Part Twelve

SAKURA'S POV

Flashback — Part One.

"Gold? Maroon? Fuchsia?"

"No. No. And hell no, forehead." Ino racked through numerous prom dresses for me but was never satisfied. "Prom night is sacred, this isn't Winter Formal."

"It's a dance, pig. A couple of hours, that's it." While, she was frantically searching for perfection, I was content to stand and watch. A dress did catch my attention; it was a high-low dress, rose gold with thin spaghetti straps and v-neckline.

It sparkles under the dim light of the dress shop.

It's revealing and screams, 'look at me.'

I could never be that bold.

Ino huffs, "forehead, if you don't take that dress off the stupid rack, I will." Her baby blue eyes sparkle as she smirks at me and continues her search, "you're practically drooling."

"I – Alright." I did love the dress; it looked so elegant on the hanger.

In the dressing room, my confidence leaves me and I cannot understand why I feel so self-conscious. The line straps leave my shoulders bare, the v-neckline runs deep between my breasts and I realize that I would not be able to wear a bra; not even a strap-less one.

My face heats up a fraction.

"Let's see it, forehead."

"No, it's not what I wanted."

"What? No way." Ino does not sound convinced with my lie. "Sakura, the dress is to die for. Let me see!"

"I can't."

"Forehead, you're not showing me anything I haven't seen before." Her voice is full of amusement.

"That was an accident." Leave it to Ino to bring up the past when she witnessed me naked as the day I was born. "You need to learn to knock."

"Where's the fun in that?"

I glanced at my reflection, my chest filled with uncertainty. Prom was next weekend, Sasuke hasn't asked me yet, probably waiting for us to be alone and that's okay, but a part of me is a nervous wreck. Our other dances have been more of a group outing, however Prom was different – everyone wanted to be able to have their own privacy with their dates.

Which meant separate cars, separate meeting places and separate rooms; it is no secret that by sacred night Ino really means 'tonight is the night.'

"Open up or I will crawl underneath the door, Haruno." She threatens, I think it is best to let her in rather than have the employees think she is a peeping Tom.

I sighed, and unlocked the door. "Brace yourself." I told her, this dress would look lovely on her and it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.

Those polished baby blue eyes widen a fraction, her stare is lingering and I feel embarrassed.

"Holy. Fuck." She blinks; a wide smile spreads across her perfect face. "You're buying it. Hell, I'm buying another and we can match. Wow!"

Her expression causes me to laugh, "you can't be serious."

She raises a fine blonde eyebrow, "as a fucking heart attack. In fact it's Uchiha's heart that will go into cardiac arrest when he lays his eyes on you."

The mention of Sasuke is all I need to feel overly exposed, "it's too short, and too low." I pointed to the dip between my cleavage.

"It's perfect, forehead. Say it with me, eat your heart out." Ino pulls me from the small dressing room into the small nook that is framed with mirrors. "You look amazing."

Maybe she has a point, it is flowy and it gives my hips a little curve; my breasts are not overly shown but it is tasteful enough. "You're beautiful forehead, and I know you feel it too."

Ino has been my best friend since the age of seven; we have had our fair share of difficulties like who was going to marry Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boy. We have had our heartbreaks, when Ino's father passed away from a car accident. I never left her side. She has been there and so have I, she knows me through and through; it is a little scary how good a person can read you, Ino has always been my person.

I could not fight against her. "Alright, alright."

She squealed so loud the other customers glared in our direction, "sshhh." I laughed, "you're going to get us thrown out."

She fanned herself, "okay, okay." She was bouncing on her toes. "I can't help it, I'm so excited."

I walked back into the dressing room, "Shikamaru asked you after all?" The gown flooded at my feet.

She huffed, "you know Shika, and it was like pulling teeth. I swear, what do I see in that lazy buffoon?"

I buttoned my jeans, "caramel colored eyes and dark chocolate hair."

A dreamy sigh escaped my best friend, "full lips and dimple on his left cheek that takes my breath away."

I smiled at her confession, "he's so handsome it makes my chest hurt."

I knew that hurt all too well.

Sasuke had the ability to rob me of my breath, heart and soul. I will never understand my own obsession with him but I could not bear to see him treated so harshly.

I will never forget the moment he was introduced to our homeroom class, all I could do was watch; he was tall like Naruto but instead of mimicking the sun, he stood in the shadows.

The whispers of his parent's death clouded the halls of our middle school; his parents were murdered during a home invasion. The Uchiha brothers, luckily, were not home at the time of the incident, the suspects were caught a few days later. Their confessions stated that they simply robbed the place in search of wealth.

The criminals resided in prison now and everything stolen returned to the Uchiha Estate.

Apparently, the boys stayed with a relative until Itachi was able to take responsibility for Sasuke but in the end, his older brother went off to college and Sasuke had to fend for himself. It is not as if Itachi did not try to get him to stay with a guardian but Sasuke just refused.

