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Summary: Valentine's Day is in the air and depression is slightly out of the way. What is new for the day of romance?
CHAPTER VI- Valentine's Day
A week had passed since that incident in the hospital. There was wide news spread about the sudden disappearance of the Hyuuga heir. There was no sign of either the body guards or Neji. The only people who were being interviewed about the situation were the servants left in the mansion.
"No, he's not here." That was the only reply the researchers got after much interview. "So, please excuse us, we have so much to do. And let me remind you, you media men are in the Hyuuga residence."
No other words were passed.
The news remained in the front page for another week until the media got tired of spying on the mansion and asking people about their conclusions. Too bad, they lacked information that might just help them. And that information was right under their noses—it was the Uchiha.
Uchiha Sasuke was walking slowly than usual to college. Though his mood was slightly changed by the events, he remained reserved. His presence was still admired and people still gushed over him. That was Sasuke…and it never changed. Sasuke moved through the crowd, not minding the looks and drool they provided. He went to the open field and changed his shirt for the army trainings.
Hatake Kakashi, the lieutenant in charge, saw the mild change of enthusiasm in the Uchiha's face. Sasuke had been one of his best students and he never failed to satirize Kakashi in front of the other students nonetheless, he loved how Sasuke mocked him. He was just too sexy. But that day was different, which was supposedly a happy one, because of Sasuke's change of mood. Valentine's Day was only a few hours away and yet the young Uchiha did not mind the change in the atmosphere.
The army class was doing some push ups when Kakashi approached the quiet Sasuke who was farther from the rest of the class. "Uchiha," he watched his student stand up, "what's wrong?"
Trickles of sweat ran down Sasuke's curves as he moved into an upright position. His hair glistened under his body liquid as he cocked his head to the right. There was still the pride glow in his onyx eyes yet there was the dullness of anxiety altogether. "Lieutenant?"
"I'm asking you what is wrong." The older asked as he crossed his arms.
"When did you actually care?" Sasuke shrugged and tossed his head in a seductive manner.
Kakashi's eyes fell on Sasuke's white neck. "Is there a problem with asking you?"
"Yes, actually there is."
Kakashi smiled slightly. Ah, ever stubborn Uchiha Sasuke. The smile under his ever present mask was not seen but still it was really handsome.
Uchiha Sasuke moved away from the gym and slid into the locker room to change. Kakashi followed his favorite student and leaned against the closed door. He watched Sasuke unbutton his army polo shirt and shook his head. "You're cutting classes again? Your skills in handling guns and in fighting hand-to-hand combats would result into nothing once you neglect your studies."
Sasuke stopped and looked at Kakashi with the same look he was famous for. His inner shirt slid off him as he walked to his Lieutenant and gazed at his coal black eyes. "What is it to you Lt. Hatake?" As an eighteen-year-old teen, Sasuke had reached a considerable height enough to reach Kakashi with a kiss on tip toes.
Kakashi remained cool. "I am your teacher Uchiha."
Sasuke smirked…though there was a slight sign of undefined sorrow. He raised himself a bit; uncovered Kakashi's hidden face and pressed his lips against Kakashi's. They stood connected for a few seconds before the Uchiha released Hatake. It felt weird and not at all right. Kakashi remained standing with eyes fixed on the confused eyes of his student. Sasuke, you simply don't know how life works for me. For the record, Kakashi was the only man who didn't go crazy after being kissed by Sasuke. He was just playing the seductive teen's game.
Sasuke stepped back—too unsure to make another move. He simply raised his eyes to the window and then back to Kakashi.
The Lieutenant shrugged and smiled again. "Well then, perhaps you need more than a two-week break. It's about Neji right?"
"No." There was a sign of guilt in his voice. "It's not just about him."
Kakashi preferred to stay quiet. He knew that kiss was just Sasuke's way of relieving himself. "It's Valentine's Day tomorrow by the way."
The Uchiha let out a smile and wore a new shirt. "Thank you for reminding me Hatake."
Haruno Sakura silently sneezed while she was copying notes in her Biology class. It was getting colder yet there was warmth subtly felt by everyone—romance. Sakura sneezed again and her eyes became half-lidded. I'm going to be sick…oh no…
"Hey Sakura," Rock Lee handed her a tissue paper and smiled, "you should take more Vitamin C."
