Chapter Three: The Beginning of the End

Uchiha Sasuke tightened his grip on the SUV's wheel as he continued driving towards their destination. He slowly realized that he risked his identity as he decided to date Haruno Sakura. Everyone knows what a poor guy he was and now, he's out on a formal date and was driving his SUV towards one of the most expensive restaurants in town.

Sakura decided not to pursue the subject. Sasuke maybe had a good reason to not tell people about his identity. She shook her head. Maybe Ino got it all wrong. Maybe Uchihas weren't bad at all. She then tried to think of something else. For a few minutes, there was silence. Nothing could be heard except the engine of the car. Until, a question running through Sakura's mind managed to find a place at Sakura's tongue.

"Sasuke, why did you ask me out?"

"I've asked you out before, haven't I?"

"Yes," answered Sakura, "but I mean, not… well… at night. I mean, just those dates in school, not those formal ones, like this one."

"Haven't I told you yet?" answered Sasuke after sometime. "I'm starting to really like you, and I want to know you better tonight."

Sakura did not like the way Sasuke emphasized the word 'tonight' but she calmed herself down, anyway. It's not what you think it is Sakura. You're still young. You don't have to go through whatever that is just to know this guy better.

"Ah, ok," she replied tersely. "Where are we going to eat?"

"A restaurant."

Of course I know it's a restaurant! Sakura thought furiously. This guy was testing her patience and luckily she was not that touchy tonight. Oh, maybe he thought I was thinking he'd bring me in some cheap food chain. It's only tonight that I'd known how rich he is anyway.

"What restaurant? I mean, where?" inquired Sakura again. She had her hands on her lap and she noticed she was shivering. The windows were rolled all the way down and she thought she might offend Sasuke if she rolled it up without his permission. She was rubbing her hand on her arm when Sasuke finally answered.

"Oh, it's my restaurant," said Sasuke flatly.

"Y-Your restaurant? You h-have a restaurant?" stammered Sakura, almost forgetting she was cold. She couldn't believe it! A 17-year-old average college boy has a restaurant in the city? Whoa. But what she couldn't consider more was the fact there was no tone of pride in his voice. This relieved her a lot. At least she knew she wasn't about to have a date with one of the inflated heads in campus who'd do nothing whole night but brag about what they have to the world.

"Actually, it was dad's but since… since he already died, it was turned over to me," Sasuke replied. "My brother's not around anymore so they've left everything under my care."

"Oh, I'm sorry to hear about your father and your brother," said Sakura. She noticed a tone of sadness in the boy's voice when he mentioned about his father. But what troubled her was the tone he used when he mentioned his brother. It wasn't sadness. It was hate. She could feel the hate and loathe surging from him as he drove. Sasuke did not reply after Sakura apologized. He just pressed the control beside him, putting the windows up on Sakura's side.

"Uh… thanks," muttered Sakura sheepishly. She was already hugging herself when Sasuke rolled up the windows. The boy parked on the side of the road before he removed his jacket and draped it around Sakura's bare shoulders.

"You'd still be beautiful even if you didn't wear a sexy outfit you know," said Sasuke as he started the engine again and continued driving. Sakura blushed as he said this. It was actually Ino who forced her to wear the dress she wore right now. It wasn't that sexy anyway. She was stupid to believe her best friend when she said that Sasuke wanted sexy girls. Well, Ino was wrong. Sasuke preferred simple ladies.

"You feel better now or are you still cold?" asked Sasuke, talking to her with his face towards her for the first time. Sakura noticed how handsome he looked as the moon cast a mysterious shadow over his face. She felt her face flush when she looked at his black eyes. All she could manage to give was a nod. As she did, she saw Sasuke's face relax and for the first time that night, he smiled. She felt her face turn a brighter red when she saw that gentle smile on his lips.

"You look cute tonight… Sakura," whispered Sasuke. If it wasn't addressed to her, she might have thought he was talking to himself. He continued driving and Sakura only stared at him. The blush, though still on her face, made her more beautiful in Sasuke's eyes.

