Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, just some characters I created and the plot…

Summary: Naruto and co. are already 17 years at age. They came all the way to become a jounin; they have become closer over years of teamwork and hard work. But as they grew closer, two certain people have uncertainty feelings for each other. Two twins will come to their lives; will there be troubles ahead for the two or the other way around?

Scroll nine: Playing poker

"Suit yourself! Akira might be doing something to Sakura to cheer her up that you couldn't even do! Hihihi…" Naruto teased and off to Sakura's room, leaving Sasuke with veins popping out of his head.

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Sasuke followed Naruto as he heard those words. It irritates him on how Naruto can get on his nerves so easily just by words. On the other hand, Naruto was feeling proud on himself for making Sasuke like that; he knew his weaknesses better than anyone.

"Ahh!!! No way!!! I lose again!!!" Ino screamed and then followed by a mere laughter.

"Huh? Who lost?" Naruto emerged from the door followed by Sasuke. Akira and Ino looked at them and sakura had to turn her head to look at Naruto.

"I did." Ino pouted.

"What are you playing?" Naruto asked as he slowly walked towards them and sat on the bed, while Sasuke just stood beside Sakura, who was sitting on the bed.

"Poker!" Sakura squeaked happily.

"Can I play?" Naruto asked.

"If you want to lose, go on and play. If you want to win even a single time, don't play." Akira warned Naruto.

"Why?" Naruto asked again. What a dumb ass! Ino thought.

" Because, Sakura never gives a chance to anyone! She always wins! Haven't you played poker with her before?" Naruto shook his head as a sign of 'no'.

" Hmm… if that's so… it means Sakura-chan is good at it! Then let me play!" Ino sighed in defeat, and then she noticed Sakura was not joining the conversation. She looked at Sakura and saw her talking to Sasuke that time.

"You alright?" Sasuke asked and put his hand on her shoulder gently.

Sakura gaped in surprise and blushed. "Of course! Thank you by the way!"

"I'm glad you're alright. You got me worried." Sasuke said flatly trying to avoid to sound emotional; his was still on her shoulder as he tightened his grip a little bit.

"Ah, gomen, gomen." Sakura apologized and looked away.

"It's okay." Not far from them, Ino was watching in awe, she never expected to see such scene right now, right here. Sakura was right he does act strange around her! Hihihihi, I know why… and I bet that Sakura also knew why…Ino silently laughed at the romantic couple in front of her.

"I dare you to play poker with me, Sakura-chan!!!" Naruto shouted. Sakura's eyebrow twitched at his statement. First, he interrupted them. Second, he dared her, she hated dares, especially when daring her to do something. [How dare you, dare me? Heh! I'll show no mercy to you!!! I'll make you loose all the way!] Inner sakura screamed while the outer acted decently and accepted the dare but her eyebrow still furrowed. Ino knew that look, she knew sakura would give no chance to Naruto not like she gave chance to them, unfortunately herself was just too poor in playing poker.

They played and played; Naruto was too stubborn to give up. Ino and the rest watched Naruto with pity and continued to cheer Sakura on. Naruto never won a game with Sakura. At long last he gave up, he lost completely to Sakura, it was 20 – 0. Sasuke was amazed at how Sakura handled the game with flawless ability; he never knew that Sakura was good at it.

"Umm… Sakura, I'll be leaving now… I still have things to be done." Akira excused himself.

"Ah, ok then. Thanks for the time!" Sakura smiled and waved good-bye as Akira slowly exited the room.

"Hmm, so you guys are left, want to play strip poker?" Ino suggested but it sound more like a threat.

"Uhh, n-no th-thanks…" Naruto stammered, afraid to strip from losing again. And so did Sasuke, he just shook his head.

"Sakura-chan… we'll go now… bye." Naruto bid good-bye and walked out.

"Bye Sakura. Take care." Sasuke also walked out.

"Sa-ku-ra!" Ino mocked her name.

"What?" Sakura shot back.

"I think I got the idea what you are talking about earlier. Hihihi… "

"About what?" Sakura asked.

"About Sasuke…" Sakura blushed at that statement.

"I can see the way he looked at you, Sakura."

"That look explains all, he doesn't see you as a teammate or a friend but more…" Ino winked at Sakura and resumed talking.

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Sasuke and Naruto walked silently for the first time; it seemed that Naruto was thinking of something, something important. Sasuke looked at him with question in his eyes. He saw Naruto muttering something to himself and sighed. He raised an eyebrow at his friend with face of curiosity. At long last, Naruto came to his senses; his eyes were glued to the direction ahead of them as Sasuke watched him.

"Hey, that looks like Sakura-chan with Akira… but the girl has brown hair…" Naruto described. As the word 'Sakura' was heard by Sasuke, he immediately looked at the direction ahead of them. Indeed the girl really looked like Sakura but something was different, her hair, her eyes? He still couldn't distinguish the eyes; he was far from them. But something else bothered him, what is it? He asked himself, then, as they got closer, they saw that she was somewhat shouting at Akira for something, who in turn just looked at her irritably.

Sasuke got it, it was her attitude, even if he was far from them he still can distinguish her attitude from the way she reacted mutely and waved her hands hysterically. She may look like Sakura, but her attitude was indeed different from his Sakura…

They slowly came to view; Akira noticed them. He looked at them pleadingly, as if he wanted to get away from the girl.

To be continued.

A/N: Sorry!!! This is a boring chapter, I know! And this is too short too!!!! I'm sorry for the long wait… I'm too busy coping up with my studies… huhuhuh…

I've got failing marks on my first quiz!!! How unlucky of me!!!! TT … but no matter… I'm still glad I was able to update…

Next chapter will be entitled… "Flirtatious Intent"… hint… hint!!! y'know who will flirt in the next chapter??? Read and find out!

Don't forget to Review!!! It won't you anything! So please review!!! I'm really, awfully sorry!!!!

Bye! Jaa ne, Minna…