unedited, not proofread (11/7/20)
Sakura
Okay.
It's fine.
It's totally fine.
The man that lives across from me just kissed me.
The man that somehow knows how to push every one of my buttons kissed me.
The man that I've enjoyed poking fun at while also being annoyed at because of our disagreements at work just kissed me.
Sasuke Uchiha just kissed me.
And I, the woman that considers herself to be somewhat of a 'rival' of his, kissed him back.
It's completely fine.
Okay, so my heart is beating irregularly fast, so what? And, yeah, I pulled him closer to me because I liked the feel of his mouth on mine. And, yes, maybe I liked the way his hands felt on my waist, and for a very miniscule second, I wondered if his tongue felt as good on another, lower part of me, but that's irrelevant!
"Yep, irrelevant."
His eyes flash to me as the words exit my mouth, and I realize I said that out loud. Great, now, that damn smirk is on his lips, his hand lifting up the phone to his ear only to visibly cringe at the noise that comes out of his phone.
Yes, noise. Because whoever's on the phone is probably the loudest person I've ever heard.
"Teme! Did you see it? Fuck, dude! I had no idea Ino sent that NinjaBucks ramen latte ad to me to do that."
Ah, so it's Naruto.
I purse my lips, failing at hiding my amusement because Sasuke can totally tell based on the way his glare is now focused on me.
"My phone's not even on the highest volume, but I'm pretty sure my neighbor can hear you," he says after a frustrated sigh, the bridge of his nose pinched between two fingers.
So he can make jokes. Huh.
"Sheesh, sorry." Naruto continues, his volume lowered, so now I can't hear the rest of their conversation.
I'm starting to feel awkward. Now what? He's still in my kitchen. I'm in nothing but a robe, and…
I look down, and see that tie on my robe has been loosened again, and it's barely holding on. Shit, when did that even happen? I hastily tighten the knot again, feeling very self conscious and a little bit embarrassed because holy shit, I did kiss him back, and I did that while there's only one layer of clothing on me. If his phone hadn't rung, could we have..?
No, no we wouldn't have. I have way more self restraint. And as asshole-y as he is sometimes, he wouldn't do anything terrible. But I can't ignore the small voice in my head that's disappointed that nothing happened. I mean, I haven't been with anyone in who knows how long. And, yes, he's a hell of a good kisser. And by the way his fingers curled into my waist, I have a feeling that he's skilled in other areas too. I mean, I wouldn't mind seeing what's under-
"Sakura."
I'm snapped out of my thoughts and look up to see Sasuke, putting his phone in his pocket as he stares back at me with a knowing gaze.
He called me 'Sakura' again.
"Yeah?" This is apparently I can utter.
Jeez, what the hell is going on with my mind today? Stop it! No more thinking about the man who acts all high and mighty like that! Bad!
"No more games."
I roll my eyes. Here comes the stuck up routine, right on schedule. "Yes, you've said this already."
"It seems worth repeating, considering I expect an impromptu meeting with Kiba and Kakashi in a few minutes." He sighs, the anger I saw in his face when I opened the door earlier slowly returning.
Somehow, this makes me feel a little sorry for him. But that's quickly overruled by the competitive part of me that's reappearing.
He kissed me, yes. Thankfully, we agreed nothing that happens in the apartment building gets published. But we're still engaged in a competition. I have to remember that.
"Do I feel sorry for you, a bit. But," I shrug. "I did kind of warn you."
"I hardly consider quoting a poet as a warning."
"Vague or not, it was."
His phone rings again. It's probably Kakashi.
With another sigh, he takes his phone out again, and slides to answer the call. With one last look that I honestly don't know how to accurately describe, he takes the few steps to exit my apartment.
God, my front door wasn't even closed? What if someone walked by?
I don't dwell too much on that now, though, because this time, he closes the door behind me and I am left with my own thoughts.
What was that look?
Irritation? Yes, maybe a little bit. That I can recognize.
But there was an underlying spark in his eyes, something I've never witnessed before. Wait. It can't be heat, right? No, definitely not. But then again, he did kiss me.
Enough thinking about the kiss! No more!
You know, what? I'm taking a cold shower. Clearly, baths and wine are not a good combination for me tonight. That's it. It's the wine and the hot bath.
I'm sure I'll come back to my senses by morning.
It's Saturday morning, and did I wait thirty minutes later than my usual time to go out and head to the gym? Yes. Why? Because senses have not returned and I do not want to have to stare at his face this morning after I woke up to dreams I do not want to recall because, oh my God, what is wrong with me?
The walk to the gym the opposite direction of my usual gym has proven to be completely necessary because I really shouldn't be so hung up on a kiss. What am I? Thirteen?
Thank goodness we agreed to no more games, because I don't know if I can handle a repeat of last night: us alone in a room, in private. Not just because that fucker is actually pretty skilled with his tongue, but because I do not need post-mental gymnastics to convince myself that I didn't like it because I concede. I did like it, and I hate that I do.
I take a deep breath. The walk to the gym is shorter than I realize. Looking up at the windowed exterior and reading the sign that confirms that this is the gym I'll have to be going to for the next week. It's a bit pricier than my usual, but I don't care at this point. I love exercise, and I don't skip a day, and anything is better than the apartment building's gym.
