Chapter 8
"Speaking in Japanese"
Thoughts
"Speaking in English"
Inner Sakura/Gaara/Sasuke
(A/N new long chappie for you guys hope you like it 3 Please review :* -Shinko)
For the next few days school was quite uneventful. Sakura and Gaara seemed to be keeping their distance from one another, although neither knew why. They barely talked in class and Gaara seemed to disappear at lunch and afterschool.
Sakura was beginning to get more confused about her feelings for the red head. They seemed to have hit if off on the first day, with all the craziness that occurred with the fight. What happened? She wondered. Maybe she didn't know him as well as she'd like to think.
Gaara was just about as confused as the rosette. On the one hand he was supposed to win her over to beat Sasuke, but on the other he felt his feelings for Sakura turn into something other than their growing friendship and achieving his goal. He found himself almost avoiding speaking to her to get his feelings in check. Gaara was afraid (although he would never admit it to himself) that if he got too close to Sakura she would hurt him, or worse he would hurt her.
Finally it was Friday, the day before Ino's party. After last period Sakura bid goodbye to Gaara since he was going somewhere with the Akatsuki. She thought it was strange that he asked to avoid the gang he was a member of and decided to ask him about it later.
Sakura walked home with Ino and Hinata, they chatted about school, complaining about teachers, assignments and boys.
"I can't believe how dense Shika is!" Ino whined "I mean I've done practically everything except strip in front of him and he still doesn't get that I'm into him!"
"Have you tried telling him how you actually feel?" Sakura asked the blonde
She pouted in response "No, a guy should confess to a girl, not the other way around." She 'hmphed' and crossed her arms
"The only girls who say that are the ones too shy to tell their crushes how they feel," Sakura jibed
Hinata giggled "Well at least you can talk to Shikamaru Ino-chan, I always get so flustered around Naruto-kun and I always blush and stutter." She exhaled forlornly "He'll never like me,"
"Don't say that Hinata! I'm sure that idiot will catch on soon. He can't be that dumb. Beside you're way out of his league anyway" Sakura reassured the timid girl, putting her arm around her shoulders.
"So what about you Sak?" Ino asked
"What about me?" Sakura countered
"I mean what about your love life! I know there's something between you and Sabaku, and Sasuke definitely wants a piece of pinkie pie." The blonde laughed at her own joke.
Sakura snorted. "Gaara shows about as much emotion as a brick, and Sasuke's a prick."
"Oh please," Ino rolled her azure eyes "You may say that about Gaara but everyone's talking about you two. You're both two hot weirdos and people ship you guys. You're almost always together and he even started a fight with Sasuke over you! C'mon Sakura it's obvious the little demon child likes you."
"Look I know he did all that, but… I dunno," Sakura sighed "He's been acting weird lately and I guess I'm just doubtful because of my ex."
Both girls nodded "I understand, when did you break up with your last ex?" Hinata asked
"Over a year ago, it was… complicated the say the least." Sakura sighed.
Her friends noticed her mood dropping and decided not to ask any further questions.
Soon they were in front of Sakura's house. She opened the door and let her friends in.
"Kakashi I'm home," she called out "and my friends are with me."
Said Uncle popped out from the kitchen,
"Hello there," He waved at the girls "I'll get us some tea," he said going back into the kitchen.
Ino and Hinata sat on the couch. Sakura put two chairs by the coffee table and couch for her and her Uncle. Kakashi carried in a tray with tea and cookies.
"Hello Mr. Erm-"
"Hatake, but you can just call me Uncle Kakashi." The man said smiling.
Thank God Sakura has girlfriends! No need to worry about that red headed delinquent now.
"Oh okay Uncle Kakashi," Ino smiled "I'm Yamanaka Ino." The girl nodded her head politely at her elder.
"And I'm Hyuuga Hinata," The purple haired girl bowed slightly and gave her shy smile.
Kakashi beamed at the girls. He was so happy Sakura was adjusting so well. He already could tell the three were going to be good friends.
"I'm pleased to meet you, I'm happy my little Sakura is making friends." He ruffled his niece's hair affectionately.
"You're embarrassing me~" Sakura whined.
Ino and Hinata laughed.