"You look good too, Sasuke," replied Sakura. Sasuke smiled at her words. This time though, Sakura noticed, there was something wrong with his smile. It was as if there was sadness hidden beneath the smile and he was trying to keep it from showing in his face.

"Are you ok?" asked Sakura suddenly. She saw him tighten his grip again on the steering wheel. He nodded and she could see he was gazing at the building growing bigger as they come closer and closer.

"That's where my restaurant is," said Sasuke, his cold voice back again, giving Sakura chills she couldn't explain. Sasuke parked the car beside the SUVs and Porsches resting quietly in the parking lot. He got out of the car and went to the other side to open the door for Sakura. He held out a palm where Sakura reluctantly placed her hand on. He locked the door of the car and they were about to return to the restaurant when Sakura remembered her cellphone.

"Oh wait, Sasuke, I forgot my cellphone" said Sakura as she tried to get back to the car when Sasuke did not let her hand go, giving her a little tug in the process. She looked at him and the boy shook his head slightly.

"Sasuke?" asked Sakura, clearly confused at her date's reaction. "What's the matter? Why can't I go get my cellphone?"

"You won't need it," muttered Sasuke, his black eyes boring into Sakura's jade ones. "That's useless here. Let's go."

Sakura could only stare at Sasuke as he brought her towards the door where the attendants who were in tuxedos opened the doors. She could swear she saw the boy's eyes turn scarlet for a moment back there at the parking lot.

--

As the pair went into the restaurant, all eyes darted towards the young man who has just arrived. Sakura's thoughts on Sasuke's sudden change of eye color drifted away when she stepped in the restaurant. She could only look at the place with awe. It was not your typical restaurant. The whole place looked like a special room in a hotel where the VIPs would be seated comfortably having little talks among themselves. It was grandiose, the place. The chandelier hanging above them was scintillating as though matching in rhythm with the splendid dresses of the customers who were busy eating at the same time throwing glances at Sasuke. There were crystal curtains hanging from the big chandelier in the center of the room attached to the small antique lamps on the sky blue walls. As she and Sasuke walked down the aisle leading to the main dining tables, Sakura could not help but look at the shiny chairs which were embedded with rubies of varying shapes and sizes. Sasuke…

She was still admiring the place when a middle aged man approached Sasuke, and gave him a little bow. Sasuke gave a little nod and proceeded with the girl towards a vacant seat.

"Table for two, young master?" asked the man slowly as he walked besides Sasuke. Sakura didn't like the look of the face of the man who was ushering them. She looked at Sasuke, hoping to see another smile from his face but the boy did not look at her he merely grunted and nodded.

"Here you go, young master," said the man as he motioned at an empty table for two behind a crystal peacock statue. The place chosen by the man hid them from the view of the people who were still looking at Sasuke. Only those who were at the sides were able to see the young pair clearly. Sasuke pulled back the chair so that Sakura could sit down beside him. He then settled himself down and took the menu from the hands of the waiter.

"Yaite, would you stop calling me young master, even just for tonight?" asked Sasuke while looking at the menu. His voice was polite but the man slightly flinched as he heard Sasuke utter the words. Sakura noticed why. Sasuke didn't make a request. It was an order.

"As you wish, sir," said Yaite while giving a small, slow nod. Sasuke and the waiter locked gazes and as Sakura eyed Sasuke, she was now sure she saw the boy's eyes turn crimson for a moment.

"Bring us the most expensive food here," started Sasuke while scanning the menu. "And andouillette sausages too, I want to try that."

"Sasuke, you don't have to---"

"It's ok Sakura, it's my treat," cut off Sasuke while putting down the menu which was taken by Yaite. Sakura handed her menu to the waiter and when Yaite asked her what she wanted to eat, she just shook her head.

"Just water for me," said Sakura softly. "Thanks."

Yaite was about to leave when Sasuke added another order. Sakura gulped when the boy ordered sake. She didn't drink yet. Sasuke looked at her, noticing her uneasiness and gave her a curious look. Sakura blushed. She didn't feel like sharing to him her fear of sake.

