Chapter 5: So Damn Good

One sunny Saturday morning, we rehearsed at the National Park. That incident in the playground with Gaara is still fresh in my mind. How he hugged me.. How warm it felt..

And of course the pain that Sasuke brought to me is still present. But still, the show must go on.

Sasuke and I rested under a tree. And Gaara.. He was sitting under another tree far away from us, as usual.

"Nice morning, isn't it Sasuke?" I said, trying to start a nice conversation.

He didn't answer. I sighed.

"Oh.. Uhm.. What does your parents do for a living? Well, your house is really big--" I wasn't able to finish my sentence.

"They're dead." He simply answered.

I fell silent. They're.. dead. No wonder he acts so cold.

"I-I'm sorry.." That was all I could say.

He rested his chin on his knees. He's so silent.. Did I offend him?

I gently rubbed his back and he sighed.

"At least you've got your brother.. I mean y-you're not alone.." I told him. I'm not sure if I said the right thing.

"You don't know anything about Itachi." He answered. He sounded quite angry.

I leaned against the tree and looked at the cerulean sky. My lips curled into a smile.

"I know he's Uchiha Itachi, Uchiha Sasuke's older brother." I said with a small smile.

He glared at me before he stood up.

"Just stay away from him.." He said then walked away.

I stood up and followed him.

"Hey Sasuke, why should I stay away from him?"

"Just do as I say!" He sounded as if he's irritated.

"Oh Sasuke.. You know that I.. Uh.. I l-like you uhm.. so.. how about a date tonight?" I asked with a smile on my face even if I knew what his answer would be. Maybe he changed his mind and finally realized that he also likes me.

Maybe.. Just maybe..

He stopped and looked at me.

"Dream on.. And leave me alone, ok?! I'm so tired of you!" He angrily answered and walked away.

I stopped and just stared at his walking figure. My legs felt so numb and soon I collapsed on the ground.

"S-Sasuke.." I mumbled. Tears started to form in my eyes and soon, those salty liquid just came flowing down my cheeks.

"Just let him be.."

I looked behind, it was Gaara.

I wiped my tears by the back of my palm. I flashed him a weak smile.

"H-Hey Gaara.. Uh.. I.." I stamered.

"There are people who just want to be left alone." He said. "Don't feel offended by his words."

I stood up and dusted my skirt.

"T-Thanks." I said. My weak smile turned into a frown. "M-Maybe he just.. d- doesn't like me.."

"Try to understand him," He said. "and you will know the answer."

I sat back under the tree. I was silent for quite a while, thinking about what he said. Try to understand him.. and you will know the answer.

"Here." I looked up. Gaara's arm was stretched, offering me a cone of strawberry ice cream.

"Hey, how did you know that I like this flavor?" I asked him. Strawberry is truly my favorite flavor of ice cream.

"Just by looking at you I could tell." He answered.

I don't know.. I just felt like giving him a sweet smile.

-----

It was already dark when we finished our practice. I remembered that I must go to the grocery and buy some food. Living alone sure is hard.

I bought some bread, eggs, fish, strawberries, milk and juice. I even saw Naruto, his basket full of instant ramen. Fortunately for me, I already left the grocery before he could have the chance to see me.

-----

I finally reached my apartment. I even saw Ino standing near the entrance door. I assumed she wanted to talk to me so I invited her inside.

"Wow Sakura, you managed to keep your apartment clean despite your busy schedule?!" She said, her eyes roaming around my small living room.

"That's mainly the reason. I'm always away." I answered.

"So, how's your practice with Gaara?"

"Oh just fine. He's really not that bad." I gave her a smile.

"And what about Sasuke?" She continued asking, this time her voice was full of enthusiasm.

Sasuke..

My smile suddenly vanished upon hearing his name. Ino is my best friend so maybe it's okay to tell her the truth and stop pretending but I don't want her or anyone worrying about me. I don't want to be a burden to anyone..

Then again, I pretended that I was happy. I flashed her a beautiful smile.