"So how is school?" Kakashi asked
"It's good, no annoying projects yet," Ino replied
"How about boys?" Kakashi queried pausing to sip his tea. "I know Sakura is a bit of a bad boy magnet sadly,"
Ino nearly did a spit take before she started laughing, Hinata smiled and covered her mouth to supress her giggles. Sakura saw the mischievous glint in her blonde friend's eye.
I swear, if she mentions Gaara or Sasuke I will-
"Well if you really want to know Mr. Hatake, Sakura already has he own fan club at the school." Ino started enjoying her friend's discomfort
Kakashi's eyebrow twitched "A… fan club?"
"And that isn't even the half of it, two of the most popular boys in our year got into a fight over Sakura yesterday!"
Oh my God she just had to bring that up! Sakura began to panic
I'm gonna kill her! CHAAA! Inner Sakura practised her punching.
"You don't say?" Kakashi said calmly he looked over at his niece "You forgot that little detail sweetheart."
He only calls me sweetheart when he's pissed off. Great job Ino!
"But you have nothing to worry about!" Hinata interjected "Sakura isn't going out with either of them and she even punched Sasuke-"
"She WHAT?!" This time Kakashi was the one to do a spit take.
"I only hit him once!" Sakura tried to reason with her Uncle "Besides he was harassing me, ask Ino and Hinata! He's a total jerk!"
The girls nodded. "He may be our friend from middle school, but even we have our limits." Ino said
Kakashi sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose "I knew something like this was bound to happen. At least you didn't get in trouble. Sakura if you're going to fight just make sure you don't get caught, I do not want to bail you out of jail."
Said girl rolled her bright green eyes.
"Anyway Sakura we should really look through you closet for an outfit for you." Ino said setting her teacup down
"Outfit for what?" Kakashi asked.
"Did I forget to tell you?" Sakura asked "Ino's having a party at her place tomorrow."
Kakashi sweat dropped "You forgot to mention that as well, but fine you can go."
The three girls cheered and headed up to Sakura's room.
"Wow you're room's pretty cute Sak," Ino complemented as she looked around sitting on the bed
"Yeah, it looks like you're all settled in." Hinata added as she examined the books on Sakura's shelf.
"So who's going tomorrow?" Sakura asked as Ino began to rummage through her closet, flinging garments she deemed 'acceptable' onto the bed next to Sakura to try on.
"Hmm you know the gang, Shika, Naruto, the usual, and Ten Ten said she'd come. My idiot cousin was the one who planned the whole thing so all the Akatsuki are coming too." She replied moving onto look at Sakura's accessories on her vanity and in her jewelry box.
"I've been meaning to ask, what's up with this whole 'Akatsuki' thing? Gaara told me to stay away from them."
Ino snorted "Gaara? He's one of them! Well he isn't as annoying as the others but he's… done some things to say the least."
"The Akatsuki is a neighbourhood gang that started when Ino and I were back in middle school." Hinata explained "They started getting new members, guy like Uchiha Itachi, who are really great at fighting and they began taking over the streets."
"Yeah but they're a bunch of dumb thugs if Dei's one of 'em," Ino waved her hand dismissively "they basically just hand around and beat anyone that pisses them off, like a group of vigilante thugs I guess."
"They just like to keep their territory, which wold be Konoha and Ame." Hinata added
Sakura nodded beginning to understand. "I wonder why Gaara is involved with them, I mean his is Sasori's cousin but it's not like Ino is a member."
"U-Uhm well the thing is…" Hinata suddenly became nervous
"Like I said before Sak, Gaara's got some battle scars." Ino sat on the bed and Hinata joined the other two, the three sat cross legged in a circle.
"It started when we first met Gaara, it was at a mixed martial arts tournament when we were in middle school. He was ruthless, he got disqualified for his brutality, he seriously injured Lee."
Ino's tone was now serious, making Sakura nervous.
"Word spread from his hometown Suna that he was a monster, nothing and no one could stop him if he was on a rampage. Even his siblings were afraid of him. In the last year of middle school Gaara transferred to our school, that's when that idiot Sasuke challenged him. They've been rivals ever since. "
Sakura was a bit shocked, the way Ino was making him out to be was like a monster.
"One time, when Sasuke and Gaara were fighting, he beat Sasuke so badly Naruto had to help him." Hinata recalled the memory seeing Naruto jump in between the two.
