Airen-kun: Would you believe our exam was moved because of bad weather?

Naruto & Sakura: LIAR!

Kakashi-sensei: Oh, you make worse excuses than I do! hehe.

Airen-kun: No! It's all true!

Sakura: Aww, come on, I wanna see what happens next! Ne, Sasuke-kun? (I hope I get to glomp you in the end!)

Sasuke: …No. And how come you're so heavy in this story?

Sakura/blushes/ …maybe it's because you trained all morning before you visited? I don't know…

(Inner Sakura: But at least I get to sleep in your arms! Hell Yeah! Can't wait for the ending!)

Airen-kun: Anyway, let's get on with the next chapter.

Author's Note: Sorry for the delay, guys. Our exam was moved, so I kind of extended my study period as well. Thanks for those who are read up to this point! I've reached 1500 hits! (yey!) I didn't even think I'd get 100, but there you go. Thanks so much to my reviewers, and double thanks to the subscribers and triple thanks to those who put me in the fave authors' list/sniff/

Kohona Ninja Sasuke's Lover - hehe, actually Sasuke-kun DID fall asleep by her side. I think that was Chapter 4…Thanks for the review!

susakuru – thanks! Glad you liked the funny stuff…I find it harder to make people laugh than make them feel all 'angsty,' so thanks for the encouragement!

Uchiha Tsakare – Arigatou!

Drayearth-luvr– Yeah, he would probably stay outside…but I did give some explanation to his action in the previous chapters. Besides, that IS the plot of the story! Sasuke is known to do these out-of-character things once in a while in the anime. Thanks for the comment!


Silverchild of the winds – thank you very much for reviewing!

laussica – yes, you did mention that before…hehe. Thanks for reading on!


CrAzY-SiLLy-Me – thanks for the review! Hope you will be reading the rest of the story!

Disclaimer: Naruto is not mine, of course! That's a dream that will never be realized. /sigh/

Sweet Dreams (Part 2)

"…Sasuke-kun?" The tone was small and very timid. Hesitant fingers stroked his arm, coaxing him to open his lidded eyes. He remained motionless.

"Sasuke-kun?" The voice tried once more, this time a little firmer, but still soft to his ears. He felt something across his cheek, like feathers, brushing the stray strands from his face. It reminded him of something long forgotten, a childhood memory perhaps…it was so soothing that it was enough to urge himself to break away from his deep slumber and look for it. Finally, he opened his eyes.

He blinked a few times, his face still half-buried on the creamy sheets, his midnight-blue hair spilled like ink across the cloth. "Was I dreaming?" he asked himself privately. He put both hands on his forehead as he tried to recollect himself.

Wait a minute, both hands?

All of a sudden, he jumped, at last realizing what had occurred. He whipped his head to the bed in front of him, part of him now wishing that he was just dreaming. No pink-haired girl lay asleep under the covers. Instead, she was sitting up straight, staring right at him in the same surprised manner.

"Oh, oh…I-I'm sorry Sasuke-kun…" Sakura stammered suddenly as she looked away, pulling the cover over her face to hide the redness that was filling it. She continued, not really knowing what to say, "I-um, didn't mean to wake you up…but…I thought…you looked uncomfortable…asleep like that…so I…"

Her voice trailed off. She bit her bottom lip and tried to keep herself from bursting with questions. She struggled to look calm, but her wide emerald eyes gave her away—they were sparkling with interest. (Inner Sakura screamed at the top of her lungs, 'What the hell is Sasuke-kun doing here at this hour? And didn't he have his arm around me just then? We looked so sweet! Hell yeah, true love wins out! Take that Ino-pig! Thank the gods for influenza!')

Immediately, Sasuke forgot his tiredness and got to his feet. Though she had not asked for an explanation, it was implicitly demanded by the look she gave him. He could almost see an enormous "?" above her head.

Come on, think! I can't just leave now; what will she think of me? I have to make up an alibi, quick! ...Damn, this is hard. Sakura's really good at making excuses. I have to make this believable. I wish I could remember at least one of Kakashi's stupid lies right now. She's looking at me; I have to say something now!

…Wait, I got it.

