DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN NARUTO

Italics mean what the person is thinking.

AN: Definite pairings: SasukeSakura, TentenNeji, NarutoHinata, and InoShikamaru. There is no Inner Sakura in this fic unless you really really want her in it. This story is slightly AU. Remember, nobody likes a flamer!

Three Weeks Vacation

Day 4: Wednesday

Sakura woke up groggily to see something obscure her vision…something that resembled a monster with a face of coal black eyes, pale skin, and black hair…Sakura screamed, "Aah!"

She sat up and her head collided with the object. 'It' yelled aloud with pain. "Ouch, Sakura, what's your problem!"

Sakura recognized Sasuke's voice and apologized. "Oh, gomen, Sasuke-kun! You scared me! What are you doing here?"

Sakura checked the clock. Six? What is he doing in my room at six? Sasuke started stammering, "Uh, I was, um, checking on you?"

Sakura squinted up at him. "Checking on me? Why?"

Sasuke scratched his head. "Umm…you seemed distressed…?"

Sakura thought, Weird…he's been checking on me a lot, and he always says I'm distressed whenever I catch him 'checking on me'.. She asked, "I was? What, did I say something in my sleep?"

Sasuke was caught off guard. What? She wasn't supposed to ask that! And I can't tell her the truth! He started stumbling over his words, "Erm…yeah…something about…uh…your sister back home?"

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "I was talking about…my sister?"

Sasuke nodded hastily. "Yeah, saying how you were worried about her and stuff."

Sasuke started sweating. Please buy it, please buy it…Sakura's mouth thinned. Sasuke gulped silently. That is not a good sign. She began wryly, "Sasuke-kun…I don't have a sister."

Sasuke blanched. Oh…shit…He stammered, "R-Really? Well, y-you were t-talking about a s-sister…"

Sakura sat up and glared at Sasuke. "What were you really doing in my room?"

Sasuke barely heard her question. He was busy staring at Sakura. She was wearing a tank-top and one of the straps had slipped off her shoulder. God, she looks sexy…Ack! No! I didn't think that! Sasuke clenched his hands to stop them from straying onto Sakura. "Nothing! Just checking you out. No! I meant I was just checking on you!"

Sakura slid off the bed very quickly, almost panicky. "Uh, right! When the real Sasuke-kun gets back, let me know!"

She dashed into the bathroom as if a pack of wolves were chasing her. Sasuke watched her leave. He wiped the sweat off his forehead. Great…well…Phew…that was close…I'll have to be more careful next time. Good thing she didn't wake up when I kissed her! Sasuke smirked. I wonder how she'd react if she wakes up during the night when I'm with her. Weird though, because when she's asleep, and I'm with her, she's content, according to the words coming out of her mouth. When Sakura walked through the door or her room and saw Sasuke sitting on her bed with vacant eyes and smirking like an idiot, she tilted her head in confusion. Is it just me, or is Sasuke-kun getting more and more weird everyday? She cleared her throat, "Um…Sasuke-kun?"

He snapped out of his thoughts. "Oh, hi. Sorry, I'll be going now."

He hurried out of the room, regaining his composure. Sakura shook her head. "That wasn't Naruto in Sasuke-form, right?"

She shrugged and headed out her room into the kitchen. She made some quick pancakes and yelled, "Naruto, Sasuke-kun! Time to eat!"

Naruto sped out his room and wolfed down the pancakes. Sasuke merely sauntered out as usual and sat down. Sakura eyed him warily, wondering why he had acted weird in the morning. Sakura shook her head and smiled brightly. "Eat up! We're going to Ino's house today!"

Sasuke raised an eyebrow. He said icily, "I don't need another fangirl."

Sakura stared coolly back at Sasuke. God! He was acting so weird this morning, too! A knock on the door interrupted their staring contest. Sakura opened it and smiled at Chouji. "Hi, Chouji!"

Chouji waved at Sakura. "Ino says to hurry up…"

Sakura nodded. "We just finished with breakfast. Let's go now!"

Her voice was firm and steely, and the two boys obeyed, one quickly, the other reluctantly. Soon, everyone except Neji, Tenten, and Lee were at Ino's house. She smiled widely. "Well, let's play seven minutes in heaven!"

There were groans, but everyone knew how fierce Ino could be. Ino smiled sweetly, "But instead of kissing in a closet for seven minutes, the two lucky ducks will just stay in a closet for seven minutes instead!"

