Chapter 1

So, to give more insight, this will be a modern AU. The main pairing for this story will be Sasuke/Sakura. However, in later chapters we will be introduced to Naruto/Hinata and Shikamaru/Temari.

This story is going to reflect long distance relationships, both romantic and platonic, and how varying they can be from your in-person relationships. While some things may seem rushed and others not so much, it's reflective of actual relationships that I know or have experienced on a personal level. This story won't be a slow burn, but people meeting, establishing their new connection, and how they go about working on those relationships with distance between them. And in other words, how they can shorten that distance.

So, to give more insight, this will be a modern AU. The main pairing for this story will be Sasuke/Sakura. However, in later chapters we will be introduced to Naruto/Hinata and Shikamaru/Temari.

This story is going to reflect long distance relationships, both romantic and platonic, and how varying they can be from your in-person relationships. While some things may seem rushed and others not so much, it's reflective of actual relationships that I know or have experienced on a personal level. This story won't be a slow burn, but people meeting, establishing their new connection, and how they go about working on those relationships with distance between them. And in other words, how they can shorten that distance.


Sakura Haruno tapped her finger mindlessly on the J key on her keyboard, staring blankly at the screen before her. It was a website she had been on for nearly 5 years, nearing her 18th birthday as she looked over the various forums and chat threads that were visible to her. Over time, she had managed to make friends that would come and go, along with getting friends from school to join her, though their enthusiasm waned quickly. However, she found herself continuing to stay there, her assumption being that it filled a void in her life that she was getting elsewhere. She thought back to how she even managed to wander her way on here, but the idea made her cringe, and she glanced over at a bottle of medication made for her depression and anxiety. Lips turning into a thin line, she glanced back toward the computer screen.

Recently, she found solace in a friend that went by the name Karin. Having shared what Sakura felt to be personal information to someone she had known for a while, though keeping out pretty graphic and extreme details to keep some privacy, her friend went silent on her. Reading back over the private message she had received, she found that her friend basically turned the situation Sakura shared as one to use for herself. Claiming it hurt her heart, or whatever the hell that meant. It was one of the many times she questioned making friends online, but it helped to ease her shy nature as she felt more confident behind a computer screen. The website showed her friend was online and pretty active but was ignoring her as Sakura's frown deepened as it had been an hour. Sighing, she was about to shut off her computer when the notification for private messages turned red, a 1 sitting beside the small image of a letter visible. Assuming that Karin had responded, she clicked the image only to be met with a username she had seen around but knew she didn't know. Something in her decided to read it and found that the message was to the point, but somehow made her anxiety come to the surface.

Sakura,

You don't know me, but a mutual friend of ours reached out to talk to me about you. I want to apologize on her behalf as she came to me and ignored my request to talk to you. Not sure why, but I felt the need to reach out and ask if you are okay. It wasn't her place to share such delicate and personal information in hopes I'd give her sympathy. I don't mind being here if you ever need to talk, but don't feel obligated to do so. My name is Kashi.

Sakura felt her cheeks turn red from both embarrassment and anger. Karin had shared what she said to gain attention from someone else? Huffing, she responded, making sure to be as friendly as she could, but felt a bitter taste in her mouth. The man, once she checked to verify once she responded to the message, wasn't at fault for what Karin did. And seeing that Karin had finally responded, chose to ignore it until tomorrow, but something about Kashi gave her a sense of calm. Then she realized why she remembered the name and recalled when Karin said she was dating this person, though claimed that Kashi wasn't his real name. Sakura laid her forehead on her desk, mentally cursing herself for the oversight at how Karin couldn't keep things to herself. This woman would brag about how attractive 'Kashi' was and how she knew his secret. However, she would not let him know any of this and would allow him to maintain a sense of privacy online.

Logging off, she went to her closet and pulled out clothes to prepare for a shower, her mind racing with what had just transpired. Once dressed, she began to blow dry her hair, green eyes looking as tired as she felt. Having just told Karin about very personal and triggering events, it continued to give her a reason to feel resentment towards this woman. Once her shoulder length strawberry blonde hair was dried, amused slightly that her natural hair gave off the look of nearly having pink hair, she made her way to her bedroom. Coming back in, she caught the sight of her younger brother Sho who had made himself comfortable on her bed. It had been a few years since she had last slept alone, Sho having night terrors created issues. Once their father kicked him out of their parent's bed, he would end up sleepwalking into Sakura's room, so she went ahead and had him stay, which allowed her more sleep without being scared to death in the middle of the night.

So, when Sakura woke up the next morning after dealing with a child who kicked in his sleep, she got up and dressed, her mother would be dealing with Sho later on. Putting on her shoes and heading out, she got into her car, heading toward school a bit earlier than most as she had taken the initiative to join the marching band her freshman year of high school. Now that she was a senior, she was able to take herself and get there when she needed to be. One of the times she enjoyed catching on quickly was going from never having been able to read music or play an instrument to leading their drumline this year was a highlight. Arriving at school and parking, she went around toward the back of the building, walking through the double doors to see many already inside, many turning and greeting her with a smile.

