Sadly: I don't own Naruto v-v enjoy! -HC:

Chapter 9: The One Who Kept Me Close

"I. Can't. Sleep!"

Sakura laid on her bed, feeling frustrated as she tossed and turned throughout the night. "I can't sleep. Ugh...I'm so frustrated.." she mumbled into her pillow as she laid there thinking of all sorts of things like Sasuke, Karin, her so called "marriage" .and a certain blonde boy who's making her regret saying yes to Sasuke even more..

"Just endure it Sakura. Endure as much as you can, he's going to call the shots sometime soon, and whenever he does, I'll be ready, it'll be the day I celebrate my life and renew it to make it something better than ever..." she began to toss and turn again as she pushed away all the bad mojo that was beginning to get to her head. I won't break, not yet...not when I'm wanting someone for the first time in my life...she thought to herself, thinking of how good her life will be once this is over.

"Naruto...I want to live a better life with you...please wait for me Naruto...please wait...Naruto..." She murmured in her sleep, hugging her pillow tightly against her, without realizing the fact that Sasuke was flat against her door listening to her every word... Sakura ended up sleeping around 8am the following morning. She woke up to see it's already half-past 2, but honestly she didn't care at this point.

Sunday was just another day for Sakura to be left alone. She sat in her room the entire day, and as expected Sasuke didn't come in once to check on her.

He doesn't give a crap about me...so why do I have such high hopes for him?

Monday Morning..

Sakura woke up to see Sasuke downstairs looking for something. She narrowed her eyes at the Uchiha demon as he turned his head from left to right. Sakura promptly walked down the stairs and into the kitchen to make herself some breakfast. She didn't bother saying good morning, or hello, or anything to him. In her mind, Sasuke wasn't there.

She assertively kept that in mind as she walked further into the kitchen when suddenly...

Gah, that feeling... Sakura turned halfway to see the demon's eyes piercing her with every fiber of his being, she watched his head turn towards the fridge away from her direction as she took out her favorite morning cup, once again feeling his piercing daggers drawing right back to her. He's staring at me again... she thought angrily to herself, as she poured herself some juice. His footsteps got closer to her as he yanked the gallon of Tropicana from her hand and swung the cabinet door open.

She felt the right side of her upper lip curl at him in disgust as she stood there, sipping her oj.

Douche-bag... she hissed in her mind as she watched him slam the door shut and walk over to the table.

Sakura stood there for a minute wondering whether or not she should eat breakfast. She was hungry indeed, but not enough to actually make her stay in the same room as Sasuke.

She felt her stomach grumble lowly, and lost to her starvation, but before she even had the chance to walk over to the fridge for some food she heard the sound of his low, morning chuckle.

"Stupid mouse" he chuckled out as she looked over to see him holding down his temples...the grin on his face said something in the lines of "I'm looking down on you."

"What's so funny Sasuke?" His chuckle rose to something close to a laugh as he rested his head on his hand. "You're still mad about the other night aren't you?" Sakura's cheeks flushed rosy pink.

This guy... "Hahahaha, I knew it" He sighed as he got up and walked over to the fridge for another glass of juice. She heard him start to babble on about how she's such a drama queen for leaving the way she did last night.

All the ranting was causing Sakura's eyebrow to start twitching from irritation.

Just keep quiet Sakura ignore him, he's a married man who sleeps alone without a woman by his side. He's not attracted to you, nor is he attracted to any other girl besides Karin- but hey, if you think about it, if it wasn't for the 700 pounds of makeup Karin slathers on her face every day she would look like a dude! She felt her lips curl up as she downed her glass of refreshing juice

"...Hey, aren't you making breakfast?" Sakura stopped her tracks, walked in reverse and stopped right in front of the boy.

It was quiet in the kitchen, while Sasuke waited for her to say something...but surprisingly Sakura said nothing to him. Not a word, not a sound, Hell, she barely made a movement... she just stood there in front of him. About a minute later, Sasuke rose an eyebrow towards her making Sakura smile just a little bit. She leaned over him, grabbed an apple and bit into it as she stood there in front of him chewing...slowly...crunch,... crunch..Gulp.

He growled at her as she took in another bite, her smile growing as she walked off

"What the fuck Sakura?! What am I suppose to eat?"

Sakura continued to bite down on her delicious fruit as she slammed the door behind her feeling completely empowered right now.

I'm not expecting anything from you Sasuke Uchiha, nothing, so why should you expect something from me? Starting today...we fight a fair fight!

She walked down the street only to see Sasuke driving up to her. She stopped and went down to tie her shoe as she ignored the growls, and threats Sasuke was throwing at her. She ignored his demands, and his commands, as she turned the corner and strolled down the street.