Sakura looked horrified, Sasuke looked pissed off, Naruto looked clueless, and the others were groaning. Nobody backed down because they didn't want to be called a coward. Everyone wrote their names and put the papers into two separate baskets. Ino drew two names and snickered. "Naruto and Hinata. Into the closet, both of you!"

Hinata paled and Naruto gulped. He stuttered, "Is this really…"

One glare from Ino, and he stumbled into the closet. Hinata followed timidly, face red as a tomato. All was quiet for a moment, then, "Owch, Naruto, t-that was m-my eye y-you poked…"

"Whoops! Sorry, Hinata-chan, but you hit me in the stomach, and my hands flew out I guess."

"Naruto! You're on m-my foot n-now!"

"Gomen! Gosh, it's dark in here…Oh man! Did I just elbow you, Hinata?"

"Owww…Naruto…p-please be m-more careful! Naruto! You just stepped on my other foot!"

"Ehehe…I can't see, Hinata!"

After the seven minutes, Ino laughed, "You two can come out now…"

The two fell out of the closet, and Hinata had bruises on her feet, arms, and face. Everyone was howling with laughter except for Sasuke. He was just smirking, like usual. Ino drew the next two papers and screeched. Shikamaru glanced at them and sighed. "How troublesome…me and Ino in a closet?"

Everyone grinned. Except Sasuke again. Ino grabbed Shikamaru by the ear and practically hauled him into the closet. All was silent, then they could hear Shikamaru. "Ino…why are you pushing me against this side of the closet? It's really uncomfortable, you know?"

Ino sounded mad. "What do you think, you moron? I don't want you anywhere near me!"

Shikamaru's voice sounded muffled, as if he was pushed against the wall. "Well, it hurts. Could you at least give me some space? Or don't use your foot to push me. You're stepping on my back."
Sakura giggled and seven minutes flew by. Ino stormed out of the closet, and Shikamaru's face seemed kind of flat. Ino snatched out the next two pieces of paper. She snickered. "Shino…and Hinata."

Hinata gulped, and Shino remained expressionless. He walked into the closet, and Hinata followed. The first three minutes, everyone was silent. Then, Naruto asked, "You don't think Shino let his bugs loose on Hinata, do you?"

Sasuke sighed. "No, you dobe, he would not have done that."
Naruto looked relieved. "Okay…just making sure…"

The rest of the time, it was still quiet. Shino walked out of the closet as if nothing had happened, and Hinata looked shaken. She was whimpering, "B-Bugs…E-everywhere…Ugh!"

Ino shook her head and drew the next two…and screamed. Really loudly. Loud enough to shatter all the windows in the house. Everyone covered their ears and scrunched up their faces because of the noise. Soon, they were able to make out words in Ino's screams. "Nani? This must be a fluke! How come Sakura gets go be with Sasuke? Why wasn't it me?"

Sasuke had his eyes shut tightly, and he didn't notice the murderous glances shot at him from Ino. Shikamaru yelled, "Ino! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!"

She obeyed reluctantly, and Shikamaru asked, "So why did you scream?"

Ino screeched, "Sasuke and Sakura in the closet for seven minutes! Why do you think I screamed?"

Sasuke closed his eyes and thought, I will not kill Ino…I will not resort to violence just because some stupid annoying fangirl shattered my eardrums…I'm calm…composure…regain my composure…Sasuke grounded his teeth together, and Sakura heard it. She winced, then gulped as she remembered Sasuke in the morning. He won't…he won't do anything to me in the closet…right? She scolded herself. Like he would want anything to do with you! She stood up and followed Sasuke into the closet. Shikamaru had to restrain Ino from going after them. Sakura slipped into the closet. She laughed nervously. "Wow…sure is crowded in here, huh?"

Sasuke nodded uncomfortably and shut the closet door hesitantly. Sakura gulped and broke out sweating. I should be happy…Why do I feel nervous? She could feel Sasuke pressed up against her. She growled, "It's not that crowded in here…scoot over."

Sasuke tried but tripped on something inside. Sakura heard him curse, and then all of the sudden, he had pinned her against the closet wall. Sakura's eyes popped open as she felt Sasuke's lips pressed against hers. Sasuke broke away, panting, "Gomen! I tripped."

