Note to the reader: Sorry guys for the late update. Dad terminated our internet connection and I only managed to type now because of my tight schedule. Darn… school days are drawing near folks. Total author's block here.

Summary: Neji is always suspected as the Sakura-hater… but is he the real mysterious attacker?

CHAPTER IX- Someone Unexpected

"… Quit… staring." Sasuke muttered in a deadly tone.

That lovely, lovely morning, Sakura and Sasuke were forced to stay in the dining hall for breakfast. The Uchiha resisted up to the last minute until Sakura shook her head and followed. He, of course, could only follow. Now, everything seemed to be working in unison: the birds were chirping, the wind was blowing, the trees were dancing and the Akatsuki was grinning. And Sasuke cursed all the things which made the morning happy. Sakura, on the other hand, just kept her eyes on the food all the while. She had no words to spare during breakfast. She ate a small amount of food though—she kept poking the egg with her fork unconsciously.

Perhaps the only normal person among them was Itachi who ate continuously. His eyes were situated on the food he was devouring and would only drift once or twice to drink water. He spoke only to ask the serving plate to be passed and to ask his glass to be refilled. In between those rare moments, silence had its zone.

…

…

Someone sniggered.

"That's it." Sasuke bolted upright and his palms slammed on the table. "We're leaving." He eyed Sakura whose bacon dropped back to the plate when it touched her lips.

"There is no need to rush her Sasuke." Itachi's fatally handsome look met Sasuke's pissed orbs.

"Yeah, if only they would stop driving me up the wall." He replied with a glare at the Akatsuki members.

More smirks came.

"Couldn't anyone get a little privacy here?" He was infuriated which was the reason why he became talkative.

"Sit down Sasuke." Itachi ordered in a mild tone. "I still have something for you to do."

The Uchiha obliged without another question asked. Why did I even do that? The memory of the pool side event kept on repeating in his head. What was I thinking? He had asked that question about a countless times already. Heck… I might not even been thinking all this time. (Finally, he realized his idiocy.) But he was certain that he loved it. The very moment his rationality shut down and his emotions worked, he clearly felt heaven. Heaven… He suddenly remembered his mission. But according to the events, he might deflower her before he could even present himself up there. I'd get thrown to hell the next time. He thought. You're still under probation Sasuke, keep that in mind. Protect her, don't fuck her.

"Alright." Itachi said after taking the last gulp of water. Sasuke watched his brother stand up and followed him with his eyes as he went up the stairs. Itachi reached the second step of the stairs before looking over his shoulder. "What are you looking at me for? Follow me."

Sasuke stood up and followed his brother to his room. He was wondering what the older Uchiha might ask him to do. An errand? Itachi was not the type who would ask help to do minor stuff especially that he got the Akatsuki behind his back. He would not probably ask him to do something dangerous. Or maybe he would ask him to do something that could distance him from Sakura.

"Get in." Itachi opened the door and closed it after Sasuke got in. The younger raven head began observing the room with his keen eyes. The room was neat and everything was organized. There were books and notebooks in shelves. There was a laptop just beside the lampshade on the bedside desk. A gun with a clip of bullets was on the unruffled bed sheet. There was a cabinet which probably held all of Itachi's clothes since he had ceased from traveling lately. On a study desk were compiled papers and a framed picture of Itachi and Sasuke taken years back. Sasuke raised the frame and observed how close they were in the picture.

The young Sasuke got a wide grin on his face while he rode on Itachi's shoulders. Itachi, on the other hand, supported his brother with his hands. He still had his handsome smile but his eyes were still onyx.

Oni-chan. He said to himself as he placed the frame down.

"Sasuke," Itachi motioned his brother to come over, "here it is." He gently handed a freshly cut rose to him. The younger took the rose and then eyed the giver with inquiry.

"Take care of it." The crimson-eyed said as he crossed his arms. "That's the errand you're supposed to do."

"Is this some kind of joke because it's not funny." The shorter raven head cocked his head.

"I'm serious if you haven't noticed." Itachi replied with an inclination of his head. "Don't tell me you find it difficult."

"Actually, I find it extremely stupid—"

"—and useless?"

"Yeah… so you probably know why I won't do this."

Sasuke was about to give it back when Itachi handed him a piece of paper. He held it with his free hand and read silently. "This is sick. You even got reminders to go with it?" Sasuke didn't know if it was hilarious or plain irritating. He took one more look at the paper and then glanced at Itachi. His crimson eyes were blank but had a serious aura.

"Wait," Sasuke was taken aback by that look, "you are serious."

The older did not speak but his eyes expressed that he said 'yes'.