"Oh really great! Sasuke's such a good actor! And he's really handsome! You can't imagine how close we are to each other now." I happily answered.

"I really envy you, Sakura!" She said with a pout. "But you won't be able to steal my Sasuke from me!"

I laughed on how she looked. Oh, that felt quite good..

"Well, I came here to invite you to a camping trip three days after your presentation." She said.

I looked at the calendar. Our presentation will be four days from now which is a Wednesday. So that camping trip will be held on a Saturday.

"Why not?" I said. "Who else would be coming?"

"Uhm.. Me, you, Naruto, Hinata, Shikamaru, Neji.." Ino looked at the ceiling, trying to recall something. "Hey Sakura, could you invite Sasuke to come?"

Now how would I be able to do that?

"O-Okay.." I said, flashing her a reassuring smile. "Uh Ino, could I also invite Gaara to come with us?"

Her eyes widened. "Sakura are you serious?!"

"Well, yeah. I mean he's not that bad and I think it would be good if you c- could get to know him better." I said with a small smile.

She sighed. "Alright, do what you want but just get Sasuke to come, okay?"

I gave her two thumbs up. "Sure thing!"

You stupid Sakura!

-----

Sunday, our free day from practice! I woke up at around seven in the morning, had my breakfast, took a bath, brushed my teeth and now I think I'm ready to go to Sasuke's house and invite him to the upcoming camping trip.

My legs were slightly shaking as I stood in front of the enormous gate of the Uchiha residence.

Remember Sakura, you're only here to invite him, that's all.

After some minutes of waiting, the guard finally opened the massive gate.

A servant, the one who caught me wandering in the corridor some days ago, led me to the living room and asked me to wait for Sasuke. It's a good thing that that Master Itachi of theirs didn't fire him.

I sat quietly on the cream-colored couch. I can't help admiring the beauty of this room. It's even larger than my apartment!

Something caught my attention. A picture of Sasuke and Itachi when they were still kids. I went closer to it to have a clearer view. The glass has a crack on its center. I wonder why they won't change that broken picture frame.

"I see you've noticed that picture."

I turned around and saw that familiar smirk, long, raven hair, jet black, dangerous orbs.

"Itachi.."

"Sasuke will be here in a matter of minutes." Itachi said.

Keep away from him..

Sasuke's voice suddenly rang into my mind. I think it's the best thing to do seeing his smirk getting bigger.

"P-Pardon me but I think I'll have to leave now. I-I'll just call him later.." I nervously said. I walked past him but then he grabbed my arm.

"Hm.. That silly little brother of mine." I heared him say from behind me. Suddenly, I felt his arm around my shoulder and another around my waist. His chin rested on my shoulder.

"He told you to avoid me, didn't he?" He whispered harshly to my ear.

My legs were really shaking. I can't move forward because his arms were around me neither can I move back because he's just behind me.

"N-No.. I.. I.." I tried to speak but no more words came out.

"Quit lying, you little bitch.." He harshly whispered again. I could feel his hot breath against my neck. Then I felt something damp on my neck.

It felt so disgusting, filthy, and.. so damn.. good. Oh shit!

Was he trying to seduce me?

I slowly closed my eyes as I sighed. I know it's wrong yet it felt so good.. Damn you, Uchiha Itachi for.. for.. being so good..

I would have give in to him.. almost moaned in.. in pleasure if Sasuke didn't open the door.

Sasuke? Oh.. My.. God..

I shivered as I looked straight to his raven orbs, flaring in.. anger? But it didn't matter why because he already walked out to somewhere.. I don't know! I felt so confused.. So disgusted on how I acted.

Oh no.. What have I done?!

I finally came to my senses and bit Itachi's arm and ran away from him, following an angry walking Sasuke.

"Sasuke, wait!"

-=-=-=-

Uhm sorry if this chapter sucks.

BTW, I didn't expect that you'll somehow like Sakura and Gaara's perception about love. I'm just a happy, happy person who adores love!

Please review! Thank you all!