December 18, 2004,
I finally managed to get this posted; I have to say that I am feeling extremely giddy. Unfortunately, I have to say that there isn't any Naruto in this chapter, and probably won't be in the next chapter. But I can assure you I will have Chapter Six posted by Christmas Eve, so don't get mad. And soon after that, if I get tablet, then I will be EXTREMELY happy. I see that I have some new reviewers! This is cool! I'll be responding to all reviews at the end of this chapter, so check for your response!
I promised I wouldn't write very much for an author's note, but I realized something. I REALLY want to talk about the story. I am EXCITED about it, truly I am. And I also figured out that for a humor/Romance story, it could often times be humorless and romance less. To give myself a little bit of lee-way I figure that the hero hasn't really made his appearance yet and even then, it is still on the first day. So I think I will type this part here in hopes that I can simply post the events of the rest of this first day and the detention in this chapter. I am hoping that, depending on how long this chapter is after I am finished with Iruka's class and Sakura's discussion that I will have room to put the detention event. But I will just have to see. And if there is room I will describe where she lives and the like… So that next chapter she can meet some new people, and maybe see Naruto too.
And I have figured out how I want their relationship to go: From enemies, to friends, to dating, to love, to blah, blah blah. I want them to start out as friends that way it can develop, don't worry, QUICKLY into a full blown romance. And of course, there will be a few little things in the way. In fact, I have been kind of at a loss because I simply wanted Naruto to meet Sakura and I had the circumstances to how they met down pat, but other then that, I have nothing.
Still, I don't want to lose any readers because Naruto isn't here- all I can say is, it will be worth the wait! I PROMISE! So just stick with me, it has been fun writing up until this point, and I have a good deal of her past and how Midori and everything filters in, so I am really thankful for all of the ideas you guys gave me! This chapter is kind've short because I don't really know how to have a discussion on building things. Lol, I am not going to be a building designer. I think this is important to go over, though, because this building project will start during Sakura and Naruto's relationship in they're sophomore year. From then on, it will grow until they graduate, assuming that Naruto's idiocy has worn off on Sakura and they get kicked off. Gosh! I have so much planned for this story now! I have cold chills… I might just have to split it up into two stories! This is going to be so much fun!
Once again, sorry for Naruto's absence, stick in for the final show and you'll love me! BTW- I'll try to add more humor, but what type of humor gets you best? Tell me in your review, okay :D
-LukyLady123
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Chapter Five: Rational and Irrational: "PROPOSAL!"
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Sakura threw her partially eaten lunch into the trash receptacle that was conveniently placed at the end of every table. She had swept her eating place clean and made certain that she hadn't left any trash. She briefly considered asking for another napkin so she could clean the mess next to hers but she wasn't really all that concerned but she had eaten so fast and so ill-mannered-like that she figured her only retribution was to clean her own mess up. She didn't have to suck up to anybody in the cafeteria, although it wouldn't hurt to become friendly with the cafeteria ladies here. That could possibly earn her some points.
( ' WHATEVER ' )
She left early from the lunch hall, determined to see if Iruka-sensei was teaching a class right then. Her mood had not changed in the two hour time period that she had been given for lunch. She wasn't at all surprised when she had not seen many people there. Most of their families came and picked them up and took them out to an expansive lunch somewhere exotic and fed them until they were bursting at the seems, like Chouji. For poor students like her, an expansive lunch was not a possibility. She was lucky to have her ham sandwich on Barley bread and a mayonnaise packet from the cafeteria.
( ' GOD this BLOWS! ' )
She realized, after careful deliberation, that it would be impossible for her to speak with Iruka-sensei after school in regards to the building of dorms on school campus because she, at present, had three detentions and no idea about what she was supposed to due during the time period listed on the sheet. It would be best not to be late for such things, she concluded solemnly with a deft nod of her head.
It was logical for her to go and see Iruka during lunch in this case. Because she had no clue of where to report to for her punishment she could term this visit as informational and logical. She could take the time to get directions from him…
( ' It's not like he doesn't know you're just a LIAR anyway! You've already been caught getting in trouble by him anyway! ' ) Inner Sakura Goaded…
As she neared the classroom she saw through the glass panel that the classroom was vacant and empty. Regardless, she lifted a dainty hand and knocked carefully, remembering somewhere that it was polite to knock on doors before entering a room of any sort, most of all the opposite sex's'. She still felt the elation of her emotionless deduction and the vibrant class period with Midori-san.