"Why is this necessary? Or maybe you just want me to give this to Sakura."

"If I wanted to give Sakura something, it'll not be a single rose but a bouquet. And maybe I would include a ring to go with it too."

"Fine, I get your point." He shrugged. "So what happens if I take care of it?"

"Do the errand and you'll know." He answered with still a clueless blank tone.

"Don't you have the time to do this?"

"I have something else to do. I will not be around for a while."

"Is Hatake going with you?"

"No. I plan with a crowd, I execute alone." Itachi's eyes fell upon the gun on his bed.

"I thought you have a partner."

"Kisame? This mission is personal and it's something not worth his attention." He paused and then said, "Just give it back to me if ever we meet."

Sasuke slid the paper into his pocket and took a long glance of his brother. "Itachi you—" His next words were interrupted. Itachi suddenly leaned forward and kissed Sasuke's forehead; after which he embraced his brother tight.

"Remember that I'll always love you otouto and no one could take as much love from me as you do."

"—are weird." Sasuke blushed and his head remained against Itachi. Something locked up inside him wanted to scream out. He knew that he missed a brother's embrace but he felt something wrong about it. There was something wrong with Itachi's action and words but he could not decipher it yet.

Itachi released Sasuke after some seconds and then proceeded to the door. Their eyes met for a moment before he touched the door knob. "Go on Sasuke," a rare kind of smile appeared on his face, "she's waiting."

Sasuke slowly walked past him and when he got out, he looked over his shoulder to watch the door close.

"This is unusual but cute." Sakura had just finished reading the piece of paper containing Itachi's reminders. "Have you read it?"

"Not yet." The Uchiha replied but his eyes were on the rose. Sasuke and Sakura were riding a half-filled bus to the hospital. It had been days since Sakura had worked. But because the hospital received news of the attacks, accidents, and the loss she experienced, she was given an automatic leave from work. Also, that was a way of the hospital of protecting its patients. Since someone was attacking Sakura, it was safer to keep the patients from the risk. Sakura understood that fast since she did not question why Dr. Tsunade wasn't calling for her. As a medic, the patient's welfare came first.

Sakura cleared her throat and began reading:

"First: You are to take care of it so never neglect the rose."

"Then?"

"Second: Do not cut its thorns. Keep it safe from damage but let it protect itself too."

"Okay."

"Third: Do not place it in a tightly closed container. It needs to breathe."

"Like humans."

"Fourth: It'll wither fast if you keep on tampering with the petals."

"Really?"

"Fifth: You would think of it as a burden from time to time but that makes the errand a lot more fun."

"Fun? Burden? That's ironic."

"Sixth: A little conversation would not hurt."

"Is that even logical?"

"Actually Sasuke, it is even a treat for plants to let them hear music. Probably talking to them would have almost the same effect." Sakura eyed the reminders again and then continued. "A last reminder: The rose means a lot to me so it's you I trusted it to. I only trust you."

"He sounds… too concerned… and for a rose for that matter." Sasuke crossed his legs and placed the rose on his thigh.

"I wonder why…" Sakura folded the paper and gave it to the Uchiha.

The bus rolled on for the next few minutes. Along their way they passed several buildings and houses which seemed to be all cramped up in a single lot. There were also identical buildings which were enclosed with cement and gates. On the grounds were several students in civilian attires. Sasuke felt something about that school… he felt—no—more of knew he was there. The posts, the paths, the spots for hang-outs—everything was familiar to him. Maybe he just needed to go there.

"Here we are." Sakura tapped Sasuke's arm. The bus stopped at a bus stop just a few steps from the hospital gates. They waited for the other passengers to exit before making their way out. Sakura led the way to the front doors and showed her ID to the front desk. Sasuke, on the other hand, kept on eyeing everyone who greeted the pink head 'good morning'. Some staffers became actually slightly terrified of him. When Sasuke and Sakura walked on, they resisted chatting with her and forced a smile instead.

"What are we doing here anyway?" the Uchiha asked after getting out of the elevator with Sakura.

"I'm here to get some papers, pictures and equipments." She explained as she inserted a key into the key hole of the nearest door.

"What for? I thought you were on a leave."

"Well," Sakura opened the door and began opening several drawers to obtain things, "last year I was asked by a teacher to be a guest in a discussion. She's teaching nursing. Since I was too busy before, I declined. Now, a friend asked me to join her class and since I am on a leave, I could join the discussion."

"We're going to that college school?"

Sakura looked at Sasuke upon noticing a change in his tone. "Don't you want to go there?"

"I was planning to go there." He crossed his arms in recollection of the familiarity of the place. "Maybe I could find out more things about me."