Sakura touched her lips. She was glad it was dark because she was blushing heavily. "O-Oh…"

Sakura was acutely aware that there was so little space in the closet, that she was pushed against Sasuke. Uncomfortable, Sakura tried moving away, but encountered the wall behind her. "Argh…"

Sasuke spun around and faced her. "Want me to move over?"

Sakura nodded meekly and suddenly her knees felt wobbly. She flung out her arms to support herself, and she felt her arms collide with Sasuke's solid frame. The closet started spinning, and Sakura cried out. She faintly made out Sasuke hugging her, and his voice echoed in her head. "Sakura…okay…fell…Sakura…Sakura!"

Then, Sakura blacked out. She awoke hours later and the first thing she saw was Sasuke. She blinked a few times and swore silently that she saw concern in Sasuke's eyes. However, after focusing her sight, the concern was gone, and Sasuke was Sasuke again. He said emotionlessly, "You fainted in the closet. I guess there wasn't enough air in there."

The slightest of smirks was evident on Sasuke's face. Sakura pushed him away and clutched her head. "Oh man…I feel terrible…my head hurts…"

Sasuke sat on the bed next to Sakura. "Sakura…"

She turned towards him, surprised to hear hesitance in his voice. "Nani, Sasuke-kun?"

He bit his lip. "Um…will you…uh…do you…doyouwanttogotothedancewithme?"

Sakura blinked in confusion. The last part had come out in a jumble of words, and she didn't understand. "Sasuke-kun…will you talk a little slower? I didn't quite catch what you said."

Sasuke took a breath. "Do you want to go to the dance with me? Don't get it wrong, but you're my teammate and all, and if I chose someone else, then the others will get the wrong idea."

Sakura squealed and flung her arms around Sasuke's neck. "Of course, Sasuke-kun!"

Sasuke was paralyzed with shock until Sakura kissed him on the cheek. That motivated him into action. Sasuke pried Sakura's arms off his neck. "Don't get the wrong idea. I don't like you. Not at all. I just need someone to go to the dance with otherwise everyone will laugh at me."

Sakura nodded vaguely. Sasuke had the impression she wasn't really listening to him. He leaned forward and said loudly and slowly, "I…don't…like…you…!"

Actually, I do, but hey, that's a sign of weakness. Sakura nodded. "I know, I know."

Sakura slid off the bed, then stopped. "What happened, Sasuke-kun?"

Sasuke stretched and lay on Sakura's bed. "Nothing much…you passed out, I carried you back here. They're all at Ino's house, still playing truth or dare."

Sakura got back on the bed and sat next to Sasuke, staring into his face. Ne…he's so handsome…small wonder why I fell in love with him…do I still love him, though? Sasuke stared back up at her. She's pretty…why didn't I realize it before? Does she still love me? Should I accept her? The two continued to stare at each other, and then Sasuke slowly sat up, not breaking eye contact. He leaned forward until he could feel Sakura's breath. Sakura's eyes were wide, and she was trembling slightly. Sasuke smirked, then wiped a piece of hair away from Sakura's face. "You wish."

He flopped back onto the bed, thinking, Sasuke, you baka! That was a perfect chance! He sighed then rolled off the bed. Sakura watched him leave with a hint of longing. When he disappeared from view, she fell backwards onto the bed. That baka! Stop teasing me, Sasuke-kun! She turned over and stared into the sunset. It bathed everything in orange, and she sighed blissfully. Suddenly, she saw Naruto outside her window, waving frantically. She grabbed a jacket and slipped out the house. "Nani, Naruto?"

He grinned his stupid grin. "Ano sa, Sakura-chan, wanna walk to the beach with me?"

Sakura smiled. "Okay."

The two strolled to the beach leisurely. Naruto turned around and faced Sakura seriously. "Sakura-chan…you need to give up on Sasuke. He has no room in his cold heart for you."

Sakura was taken aback by this seriousness in Naruto's voice. She stammered, "Naruto…I d-don't love Sasuke-kun anymore…"

Naruto shook his head. "You still do. It's obvious."

Sakura sighed and twirled her hair around her finger. "Well…Sasuke-kun is so…handsome. And strong. And-"

Naruto cut her off. "Exactly. But he doesn't love you."

Sakura bit her lip as all the painful memories of Sasuke rejecting her flooded back. She sighed. Naruto sighed as well. "Well…whatever…you decide what's best for you. By the way, do you want to go to the dance with me?"

