((Sorry, new classes and I've been browsing other fictions for ideas and interest, but today I'm updating! The other night was a fluke because I finally got my Word up and running so I could do some quality editing for my story. For any questions about where the characters are—as I put in the schedule in my last chapter it shows when Sakura will see a certain character. The last chapter featured morning classes so the only people she could logically run into were Tenten, Ino, Sasuke, or Neji. She could just spot Naruto or Hinata around seven a.m. because they're out jumping rope or something. As for editing, I spent the last night on that and THANK GOD for my revived Microsoft Word! Writing in mails and on WordPad was getting irritating.

EvilFaerie17 thank you very much for the offer and I generally love your reviews so I think you'll make a fine editor! After I check over my chapter with Word and do a proofread I'll send it to you for further editing! Please leave your email address in your next comment.

MoyE, I understand your complaint and now that I have my Word back up I was able to do some quality editing on my chapters. I'm very happy you continued to enjoy my story and if you want to be a back up editor please leave your email address.

Alright, enough of that on with the chapter!

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"What if I'm not that hungry?"

"You're going to eat it."

"I could have plans to sit with my friends."

"You have friends?"

The Hyuuga's tone was dull from the thousands of excuses Haruno had been coming up with ever since he told her she had to eat what was inside. Could she just listen for once like the other girls? It was really getting to be annoying.

"Of course I have friends!"

Sakura hissed back her face flushing slightly as she leaned over an open book, pencil in hand to make it look like she was doing the questions that Kakashi-sensei gave the class. Her enemy, Hyuuga; was rubbing his head and looked about to the point of snapping a pen in half if it were physically possible.

Good, she'd have him!

He'd never want to talk to her for the rest of the day if she kept up with questions and she could see the relief when she'd made an excuse about where she sat rather than eating what was in the lunchbox.

"Plus I could be allergic to what you made."

Damn it she was going on about it again! Oh, would it be worth it when lunch time came. Neji met her innocent stare and moved his chair closer, reaching out a hand to brush his fingertips down her side.

"Then I'd just have to carry you to the hospital princess."

Sakura straightened at his touch and smacked his hand away, growling in response.

"You're a real bastard you know that?!"

"Haruno!"

Kakashi rubbed his head and looked tiredly at the new student. She was nothing but trouble it seemed. He couldn't even read his perverted book in peace.

He set the small book down and sighed an eyebrow twitching-his expression unreadable because of the mask that covered his lower face though it was most likely a frown.

"Is there something you want to share with the rest of the class?"

Several students were looking at her and Sakura felt her stomach twist with nerves. She really hated attention…

"I'm sorry sensei it won't…happen again."

Her voice came out meek, her face a little pink when she met his disappointed look.

"Please see that you don't. Why not follow Neji's example of how a student should behave?" There were several snickers, but luckily nothing from her new friend who continued to do her work as if nothing happened.

Damn, that Neji making her look like an idiot again! She sent a glare his way once the class had quieted down and returned to their work. He shrugged, obviously amused.

"Start following my example of a good student and you'll be fine. It's your own fault for purposely trying to annoy me."

"I hate him. I hate him. I hate him. I hate him!"

He'd figured out her plan and played along to twist it around on her! She'd underestimated his intelligence; something more subtle and less annoying next time.

"What though?"

"Dattebayo! Cherry-Chan why are you talking to yourself?

Sakura turned around in confusion only to practically knock the blonde over with her cling.

"Naruto-nii-san!"

He laughed and ruffled her unique pink strands.

"Hey brat!"

She pouted up at the older male and playfully punched his shoulder.

"I'm not a brat and quit that you're messing up my hair!"

She couldn't help but laugh as she said that, feeling really happy to be around Naruto again. Even if he seemed a little 'different' some times she really liked him.

Jeez, she had to stop jumping into things like this- how was she sure he even liked her? This was probably why everyone at her last school hated her. Naruto was surprised when his 'little sister' gave an unhappy sigh and frowned. He didn't like it and he had just the cure for a bad day—skipping!