"It's the rain…" Sasuke lied simply, trying to make himself sound as cool as he could. He turned his back to her as he pretended to look out the window thoughtfully.

"…What do you mean, Sasuke-kun?" She inquired, tilting her head slightly in perplexity. Following his cue, she shifted her gaze to the pane. The weather had not changed much within the last hour; rain still poured hard, and the wind still pummeled the walls of the houses, shrieking against the glass of her window, the sounds outside dying out to mere raps and low-sounding whistles inside the safety of her room. Nonetheless, it was very dark and scary outside.

"I was training. On my way home I got caught in the storm, and I happened to pass by your house, so I slipped inside."

"You were training so late?" She asked almost as soon as he finished talking, curiosity getting the better of her at that instant. Sasuke threw a glance at the alarm clock. It was already three in the morning. He cocked his head back to stare at her intently, resuming his clever act.

"Yeah. Training." he answered bluntly, his eyes still fixed on her.

"But why didn't you go back to your place? It's not that far from my house, right?" Sakura asked again, a bit more cautiously, trying to sound as polite as possible this time. She bit her lip again and waited for a reply. He looked on at her, studying her actions. Maybe she felt that she was pushing it too far with her questions, he thought at the back of his head. It was strange how his tone of voice easily made her feel uneasy instead of him, even if she had every right to ask him these questions. Furthermore, it was Sasuke who was in control of the conversation, and not Sakura. And even stranger that he had used the rain for his alibi, when he had cursed it a while ago. How ironic.

He retorted coldly, "We're all very prone to illness because of the last mission. I didn't want to get soaked and waste my time on a sickbed. So don't get me wrong, I just needed some shelter."

It seemed Sakura had lost her words after his harsh answer. He saw her bring her knees to her chest and hide a sigh. She finally answered with a sad smile, sniffing in between the phrases, "You're absolutely right. And it really would be pretty stupid and careless to let yourself get sick."

Sasuke somehow felt that her last statement wasn't meant for him at all. Was that self-pity she was trying to conceal under her covers? Her eyes seemed to have dulled almost instantly; the sparkles have faded into those deep green pools. He looked back to the window and exhaled. He didn't want her to feel bad about herself, even if he thought it was her fault she was ill in the first place.

"Sakura," he started solidly, snapping her out of her depression, "Everyone gets sick sometimes. Ninjas are humans too." He told her without looking, and added an afterthought to make it safe, "Kakashi said that."

I can't believe I'm quoting our jounin instructor. This has got to be the strangest night ever. At least Kakashi's words were good for something.

"…thank you." she smiled again, but it was a different smile from before. It looked like it worked. He breathed out deeply.

"Since you're not visiting right now, did you come earlier to visit me then?" she asked hopefully.

"No. I told you, trained the whole day," he answered, pausing for a moment before adding, "and night."

"Oh, okay," she replied wistfully. (Inner Sakura griped, 'I don't buy that, Sasuke-kun! You can't be serious; you were sleeping on my bed! Doesn't that mean something?')

"Sasuke-kun…" she called again.

"What?" He replied impatiently. Possibly he breathed out a little too early.

"How did you…well, your ar-"

"I'm too tired. Don't ask." He blurted out quickly to cut her off. Being asleep with his arm under her was too tricky to explain. He couldn't think of a good excuse. But what he just told her was the truth, though. He really was too worn out to rake his mind for more excuses.

She stared at him quietly. Finally, she answered "Alright."

It was obvious to him that she was still puzzled by the events, but it seemed she didn't want to prod on the topic any further. Maybe she didn't want him to feel like she was interrogating him, to make him feel unwelcome. That was good, he thought. After all, he was Uchiha Sasuke, not some pervert to be cautious of. He would never make a move on her like that, right?

"So…how long are you staying here then?"

"Not much longer. I can leave right now."

"WHAT? But it's like a storm outside. You can't! You said-"

"I changed my mind. I've been here for too long and the rain still hasn't stopped. I should get back anyway, so you can get rested." Now might be his only chance, considering how everything else went horribly wrong. Never mind the storm, he said to himself. If he'd lived through this nightmare, then he'd live through bad weather.