The pink head smiled instead of responding. She continued packing up things without another word. Sasuke took a small sandwich bag and poured in water. He placed half of the rose in the plastic to keep the end watered. After that he watched Sakura for a few more minutes and carried the bag when she was done. He gave her the rose for her to hold and then they got out of the hospital.

The school was a few steps away so they decided to walk. Step by step Sasuke's mind began wondering what the interior of the structure looked like. He didn't notice but he was more of recalling tiny pieces of memory in him. He felt his heart beating faster and faster but his feeling which was pure curiosity was starting to become vague. His excitement in knowing what he forgot was being slowly tainted by trauma, uncertainty, pride and overpowering erotic feelings. He was confused himself but he was sure of one thing: his life revolved around that school.

"Miss Haruno!" a woman's voice interrupted Sasuke's reverie. "I'm so glad you're here. Thank you so much for allowing me to take your time."

"You're welcome." Sakura turned to Sasuke and said. "I'd like you to meet Uchiha Sasuke. Sasuke, meet Ms. Kojiwa."

"Nice to meet you." The teacher surveyed Sasuke's stern look. "Well then, let's go." She led the two into the building. She kept on chatting with Sakura as they walked.

The front hall was repainted and still slightly smelled of paint. There were some staircases leading to different building wings. There were also outdoor corridors leading to other buildings. They went out of the main building and passed an oval, a gymnasium and at the farther side they could see a large quadrangle where students were running around while being instructed by a familiar person.

"Here." Ms. Kojiwa opened the door of another building and guided Sakura in. Sasuke, on the other hand, stopped on his tracks. He watched the people, who were probably army students, run around and pass obstacles. Everything closed around him except the shouts of the army students. Unconsciously, he began walking away from the pathway. His feet brushed against the grass towards the quadrangle. He needed to reach that place…

A scream was slowly building up in his head… it was getting louder… louder… until it was already deafening…

Sasuke gasped.

The scream faded abruptly and suddenly, he felt something hit him hard and whatever it was penetrated his flesh. His eyes squinted and darkness enveloped him. It hurts. Another hit him… and another… and another… until it became continuous… like bullets…

"Sasuke?"

The Uchiha's eyes gradually opened and to his surprise, he recognized where he was. He pushed himself up and looked at his palms. "Why am I in the clinic?"

"You passed out near the quadrangle. I was already shouting but you seemed not to hear me." Sakura gazed anxiously into his eyes. "Is there something wrong?"

"Nothing… it's nothing." He slid off the bed and fixed himself. "How did I end up here?"

"Lt. Kakashi saw you. He was handling the army class which was on going in the quadrangle."

He halted for a few seconds and then spoke. "Aren't you supposed to be in that teacher's class?"

"The class would start in about five minutes but I needed to check on you first." Sakura smiled and walked up to the door.

"I'm joining the class too." Sasuke followed her out of the clinic.

The corridors and the grounds were almost empty for most classes had already begun. A few students with irregular schedules were still on a carefree stroll. While they walked, memories seeped into the Uchiha's mind. I know he was here… Sasuke said inwardly. I walk this corridor while everyone watched my every step. He began visualizing students passing him, eyeing him with lustful interest. I was their sex god… the feeling… it's all coming back to me. Girls were screaming… men were drooling… He stopped and gave the lockers a quick glance. A large chunk of memory suddenly fit itself in the puzzle. Sasuke saw Neji and himself kissing in such an erotic fashion at a space between the lockers and the corner of the wall. …Neji?

"We're here." Sakura knocked and waited for Ms. Kojiwa to open the door. She heard voices before the door opened, revealing a spacious air conditioned room and a number of students. Most of them had their eyes on Sasuke instead of Sakura. Some girls started whispering about how hot-looking he was while the boys were not at all concerned that their sniggers were heard.

"Class, please welcome Ms. Haruno Sakura, head nurse of the hospital owned by Dr. Tsunade." The teacher introduced Sakura to the class. She turned to Sasuke and said, "Class, also meet Mr. Uchiha Sasuke, her assistant."

"Bodyguard." He quickly corrected.

"Ah… yes…" She was surprised slightly upon hearing the correction. Even Sakura's head turned to meet Sasuke's eyes. Ms. Kojiwa cleared her throat and led Sakura to a table just in front of the whiteboard. The bag that had Sakura's equipments was already on it. Sasuke took the rose from the pink head and stood near the doorway. He studied the looks of the students in case any of them looked suspicious. But instead of what he expected, the students were actually more engrossed with him than Sakura.

"Good morning." Haruno brought the attention back to her. "I am here just to show you some materials and share tips and experience in the field." She placed things on the table and then clapped her hands once. "I encourage all of you to ask questions."