"Hey brat, do you like your next class?"

She frowned as he called her a brat again, but kind of shook her head to his question. Gaara was in that class; someone she did not want to see! Though Hinata was in it too…

"Um, it's okay."

She sweat dropped at the grin spreading on his face.

"You're not going to pick me up again right?"

"Maybe."

He grinned more at her.

"Naruto!"

"Ha, sorry Cherry-Chan, but we wouldn't want anyone to catch us."

"C-Catch us doing what?!"

Without another word he scooped the light girl into his arms and took off running.

"Naruto! Put me down this isn't the way to art!"

"Hold on Cherry-Chan you'll like this better!"

He gripped her tighter and looked for the pair of doors that would label upstairs.

Sakura clung on; looking ahead and PRAYING no one caught her like this. One, it looked personal and weird, two they were OBVIOUSLY not heading to her next class, and three what if the kids saw them and started spreading rumors or worse she got in trouble! It was bad enough to be mixed up with the 'popular' guys of the school, but she could get suspended again! She had made friends, and Naruto was her friend- or brother more like, and he could be a little crazy, but what should she do? She really didn't want to know what Gaara had in store for either! She also couldn't skip classes!

"Stop!"

She was set down as soon as she yelled it, and she realized the surroundings had changed. There was nothing in sight except the taller blonde behind her and a lot of gray steps leading up to what looked like the roof. Why were they heading toward the roof?

"Naruto, I should really head back-"

She cut off as he took her hand surprisingly gently; smiling down at her with a pure smile.

"Don't worry Cherry-Chan, come on."

She was surprised that was all it took to get her to comply. The innocent, playful look on his face seemed to tear her heart and she could help but smile a little back. Naruto Kyuubi was strange, but he was a good person. If he said it would be okay…maybe she should let herself have a little fun?

"O-Okay."

"You're so cute when you're shy." He grinned and started pulling her lightly with him climbing the stairs. She blushed and mumbled something along the lines of 'not shy' that made him laugh more then he had in a while. "Besides being confined between four walls is really dull, dattebayo. Your face gets all pale and you start thinking homework is fun. You even volunteer for cleaning erasers." He shuddered.

"Nii-san, I doubt that's true. You're face can't get physically pale."

"Have you ever read a text book for six or seven hours?"

"Well, no…"

"So you wouldn't know."

"You've read a text book that long?"

Her eyes widened; she couldn't imagine Naruto reading a regular book that long.

"Of course! I fell asleep in the book and it was left open for eight hours."

Sakura groaned.

"You're an idiot."

"And you're a cute brat.

She blinked at him and blushed, clenching his hand as she looked away.

"You're still an idiot!"

"Owe! Cherry-Chan that hurts."

He pouted and let go of her hand pushing open the door to the rooftop; smiling even though he said he was in pain a few seconds ago.

"We're here come on!"

She looked behind her to see that they'd made it up all the stairs and followed after him wondering what could be so special about the roof.

"Oh, wow."

As soon as she stepped outside she was in heaven. T-They were a lot higher than she expected and she could see so many things! First off was the tint of the sky-a light natural blue with several clouds here and there, but being so high up she could see the sun's yellow rays sprinkling through and giving the blue a strange new tint to it-different than a sunset, but kind of the same. Curious, she walked around a little seeing a nice far wall to lie against and bars around the end of the roof so no one would off. Carefully she headed to the bars and placed a hand down to steady herself and look—just a little afraid from being so high. She gasped!

Down below there was a large fountain and a small garden of flowers near the set up tables. What she'd expect to be the cafeteria area. Farther down there were several fields for sports—which she wouldn't be trying out for from her poor ability to run. Other than that she could see large building by itself that kind of reminded her of her old school's auditorium but much nicer. Maybe she could try out for something?

Naruto placed his hands behind his head and watched Sakura explore; his eyes lighting up at the gasps and happy sounds she made when she found something new. It was so cute…

"You can see everything!"