"Oh, you don't drink sake?" Sasuke asked, as though reading the girl's mind. Sakura felt cornered and she knew she wouldn't gain anything by lying. She simply shook her head. To her delight, Sasuke didn't look disappointed. He even smiled.

"It's ok. I'll just be the one drinking then," replied the boy as he nodded at Yaite who disappeared behind the corner.

Sasuke looked at Sakura who was busy staring at the red candles. Her face had the features of a 16-year-old girl, slowly blooming to become a beautiful lady. Her lips were rosy red, there were pink patches on her cheeks and her eyes were full of life though he could see she was simply staring at the flame of one of the candles between them. He stared at her through the flame and this seems to successfully jolt her out of her deep thoughts.

"Mind to let me know what this young lady is thinking?" asked Sasuke, eyes still glued on the girl's jade orbs.

"Oh," escaped from the girl's lips. She was thinking of how rich Sasuke actually was. It really amazed her to no end. Not that she cared of course about his wealth but it seemed so impossible. Back at school, he was just your average guy in a loose turtle-neck blouse and jeans, occasionally with a jacket. There were even patches on his jeans and the shoes he wore to school seemed to be in the verge of falling apart. Now, Sakura started to wonder. He wouldn't have become a campus crush if it weren't for his looks and for his mysteriousness. Nobody cared he wasn't that rich but if he let the people know, it would've just added to his good points. So, why didn't Uchiha Sasuke brag? Why was he different from others? Why did he hide from everyone else who he really was? There's something about his brother he hated so much. What was it? Lastly, what's with his crimson eyes? She wanted to ask all these questions but it seems she was lacking the nerve to do so because she knew something which was starting to get clearer and clearer as she stayed with Sasuke.

Sasuke…you lied to me.

"You're wondering, aren't you?" asked Sasuke, shattering all Sakura's thoughts. He gazed at the place before he looked back at the girl.

"Sasuke," started Sakura trying to make her tone even. "Sasuke, why didn't you tell anyone?"

"That we're going out on a date?" asked Sasuke in return. "It would be more peaceful for both of us if no one knew right?"

Sakura shook her head and leaned on the table, her hands stroking slightly the sky blue cover of the table. She looked at Sasuke to find him staring at the floor instead.

"It's not that, Sasuke," continued Sakura. "Why did you have to hide from everyone who you really are?"

Sasuke didn't dare to look at Sakura. He simply let his eyes fall on a painting across the crystal statue beside them. He wanted to tell the girl everything but he wasn't sure if he could already trust Sakura. It was just their first formal date and he doubted if he knew the girl very well already though they were together in several classes. He then decided to keep his answers as safe as possible. He'd tell Sakura what he wanted her to hear without revealing so much about himself and his family.

"Do I have to tell everyone all about myself?" asked Sasuke. "Does everyone need to know who I am? No one asked me anyway in the first place. All of you were contented with the Uchiha Sasuke you saw everyday, weren't you?"

"But you lied to us!"

"I didn't ask you to believe me."

"Y-You deceived us! Sasuke, you deceived me…"

Sasuke looked at Sakura as she said those last three words. He felt a pang of guilt deep inside him as those words reverberated in his head. He rested his forehead on his palms as he let his fingers run slowly through his hair, as though this would emphasize his emotions.

"I… I'm sorry," said Sasuke, his voice barely above a whisper. He felt ashamed to do this, to ask for forgiveness for a mistake he didn't even know he had been doing. It wasn't the nature of Uchihas to ask for forgiveness especially to a woman. Damn this family. It's not my fault Sakura. I can't… I want to tell you but I can't… do you get it? I can't! I'm sorry.

Sakura didn't avert her gaze from Sasuke. She was breathing hard as she said those last three words. She knew she didn't have the right to say them. It's not even us. But her anger was strong enough to give her the nerve to utter those words; words that made her special to Sasuke; words that would mean a lot to her and to him.