"No, Sasuke-kun!" She protested suddenly. She forced herself to her feet. "You'll get sick too. Please don't go outside."

Completely ignoring her request, Sasuke turned and walked to the window. Sakura staggered wobbly towards Sasuke, and accidentally tripped on one of the blankets as she tried to reach him. Stumbling forward, she shut her eyes and waited for the floor to hit her face, but it never came. She raised her head.

"Sakura, what the heck are you doing?" Sasuke was holding her in his arms, their faces mere inches apart. He felt her hot breath caress his face, slightly tickling him. He suppressed the urge to let go, he knew Sakura was too weak to stand on her own. Her illness was apparently a little worse than he thought. Without waiting for her reply, Sasuke swept her off her feet and carried her back to her bed. Sakura blushed uncontrollably.

"S-sorry!" she finally managed to say. Sasuke bent over and laid her on the mattress gently, but she sat up and held his wrists. "P-please don't go, Sasuke-kun."

He muttered, "You're starting to annoy me."

"Please? Just until the rain stops? I promise I won't ask anymore questions."

"No, I'm going. Now lie down and rest," he ordered her, placing his hands on her shoulders, forcing her lie back.

"But Sasuke-kun I…" He gave her a disapproving look. "…Okay," she answered weakly with a nod.

"Good." He pushed her gently unto the mattress as he sat beside her. But surprisingly, the mattress was softer than it was a while ago. His miscalculation caused him to lose balance. He sank with her, his fingers still clutching her shoulders, his head started to droop forward.

"What the-?"

They kissed. Their eyes were wide open in astonishment. Her hand dug into his wrist. His stomach churned with butterflies. Sakura closed her eyes. He tried to let go of her and sit up, but his body wouldn't move. Her hands found their way to his face, cupping it. His mind screamed hysterically. She pulled him closer. Sasuke's heart went on a rampage.

Move! Move!

His body wouldn't budge an inch. Thoughts raced madly with confusion in his head. Why was this happening to him? Why couldn't he push himself away?

This is an accident. She'd understand that, wouldn't she?

A faint memory of his first kiss suddenly flashed in his mind. It was an accident, too…a terrible one. That time he remembered the feeling of disgust, hatred and his strong reflex to gag and kill. This was totally different.

Was this what it really feels like to be kissed?

He shook his head no mentally. He must not let this go on. His grasp around her shoulders tightened as he desperately tried to pull away once more. No luck. Out of frustration, he accidentally let out a sharp breath into her mouth. He never had any luck since this all started. It just wasn't his night.

A second passed by.

How long has it been?

He felt like they were moving in slow-motion. His heart pounded so erratically he could've sworn she could hear every beat. His eyes began to grow heavy again. What the hell was happening to him, he asked himself again. Why couldn't he tear himself away from this? Did he…like this? No! He squeezed his eyes shut. He wasn't enjoying this…he wasn't! He couldn't be!

He heard himself moan.

Could he?

Finally, it was Sakura who broke the kiss. He reeled back and sat up, gasping heavily, swallowing air and saliva. Three seconds felt like forever for Sasuke as he stared at her wide-eyed and speechless. His lips tingled as he licked them. She tasted as sweet as apples. He was completely mesmerized by this new sensation. Sakura shyly placed a hand over her mouth. Both their faces were in deep shades of red.

Silence played on inside the room once more, allowing only the sound of Sasuke's erratic breaths to echo in her room.

"Sasuke-kun," she murmured moments later, her voice so tender that everything seemed to suddenly go deafly quiet, sending shivers up his spine "…you're so warm."

He blinked. His deep onyx eyes continued to stare at her in incomprehension. He was still captivated by that unfamiliar tingling in his mouth. Faintly worried by his lack of response, she sat up nuzzled her forehead against his and repeated, "I said you're warm…"

"…it was an accident." He let the apology tumble from his partly open mouth. His expression was bare, not out of lack of emotion, but because there were too many feelings convey on his pale face: annoyance, surprise, confusion, fear, warmth.

"I know," she replied sheepishly. Sasuke's face fell at her answer. "I won't tell anyone, I promise." ("Inner Sakura: But you wouldn't expect me to shy away from that chance! This is the start of a new chapter in our lives! Go girl go!")