Sakura never felt so happy in one morning before when she heard the frustration in Sasuke's tone; nonetheless she ignored it, like how a bad mother ignores her crying, spoiled child.

Today, Sasuke was invisible.

Konoha High: Kakashi's Class: 7:50 am

Sakura walked into class to see Kakashi-sensei sitting down with his book. Sakura smiled when Kakashi looked over at her, his one black eye smiled towards her direction. "Good morning Kakashi-sensei" Sakura yelped in a happier tone than usual. Kakashi was surprised to notice the jump in her voice today. It made him smile big enough for someone to actually see through his mask. She sounds like she's in a pretty good mood Kakashi, try to keep her like this throughout class today, Kakashi thought to himself as flashbacks of his last class with her began to pop into his mind.

"Good morning Sakura, you're in a good mood today aren't you?" he asked as he watched his lovely emerald eyed student set her stuff down and walk over to him.

"Yes, I actually did something very significant this morning, and I must say I'm actually really proud" She sang as she placed her folder down in front of Kakashi "Oh do tell, Sakura" He replied back as he rested his chin on his hand, indicating to Sakura that he's all ears. Sakura laughed as Kakashi's eye once again smiled at her. Sakura loved Kakashi to bits, he was so sweet to her, it made her think that he might actually be treating her lot better than his other students.

Little did Sakura know, Kakashi was indeed giving her the one on one attention he doesn't give any other students...for more reason than one. "Kakashi-sensei, actually I was wondering if you can help me with the project. You see... I'm having minor setbacks on this project for one reason and one reason only." she mumbled as she traced over the linings on Kakashi's desk. "And what might that problem be?"

"Well..." Sakura sighed as her body suddenly limped forward as Kakashi slid one of the nearby chairs around for her to sit down on. Sakura sat down and began to fiddle with her fingers.

"I don't think I can go up there and present my power point to the class..." her voice was low enough for Kakashi to barely hear. He stared at top of her head as she kept her gaze towards the floor. "Why's that Sakura?" Sakura looked up at him, and gave him a sad smile. This guy...I feel so bad for always expecting him to give me special treatment but right now...I need it. "I can't do it... these kids hate me Kakashi sensei, they'll just mock me as soon as I get up there...I rather not go through the humiliation" her tone was back to normal again, low and shaky. "Can't you just exempt me from presenting...Please? I mean I don't even have a partner, I don't think I can get up and do this myself...I- I'll probably break into a panic attack and faint" Kakashi stared at her, deep in thought about what Sakura just confessed to him.

He knew very well that his students were acting completely childish towards her. It frustrated him to see her like that, but before he could put any feelings towards her favour...at least, as much as he wanted to, him exempting her might tick off other students who actually don't want to do this project at all. I have to try and convince her...even if I'd like to help her, I just can't take the risk of her getting more hate for me favoring her. "Sakura, presenting is half your grade...you know that right?" Sakura looked up at him and sadly smiled. "Yeah... I know... but still" she said more to herself than to Kakashi "I really don't think I can get up there..."

I'll be mocked at by them, I can see it now, they're all laughing at me and snickering, throwing stuff when Kakashi sensei's not looking... I can only take in so much. "Can't you do something please sensei? Please?" She begged the silver haired teacher as he sat back and placed his book on his lap. Kakashi was at a loss for words right now, as he thought of a solution for his favorite student. "Sakura...let's make a deal okay?" he breathed out as he hunched over, resting his forearms on his lap. "If you could present to me, and present well, then you have to present to the class, but if you don't, like honestly don't, I'll...I'll excuse you from it" Sakura's eyes widened at Kakashi's words

"..but I'm sure I can present in front of you fine..it's them I can't do that in front of them.."

she lowered her gaze again, while Kakashi sighed and lifted her chin up, raising her head to meet her, glasses to eye. "if you can present to me well enough then don't worry about the other kids, they're not grading you, I am, I'll think about your deal if you're willing to give mine a try first."

It's really risky, ugh- what do I do? I can't just pretend like I suck at presenting in front of him, he'll know! "Okay..." she breathed out, feeling defeated "I'll give it a try... but, if I do fail you can't let me present, got it?!" she took out her hand as Kakashi chuckled and slowly shook hers. "Alright Sakura, but remember I'm sharper than I look" Sakura smiled as she got up from the seat and sat over onto her desk and began to look over her notes. While Kakashi went back to reading his book...or least what seemed like reading.

