past. A few minutes later I felt my phone buzz in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw Hinata's name on the front of my screen. I opened the message and read it quickly. She was asking me how things went with Gaara and if he asked me to homecoming.

I didn't even know homecoming was coming up.

I sent my response and got hers seconds later. She told me that they had just announced the homecoming theme and tickets would start selling Wednesday. She sent me another text after asking me what was wrong. I told her that something huge had happened and that I needed an explanation of what was going and why everyone was telling me to stay away from Gaara. Her reply was not as quick this time.

Suddenly I heard a voice behind me. "Matsuri love?"

I froze then spun around so quick that I became light headed. If only I were just so light headed I thought I saw him standing in front of me.

"S-Sasori?"

He grinned. Then with a small dramatic bow replied: "In the flesh."

So what did you think? I promise that Neji and Tenten's date will be in the next chapter!

Thank you to all of you who have added me and/or my story to your favorites! That means so much to me.

I want to wish you all a Happy New Year and hope that everyone reading my story finds something to enjoy in this chapter.

Review if you have a moment and God bless!

Sincerely,

~NightMare ReVisited~