"Naruto and Gaara have a fairly good friendship but he's usually alone or with the Akatsuki, that's why I thought you two were dating when I saw you together in school." The purple haired girl elaborated.
"Well when you tell me all tis no wonder the whole school thinks we're dating," Sakura replied "So that's why so many people are intimidated by Gaara?"
Her friends nodded "He's the youngest member of Akatsuki and the best fighter in the area, he's never lost a fight to anyone."
Sakura blinked in shock. Sure Gaara was a bit of an odd one when she met him but he seemed so… nice. He was looking out for her because she didn't know about the Akatsuki and he defended her against Sasuke (although she didn't need him to!)
"Anyway he obviously cares about what you think of him Sak, since he never let you in on any of this." Ino tried reassuring the pink haired girl
"And honestly the way he acts around you… you make him better Sakura, he's kinder and I see the way his eyes light up when you're around." Hinata patted her hand softly.
"I know, and everything was alright but we barely talk now. And I don't know what to do…" the rosette trailed off getting a far-away look in her eyes.
"I'm sure you guys can talk it out tomorrow!" Ino chirped trying to lighten the mood "Here I picked out your clothes for tomorrow, party starts at dusk!" she reminded
"It's getting late, Hinata I'll walk home with you." The blonde said getting up and stretching
"Okay," Hinata stood and smoothed her wrinkled skirt.
The three walked downstairs and saw Kakashi sprawled out on the couch with his feet up, his face hidden by the book he was reading.
"Bye Uncle Kakashi!" Ino called
The man lowered his book and waved as Hinata and Ino exited the house
"Bye girls," He said
Sakura shut the door and flopped onto the couch with her guardian.
"I like them," He said referring to her friends
Sakura snorted "You only like them because they're girls, and that they keeps tabs on me"
"Well I can't always be with you so they're just making my job easier," his one visible eye crinkled
"How is that Gaara kid?" Kakashi asked turning back to his book, but Sakura knew he was listening
"Hmm I dunno, we don't talk as much as before," Sakura replied dejectedly
"Oh? Why is that?"
Sakura shrugged "Things just got a little weird, we didn't fight or anything it's just…." She sighed in frustration "he's the one that's making everything feel weird."
Kakashi chuckled mentally Ah young love he thought
"Well I'm sure he's just about as confused as you are, perhaps even more. Girls are more complicated." The elder joked
Sakura smiled and punched her Uncle's shoulder playfully
"That's what every stupid guy says,"
Sakura woke up the next day around noon. She rolled out of bed and headed to the washroom, she washed her face and brushed her teeth, not bothering to fix her hair she went downstairs in her pajamas.
Kakashi was in the kitchen, his nose in the newspaper, lazily scanning the articles.
"Morning," he greeted
"Hm," Sakura grunted opening the cupboard and taking out a box of cereal, emptying some into a bowl for herself.
"Any plans today?" Kakashi asked
Sakura shrugged as she chewed her food. "The party isn't until the evening so no nothing much, why?"
"I have a few errands to run, and we haven't had much bonding time since you've been at school all week~" He whined the last party crying anime tears
"Alright, alright, I'll go with you for your stupid errands." Sakura relented
Her Uncle was so childish sometimes, but that was what made him fun. They both finished their breakfasts and went upstairs to get ready.
Sakura pulled on some grey sweatpants, a mint green t-shirt and a beige knit cardigan with some white ankle socks. She didn't both putting on makeup since she was going to put on some for the party later.
Kakashi was already waiting downstairs. He wore loose black track pants that were tapered at the ankle, a black long-sleeved shirt and an army green vest over it. He wore his usual black mask and black headband that covered his left eye. Sakura knew of the scar that he liked to keep hidden. She couldn't recall a time where she saw his whole face.
"Ready to go?" He asked when she entered the living room. His niece nodded and they went out to the car.
The weather was nice out, a perfect spring day. The sun was shining and there were few clouds in the sky.
"Where to?" Sakura asked
"Just the grocery store," Kakashi replied
Sakura nodded and looked out the window. They pulled up in front of the local grocery store and got out of the car.
Kakashi waved at the old man behind the counter.
He took out a list and Sakura pushed the shopping cart.