Sakura smiled sadly. "Gomen, Naruto, but I already agreed to Sasuke-kun…"

Naruto looked shocked. He shouted, "He asked you? He'll only hurt you, Sakura. He can't give you the love you're looking for."

Sakura shouted back, "I don't care! He's enough for me! You don't know anything, Naruto!"

Naruto stiffened. "Fine! But don't come crying to me when Sasuke breaks your heart!"

He stormed away, leaving a tearful Sakura on the beach. Tears streamed silently down her face, and her hair was being blown everywhere by the wind. She heard somebody walking down to the cove, but couldn't see through the curtain of pink hair in her vision. Sakura gathered her white, knee-length skirt and stumbled away from the sound. "Sakura!"

She stopped, recognizing Sasuke's voice. Sakura hesitated, then ran again. The wind was strong, and her own hair blinded her. Sakura ran blindly, her only goal to get as far away from Sasuke. Suddenly, Sakura realized she was running on slippery rocks near the ocean. She heard Sasuke shout, "Sakura, come back! You're on the tide pool rocks! If the tide comes in, you'll get swept to sea!"

Sakura was barely listening. She was concentrating on the wave that was looming up to her, threatening to swallow her. Her eyes were fixed on it when something collided into her back. Sakura yelled, but swallowed a mouthful of water. Sasuke-kun! Naruto! Help me! Bubbles escaped her mouth, and suddenly, her head was thrust free of the water. She took a quick gulp of air and struck out towards the shore. Gotta move fast…another wave, and I'll be gone for sure. I wonder who saved me? Her feet hit the sandy bottom, and she dragged her feet onto the sand. Sakura collapsed with exhaustion. She looked up at the sky, breathing heavily. Suddenly, Sakura could hear panting coming from the sea. She struggled up and saw a sodden Sasuke walk out from the sea. He snapped, "You could have died, baka!"

Sakura was stung, but she defended, "Whatever! It's not like you'd care!"

She was surprised when Sasuke grabbed her shoulders and shook her like a rag doll. He shouted in her face, "Don't do that again! You had me scared! Don't be so stupid, Sakura!"

A single tear streamed down Sakura's face. 'You had me scared!' Sasuke was scared for me…Sakura whispered, "Gomen…I won't do it again."

Sasuke stopped shaking her and hugged her tightly. "I…never want…to see someone important…to me…die…again…"

Sakura was stunned. I'm important to him…important…to Sasuke-kun…Sakura whispered into Sasuke's ear, "Gomen…"

After a few minutes, Sasuke let go of Sakura. Sakura got up and followed him into the house wordlessly. She took a quick shower and slipped into her room. Sakura lay down on her bed, looking at the dark ceiling. Suddenly, Sasuke entered the room. Sakura glanced at him, and resumed staring at the roof. She felt Sasuke's hand on top of her forehead. Sakura heard, "Sakura…you have a fever…"

She coughed. "No, I'm fine. Go to sleep."

Sasuke sat on the edge of the bed. "No. I'll stay here and watch you while you sleep. Who knows what could happen to you at night."

Sakura turned away from Sasuke, a light blush creeping across her features. From time to time, she felt Sasuke's hand on her forehead, and she finally sighed, "Sasuke-kun…I can't sleep if you keep touching me."

Sasuke stopped, and Sakura finally fell asleep. Sasuke continued watching her. She seemed so innocent and peaceful…That's because she is. I was worried. So worried. He checked her temperature one more time and left the room, making sure to close the door softly. He turned around and faced Naruto. The blonde boy was angry. "You should stop playing with her. I know you love her. So why don't you tell her?"

Sasuke replied coldly, "I don't love her. She's annoying."

Naruto smirked. "So that's why you were so damn worried about her."

Sasuke snarled, "She's a teammate. Wouldn't you be worried about a teammate in danger?"

Naruto snapped, "Sakura is an angel from heaven, and you're a demon from hell! You'll break her heart!"

Sasuke smirked coldly. "Whatever. Like I care."

He pushed past Naruto into his room and lay on his bed. Sakura…He rolled over and finally fell asleep.

AN: Hehe, OOC Sasuke throughout this chapter…oh well, make up an excuse as to why he's so OOC or something. Anyway, sorry for the late updates, but I'm back in school, and homework is starting up. Sorry! Oh yeah, and I don't know whether to pair Hinata with Naruto or Kiba...so if you review, be sure to say which pair you want!