Not using the honorific felt very strange as it was a custom in Japan to use them as terms of respect. Still, it was her choice whether or not she wanted to use them or not, and while Midori had used a completely unprofessional way about asking her to cal upon her differently, she felt the urge to comply. Besides, she didn't say anything about not using honorifics, if she even knew what they were…
Besides, Midori had given her the best care she had yet to receive since the eventful morning with Naruto and Shizumi- ( ' BAKA ' ) sensei's class. She was happy enough that she didn't really know why she was standing outside of the classroom grinning like a fool.
It only put a small damper on her mood when the door suddenly burst open, sending her flying backwards-
( ' What the Fu- ' )
-landing ungracefully on her bottom with an "OOF". Sakura instinctively rubbed her head, although it was her bottom that was injured, and peeked up through her eyes just in time to see a girl rush by, her red hair ruffling and smoking. It was cut short and was scraggly and incredibly dirty looking, an unkempt look about her in its entirety. Sakura bit her bottom lip and stifled her retort to the rude behavior and instead turned to the classroom door.
"The least she could have done was helping me stand up…" She said out loud, allowing some bitterness to show. She got up, and dusted at her clothing, aware that rubbing at her butt probably wasn't the most polite thing to do, but better that then look like crap. She started to open the door and step into the classroom when a huge gust of wind blasted her back, as well as the very significant smell of SMOKE. Se blinked a row of soot rubbing into her eyes and gave a soft cry of pain. She bent over and gently rubbed at her eye, trying to ease the horrible sting.
"Did you get some soot in your eye, Miss Haruna?" Sakura was so startled that she jerked upright and smashed the back of her head on the front of Iruka's face. She gave a soft cry as her head spun and she sank to her knees, dazed, little whirlpools spinning around in her eyes...
( ' Whaahh?! ' )
The whole situation was very funny to be honest. Inner Sakura was laughing evilly in Sakura's pounding head and it only increased the dizzying sensation sweeping past her eyes.
It wasn't funny to Sakura.
She winced, realizing immediately whose head she had smashed into. She gave a soft cry of horror and rushed an apology to her lips. Her watery eyes opened half way as she tried to make a futile swipe at them.
"It's okay." She heard him say, and forced herself not to sigh in relief. She stood up and brushed at her clothing and gave Iruka a looking-over. His clothing was mussed, as if he had recently been doing something dirty, and his hair was loose from his ponytail and standing at every end. The funniest part though, had to be his face, where it was apparent that he had been wearing glasses because there was a circular patch around both of his eyes where the skin was tanned, and not black with soot. Sakura gave a mirthless laugh at the image, still recovering herself from the repeated damage done to her head. Not to mention her butt was aching…
…really-really bad.
"I was reading instructions to a student who is not very good at English. It's unfortunate that I don't know German either…" Iruka continued to explain. Sakura felt an incredulous smile lift across her face without her go ahead- and wanted to smack herself for it. Giving instructions for a SCIENCE experiment???
"So I was telling her what to do by looking at the pictures." Sakura peeked around his side and saw that the entire front counter was black instead of the normal woody color. She stifled another laugh with a little more effort, at least her head was a little clearer now and her eyes weren't watery with tears.
"So why are you here, Miss Haruna?" he asked, his gaze on hers, "I was under the impression that we would be speaking after school about the Building Project." His thick brow curved in an inquiring look and Sakura felt a blush of shame over her features… He was suspecting her of doing something bad already. She realized with a gasp that it was probably because she had been with the miscreant NARUTO!
( ' ARGH!!! Stupid Guerilla shouldn't make ASUMPTIONS! ' )
She shook the mental Sakura away and steeled herself: she was prepared for this- she had researched every almost every avenue and was FULLY prepared for this!
"I came here, early so that I could speak with you regarding the conversation we had earlier today in the hall." She said, in her most professional voice yet. She watched in satisfaction as his face seemed to take on the "Your-so-intelligent" look or the "I'm-relieved" look. She smiled to herself.