She liked the warm sun's rays shining on the back of her neck, and how she could look down and see the different classes. Even, the roof was comfortable! It wasn't too small and it was kind of a comfortable thought to lay here and just think.

"Naruto-nii-san, finally something good has happened! There were so many horrible-"

She quickly covered her mouth looking over to see the blonde paying her his complete attention.

"Horrible? Did something happen to you Sakura?"

It was weird to see him so serious, and she was touched by it.

He'd even said her real name...

She really wanted to tell him everything! Her old school, Neji and his 'group', and what she'd had to go through, but what would he think? Would he hate her? He knew this new side of her-not the girl with glasses that everyone hated.

'I'm scared…'

She stuck out her tongue and hit the top of her head lightly with a fist.

"Nah silly! I've just gotten sick a lot. Sorry, for worrying you. I just hate being sick."

Warm arms wrapped around her and she blinked at the embrace; feeling like she wanted to cry. How could she lie to someone that cared about her this much? She was so stupid…

Both arms around her waist he pulled her close and laughed.

"Then if you're feeling sick you should lay down. Lean back against me."

She looked up at him, raising a brow.

"It's stupid to help a stranger."

He hugged her tight, nuzzling her neck.

"You're not a stranger! You're my little sister and I'm supposed to protect you and stuff…dattebayo!" \

Her eyes softened and she didn't struggle in his arms, leaning back to give his hand a light squeeze.

'One day soon, I promise I'll tell you everything Naruto-nii-san.'

"S-Sakura-san? Are y-you alright?"

After waving goodbye to Naruto, she was confronted by Hinata.

"Huh? Oh! Art…um I can't really explain."

Mistaken that the pink haired girl was trying not to lie to her and not avoid conversation; Hinata quickly bowed her head.

"S-sorry! I-It's your business."

"No please! Y-You didn't do anything. Thank you for worrying."

Hinata nodded and Sakura nodded back; onlookers sweat dropping at the scene.

Sakura sighed and gave the similar shy girl a small smile.

"So what happened in class Hinata-Chan?"

"W-We had a substitute."

Sakura dropped her head in relief; earning questioning glance from Hinata.

"Oh, nothing! I bet you had a lot of fun painting."

"W-well I'm not that good…"

"Nonsense! You can keep in the lines-"

"USAGI!"

Usually it'd be hilarious to hear a boy yelling bunny in the hallways, but not when it was attached to a scary voice at right at your ear. Both of the girls jumped and Sakura froze stock still.

"G-Gaara…hi."

Gaara gave Sakura a cold look then glanced over to Hinata and narrowed his eyes speaking in a deadly tone.

"Go to class."

Hinata gave Sakura a worried look, but that voice could even scare a teacher. She didn't want to hear it again, but not sticking the girl who talked to her so happily…

She couldn't do it.

"Sorry G-Gaara-san! Y-Yes."

She ran away and tried not to look back. Sakura stared after her friend, not blaming the other girl for a moment; clenching her fists.

"G-Gaara I…"

H-He could be really scary and now she was alone! Now…what?

He narrowed his eyes and turned away.

"You're coming with me to class."

She blinked and followed after him.

"You're just going to take me to my class?"

He shook his head, she was so stupid.

"No, slave. You're coming with me to my class where I can keep an eye on you."

"WHAT?!"

Sakura blushed and shook her head- there was no way she was doing that! Oh, wait she had no choice. He covered the urge to shake the noisy girl when he saw her quiet down on her own.

So Neji had let this pink bunny escape? Well, she looked like she was learning the term 'escape' around them was impossible. He smirked to himself and gave her a cruel grin.

"Don't look so sad bunny. You get to sit in my lap and everything."

Her eyebrow gave a twitch and she hurried her pace to catch up.

"I have to sit in your lap?'

"No, why would I want you in my lap?"

"You just said-"

He cut her off with a smirk.

"You're really stupid."

Why that!

"I kicked your ass once I can do it again!"

No!

Oh god no...