She looked at Sasuke again whose face was buried in his hands. She tried to reach out a hand to touch him when she heard someone grunt beside her. She hastily withdrew her hand and Sasuke, having heard the grunt too sat straight and acted as though nothing happened.

"Am I interrupting something, sir, ma'am?" asked Yaite. His hands carried the food ordered by Sasuke minutes ago. He looked at the two teens in front of him and when he received no reply, he settled the food before them, gave a small bow, then left without another word.

Sasuke took the sake and poured some of its contents into his glass, filling it to the half. He laid down the bottle but didn't let go of it. He thought for a while before he rested his hand around the wine glass were he poured his sake. He looked at Sakura, trying to gauge her reaction only to find her currently interested in the glass of water resting beside the main course.

For Sakura, everything was going horribly wrong. How she would've loved to be eating here tonight with Sasuke, conversing with him, and perhaps even dancing with him until dawn but now that she knew that she was being deceived all along, and that Sasuke lied to her… She would never enjoy this night, never…

"If you knew I was wealthy," came Sasuke's voice. Sakura looked at him to find him drinking up the contents of his glass wine in one round.

"Sasuke--"

"Would you love me?" asked Sasuke impassively. "No you won't. You'll think I'm a just a spoiled young man, no, a brat. You'll think I'll be toying with your feelings."

"It would've been better if you told us the truth beforehand," said Sakura who was now eyeing the bottle of sake which was being emptied of its contents quite quickly. "If it's only me you lied to, then it's ok. The trouble is you lied to everyone. You want people to love you by fooling them, showing them someone who isn't really you. It's not the real Sasuke they love. What you've taught them to love is the poor boy who goes to school, they're average guy, just like everyone else. You showed them that, which you shouldn't have! Do you think they like that?"

Sasuke emptied again his glass wine and looked at Sakura. The crimson glint in his eyes was more visible than ever. Sakura had the impression Sasuke's eye color changes when he feels strong emotions, something she can't really comprehend. No other human could do that. It was only Sasuke. Sasuke the handsome boy. Sasuke the mysterious. Sasuke… the liar…

Sakura heard Sasuke put down his glass wine rather hardly, causing some of the people to look at their direction. Sakura didn't flinch but she knew she had managed to hit something inside Sasuke.

"No," Sasuke replied, tersely. "Nor do I. I lied, I admit it. I deceived you, yes it's true. But, it's not my choice Sakura. I had to. Please, understand that."

"It's you who should understand Sasuke," replied Sakura, trying to keep her voice from shaking. She felt tears form in her eyes and she was doing her best to stop them from flowing down to her cheeks. "If it was against your will to deceive people, then why didn't you stop? Or don't tell me you're just like your self-conceited father who wants the whole Uchiha clan isolated from everyone else so that your his filthy riches would never fall in the hands of any stupid girl out there!"

As Sakura said these words, Sasuke stared at her like she was a ghost. He never expected the girl to say such things to him, especially about his father. Sakura, on the other hand, placed a hand over her mouth as realization dawned upon her. Oh no! What did I say? I've been so tactless…!

"Sasuke…I-I'm sorry," stuttered Sakura, looking at the boy. "I didn't know what I was saying… I just--"

But she was cut off by Sasuke before she could undo what she had done.

"It's ok," said Sasuke coldly. He was looking at her directly and this time, his crimson eyes were visible. They were marked with three dark comma-like shapes connected by a thin outline of a black circle just inside his eyeball. Sakura felt her heart beat madly beneath her.

"I knew you were just like everyone else, who wouldn't understand anything about my life, but I never expected you to be someone who'd deliberately insult a person and his family for that matter," he continued, before he drank up the last contents of his glass wine without taking his eyes off the girl. He set it down and started to eat his food. Sakura thought that it would be better if she shut her mouth the whole night. Yes, she wanted her questions to be answered but she didn't want her just beginning relationship with Sasuke shattered completely although she knew she was being lied to and hurt in the process.