This twelve-year-old boy with his back up against the wall, he felt like the world was against him, and that did not feel right to me. He did not deserve the lies being told about him or the pity that the teacher's showered him with because in truth, the pre-teen was a little scary.

He just needed someone to understand.

He had been at school for a little over a week and he had turned down every invitation that I offered.

"Not interested." His empty voice echoed in my head for the thousandth time.

His blank expression hurt my feelings, but I did not show him. "Are you sure?"

His expression turned cold, but underneath that hard exterior was a small sadness and I could see right through his tough shell.

"I'm sorry to bother you." I bowed quietly and started to give him space.

Defeated. Embarrassed. Stupid.

I sulked a little; he is more stubborn than I thought.

"Oi! You!" I gasped as I watched Naruto fly straight passed me and into Sasuke's pale face. "What's your problem? Sakura's trying to be nice you."

"I didn't ask her to be." He leaned back from the blonde-haired student with an annoyed expression.

"She doesn't need to be asked, that's just Sakura."

"Naruto!" I whispered harshly as I confronted them both. "Stop it."

"Why waste your time on him Sakura? It's clear that he doesn't appreciate your effort." He exclaimed. "If he wants to be miserable, let him."

"Naruto." I scolded. "You can't talk that."

His face changed into confusion, "why not? That's how he feels."

I sighed, "you don't know what he's going through. He has every right to feel the way he does."

"Ahem."

I tensed, he was staring out the classroom window; lunch was almost over now. "Are you finished?"

"Sasuke, I'm sorry for his behavior toward you." Naruto shrunk under my stare.

"He's just looking out for me." I added and Naruto's face softened.

"Hn."

After that, Naruto seemed to have an easier time getting Sasuke to interact with others and I was glad that he finally decided to let someone in – even if it was not me, I would wait a little longer.

My sixteenth birthday was the turning point of our relationship; he kissed me in my downstairs coat closet. Seven minutes in heaven, Ino's idea, my parents allowed me have a small party with a couple of friends.

Naruto, Sasuke, Ino, Shikamaru and Hinata.

The night was great with small talk and music but Ino being the little tease she is, whipped out a half empty Vodka bottle.

"Cups! Everyone give me your cups." She demanded.

I did not agree with the alcohol but anything to take the edge off, Sasuke has been staring at me longer than usual, that or I'm totally making this shit up in my head.

I groaned because I was beginning to feel overwhelmed.

"What's with the face? Sasuke is practically undressing with his eyes." Ino whispered in my ear as she poured me a cup.

"Oh, Gods I'm not imagining it." I whispered as she handed it back to me.

Ino smiled, "nope. He's been staring at you babe."

Butterflies filled my entire body.

I panicked, "what do I do pig?"

She is clearly more experienced than I am, "leave it to me." I did not like that sly smile that played on her lips or that mischievous glint in her eye.

I gulped half the clear liquid down and blamed it on my thirst when it was nerves.

"Alright, seven minutes in heaven. Who's interested?" The room remained silent, "come on people, don't tell me you've never played? You are locked in the closet with another person. Preferably the opposite sex."

Hinata's face was bright red; she was the only one that did not have any Vodka. The sheer thought of being locked in a closet with Naruto was too much for her to handle.

"I hear no objections. Forehead you're first!" She flashed me that charming smile.

I nearly dropped my cup on my mother's expensive rug. "Me? It's your idea pig." I argued.

"It's your day birthday girl." Ino said. "Let's go." She firmly gripped my wrist and pulled me toward the closet that housed old jackets and sweaters.

"This is not what I meant pig." I say through clenched teeth as she shoves me inside.

"You'll thank me later, I promise." She takes my cup from my hands that are shaking now because I am so nervous I could faint. She grabs a thin scarf off a hanger, "Wait – what are you doing?" I ask frantically.

"No peeping." She rushes behind me and ties the fabric firmly in place.

"Pig, please I change my mind." I plead. I am not ready for this.

"Forehead, you've been waiting for this moment for how many years? Do not let your nerves spoil it. He will not reject, not anymore."

Her words provided a little extra encouragement.

"Breathe." She squeezes my shoulders and I know she is grinning like no tomorrow.

"Alright."

The door shuts moments later and I stand there as if I was a statue because it is dark and I am a little intimidated with this blindfold on.

Two minutes later the door opens and it shuts quietly behind the person, his scent is the first clue; a mixture of cinnamon and sandalwood. Of course, Ino would force him into the closet.

Duh, who else would it be?

I mentally roll my eyes at my own stupid thought.

"Sak—"

"You don't have to do this." I mumbled, "it is okay Sasuke."

I reached for the blindfold, prepared for his rejection of how he just does not feel the same and he is finally able to tell me.

No more silent answers to my offers.

A warm hand stops me; my heart literally skips a beat. "Don't – not yet. If I do not say this now … I'll never be able to tell you."