S-She hadn't meant to say that! I-It was the other voice again…getting her in trouble-a-and Gaara had stopped walking! He turned to her and gave her an emotionless look like her outburst was completely false.

"Try it."

"You made me sit in your lap, liar."

"You tried to sing."

"TRIED? I can sing perfectly fine…"

"As well as you can fight?"

He smirked.

Flashback:

"Try it."

"I-I'm not sure I…should."

He moved closer to her; a creepy smile spreading on his face as he pointed right above his lip.

"Hit me as hard as you can right here. That's an order."

She tried to get by him angry at herself for the outburst.

'Kick his ass again Shannaro! Shut up!"

"What's wrong usagi? Are you scared? Your friend is braver than you."

He taunted her, honestly curious if she'd fight the way she did before with that perky attitude and that incredible speed that even caught HIM off guard. Sakura frowned, not giving into his jerks until he spoke about her friend…Hinata. He was talking about the time Hinata had protected her from paint while she'd frozen up and acted like—like…her old self.

"I'll show you Gaara-sama!" She narrowed her eyes and brought her fist forward to punch him…and missed. "Pathetic." She tried again, but this time he moved and caught her wrist. "That's sad slave..." However, he didn't notice the glint in her eyes. Her elbow jammed into his side and he let go of her wrist. Surprised he smirked a little and ignored the pain, moving with incredible speed around her before she could get another hit both arms wrapped around her as he nipped her ear.

End flashback.

The pink haired girl rubbed the nipped ear and frowned deeply at her 'master.

"It still hurts! You bite too hard."

He smirked and leaned closer to the girl walking beside him. "So you want me to bite softer? I didn't know you were that kind of girl."

"That's not what I was asking!"

She blushed and sped up, frowning when he followed after her.

"I have lunch and haven't you humiliated me enough today? Because I was sitting next to you not doing anything but holding your music book that teacher thought I was a fan girl!"

"Too bad."

"Gaara!"

"Gaara-sama."

She scowled and grumbled darkly under her breath saying a few choice words with his name that didn't come to a respectful 'sama of any kind.

By now they were outside heading for the tables and the fountain Sakura had seen earlier.

Sure enough Neji-sama would appear and she'd have to eat the lunch in her pack…this was becoming an exhausting day with small goods and bad. 'Though I am kind of curious…' She decided to try to ask Gaara to leave again, but he was completely gone.

Eh?

Before she could even think more on it a boy with spiky hair caught her eye…not spiky hair…was it shaped like a pineapple? She blinked and watched him stare at the water dully before shoving his hands into the pocket of his black uniform and walk off.

Weird, she hadn't seen anyone like that yet and she had this huge curiosity to follow him, but a hand on her shoulder held her still and she looked up to see one of her least favorite people.

"Sasori."

"Ha, told you it wasn't a boy, UN! What kind of boy wears a skirt?"

She blinked over to a new voice before the hand was removed from her shoulder and a new arm was wrapped around her neck.

"So how is your day little slave, yeah?"

She twitched at Deidara's grin as he pulled her close like they were the best of friends despite what he called her.

'He's nuts."

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AND DONE—Gah this took me all day and dad yelled at me for staying up later but done! Ha, I really hope you enjoyed.

MoyE: ---see above- I hope you enjoyed this chapter 3

OtakuAnime131: Updated! No dogs please xx

LadyKagome93: Well, yeah they aren't nice guys but Saku DOES have friends!

Hellbound-spirit: I have a creative mind? Weird is good D updated!

Love of Midoriko: You'll just have to keep reading to find out! I give nothing away -cough cough-

EvilFaerie17: See above—and let's see—you're welcome. If you have any more questions I'll try to make it as clear as possible. Lmao at getting on to read it when you weren't supposed to-I don't encourage that bin the future but hearts for it. Yes, Neji didn't know that how smart she really was. What he made her—well you have to find out the NEXT chapter D Don't worry I promise not to give up and I hope you liked this chapter!