Sakura sighed. What a mess. We barely begun and now, it's ending. Why… why is everything turning so bad tonight?

The two ate in silence as Sakura also decided to fill up her now complaining stomach. During the whole thirty minutes they ate, Sakura stole glances at Sasuke who finally decided to completely ignore the girl's presence. When she saw that Sasuke was about to be finished, she decided to break the silence.

"Sasuke, I'm sorry, but you should really tell---"

"Are you finished?"

"Um, yes, but--"

"I'm taking you home," cut off Sasuke. He waved his hand for a waiter and Yaite, came towards them, walking briskly. He handed the bill to Sasuke and the boy took out cash from his wallet before standing on his feet, gesturing Sakura to do the same.

"Thank you sir, we hope you enjoyed your meal," said Yaite while bowing. "Oh and please visit us again sometime… Young master."

Sasuke eyed Yaite who was still in his bowing form. He gave him a curt nod and took Sakura's wrist, rather forcefully, walking with her as they strode across the extravagant dining area towards the main door. The men who opened the door gave a bow as Sasuke and Sakura walked towards the door. Sakura heard the door lock with a loud clicking noise.

As the night wind swept over the two, Sakura felt cold again now that Sasuke's jacket wasn't draped around her anymore. But more than that, what made Sakura colder was the fact that Sasuke was still secluding himself from her, telling her nothing, and getting both of them annoyed in the process. She was still standing outside the restaurant's doors when she saw Sasuke opening the door of the car for her.

"You better go in," ordered Sasuke, motioning at the empty seat. "I'm driving you home. It's getting late."

Sakura slowly approached Sasuke and entered the car. Sasuke made to close the door but found the girl getting out seconds after she got her cellphone. Sakura shook her head and smiled. She held out a hand to touch Sasuke's cheek which the boy shoved away. As Sasuke did, he felt that Sakura's hand was starting to get cold.

"It's ok Sasuke," said Sakura. "You don't have to. I'll just take a taxi."

Sasuke stared at her for several seconds before he entered his car. He didn't even try to convince Sakura to come with him. He unceremoniously started the engine and was about to leave when he rolled down the window at Sakura's side and told her something which greatly added to the chill the girl was already experiencing.

"Be careful on your way home," said Sasuke with a stoic expression on his face. "We don't want something bad happening to youbefore we get to the bottom of this, do we? You can ask Naruto everything that you want to know tomorrow, that is, if you don't freeze to death tonight."

Sakura blinked twice as she gazed at the black SUV leave the parking lot. She couldn't believe what she just heard. What did Sasuke just say? Naruto and he are really friends? Does Naruto know things about Sasuke she didn't know?

As she thought of these new questions, she remembered too well his crimson eyes convey a message to her making her hard to breathe. Hell, his crimson eyes bothered her less already, for now. It was its message which concerns her.

Haruno Sakura, you know what happens if this comes out.

She started to walk towards the side of the street and waited for a taxi to pass by. It was already nine o'clock in the evening and taxis were hard to come by at that time already. After waiting for almost thirty minutes, she tried to call Ino and ask her to come fetch her. She was about to dial Ino's number in her cellphone when she saw she was out of battery. It took her several minutes before she realized something was missing. Sakura flipped her cellphone and removed its cover, only to find out the battery was missing and a note lay innocently on the place where the cellphone was supposed to be resting.

She unfolded the note and read what was written. As she read the words, the wrinkle in her brow increased every second.

I told you before that you won't need your cellphone and it's useless anyway. I also offered to take you home, still, you refused.

The last three words written below the note made Sakura's heart beat madly and sent shivers down her already weak spine.

Don't die Sakura. Uchiha Sasuke

With that, Sakura passed out on the sidewalk, unaware that a pair of watchful eyes has been gazing at her the moment she walked out of the restaurant.

--

TBC…

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A/N: Like it? No? Dark theme begins from this chapter onwards and questions will be answered in the succeeding chapters. C&C much appreciated.

-aveya-