Sakura blushed slightly and took the offering. "I wish I am as strong as you Lee."
"Training, exercise, food" he paused and slightly went pink, "inspiration…"
Haruno Sakura grinned and said a small thank you to her back mate. She looked back at her notebook, and bit on the end of her pen. Lee… Why do you still like me despite the pain I caused you?
The room felt warmer again…
Perhaps it was because of love.
And Sakura did not realize that she was actually thinking of Sasuke the whole time. She couldn't believe what just happened. Sasuke was crying on her lap like a confused child. He didn't even bother telling her why an hour after when he had calmed himself down. He looked pitiful—he was not the Sasuke she knew all along…
The class ended a few minutes after the wall clock ticked nine a.m. The students parted ways and went to their next classes. Sakura felt a little lighter when she looked at her schedule—anatomy class. The moment she stepped into the room, her eyes swooped around the room for Sasuke. He wasn't there yet. She sat in her usual seat a few students away from the Uchiha's place and directed her attention to the door. Where is he? She thought. Her eyes soon found the door boring when the teacher began explaining the lesson. Sakura seemed normal: she copied notes, she recited and she amazed everyone. It seemed a redundant routine but that's how life worked for her until that night after the dance. She wanted to forget it… no… Her heart skipped a painful beat… She didn't want to recall how it happened…
"Please… stop! No!"
"Shut up lady!"
There was a sound of cloth being torn. There was the noise of the bed shaking vigorously in accordance to the struggling victim. There was a sound of a low moan from the victim after being punched. Tears leaked from her emerald eyes as she tried to contain the pain she felt. Her wrists and ankles were tightly tied and her gown was almost pulled completely off her.
"Ne…ji…" She looked up to the figure of a man in tux. He was standing there with pity in his eyes though he did not want to show it.
He looked at her and stayed unmoved.
"Help—me…"
There were about five men who began stripping themselves. One began kissing Sakura… the next licked her thighs… the next pulled oh her hair as he cupped her chest… the next… she could not recall… but she knew she bled… she felt the warm liquid trickling down her body. She felt the passing of a blade against her thighs… She wanted to faint…she was too weak… The bed rocked and her sight became dazed…until she heard a voice commanding the men to stop and leave her.
Her eyes closed… finally… but she did not understand… maybe she did not want to understand what really happened to her.
Tears involuntarily fell from her emerald orbs. They fell upon the notes she had copied throughout the class. She let out a sob and quickly dried her eyes though they remained reddish. A gentle touch startled her after she had calmed down…it was Lee who probably had sensed Sakura's movements. Sakura did not need to wonder, Lee always had his guiding eyes on her.
"Is there something wrong Sakura?"
"Nothing Lee…really." She lied and tried to smile. "Thank you."
Rock Lee said nothing but Sakura was assured that he cared. There are people who care for me yet I never paid heed to them. She thought and concentrated in the lesson.
The day had passed without much effect on Sakura. Sasuke did not sleep in their dormitory and he didn't even attend Anatomy class. She felt a little worried but she reminded herself that Sasuke was Sasuke. And for all she knew, he always did surprise people by his unpredictable moves.
Haruno Sakura called on a taxi and went to the dormitory building a few blocks from the college. As the vehicle moved under the lazy glaze of the setting sun, she observed the new get up of the stores. The new image was a combination of the usual red and pink color of the surroundings. There were large heart cut-outs stuck in the large windows. There were more chocolates on display and more mannequins which appeared in pairs. There were more young couples dating and walking around, hands clasped under the influence of sweetness.
For some reason, Sakura became uncomfortable…perhaps envious of what she was seeing. Of course she already felt being admired and asked for a date but she never felt liking the event. Valentine's Day was only a normal day when people try to be extra nice and lovable. Sakura wanted to feel loved… not admired… Lee was an exception; he somehow showed he really loved her…as far as she's concerned. But, evil as it sounded, she didn't like him that much.
Sakura's reverie was interrupted by the halting of the taxi reminding her that they have reached their destination. She took out a purse and handed money to the driver who smiled and said, "Happy Valentine's Day".