"I-I have to go." He muttered, disregarding what she just said. This was enough embarrassment for a lifetime, he berated himself mentally. He hopped off the bed quickly while Sakura looked on at him, anxiety painted on her still flushed face.

Suddenly the room began to spin. He stopped.

"I told you," she chided gently, "you might be coming down with the fever too."

"No way." He sat back near the end of the bed, his eyes losing focus as he stared at the window where he was supposed exit. He held his head, feeling the beads of cold sweat that were forming on his temples. He sat there for a while, waiting for his vision to recover.

He slumped back across the mattress angrily, its springs squeaking slightly at the force. Sakura flinched slightly as she continued to look at his profile from where she sat. He stared intensely the ceiling. She was right, he was sick. And if he couldn't get up and get out of her damned room, what chance did he have of getting back to his house in the torrent?

He felt something come across his chest. He looked sideways to his left. It was Sakura, placing a blanket over him with shaky hands. He gazed at her, his frustration dissipating into her emerald green eyes. She was clearly worried about him, the way her brows were furrowed, the way her lips were closed into a pout.

"Sasuke-kun, I-I won't mind if you stayed here for a while. Really. Please just stay here until the rain stops." She hastily wrapped a blanket around herself as well. He looked at her thoughtfully, and then shifted his gaze back to the ceiling. He mulled over her suggestion for a few moments.

"Aa." He finally replied. He closed his eyes.

If this is how things are going to happen, then I'll take them all on. I mean, we kissed already, what else could happen?

The bedroom door flew open. Sasuke and Sakura whipped their heads towards the door.

Hell no.

"Kakashi-sensei! Naruto!"

"Hello there, Sakura! We're on an emergency mission to hunt a pervert prowler. Hokage's orders. Said he likes pink-haired girls, so we went here as fast as we could. My, my, good evening to you to Sasuke." Kakashi's eyes rolled with mischief.

"SAKURA-CHAN! AHHH! What's Sasuke-teme doing in your bed! NoOoOoO. Gasp! Don't tell me…UCHIHA SASUKE…You're the PERVERT PROWLER!"

"WHAT! DOBE! ARE YOU NUTS! Don't you dare use my name and those words in the same sentence again or I'll shut you up permanently!"

"Wait, Kakashi-sensei! I hear footsteps coming up the stairs."

"You're right Naruto."

"Mom! Dad!"

Just kill me.

Sasuke jumped. Tired eyes surveyed the surroundings. He was still in Sakura's room. And Sakura was still asleep. It was four in the morning. He had slept a good two hours. It was all a dream.

Unbelievable. That felt so real.

He thought deeply. Why did he feel so nervous about kissing Sakura in his dream? Did he really like it? He gulped loudly. No, it couldn't be. Dreams rarely do mean anything concrete anyway. He shrugged.

It's just the stress getting to me, that's all. Yeah. I've been thinking too much.

He yawned, engulfing the cold air in her room. Maybe he was imagining things again, but her room felt a lot colder now. Then why did he feel so hot? Beads of sweat trickled down his temples. He shivered uncontrollably. He sniffed.

Damn, I really am sick.

Suddenly, his nose twitched.

He tried to stop himself by holding his breath, but it was too late.

He sneezed. And sneezed. And sneezed.

The sound broke through the room like glass. Sakura moaned. He had awakened her; there was no doubt about it. Desperately, Sasuke tried to stand up, but he was still pinned to the bed. He cursed under his breath. How was he going to get out of this one now?

Then, a stroke of genius.

Summoning his strength, he flung his other arm around her, briefly hugging her. Bringing his hands together he moved them at lightning-speed. And then he whispered in her ear, "Henge no Jutsu."

Sakura's eyes fluttered open.

-tbc-

author's note: I've edited some part of the story already, please reread it if you guys have time! Is it better than the other one? Thanks!

henge no jutsu – is a type of genjutsu (illusion technique)that enables someone to transform into another person or object.

I wanted to write about handseals they use when doing henge no justu (because 'moving the hands quickly' sound so lame! Hehe). Does anyone know the sequence? Please tell me! Thanks.