MistressBlossom: Updated! Ha, you're most likely right—but you'll have to find out next chapter!

dancingwithinbrokendreams: Thank you! Updated.

o0Dreamer0o: You'll have to find out what he made next chapter—as for Shika? I have officially added him!

Hikarikurai24587: Awe than you! Updated.

hardy4ever: Thanks! Updated.

liz3392: Updated!

ninja gal: Ah thank you! I try to be as original as possible and I like to keep my readers interested and guessing at point. As for a main couple I'm leaning toward Neji and Sakura…It'll be one of the choices at least.

Lily: bah, I fail to believe that—they're way too soft—and Naruto and Hinata added! As I put up top, the story goes by Sakura's schedule so I can't randomly throw people in there.

ohtorikyoya: Naruto is added! I wouldn't forget him- I even had a nice moment between Sakura and him for you.

Itachi's Girlfriend: Updated!

blackSMILES: In ways she's both. 1. I love sadistic love 2. She used to be shy and afraid to stand up for herself and after so much abuse and hatred she finally took her stand-getting in a fresh start only to be reminded she hasn't completely changed. She has to grow as a person, by making new friends and just plain surviving Neji's group—she'd not physically strong unless her Inner takes over, but she is pretty clever.

Gin-inu: There you are! I'm glad you're still around! Bah, right new year…it's somewhat interesting. Maybe you should just say happy valentine's day instead? –grin- I'm very happy that you enjoy my story and I hope one day you'll get your own writers edge back! I did enjoy your high school story and the started Shikasaku…I'm such a shikasaku fan I couldn't keep him out of the story –sweat drop- well being patient has its rewards! See

Gothic Saku-chan: lol thanks-updated!

evilflynmonkeys: Thank you! Updated.

Dark-Anime-Gurl: A 'wow' huh? –grins- of course

DinoRAWR: A FELLOW SHIKA/SAKU FANGIRL?! Sugoii! I added him in, he'll definitely be a part of the story as for couples—Hm I am leaning toward Neji/Saku, we shall see.

Rimitsu: Thanks! Like I said to my other reviewers—I'm not sure on the coupling but I'm leaning toward Neji/Saku. I threw in some goods Gaara/Sakura for you though!

MiChii: Yeah, good Neji/Saku fictions are hard to find. Ha, I try to keep my stories as original as possible—thank you and I hope you enjoyed this chapter! You're review really made my day.

liz3392: Updated! 3

hardy4ever: Thank you 3 every review counts updated!

Gigicerisier: Last, but not least Gigi-chan!!!! glomps Oh, god not much Sasori for you this time—next time I promise! Dx Ha, yes I love when she kicks butt. Whether it be manga, anime, of fiction 3 Go new manga chapters- show Sakura fighting! Right, so now that I have more time—I'm making everyone think his name is Naruto Kyuubi in my story, but that because he didn't tell Sakura his REAL last name. He has his reasons, and remember at the beginning how he had a weird personality? Yeah, it goes with that…-squee- I also love the girl friendship—what's high school without a good girl pal and a big brother! Plus I had to get Hinata in there because Sakura and she are so alike sometimes! Oh I'm am terribly sorry! I was working all the night before to go back and edit and proofread my stories—since I got Word working again and when I went to fill in the edited first chapter it gave me a completely different chapter from a completely different story. I tried to change it but it always gave me the sae thing-and one of those attempts was making a new chapter that would be the edited chapter one, move it up, and replace but it still gave me the same thing. Finally, I just figured exporting it to edit on my site and changing it there might work and it did!

So since there was no six chapter and I probably alerted 80 people I decided to WRITE the chapter so you guys would suffer. I was going to write it soon anyway…

Sorry about that and I hoped you enjoyed!

-all my love,

Crystal

--and that's it for reviews, it's nearly three in the morning and I need some serious sleep. YES that pineapple haired boy was Shikamaru! Next chapter will be lunch, soccer, and maybe gym—which I hope you look forward to after learning Sakura is a horrible runner.

I'm calling it a night! Read and review! Lots of reviews would be awesome…I might update in less than a week. )