( ' HELL YEAH! ' )
"I thought you were going to speak with me regarding that after school…" He drawled on. Sakura blushed, bowing her head. It was an act to show remorse as she said "And I came early because have received a detention from my first class and will be unable to stay late." She heard Iruka laugh heartedly and she looked up into his face, his scar seeming to stretch longer across his face as his whole face expanded with the force of his laugh.
Meanwhile, Inner Sakura was dieing with rage, screaming obscenities.
Sakura steeled her face, but she couldn't hide the mirthful lift of her eyebrows at his strange behavior and the way he tossed his whole head back when he laughed. When he had been quietly subdued he asked in a strange voice, one that needed more oxygen, "It was Katsuragi Shizumi, wasn't it?" She couldn't help but give a small laugh to as they shared what Sakura thought to be the first starting of a bond between them.
It wouldn't be as easy to milk him over as it was Midori, but then again, he had seen that she was late- but she was willing to work at it. Not everybody was a pure and kind soul like Midori and she had a feeling that Iruka was a pure soul that was a little less forgiving. Still… She was willing to win his approval and then…
She would be the one on the top.
( ' HELL YEAH! ' )
He motioned her inside the classroom and asked her "did you find the office alright? Hokage-sama told me about how you had gotten lost." Sakura shook her head, "actually, I simply went to class." This incited another round of laughter from him.
"Sakura-chan, may I call you that?" he asked and was received by a small nod on her part, "I hate to tell you, but you HAVE to get a pass otherwise it is an automatic detention!" He couldn't help himself that time and he burst into laughter again. Sakura's expression fell as he bent at the waist to try and contain his laughter as she thought of the three she already had BURNING a hole into her pocket.
"But it's the teachers… who… ha-ha… give th-… Detention!!!" he laughed. Sakura felt a biting retort at her lips for his unprofessional behavior but shut herself up and straightened her posture and expression. She liked this man as a teacher, but he was unpredictable and wavered in his behavior. She felt her own behavior change, but ignored it. She might as well save her image from further desecration and get on with what she wanted to talk about.
She looked at the clock which she knew would be over the door. She was still very surprised at his behavior. For a man who was divorced and his children taken from him, and a drinking problem, he seemed pretty normal. Not to mention how unbelievable it was for an Osaka High teacher to act the way he was. She noticed that there were only a few more minutes until the end of lunch and thus- the end of her "conversation" if it was anything more then the BELITTING of her character and her misfortune.
'I HATE Karma…' she thought spitefully.
"Actually Iruka-sensei, if we could talk about the building project, we only have a few more minutes and I fear that that will be insufficient time to discuss this topic." She asked when he had finally stopped laughing. Four more minutes until class starts…
"Actually, I don't want to talk about the building project," Sakura felt like a stone had been thrown down her throat, "Could you possibly write it up for me, what you want to say that is? That way we can confer when I have your opinion and maybe argue?"
Another report, a lost ham sandwich lunch… What more could they take from her? Her PRIDE?
( ' DAMN IT! ' )
Sakura nodded once and answered, "Yes, Iruka-sensei, I will definitely write it up, a formal report." She watched his approving nod and followed him when he asked her to help him clear away the mess he had made while stupidly giving instructions to a student whose language he couldn't read himself.
And that was how she had spent her first meeting with Iruka-sensei. She had spent so much time researching the topic. She was in favor of on-campus housing. She wanted to speak with him and have a better chance of ( ' KISSING ASS ' ) gaining favor. It was too bad that he wanted to laugh at her as she retold her "tale" about how she had come to school and her first class being the Bird Lady's class. He laughed when she let the nickname slip and they shared that small joke.
Too bad we said he was going to share that with the faculty.
When the bell rang she went to her seat and sat there quietly. She wasn't as excited as she had been after meeting Midori-sama, but she was still very happy. As class went by she listened attentively as Iruka spoke on "Brave New World." It was truly interesting. She had not even heard about the book but was certain she would be buying it. As he spoke she truly got into the idea of how terrible a world as was written in the book, could be. The book told of its belief that the class system, even in advanced years, still would exist in society. It was interesting to think about how the future would change and the book told of a dark time and it left lots of ideas for the future and how dark or light it could be.