"Alright bread, eggs, milk, vegetables, fruit, rice, laundry detergent.." the list went on as the two walked through the aisles collecting the items.
Kakashi held a can of peas in each hand "Should I get the name brand or the value can." He'd been hemming and hawing for two minutes
"Just get the cheaper one dammit!" Sakura yelled
Kakashi pouted "But they don't taste as good~" he complained
Sakura sighed. Sometimes her childish Uncle wasn't so much fun.
"Hey Kakashi!" A man called as he walked over
"Oh hey Iruka," Kakashi greeted the man.
"How do you know my English teacher?" Sakura asked
"Hi Iruka-sensei," she nodded at her teacher
Iruka looked from Sakura to Kakashi, an odd expression on his face
"Kakashi please don't tell me that you're dating my student!"
Both Kakashi and Sakura turned bright red
"She's my niece!" "He's my Uncle!" They both shouted at the same time.
Iruka heaved a sigh of relief "Thank God, I never know what to expect with you Kakashi,"
"What's that supposed to mean!" The silver haired man asked indignantly
Sakura snickered "he's saying you look like a pervert,"
"Sakura-chyaaaannn~" A familiar (and annoying voice) called.
Out of nowhere Naruto sprinted down the aisle and tackled/hugged the pink haired girl.
"Oi Naruto get off you idiot1" Sakura exclaimed.
He got off her and smiled widely her look and turned at the two older men.
"Oh Iruka-sensei hi!" he noticed Kakashi and gaped "KAKASHI-SENSEI OH MY GAWD HI!"
Naruto then proceeded to glomp onto Kakashi who sighed "Hello Naruto, it's good to see you too," he patted the blond boy's head as he chuckled
"Sensei?" Saura looked quizzically at the two hugging males
"I taught Naruto back when he was in junior high," Kakashi explained
"that's how I know Kakashi as well, I also worked at Naruto's middle school," Iruka added
Sakura nodded in understanding "Well now I'm the principal of Konoha Middle School," Kakashi said smugly toward the other teacher.
Iruka looked a bit miffed "Well we can't all be, at least I'm not stuck with pre-teens anymore,"
Kakashi frowned at the last bit.
Naruto and Sakura laughed at the two old bickering men.
"Wait Sakura-chan how do you know Kakashi-sensei? Don't tell me you're DATING THAT old pervert!"
"She's my niece!" "He's my Uncle!" Both Kakashi and Sakura shouted, Sakura hit Naruto over the head for the stupid assumption.
"Hehe my bad…" he said sheepishly rubbing his head.
After finishing their errands Kakashi and Sakura grabbed some ramen for lunch with Iruka and Naruto.
"See you later Sakura-chan!" Naruto called waving as she and Kakashi left, she waved back smiling.
Once they were back home Sakura put away the groceries and Kakashi took a nap on the couch.
Sakura went up to her room to kill some time before the party. Her phone buzzed and she got a text. It was from Gaara
G: Hey
S: Hi
G: I'll stop by your place around 7 then we'll go to Deidara's.
S: Alright see you then
G: Yeah
Sakura was sure his "Yeah," text was equivalent to his 'Hn' in person.
It was only 3:30 so she had some time to kill. Sakura sat on her bed and turned on her laptop. She typed up her report for science class, by the time she was finished it was 4:00. She still had quite some time, so she went on Netflix and watched an action movie.
By the time the movie ended it was almost 6. Sakura went down stairs and ate one of the pre made pasta dinners she and Kakashi bought earlier. Her uncle was still asleep on the couch. She decide not to wake him up just yet.
She hopped into the shower, washing her hair. After she got out Sakura wrapped a towel around herself and blow dried her pink tresses. She went to her room and put on her underwear and the outfit Ino had picked for her the day before. It wasn't anything too risqué.
The outfit consisted of a dark purple high waisted skirt that came to her mid-thigh, and a grey long sleeved crop top. Only about an inch or two of her midriff was showing. She pulled on some black thigh high socks and her trademark black tattoo choker.
For her makeup Sakura decided to play it up a bit. She applied some bb cream, and some sparkly pink eyeshadow. She put on black winged eyeliner and black mascara. The black really accentuated her vibrant green eyes. She put a light dusting of blush and her favourite lip gloss as a finishing touch.