Sakura responded with the same greeting—but she sounded less enthusiastic. She got out of the car, went into the dorm building and proceeded to her room. She opened the door slowly; careful not to startle Sasuke if ever he was there. But when she finally pushed the door completely ajar, there was no sign of him. She sighed in disappointment. Why do I even want to see him? She shook her thoughts off and took a step only to notice fresh red rose petals on the floor.
Sakura stared at the trail of roses for seconds as if she had not seen a rose before. Rose petals? Sakura blushed. She didn't expect this but unconsciously she did. She followed the trail from the door step to the bed where she saw a note beside a bouquet of roses. She picked it up and uncontrollably clapped her free hand on her lips.
See you Haruno…
P.S. Give this note at the counter.
-S. Uchiha
Sakura let out a gentle amused laugh and placed her bag down. Sasuke loves the 'note method'. She thought happily and took the bouquet with her. She hurried down to the first floor and gave the note to the counter which took care of dormitory occupants. The man smiled and rang the bell to call another man who led Sakura out of the building. She followed him into a car and went in… still the roses in her embrace.
The car moved smoothly from the dorm building to the far end of the city. It took them at least an hour and a half before reaching a large rest house which stood at a beach. Sakura was instructed to go straight into the house and enjoy herself. Haruno definitely loved how it sounded. She was always caught off-guard by the young cunning Uchiha. And somehow, she loved how she was defeated.
Sakura walked on the white beach and gazed up the sky for a moment. There were already seen stars in the sky that seven p.m. She sighed deeply—the fresh air of the night filling her lungs with romance. Sakura went into the house and looked around. The rest house was tidy and was really designed for beach. The furniture was mostly wood and the light was radiated by pretty lanterns either hanging or placed on top of tables.
Haruno Sakura walked silently toward the open door of a room. She saw another note on a bed and chuckled.
Relax yourself first, I'll be waiting outside.
Sakura knew what the mysterious Uchiha meant by that. She glanced at the white night gown laid on the bed. She went into the bathroom and saw the loveliest bath tub surrounded by candles. Her clothes slid off her body and she went into the tub.
It was heaven…
After which, Sakura wore under garments and the night gown already prepared beforehand. She went out of the room and proceeded to the front door. She went down the bamboo steps and went to the back side of the house. The white sand was brushing lightly against her bare feet. The cool breeze was emphasizing the sweetness of the environment. Sakura smiled to herself. She actually forgot the night two weeks ago. Sakura was now in paradise made perfectly by the Uchiha.
"Haruno, what took you so long?" there came a voice Sakura wanted to hear.
Sakura's eyes caught sight of a table for two on the shore with matching candles. And beside that table, the proud, sexy Uchiha stood with his weight shifted on his left foot. He was wearing silk shirt and pants which seemed to be for sleeping as well.
"Hey Haruno, do you mind coming near me?" Sasuke raised his wine glass and gestured Sakura to a seat around the table.
Sakura was speechless though she obeyed. She walked towards Sasuke but did not sit. She simply looked at him with eyes showing she could not believe it.
Sasuke smiled… it was not mischievous but it was plain joy. He moved the chair for Sakura to sit and sat at the opposite. He poured wine into her glass and watched her eyes that showed so much appreciation of what he was doing for her. There was pure silence but the waves and the rustling of the leaves made a certain rhythm which blended with the romantic scene.
"Sasuke…" Sakura finally found words to say after staring at the rolling sea for a while. "I didn't expect—"
"Don't mention it Haruno." Sasuke simply shrugged and looked at the sea as well.
"It's lovely…"
Sasuke looked intently at her and smiled. "Yes…she is…"
Sakura heard that statement before. "I know you're teasing me again Sasuke." She said with a subtle blush.
"No, I mean it."
Sakura decided not to reply.
"I think you're beautiful…"
Haruno's eyes glistened with unexplainable happiness and appreciation. "Thank you…"
Sasuke smiled and sipped wine. Silence reigned again for seconds before Sasuke stood up and extended his open palm for Sakura to take. "May I ask you to dance?"
"What?" Sakura seemed to appear deaf.
"I'm asking you to dance Haruno."