When the bell rang she had to shake herself out of the trance she was in. Iruka had spoken with such conviction about the book that she had allowed herself to get caught up in the story and the sound of his voice. She silently reprimanded herself for not paying attention and she silently wondered if that was the way Iruka wanted his class to be- in tuned to his reading so much that they would be in a daze. He was a great teacher, a whole different story from what he had acted like before class, and she knew exactly why he taught at Osaka now. Her respect for him had increased… She simply hoped she could gain his respect.
It was only until she had gotten out of the door and into the hallway that she realized that she still had her detention slips in her pocket. She hadn't escaped anything from sitting in class. Better yet, she thought she was better then everyone else in the hallway…
( ' That is because I AM! ' )
'Right now…' she thought sadly. She stopped in the middle of the hallway and felt the other students walking by her. It was a dizzying feeling- her head seemed to inflate and her senses airy as she watched the blurred faces swell past her. They rushed by- a legion of straight standing, head held high, uniformly dressed people. She wasn't any better then any other person in the crowded hallway. The teachers stood by their doors to monitor the halls but there was no need, nothing was out of order.
She had a little trouble breathing for a moment, realizing just how perfect this environment was, and the overwhelming knowledge that she had to be better then that came over her so swiftly that she felt sick. After a moment the halls were nearly empty and her head was clearer. She stood up straight, and couldn't quiet remember what it was that had gotten her that way in the first place.
"Oh well." She said simply.
She had gotten the required information on where the detention hall was, and the assurance that if the teacher so wished they could insist upon the student serving detention in the classroom. It was between the lunch hall, next to the stairs leading to the 2nd floor, and the library. So she headed that way….
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End of Chapter Author Commentary:
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December 18, 2004,
Wow! (((Wipes at brow))) That was very exhausting to write. I did a lot of talking at the beginning of this chapter so I will make this short: I am sorry for the Naruto-less chapters… it is getting so bad that I can't write the next chapter and instead started chapter 7 -- that is pretty bad, I think…
So I understand your pain, so just bare with. I promise you'll have your update before Christmas Eve, my gift to you, until then, keep reading and stay safe!
-LukyIrish12
Your Reviews Comments: (20 again this chapter :D, I think (ponder)) I LOVE having 20 reviews for a chapter! It makes me so happy! I am sorry if I left you out, if I did, yell at me, okay?! Thanks so much for all of the comments… It took a long time for me to type them and Brit was getting mad, lol :D
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RimRim- Your right, the flame should not have hurt as much as it did because apparently they were still reading up until chapter three. Thanks so much for the moral support, it made me feel a lot better. As far as dieing… maybe :D I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and welcome you to "I'm Sick to Death" my little Ficcy. I hope you'll like what you read from her on :D
Mike Pan- (Sniffle) I can't tell if you disliked this chapter or not. There isn't any character development, I guess I phrased that wrong, what I meant to say was "I hope the characters are developing" as in, I hope you are getting a good idea what they are like. I'm really sorry, but I just wasn't certain, I have never heard the saying "first impression last." I hope that doesn't mean your first impression of my story was wrong?! (sad).
ChrissyEyes4323- I was so glad to see you reading this story too! I didn't know you knew about Naruto!
Third Degree Run- TDR :D I get it now :D I am so GLAD that your thinking about her past! This means that I was successful in getting you to think! And your right, I made that idea up when I thought of how I could make the main character something like Naruto, as in, trying to get something similar but different from the original character. That connection is TRUE! You need a cookie!!! As far as Naruto… (sniffle) One last chappie to go, I promise --
ASN Water- I didn't really have a plan when I first started writing. After I got started, I thought about how I wanted her to be an exchange student, but that wouldn't work out if she wasn't being exchanged from some other country. I choose for the school to be in America because I know America best. It is named Osaka, as you will find out, because the Hokage is Japanese. :D Sorry for the confusion :D Midori is mysterious, no?
Tsunade-Chan- If you really want a spoiler, you'll have to read and find out! I promise it will be heartbreaking and you'll LOVE IT! I won't make you wait long… at least… I hope not :D As far as being a math/science/art person… All I can say/do is clap… You're a math person AND an Art person?!?! (claps louder).
Ffan- Good job with the gold card in FF7, I ONLY HAVE A PLATNIUM card, blast you! It was cool hearing from you and I hope you will stick with "I'm Sick to Death!"