When she was finished getting ready her phone buzzed. It was from Gaara
G: I'm outside
Sakura went downstairs and shook the sleeping Kakashi.
He looked up at her still a bit groggy "I'm going to Ino's now," she told him
"Alright be home by midnight," he mumbled and rolled over going back to sleep.
She put on her Adidas and opened the door where Gaara was already standing.
She took in his appearance. His red hair was as dishevelled as usual but in an effortlessly hot kind of way. He wore a black t-shirt that was tight enough to show his toned upper body, army green pants and a denim jacket. On his feet were normal back converse. She controlled the blush that was threatening to creep up on her face. He was just too damn good looking without even trying!
When Sakura opened the door Gaara had to clench his jaw to stop it from dropping. She was beyond beautiful to him, if that was even possible, she was ethereal.
Keep your cool kid, you don't want to look like an idiot. His inner advised.
I know that. He hissed back internally.
"Ready to go?" He asked her
She nodded pulling the door and locking it.
The sun was already setting as the two walked to Ino's house. Gaara looked over at Sakura as she was bathed in the ducky colours of the retreating sun. There seemed to be a glowing aura about her. "You look… nice." He complimented cursing himself internally for how awkward that sounded.
Sakura smiled as she looked at the ground, suddenly the toes of her shoes were the most interesting thing in the world. "Thanks… so do you." She replied. Suddenly she knew how Hinata felt around Naruto.
The rest of the way they walked in silence. Sakura enjoyed the fresh air. Twilight was always her favourite time of the day. They sky was streaked with red, orange and pink, the clouds were dark purple. It was simply magical.
They arrived at Ino and Deidara's house. It was bigger than Sakura's but not quite a mansion. Gaara knocked on the door, the two could already hear the bass of the music that was being played inside.
Deidara opened the door, he wore all black and was holding a red plastic cup. "Heyyy you made it! Great to see you Pinkie, and you too Gaara, yeah!" by the way he was slurring his speech, Sakura and Gaara could already tell that he was tipsy.
"Oh joy," Gaara grumbled "Deidara is a noisy drunk," He told Sakura as they walked past the blonde and into the house and followed him to the living room.
"I didn't think it would be possible for him to be any more annoying than he usually is," Sakura quipped she saw the corners of Gaara's lips jerk upwards.
In the living room here were most of the people Sakura knew from school and then some. The place was quite crowded with people dancing, sitting on the couches (Mainly couples making out) and people standing against the walls, and sitting on the stairs.
"I'll catch up with you later, I have some business to do." Gaara spoke loudly and clearly so that Sakura could hear him over the music.
The rosette frowned, she didn't want him to leave so soon! But she knew it had something to do with the Akatsuki. "Alright," She replied. She watched as the red head disappeared into the crowd of swaying bodies.
Sakura made her way over to Ino and hugged her "I'm so glad you came! Where's Gaara?" She asked speaking like Gaara had before to be heard over the noise.
"He had to do something, Akatsuki stuff," she replied. Ino nodded in understanding.
"Well cut loose, have some fun!" Ino shooed her off.
Sakura walked towards the drink table, on her way she spotted Hinata and Naruto, she winked at her purple haired friend looking from her to the blond. Hinata smiled back with a slight flush on her face.
"Sakura," A familiar voice called her name. She turned and saw Sasuke standing behind her.
"What do you want Uchiha?" she asked, already annoyed with him
"Look. We got off on the wrong foot and I'm sorry for the way I acted, really. Let's just start over, I mean we're gonna keep seeing each other because of our friends anyway." He said.
Sakura huffed but thought for a moment. He does have a point.
"Alright," she relented "but if you try anything I don't like I won't hesitate to kick your ass." She warned
Sasuke raised his hands in a sign of surrender "Don't worry I learned my lesson the first time," he smirked, Sakura smiled back despite herself.
"Dance with me," he said. It was more of a statement than a question.
"Fine," Sasuke led Sakura to the makeshift dance floor and they began to move with the music. A few songs went by and before Sakura knew it Sasuke was behind her with his hands on her hips.
"I'm gonna go get a drink," she said quickly walking away
Dammit Sasuke thought, he almost had her. Well at least she didn't hate him as much as before.