Koji ran up to her, wrapping his arms around her and fluffing her hair. "Okay, you do realize I'm still jealous of your hair, right?"

"You say that every morning." Sakura said, lightly nudging him away and giving him a laugh.

"And I mean it. What's on the agenda today, boss?" Koji said, picking up his own snare drum and lifting it on his vest, securing it in place before playing a few notes.

"If our director decides to focus on the others, we can head outside and practice on our own." Sakura responded, grabbing the snare drum she had been using since her sophomore year and placing it on her own vest, feeling the weight cause her to slightly straighten her back to accommodate her drum.

A few more on her drumline came in, grabbing a bass drum and tenor drum in the process, placing them on as they always ended up going outside to practice anyways. While their director was awesome, he focused more on the rest of the band and left the drummers to do their own thing. When they began and he had everyone warm up, signaling to Sakura to have them go outside, they did so, forming a circle underneath the large oak tree near the double doors, making sure they were closed before they began to play out the first song they already knew well. They were now into October and practicing for their first competition of the year was necessary. Around this time, their color guard came out, forming a circle around the drummers, but leaving some space as they practiced along with them. This was a normal routine for everyone as they nearly felt like the group no one cared about.

Feeling the vibration of her drumsticks hitting against the snare, the sound echoing around them brought her back to life. The sound continued to pick up the moment that the others joined in as they played their schools "fight song", which each one knew by heart at this point. The wind blew around them, which made the cool morning a bit more bitter, but Sakura didn't mind. She preferred it cold; the promise of the holiday season was upon them and why she had decided to wear a Halloween sweater. Everyone was used to the fact that the holiday season was when she shined, her green eyes coming to life during this time. Koji would still tease her, but he had joined in on her festive spirit and even today was wearing one of his own, the ghost on it chasing a candy corn, which amused her. She made a mental note to ask where he got it.

Half an hour later, traffic picked up around them as the rest of the school began to fill up with students who didn't come in as early, some yelling out the window to either praise their playing or to make obscene remarks, none were acknowledged as the group was focused on their mission. A few minutes into the first bell ringing, they were asked to come inside, which both groups did, setting their drums down on their respective stands and standing there as the morning announcements were made. Sakura sat on a chair she had pulled up and immediately Koji laid his head on her shoulder, which she patted his dark brown hair lovingly. He had become her best friend during their freshman year when she had decided to introduce herself to another new student at the school. His taste for men were far better than her own, so he would be the one to study them before giving an approval or denial and she took those to heart.

"Sakura, I ask that the drumline stay for the rest of today and play with us. I believe we are ready." The director stated, looking at her warily as she nodded in agreement.

And so, they did, the director not once mentioning any concerns he had, which meant that he felt their playing was where he needed it to be for the competition. Today was Thursday, which meant they had today and tomorrow to prepare before the big competition. They continued on, pausing when he needed to fix something elsewhere and chatting as they could. The bell was about to ring and so they put everything away, Sakura deciding to fix her makeup and hair before the bell officially rang, finishing up just as it did so. She made her way out of the room and into the hallway, passing a few doors before the small hallway led to a much bigger one as teens bustled around to get to their next class. Thankfully, her computer was right there, and she entered the computer lab, setting her messenger bag down and sitting at her chair.

Logging into her computer, she looked around before sneaking on the website in question, still ignoring Karin's message and seeing that 'Kashi' had responded back to her this morning. The message somehow made her smile, the offering of friendship she accepted, somehow feeling that this was the right call to make. Logging off as her teacher walked in, she began to focus on her class, this one centered around typing as she wanted to learn to type as quickly as possible. She was at the top of her class, her goal to become a psychologist was going in the right direction as she had the scholarships to make a full ride at the school of her choice. Heaving a sigh, she continued to pay attention, practicing her typing as she did so, happy that she no longer needed to look at the keyboard at all when doing so. Yet, somewhere in her mind, her mind went back to 'Kashi' and wondered how that friendship would go.


A few hours ago…

"Sasuke!" Karin Uzumaki yelled out the moment he stepped out of his white car, side-eyeing her as he made his way to the double doors of his own high school a few states away from the woman he reached out to the night before. "Why didn't you respond to me last night."

"Suigetsu." Sasuke Uchiha said as he approached his friends Suigetsu Hozuki and Jugo, both turning to see the man approach.

"Sasuke! About damn time you showed your face around here." Suigetsu said, watching as Karin wrapped her arms around Sasuke. "I see you have a disgusting bug attached to you."

"Shut the hell up!" Karin snapped, her arms tightening around Sasuke's right arm, nuzzling her face against his shoulder. "Sasuke doesn't mind."