Keltosh- there WILL be Naruto POV, but right now, for starting the story, it is just her. It mainly focus's on her change and how Naruto is the cause of it. Her past is an amazing thing… I can't wait to reveal it, and Midori's role in it too! As far as Sasuke… We can all make a Sasuke bashing forum, what do you say? Wanna give a helping hand?!
Smiter- I really hope that this chapter was good. I love your comments, they are clean and to the point, very nice, thank you. As far as Midori… Gosh, I get chills thinking about her role… I wonder if it will be a big thing or not that she is a music teacher… I do believe somewhere in Chapter Three I mentioned how incredibly intelligent she is, right? That may have something to do with Sakura and her past too!!! (evil cackle).
Malita- I had to go back and see what you meant by "in case you did want one" I was pulling a blank, a first on my part. To be honest, I would love a proofreader. But right now, while I am in trouble… I can barely post things as it, proofreading it would take weeks, not to mention how fast someone would be able to proof. These are relatively short Chappies, but still… Thanks, I hope you liked this chappie too. Cookie for you! (throws cookie and munches on own cookie). She could very well be her mother… or her sister… for all that Sakura can remember, (living with her aunt and Uncle for two year) she could be her father! I hope, for your sake and for mine, the answers come quickly!!! :P
SugaBab- congratulations! Happiness and a cookie for you! Welcome to "I'm Sick to Death!"
The Honest Reviewie- Hana-chan, you always say the most motivating things to me! I love you! And I am glad you like Midori too! She IS me, that is what is so funny. She is my perfect personification of myself… I think in the end, Sakura, as a grown up, might be able to be like her… I wonder if she would turn out a happy person, in normal circumstances? Thanks so much for your support (sniffle).
ILLK- Yay! Welcome to the story! I know… I hate having things unclear for me too, I like to search for stories with a lot of words, because those are normally the ones with the long chapters and you get a lot of story in one setting. That is always nice. Though, with me, I find that following a story can be just as fun too! I like knowing that I have a place in a author's pages, like what I am trying to do now, by answering your review. Make me kinda happy, how about you?
Krn-Kimbap- I don't know about Naruto being in any of her classes… I have him planned for one… Maybe after there first year, don't worry it will go by fast after this first day, they can have classes, when a little bit of Sakura has worn off on Naruto! Sasuke might be another exchange student… I don't know… And I got the email! I am so sorry, I don't have the ability to put anything on my computer right now, because I don't have AOL, otherwise… I already have msn :D It's LukyLady123
Ken(I am supposing the numbers are for the same reviewer)- your exuberance is amazing! I was very pleased to see you review for every chapter, thanks! And welcome to "I'm Sick to Death!"
Lost Star- WELCOME!!! I know the feeling about the Naru/Saku fics. I am hoping you will think my story will be one of those stories to count on the fist, maybe with the thumb?! (the biggest finger :P) I was so happy, you were my first new reader since chapter 2, I think (ponders) either way I treated you like it! Soon I will draw you a picture, maybe of Naruto and Sakura?! After Christmas I will tell you when it is done! Thanks for the review, it made my day!!!
Kabuto- I don't know how I did on the Chemistry Exam -- But I know I aced History like a …. And Geometry… I don't know, but I think I got either a really low B, or a really high C, overall a C. Predictions: Chemistry: C Geometry: B History: A :D Thanks! (throws a cookie and claps hands).
Black- I don't really like the High school stories much myself either. I figured that high school life Is just boring. But with humor and drama, and an enthralling romance, I am hoping to make this one interesting! I am glad that you stepped out of the box and started this one up, and even happier to see someone else happy about Naruto influencing Sakura! I just love it! I welcome you happily to "I'm Sick to Death!" Have a doggie treat (tosses can of dog food) JK :D
NaruSaku- I sent you a return email, I didn't want anybody to see the answer :D
Chaotic Demon- Your approval, that cute face. I am guessing you like it! YAY! I'll be drawing you a picture soon TOO! (Throws picture with a huge . on it for good humor). Welcome to "I'm Sick to Death," and I hope I can keep you here for the long haul!
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And that, I think, is it for this chapter! See you next chapter… As of right now, there are only 6 more days until Christmas… OMG! I hope I get Tablet… I already have Open Canvas (the most recent version), so a tablet will make me DIE of joy (almost as much joy as I get every time I can check my mail and see my reviews!) (((Sniffle)))).
Thanks so much you guys!
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