Sakura made her way over to where the drinks were and saw Kiba. The brunette smiled at her, she knew he was already pretty wasted with the way he was swaying as he walked toward her "Hey! How ya doing?" he asked
Sakura laughed a little at the drunk "I'm good,"
"Ah that's greeeeeaaaat" he drawled "Here," he handed her a red plastic cup
"Thanks," she nodded and walked off. She did say she was going to get a drink. She sipped the cup's contents and found it was orange juice and vodka. Yum I love a good screwdriver
She felt an arm snake around her waist and looked up to see Sasuke smirking at her. She tried to wiggle out of his grasp but his grip was too strong.
"C'mon don't be like that," he whispered into her ear, his breath fanning over her exposed neck, his lips tickling her as he smoke. Sakura felt herself get goosebumps.
Someone cleared their throat. The pair looked over at Gaara. His arms were crossed and he looked pissed. Sasuke scowled at the delinquent, "I'll catch you later Sakura," he said before walking off into the crowd.
Good, get lost. Gaara thought.
He looked over at Sakura and his eyes softened a little, her eyes were droopy and her breathing was a bit shallow. She swayed a bit on her feet but he caught her before she could fall. "Why don't we get some air," he suggested.
Sakura nodded weakly. The loud music, the drink and her encounter with Sasuke were a bit overwhelming to say the least.
Gaara carried her bridal style up the stairs and into a bedroom she assumed was Deidara's. He opened the window and they sat at the long seat by the sill. The moon was full and casting silver light into the dark room.
"How did your business thingy go?" Sakura asked
Gaara shrugged not even looking over at her he replied "Nothing major, just some boring stuff."
Sakura was tired of him acting like that, all distant and aloof.
"Look Gaara we need to talk," this statement seemed to get his attention. He turned his gaze from the night sky to the rosette beside him. Emerald clashed with jade.
"Lately things have been a little weird between us and I don't want it to be that way. Look…I…I really like you Gaara… and not just as a friend." She lowered her gaze as she felt her cheeks get hot. "and I'm sorry if I've been acting strange it's just, I really like you and it freaks me out. Not you! But like-"
"Sakura," Gaara interrupted. She looked up and saw an unfamiliar look in his eyes. "Can I ask you something?" His voice was lower than it usually was
"S-Sure," she stammered her heart felt like a hammer in her chest.
He leaned forward and cupped her cheek with his hand, his forehead rested against his lips only a few millimeters away from her own. "Can I kiss you?"
"Yes," Sakura breathed, she didn't even waste a second thinking, and before she knew it he pressed his lips onto hers.
She closed her eyes and let herself get lost. Her arms went around his neck, pulling him closer, he obliged, his own holding her hips.
He bite her bottom lip asking for entrance and she allowed it, moaning softly into the kiss. She felt his lips move upward in a smirk at her response as his tongue claimed her mouth.
Reluctantly they pulled away for air, breathing heavily.
"I… like you too Sakura," Gaara said between pants.
When he said those five words Sakura forgot about her commitment fears, about her ex. She didn't care about him being a thug or a delinquent, it didn't matter if he could be violent. So was she. All that mattered to her right then was that he was with her, and he shared her feelings.
Gaara captured her lips once again with his and pulled Sakura onto his lap. He legs were on either side of him, his hands rested on her back drawing lazy circles on the bit of exposed flesh.
Sakura ran her hands through his hair, it was just as soft as she had imagined it, or even more silky. She felt him hook his hands under her thighs and she wrapped her arms and legs around him, never letting her lips leave his unless to take a short breath.
He carried her to the bed and laid her down, climbing on top of her. He looked down and his heart almost stopped. She was an absolute picture of beauty. Her eyes were half lidded and hazy, her long lashed fluttering as she blinked, her cheeks were flushed. (and it wasn't just the makeup) Her lips were slightly swollen and as pink as her hair, her breathing was heavy, her chest rising and falling.
"Gaara," she whispered. He nearly melted at the way she spoke. He nipped and licked at Sakura's ear, earning a few gasps, but that wasn't enough for him. He trailed kisses down her jaw and neck until her came to where her neck and shoulder met. His teeth grazed the spot and she mewled in pleasure.
Sakura felt him smirk against her skin before he bit down. "Gaara," she moaned fisting his silky red locks. He continued biting and sucking at her neck until he looked back up at her and chastely kissed her again.