The discussion was a silent one. For the first few minutes, no one raised a question. They just listened to the explanations of Sakura about the difference of working in a hospital and working in school. She shared some events wherein she failed and she also told the class of the times she was recognized. Just after talking about being promoted to head nurse, a student raised her hand.

"Miss Haruno, a question." A female student said. "Does it provide free protection?"

"Excuse me?"

"I mean," she jabbed her friend who was tittering, "if I get to be a head nurse, will the hospital provide me a bodyguard?"

The class laughed at the question intended to be a silly one. The attention was starting to draw back to Sasuke.

"I'm afraid not." Sakura smiled at the Uchiha. "Well maybe you could get yourself one."

"But probably not as hot as he is." Another student said loudly. More laughter came afterwards and the eyes of the people were now on Sasuke who had emotional confusion himself. He enjoyed having people checking his body out but he was irritated at the same time. His hand wanted to pull his shirt off while his other hand wanted to keep his clothing on. Half of him was fancying about a good sex while his other half was trying to be sane and clean.

"Could I rent him?" Someone winked at the Uchiha.

"I'm already taken." Sasuke immediately said.

"Class, please mind your questions." Ms. Kojiwa smiled nervously.

"Um, shall we continue?" Sakura clapped her hands once more to cut the questions.

The class went on for a quarter of an hour more. When the bell rang, almost everyone crowded around Sasuke and asked him for his number. Fortunately, Sasuke did not have a cell phone number to give. He managed to make himself a way out of the room and waited for Sakura to come out. When she did, they hurried down the stairs to the exit to avoid more attention.

"Where are we going next?" Sasuke placed the bag down as he watched Sakura check her cell phone for a message or something.

"Shino's house." She replied without looking at Sasuke.

WHAT? The Uchiha's jaw almost dropped. "Why are we going there?"

"Kiba called one time and invited everyone for an overnight. And Shino's place was available so he volunteered to let us stay there." Sakura kept her phone and signaled a taxi cab. "Maybe Kiba wanted to cheer Shikamaru up."

"You don't have to go there." Sasuke said in a grave tone.

"And why not?" Sakura rolled her eyes and then went in the cab.

Sasuke followed and then placed the bag beside him. "Because it's Shino's place. Besides, you got your own house."

"Sasuke, I don't know why you're jealous—"

"I am not." He denied. "Fine, go, but I am going with you."

The cab drove off to the far side of the city where Shino resided. Near the Aburame residence was a grove which was protected by the Aburame family. From afar they could already pass insects that were freely flying around without any care about the incoming humans. They also saw Kiba's dog, Akamaru, trying to catch a butterfly near the Aburame gates. The taxi slowed down and finally stopped in front of the house. Sakura and the irritable Sasuke went out and waited in front of the gates.

"Oh! Sakura! Sasuke!" Tenten, who was surprisingly in an apron, appeared at the doorway. "Kiba!"

Kiba, in his usual jacket, walked out with a key clasped in his hand. "Great! I thought you'd not come."

"Of course we'd come." Sakura smiled and waved at Chouji who was carrying a tray of bowls from the kitchen to the dining room. Sasuke didn't say anything and his eyes kept on moving to see if Shino appeared.

"Sakura, I think I need your help." Tenten called from the kitchen. Sakura quickly left the two men and went to the kitchen. Sasuke was left standing in the sofa with the rose in his hand. I don't like this dammit.

"Uchiha Sasuke, what a surprise."

His head turned and saw the face of his currently most hated person in heaven and earth. "Shino."

Shino had a bottle of honey in his hand and a butterfly perched on another. He still got his shades which concealed his eyes from others who wanted to read his expression. "I knew you'd come. You couldn't let Sakura go here alone."

"You read my mind." Sasuke forced a smile.

"Your eyes are transparent." The other walked past him and went straight to the kitchen.

Calm down Sasuke… The Uchiha began imagining that he was pulling Shino's head off by his sharpened teeth. Silly as it seemed, he enjoyed the bloodshed.

"SASUKE-BASTARD IS HERE?"

Another irritating person. He thought and looked over his shoulder. "What now dope?" He couldn't tell why he immediately remembered Naruto when he first saw him in the manor.

"I thought he wasn't invited!" Naruto pointed at Sasuke but he yelled at Kiba.

"You're making up things Naruto…" Kiba's voice and sniggers trailed away.

"Good afternoon Sasuke." Lee intercepted. His voice was plain but his eyes showed envy. He passed him too and went to the kitchen.

"Sasuke?" Shikamaru appeared in the hallway carrying bags of potatoes.