After a short conversation at the front desk with the man behind the desk, he tells me which way the lockers are, and I head over there, ready to start the day with a good work out. That, surely, will distract me for the next few hours.
After leaving my bag in the locker and taking out my water jug, I walk through the sliding glass doors that lead to the carpeted floor of what I consider has to be my second home for the time being. I look for the stretching area, and spot the telltale yoga mats and men and women that are able to contort their body better than I can. Listen, I'm a fitness and health expert, yes, and I may be flexible, but not to that extent.
With my earbuds firmly in place and my playlist ready, I begin my usual warm up routine. Can't start a HIIT without properly stretching first. When I finish, it's immediately to the treadmill for a high-incline walk with a 6 pound hand weight in each hand. I tried to get Ino to do this with me once, and she called me a lunatic, but hey, I think it's fun, sue me.
After thirty minutes of intense warm-ups, I'm ready to move to my ab workout.
On weekdays, I'm usually in the gym for about an hour and a half, but today's a Saturday, which means I'm here for up to three hours. It's the sweat, the adrenaline pumping, the feeling of a healthy body. The feeling of having absolute control of your body.
I'm down to my last hour, having finished working on abs and my leg workout, it's time for my absolute favorite part, arms. I know I look kind of small, but not to brag, I pack quite a punch. This is why I'm always the sober one when me and the girls go out for drinks. Ino likes to go wild, TenTen's a lightweight, and Hinata usually just knocks out right after TenTen. I've gotten into a bar fight once, and it was absolutely hilarious. Some men are just too cocky.
So far, my morning's been wonderful and not once have I thought about last night. Until now. Damn, and I was doing perfectly fine. No worries. Nothing a few bicep curls won't fix. Should I start with the dumbbells or the barbells today? Decisions, decisions.
Out of nowhere, I feel a breath on my neck and flinch before turning around, my fist ready to punch whatever pervert's behind me. But I stop. Because said pervert is the man I was hoping to avoid all day today.
"Sasuke?"
When did I start calling him by his first name? Stop! More importantly, why is he here?
"I didn't think you'd be here of all places," he says, amused at my reaction.
"I'm a fitness and health editor," I reply matter-of-factly, a hand on my neck, covering the spot he blew air onto. "And my gym's closed for a week or so."
"Here I thought you've resorted to stalking me." He's smirking again. Damn that mouth. Why am I looking at his lips? Fuck. You're stronger than this, Haruno.
"But then again, you weren't out by 7 like the usual Saturday."
I raise a brow, composing myself. "Missed me that much?"
He scoffs but doesn't reply. Instead he walks past me, and I notice those arms again. Well developed muscles, not too bulky but still very appealing to look at. Great, he's good looking and well-built. I mean, not to say I didn't expect as much considering he is also a fitness editor, but did God have to be so unfair? Don't get me started on how his ass looks right now. His black joggers are fitting really well to a surprisingly plumper ass than I-
"Sakura?"
Fuck, what am I doing?!
He's still smirking, and now, I really need to grab a dumbbell.
Of all the gyms, why did it have to be the one he goes to? I mean, of course, it had to be this one! We live in the same building, it was a miracle we didn't go to the same gym. And of course Mr. Moneybags Uchiha goes to the more expensive one.
But a gym is a gym, and exercise is exercise. No need to focus on the fact that he's here too. Nope. I just need to start on those bicep curls and in an hour or so, I'll be gone and hopefully having brunch where I can have a morning margarita in peace.
I continue as if I'm not bothered because I will not be giving him that satisfaction. But I catch my gaze moving to him as he starts his flat bench presses and fuck, those arms. I try not to look as I finish my curls. You know what? Boxing routine is usually a Friday exclusive, but I'm thinking if I really want to be distracted, that's my best bet.
And it looks like the universe is by my side because there's a punching bag that's now available for me. I'm going to be spending twenty minutes on this poor bag of sand. I may have skipped jump roping today, but that's not a problem. I'm probably going to have to go back to the locker to get my pink boxing gloves, but the distance is definitely needed.
I practically march to the lockers and hastily open mine, removing my earbuds that haven't been of use ever since I moved to the arms section because my thoughts were basically clouding anything and everything because damn it, those fucking arms. That fucking man.
I groan. What is up with me?
"This is his fault."
"Whose fault?"
I jump, surprised by the deep voice behind me. I don't even have to turn to know who it is.
"You again? Who's stalking now?"
"We're at the same gym. And I'm heading to the showers."
Meaning he's done. I sigh, both relieved and a little disappointed. No, not because I like looking at his arms, shut up. Turning around, I meet mirthful onyx eyes, his hand dabbing a black fabric onto his face. Then I realize that black fabric is his shirt. And that right now, Sasuke Uchiha is standing a few inches from me completely shirtless.
I am both incredibly lucky and unlucky because fuck that chest, sweaty and toned. And, no, self, do not check to see his abs. It's what he wants! You're stronger than this!
"Red again?"