Sasuke snorted and removed his arm from her embrace, ignoring her pout as he talked with his friends until the bell rang. He then felt Karin tug on his black leather jacket, earning her a brow raise in question as she continued to pout. He was really tired of her constantly attaching herself to him as though they were dating. Sasuke had very few regrets in his life, and she was one of them. Even though they had only tried the dating scene for a solid week before he realized how bat shit crazy she was, she still clung to the idea that he would come back to her, or told others they were still together, which annoyed him. She pouted and stomped off toward her class, which he was thankful they shared none together as he made his way to the computer lab. Setting his bag down, he sat at his computer screen, looking over at the person. who had him join this ridiculous website, on it at the moment. Deciding to join her, he did so and saw that the woman named Sakura had responded. He still had no clue as to why he bothered as he didn't really care, but something in him had urged him to reach out.

Kashi,

Thank you for reaching out to me as it was very appreciated. It's not something I'm ready to talk about and regret having done so already, but perhaps one day when we get to know each other better? It means a lot to have someone take the time to worry about me. Thank you so much.

Sakura

Smirking, he responded instantly as the bell rang, his friend looking over and grinning at him as he clicked his tongue in her direction. He finished writing as the teacher took his spot at the front of the class, discussing their plans for today about building a website. Sighing, Sasuke clicked off the website and took notes, which were not really needed but it helped get his mind off things. His parents were going to be upset when they found out that he had been accepted into a college a few states away for engineering. The school was well known and something he needed to take the opportunity to get out from under Itachi's shadow. Even with being top of his class and an enjoyment of math, Sasuke was never enough, especially in the eyes of his father. University of Konoha was a prestigious school as it focused on engineering, doctoral programs, etc. This is why he wanted to get away, he knew he needed to, even if that meant he wouldn't see his friends for a long while.

As class continued and he was finished with his website, which wasn't due until tomorrow, he began to google about the university, excited about the prospect of what he could accomplish on his own. Making a bigger name for the Uchiha family while he wasn't compared to his older brother. He ventured on the website a final time, seeing that Sakura had not responded before the bell rang. Grabbing his black bag, he maneuvered the single strap around his neck, feeling the bag settle beside his jean clad leg as he made his way to his next class.

Sakura,

I'm also not one to share things about myself, so maybe in the future I'll be inclined to do the same. You can consider this as me offering you friendship, if you wish. Karin used you for attention and I feel it's best that you cease trying to earn anything from her as she isn't someone who will focus on others the way you desire her to. You can find better people for that.

Kashi

Lunch time came quickly and immediately Karin latched onto him. "My friend Sakura hasn't responded back to me."

"Probably because you used her to try to get sympathy from me." Sasuke snapped, glaring at her instantly. "I still don't recall her giving you permission to share personal information like that, even with me."

"Don't be so mean to me, Sasuke. I didn't know how to be there for her and knew you'd help me!" Karin pouted, clinging to him more. "Please don't be mad at me."

"Hn."

Sasuke grabbed food and went to sit with his friends, ignoring the many eyes that watched him as he did so, some because of his looks and others due to the whining female that refused to leave him alone. It was bad enough that she had bugged him to not only chat with her on that website, but create a social media profile, which he never used. Many complained about friending him, but he ignored them or stated he never used it, which wasn't a lie. Karin had bragged about being his friend on the site as if that meant something, which it didn't. Itachi had teased him about caving to peer pressure and Sasuke knew it would be worse if he knew he joined a website based around chatting. Especially as long distance anything was considered a negative thing, so the idea that his baby brother would be friends with anyone on something like that would earn far worse judgment from his family.

"Did you have to bring that thing?" Suigetsu asked, making a face as Karin huffed.

"I didn't." Sasuke responded, looking as bored as he felt by her ridiculous antics.

"Do you think Sakura is mad at me? I don't know why, when she should understand." Karin said, pouting more.

"Maybe if you weren't such a horrible friend and actually there for someone, you wouldn't have to question it. I told you this last night." Sasuke said, glaring at her from the corner of his eye. "And I'm going to demand that you quit calling me as I don't care about your personal problems, Karin. Besides, I reached out to her, myself."

"You did what…?" Karin asked, gasping.

"I did what you should have done. And don't mistake this as me telling you I'll clean up your messes. I'm doing your friend a favor." Sasuke said, taking a bit of his pizza.

"Why?" Suigetsu said. "Especially for someone you don't know. Is she on that website?"

"Yeah, I believe you know her. Sakura." Sasuke said. "And who knows why I did it. I'll probably regret it later or something."

"Sakura is a nice person and she's actually pretty cute, too. Something tells me you won't regret it." Suigetsu said, taking a bite of his own lunch. "You should see a picture of her."

"I don't need to, nor do I care to." Sasuke responded, shrugging his shoulders. "I don't plan to stay on this site forever, anyways."

"He doesn't need to when he has me." Karin said, causing Suigetsu to choke on his food, Jugo beating his back until Suigetsu calmed.

"Karin, don't push your luck." Sasuke said, earning yet another pout.


AN: My second fic and hopefully this one will appease SasuSaku fans! I hope this is something that everyone enjoys! Critiques are welcome, but if you don't like my end pairing, then by all means don't read the story! Hope that everyone enjoys the story!