She's so cute, it's killing me. Stop! Stop looking at her that way you nutcase! Right, right...I know I have my boundaries...but I'd still like to show her my sincere feelings one way or another... without seeming creepy- but how?! Come on Hatake...think, think...!

Suddenly it hit the masked sensei as he snapped his fingers. Ah-ha! "CHRISTMAS!" Kakashi suddenly shouted as he jumped up from his seat and slammed his hands onto his desk, giving Sakura a near death attack. "Kakashi sensei...? What about Christmas?" she asked while trying to calm her rapidly beating heart down, he really scared her.

"Uhhhhhhhh... huh?" Kakashi stared at her while she sat there wondering what the Hell he was talking about. "I asked what about Christmas?" Save yourself Kakashi. "It's almost Christmas time? ...ah yes, ahem. It's almost Christmas time Sakura aren't you excited?" Damn, nice save. "Oh yeah..." Kakashi gave himself a mental high five as the rest of the kids came pouring into the class just in time to save him from even more embarrassment.

"Good morning, good morning class" Kakashi happily greeted his tired, harmonically unstable students as they mumbled a greeting back. Sakura took out her planner and scanned down the month of December as Kakashi began with the usual morning routine.

Christmas huh? Ahh...it's 2 and a half weeks away, she wondered to herself, tapping her pen on her pale pink lip as she flipped through the rest of her planner real quick before going back to the December page. Christmas... when was the last time I actually celebrated a real Christmas? She felt her heart slowly drop to her core as she began to reminisce of all the lonely Christmas' she spent alone in her dorm room back in the boarding school, while the other girls either went home for the holidays, or stayed back and had presents sent to them.

I...I never had anything like that...

She rested her cheek on her knuckles as she began to draw a circle around all the holidays that were to be celebrated those two weeks. She glanced up to see Sasuke walk into class and takes his seat. She sunk into her seat as she heard him lightly growl at her. Guess he's still mad for not giving him breakfast... she was suddenly feeling bad for the demon, wondering whether or not he had something to eat this morning. She rested her head onto her forearms and sighed silently to herself. She heard Kakashi sensei assigning people to their partners to work on their assignment.

"Sasuke! Come on, I wanna finish this quick!" Karin happily took Sasuke. I guess this year will be just the same...

Sakura spent the rest of the class period with her head down as the rest of the class worked with their partners on their projects.

Sasuke will just leave me alone while he goes out with his friends, plus I don't even have money to buy presents...I barely have money for myself. Sakura sat there lost in her thoughts that she didn't even realize class has ended. The bell rang and all the kids were running out as Sakura sighed and lifted her head to see Sasuke angrily glare at her before storming out of the class.

She was stopped midway while gathering her things by Kakashi who beckoned his hand over for her to come. "Sakura, let's talk once more"

"Ah? ...Mm!" she nodded her head and ran over to Kakashi. He patted her head as she smiled at him.

"How about I let you present to me during lunch today? That way we can make decisions quick enough for you to get things done"

"Lunch? Ahh-"...Sakura stopped midway as her big smile slowly faded the second someone's face appeared into her thoughts.

Naruto...if I come here to present then we can't have lunch together. She bit down on her lip, as her cheeks tinted a pale pink complimenting her beautiful blush pink hair. What do I do? She looked up at the tall man standing in front of her as he waited for her answer. "is lunch not a good time for you?" he asked abruptly "we can do it some other time...but it would be good to test things out I mean-"

"No! It's fine...it's just I usually have lunch with Naruto...that's all." Sakura immediately covered her face after she mumbled out her words. It was so embarrassing saying that to Kakashi for some reason. Kakashi laughed as he scratched his silver locks and sighed. "Well...we could just do this after school and-"

"No!" she blurted out, "it's fine, I'll just talk to Naruto, he'll understand. He's always understanding" She smiled her words were gentle as she squeezed her books against her tightly.

Naruto was indeed the key to Sakura's special smiles, blushes, and heartbeats, and Kakashi could see it ever well. He stared at her intently as she dozed off into her own world.

She must have a lot of feelings for him... Kakashi suddenly felt a tinge of ache in his chest at the thought and bit down on his tongue as she suddenly shook her head and looked up at him.

"I'll see you at lunch time then sensei!"

"Huh?! Ahh..yes, see you at lunch time Sakura" He smiled big enough that faintly showed through his mask, Sakura smiled bigger when she noticed the faint smile lines shown through his mask.

She waved at him before prancing out the classroom, ignoring the fact that Sasuke was glaring at her more than ever that very moment.

Naruto, I can't wait to see you... even if it's for a minute, no a second- I honestly can't wait.