The Uchiha didn't feel like arguing with him for suddenly he felt sorry. He didn't have much memory of Shikamaru but he knew that they were friends but not close. And to think that Ino just died—he felt it was not right to be alive before him. Would he question why Ino wasn't alive and he was?

"We explained how you got here Sasuke, don't worry." Tenten untied her apron and folded it. "Shikamaru, give the potatoes to Sakura, she needs them now." Nara went to the kitchen without another word.

"Lunch is up in ten minutes." Shino reappeared at the sofa set. "Sasuke," he saw the Uchiha curse under his breath, "would you help me with the plates?"

The raven head just obliged instead of retaliating. He followed Shino to the dining room and saw a familiar pair of eyes. The girl who possessed those eyes was blushing furiously while placing utensils on the table. Beside her was Naruto who kept on babbling about his greatness.

"Hinata, be careful not to pass out." Kiba said as he pulled out plates from the cupboard. Shino followed after Kiba got a set of small plates.

The Hyuuga reddened even more.

Sasuke wanted to ask Hinata if she was a Hyuuga and if she knew Neji but his thought was drowned by Tenten's announcement of lunch. He helped placing plated on the table and then went to the kitchen to check on Sakura. "I'll carry that for you." He took the large bowl of viand from Sakura and delivered it to the dining room. Everyone came in after getting their hands cleansed. When everyone had settled down, the chatting started while eating.

Sasuke observed the people around him and even though he hated two men there, he admitted to himself that he enjoyed the food and the company. He laughed in a subtle manner a couple of times and he won over Naruto through his words. From time to time he would glance at Sakura who sat across him. He watched her lips form a smile and that would immediately make him happy. I still wonder what I felt for you in the past… I want to know what happened between us before.

Sakura was chatting with Tenten when she caught sight of Sasuke looking at her. She lost her words and looked at him as well with those emerald orbs. The words of other people did not breach their silent connection. Sasuke…

"AND NOW!" Kiba bolted upright, holding a champagne glass with water inside. "A cheer for us all for staying as friends!"

Everyone raised their glasses and cheered with him. Even Sasuke and Sakura complied with the toast. After that they resumed eating and talking.

"Is Sasuke there already?" Sakura asked the people in the living room. Kiba was setting up a CD player because he wanted to show something to everyone.

"No, he didn't pass here." Tenten shook her head. "Maybe he's in the bathroom."

"I already checked." She sighed heavily.

"Sleeping perhaps?" Shikamaru shrugged.

"I've been to the rooms."

"He's just around." Naruto crossed his arms.

Sakura walked to the kitchen and still found no one. She checked other rooms and hallways but no Sasuke was found. After realizing that she had checked the indoors, she went out to check the outdoors.

"Sasuke?" Sakura called out from the open doorway.

A starry night presented itself to all those who looked at the sky. The moon was radiant and grand to who stop to gaze at it. And like thousands of people looking up at the velvet curtain, an individual was mesmerized by its beauty.

"What are you doing here?" she approached a figure that was lying on the grass.

Sasuke did not respond but a smile crossed his face.

"I've been looking for you. Kiba got something for us to watch."

"Really…?"

"Sasuke?"

Sasuke stood up and brushed grass off his attire. He glanced at Sakura and then extended his hand to her. "Go with me."

Sakura felt slightly puzzled by his words but she held his hand anyway. "Where are we going?"

"Up." He pulled her close to him and enfolded her in a gentle embrace. He closed his eyes and slowly, a pair of white wings tore through his shirt. The wings fully expanded and it flapped, sending them in midair. Sakura embraced Sasuke tightly in fear of falling.

"Sasuke—"

"Trust me."

- - - - -

On the other hand, Sasuke walked into the living room with a champagne glass in one hand and the rose in another. "Where's Sakura?"

"She's looking for you." Shino answered.

"I am looking for her."

"Where have you been anyway?" Tenten asked.

"I was at the grove, I saw someone…" he muttered the next words under his breath. "with wings."

"She might be at the garden. You should check." Shikamaru suggested.

Sasuke immediately went out and searched.

- - - - -

Sakura tried not to look down and remained gazing up at Sasuke's confident look. "I thought—you are mortal?"

"…"

"Does it mean… you could go back?"

"Do you really believe that Sasuke could get his wings back that fast?"

Sakura looked up and saw a different pair of eyes. Blue-green eyes?

"Look at me carefully." He said softly…almost deadly…

Sakura looked up and saw not Sasuke but someone completely different. "…Gaara…?"

END

I lost my love for romance for two damn weeks. Gr… -- anyway, thanks for the reviews. I think I need an inspiration.