Sakura's face lightened up as she slowly stood up and gave an amused laugh before following the Uchiha away from the table. Sasuke took her by the waist and their hands clasped against each other. Sasuke led the move of slow dance. The dance was altogether romantic and weird. Sakura didn't expect, of all people, that Sasuke could be serious at times… more of romantic at times. She only recognized him as someone lustful and reckless. But now, she sees him as a burdened teen who wants to escape the pain through more pain.
"Your hand," Sasuke caught the attention of Sakura's eyes, "it's smooth and perfect."
Sakura smiled sweetly—almost bashfully—and Sasuke understood that she liked what he said. He turned her around and pulled her back again. This time, Sakura could feel the warm breath of the Uchiha against her cheeks. He eyes automatically closed as she was lavished by the warm comfort she seemed to want for some kind of reason.
Sasuke's onyx orbs moved to watch the subtle twitches Sakura's eyebrows made. He smiled and pulled her closer to him as if he needed her warmth. Actually it was not the right time to dance in sleeping attires in the middle of the cool night. Winter was already pecking right at their skins. They were still moving with the unheard melody until Sakura gave a startled reaction when her feet made contact with the foamy wave.
Sakura's eyes flew open as she moved her head to see how close they were to the sea. They were actually stepping on a shallow part of the beach met by waves for eternity. She looked up to Sasuke again but to her wonderment he was looking off to the vast blue sea.
No one can decipher what was running in his head.
"Sasuke?" Sakura spoke softly at the same time Sasuke moved his face towards her. Her lips slightly brushed against his cheek. She didn't realize how close they were.
Sasuke gazed into her eyes and did not respond. Their breaths were intertwined with a link of uncertain obsession. It was the obsession both of them possessed—the obsession of mystery and uncertainty. They did not know what would happen next. Shall they leave the situation to their instincts? Shall they let their wanton which was, hopefully, restrained by rationality?
"Haruno…"
That was the only word Sakura heard before she felt Sasuke's lips close over hers. Her eyes rounded like saucers. His eyes slowly closed upon feeling the restrained pleasure freed at last. They stood there for a minute—the waves crashing against their legs. Sakura finally let her senses fade away except for the sense of touch. She felt the furnace heat of Sasuke's lips and she could not understand why she enfolded him. Sasuke felt the hospitability of Haruno's body that he ran his hands through her hair and over her bare neck. She shuddered… she was not used to this painful bliss. Sasuke's hands found their way down her back and to her abdomen. Sakura ran her fingers through his hair and returned the kiss with the same passion. The Uchiha finally felt the urge to lay the damsel down on the damp shore and continue kissing her.
Sasuke laid her down, breaking the kiss for seconds, and then continued touching Sakura's lips with his own. Sakura didn't think—her hands moved under his shirt caressing his bare back. The torrid actions continued until Sakura slightly winced—it was not because of pain.
"Sasuke…" she managed to speak despite the situation. "I think—"
Sasuke didn't need another word. He drew back his hand which was already on her covered chest. The new sensation made Sakura uncomfortable. He knew it. The Uchiha kneeled up and looked away again.
Why Sasuke? Why are you making me feel this way? Thoughts ran in Sakura's mind like wildfire. Why am I this way? She shook her head and took a glance of what Sasuke was looking at. So far, she saw nothing but the silver moon and the seemingly endless sea.
"I'm—"
"No, Sasuke, don't say it." Sakura whispered. "I'm trying to understand that you're acting this way because you want to forget about what happened." Sakura eyed him with eyes full of passion and concern. "It's alright."
Sasuke didn't reply to this remark. He simply sat down and helped Sakura sit upright. They were silent for a while and then Sakura pointed at the sky immediately. "Meteor shower!"
Sasuke smiled. He looked at the shooting stars and then into Sakura's emerald eyes. He could see pure sincerity…
"I think it's already one a.m. so it's already February 14." Sakura grinned. "Happy Valentine's Day."
"Happy Valentine's Day Haruno." Sasuke replied. They sat there for another while before Sasuke felt the chill of the cruel winter. I can not decipher what is running in your head. He ran his fingers through his hair, sat closer to the pink haired teen and then looked up the sky. But I'm sorry all the same.
END
I'm really sorry to those readers who prefer happiness than angst. I'm really sorry because whatever I do, the story slides to the same melancholy. But I hope you like it! I hope to hear from you! Thank you for enjoying my fic!