"Tell me what?" I whispered as my heart beats frantically in my chest. I make no move to take off the blindfold but his hand holds mine. The act alone is intimate because Sasuke does not just touch anyone.

The moment does not last long and soon he releases me, he is holding his breath, almost as if he is nervous too.

"I – I like you, Sakura."

What!

Okay, the blindfold has to go and I need some light ASAP.

I pull the fabric off my eyes but it is bunched around my neck, my cell is in my back pocket which I use for a flashlight and place on the floor.

His dark orbs widen at my quick movements.

"You like …. me?" I ask, not really believing what I am hearing which is why I have to see it. His eyes.

The light surprises him, but his face is lovely in the dim light that casts over his features.

"I like you." He repeats. His deep onyx eyes with a twist of light. "I've been trying to tell you but it's – I'm not great with feelings."

"Sasuke…" I do not know rather to cry or laugh; my feels finally noticed even if he cannot express it all the time I know it is there. That is all I wanted.

"I'm sorry for everything, all the bullshit I put you through."

This is the best birthday – day – of my life.

I'm not sure when the tears started to slid down my cheeks but the feel of finger tips running along my skin is a moment I will never forget.

"Don't cry." His eyes are changing every second; it is so intense and overwhelming that my heart feels as if it is going to explode into confetti.

"I'm sorry." I hiccup. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to hear you say that." I say with a shy smile because it is true, no dreams I have had compare to the real thing.

It is not possible for him to get any more handsome until he smiles, a real smile; one that is genuine, that makes me feel so much lighter.

"Hn."

Large hands with long fingers hold my face in place and in that moment, I pray that he is going to kiss me. The look in his eyes is wanting, I am sure mine mimic his. My eyes flutter closed as he leans in, his forehead connects with mine and nothing happens.

I am slightly disappointed but if this is too fast for him, I will understand.

I open my eyes and he looks unsure of himself, "you don't —"

"Can I –"

We speak at the same time.

I wait for him to begin again; his breath is mixing with mine and my cheeks fill with warmth and blood.

"Can I kiss you?" His voice is low and deep; his eyes are sweet and luminous. His lips almost graze mine and that is enough to make my toes curl in my shoes.

Oh sweet baby Jesus.

An unsettling feeling fills my stomach; I have never kissed anyone before.

"I might be bad at it." I admit. My voice is barely above a whisper; I advert my eyes and tilt my face down slightly.

He smirks, "I have a feeling that's not possible." He grips at my chin, returning my face to his. He is so close, it is almost suffocating.

I do not say nothing after that, I am captivated by this boy in front me. Completely at his mercy.

He brings my face closer to his until I feel his warm soft lips against mine, it is simple and delicate. No more than a tender fleeting touch between us.

It is over in an instant but my heart continues to race.

"Again." It is almost a demand, but he sounds so desperate.

This is different, his hand finds my waist and he pulls me tight against his chest that I gasp in surprise that he would be willing to hold me so soon. His other hand buries in my hair at the nape of neck, "is this okay?" He breathes, his eyes are smoldering.

Oh, please don't let go.

"Yes."

That is all he needed because no sooner his lips are on mine in a passionate kiss, it is bruising but oh so hot, it is all the pent up feelings that he has been neglecting. My hands cling to his Leatherman jacket, as he devours me with his lips – I surrender to him.

His tongue runs against my bottom lip and a sound escapes my mouth, a moan that I did not know I possessed but it fueled his movement because he is holding me tighter. His tongue is caressing mine, and it is a feeling that sends chills down my spine.

When we need air, he pulls away – breathless. Much like myself.

I do not even feel like I am in my own body anymore; I am somewhere floating in a different dimension.

I touched my lips with my fingers. I am completely star struck, "Sasuke?"

I lift my gaze to his, he's already staring down at me with a peaceful look on his face. "What does this mean?" I ask.

"I'm sorry …" He releases me and runs a hand through his dark hair.

For a second my heart cracks, he regrets it. All of my insecurities flood my chest.

"I'm sorry for making you wait this long." He finishes with a soft look in his eyes.

Relief, all of this was so overwhelming.

"I'd like to be with you. If you'll have me." He sounds so uncertain, as if I have not been waiting my whole – almost - teenage life for him. "Before you answer, you have to understand that I may not be the best with this relationship stuff."

We all know that.

"I only want to stay by your side, Sasuke." I touched his cheek, "that's all I want."

He does not respond but I knew he understood, when we left the closet no one was to be found. Turns out, Ino planned this the whole time and once Sasuke was safely inside she made everyone leave or else.

We spent the rest of my birthday with quiet conversation and innocent touches that imprinted on my heart.

Now it's Prom and I have dress but he's yet to ask me, I try not to dwell on that matter because of course we are going together but it's the effort that I want even though I know what Sasuke is willing to give I want just a little bit more.

I will wait for the day he gives me everything.

Thanks for reading. Part Two coming soon!