I look up abruptly. "Red? Me? No, my face is absolutely normal."
That damn smirk never leaves his lips nowadays, does it? "I meant your gym outfit."
Fuck.
"It's red and white," I correct him, hoping to sound natural.
"I can see that."
Wait. Is he checking me out? His eyes are on my exposed stomach, inspecting the curve of my hip. Shit, he is. Act normal!
"Like what you see?" Shit, not like that! It's like I'm just so used to taunting him that now it's finally come back to bite me in the ass.
And then, he says something that completely stuns me.
"Quite frankly, yes."
I blink. "Excuse me?"
He raises a brow. "I know you heard me, Sakura. Just like I know where you were staring just a minute ago."
Damn him.
I avert my gaze, moving my line of sight to whatever is to my right. "Why are you not wearing a shirt anyway?"
"It's the gym."
Does that mean any woman that comes here can just watch him without a shirt? Is that why there were way more women in the arms section than anywhere else when I walked in?
Wanting to talk about literally anything else, I settle on the first thing I think about. "How was the call with your boss yesterday? I'm assuming he's pissed."
"Kiba was the one pissed. Kakashi spent the call snickering." His voice seems less upset than I thought it would. "And you do know the polite thing is to look at who you're talking to?"
"And you're the expert at politeness?" I sigh and look back at him. Somehow looking at his eyes is a lot more embarrassing than staring blatantly at his chest and abs.
"You're being strange."
"I am? No, I'm not."
"Then you're comfortable with discussing last night?"
"Absolutely." Not.
He doesn't look convinced but continues anyway. "I apologize if I caused you any discomfort."
Wait, what?
"It was uncalled for and-"
"Wait, you're actually apologizing?"
He scowls. "I'm aware you don't exactly think too highly of me, but-"
"That's not it."
His brows furrow, unconvinced. "Then, what is it?"
"Why did you kiss me in the first place? Was it a punishment or something?"
"Punishment?" He repeats, offended. "I'm not a complete asshole, Sakura."
There it is again. My name.
"So then?"
"You think I'd kiss you right after we agreed no more games?" I can feel his anger rising, but that only makes me more confused.
"So you wanted to kiss me?"
"As annoying as you are, yes."
Suddenly, I don't feel too guilty that I kissed back.
His expression changes from that of offense to slow realization, and the corner of that damn lip rises. He takes a step closer, and I take one back, my breath hitching as my back meets the cold metal of the locker doors. The same unfamiliar spark I saw last night appears in his eyes. He lowers his head so our eyes are now on even levels. Was he always this tall?
"If I recall clearly, you did kiss back."
I swallow, feeling my thighs clench. This is so not the time to be turned on, but damn, this man really did know how to push my buttons. Probably every button, and I don't know how to process that situation. So you know what I do? I lean in closer, closing the distance between us, my mouth firmly on his.
His eyes widen for a beat before his hands are on my waist, the feel of his fingers digging into my waist exhilarating. I press my stomach to his body, my arms around his neck, making the shirt he hung from his right shoulder fall.
I have no idea why I'm doing this, but as soon as his lips nudge mine open, his tongue is taking mine in hot, sweet possession. My eyes flutter to a close. How can someone so rigid kiss so relentlessly? It's unapologetic and carnal, completely the opposite of how he acts on a normal basis. Or is it? I've come to realize I don't have him pegged as well as I think I did because if I did, I would have kissed him a long time ago. But even in the kiss, it's each of us trying to best each other, tongues tangling, teeth nipping as a hand moves to his chest, feeling his toned upper body, giving it a light scratch as my hand moves down. I hear him growl and, wow, does it do something to my body. It makes me need his mouth against mine, harder, hotter. More.
I lift a leg up and his left hand moves from my waist to just under my thigh, gripping me, pulling me closer, letting me feel his lower body in my covered core and holy shit. I'm horny for the guy I've disliked for over a year now. What is wrong with me? Still, I don't tear away from him. Instead my body goes against everything my mind is screaming right now and grinds against him. This is so not good. But damn does it feel good.
"Ahem," someone coughs, and my eyes are immediately wide open.
A tall, lanky man in the gym company uniform looks at us disapprovingly. "While we are thankful for your membership here at ANBU Gym, this is a relatively public establishment. I know there are plenty of pornography out there that suggests people can do such a thing in a public setting, it's-"
"We get it." Sasuke's voice is almost menacing and the employee flinches.
"Very well. Then, uh," he looks away. "As long as you are aware of the public decency laws, I'll be…" He trails off, casting a fearful glance at the fuming Uchiha before running off.
I look at Sasuke, his hand rubbing the back of his head in agitation.
I really just made out with him in a gym of all places. I slap my palm onto my forehead. Looks like I'll be needing more than one margarita for brunch. And by the look of it, it seems I won't be spending my brunch alone.
This time, I brought this onto myself. But goddamn, did I want more.
This is going to be a weird next few weeks.
Note:
JSHFJSDFHJSHDFGSHJFGS Sakura did this to herself. These two horny kids smh
This chapter is dedicated to Myr! Get well soon!
And also dedicated to celebrating the fact that the orange fascist got voted out