Sakura felt her chest tighten again causing her to be short of breath once more. Indeed this beauty in disguise was most definitely falling in love with Naruto. At this point, Sakura just looked at him for hope, he was her light...his blue eyes, blonde hair...tall figure... everything. And anything about was light for her, to save her from the shadows that haunt her till this day.

Lunch time: cafe

Pant...pant...

I gotta get to the cafe; he's probably waiting there now!

She ran into the cafeteria, her lunchbox snuggled in between her arms as she made her way to Naruto's table. She looked around to see no blonde in sight.

Where is he?!

She looked left, to right, only to see Sasuke sitting there with a carton of milk in his hand. He looked up at her and just blankly stared at her for a little bit before looking away...with no intention of telling him where Naruto might be. She stood there thinking for a minute before realizing the fact that Naruto just might be at their special tree.

He has to be there!

As cold as it was Sakura, honestly didn't care...she had no coat to keep her warm, but it didn't matter to her because that tree was the only place in the world Sakura and Naruto share together. She smiled as she ran faster and faster to see the blonde hero standing there breathing on his hands for warmth.

She stood and stood there for a moment to catch her breath. "Hah...hah...Naruto!" she screamed "Narutooooo!" She giggled as she watched him turn around and gently smile at her. His grin made her heart do back flips as he grinned bigger, spreading his arms far out for her to run in. "Come here," he mouthed as she smiled an even bigger smile, pearly teeth and all that as she ran into his arms. "Narutoooooo!"

"Sakuraaaaaa hahahahahaha" She jumped onto him as he clenched her tightly and spun her around twice before setting her down.

She giggled as she snuggled into his arms; his hot body almost instantly warmed her up. She felt her heart stop each and every time her body vibrated from his low warm chuckle. "Sakura-chan" he chuckled "you're here."

"Mmmm! I was looking for you all this time in the cafe"

"Oh? I was waiting for you here silly girl."

"Hehehe I know..." She melted into his arms as his arms snuggled around her curves. "I missed you Sakura..." he whispered into her ear. She felt the heat radiating from his face

"I really missed you..." Sakura gasped as she clenched onto him tighter and tighter.

"Really?" She pressed her face against his coat as he laughed and placed his chin on top of her head. "Yeah hahaha."

"Mm... I-I missed you too." Sakura felt her eyes start to get heavy from the warmth of Naruto's body when she forced her eyes open and gently pushed herself off of him.

"Ahh Naruto," she murmured, looking down at her feet. "I can't have lunch with you today..." she felt that disappointment kicks in again as she looked up and sadly smiled at him. His eyebrows forward as he stepped closer to her asking her why. "Kakashi sensei is helping me with something so I can't"

"Grrrrrr. Kakashi...sen-sei." Naruto's eyebrow twitched as he growled at the name of his former teacher. Sakura laughed and asked him if they can have lunch tomorrow and his anger transitioned into a very hurtful frown. "I can't...the guys asked if we could all meet during lunch to discuss things for winter break, and they won't let me sneak away..."

"Oh...I see" Sakura felt a pang of hurt from his words. It reminded her that as much as she loves their time together, Naruto's still from a different world, a world Sakura will never see...a world that both Naruto and Sasuke are together without her.

"Sorry Sakura...I'll ah...I kind of promised them already-"

"It's fine! Hahaha, I need to work on his project anyway, so don't worry about it okay? I'll try to see you a bit before lunch then, okay?"

She faked a smile as she slowly walked backwards away from Naruto. "Well, I'll just get...going; Kakashi sensei's probably waiting... So I'll-eh?" Naruto pulled her in and held her tightly in his arms. "I'm sorry, okay? If anything I'll just sneak off for 5 minutes to come see you, so wait here for me tomorrow, even if it's for 5 minutes I'll come see you...I promise." Sakura's cheeks flushed red and clenched onto him tightly as he sighed deeply. It made her so happy to hear those words from him. "But if you can't then don't worry about it alright Naruto?"

She laughed a she gently played with his hair. You just saying that to me was enough for me. Thank you Naruto...

She gave him one tight squeeze before bidding him goodbye. He smiled his heart-throbbing smile at her as they slowly let go of each other's hands. She squeezed her hands tightly as she nodded and ran off into class, making sure to keep Naruto's warmth locked into her hand.

"Sorry I'm late Kakashi sensei I-!" She ran into the classroom to see it completely empty.

She stepped in and looked around... "Kaka..shi..Sen..sei?..." Once more she stood there feeling completely confused as she took a seat and opened her lunch. Guess he's not here yet, mm I'll just wait. Sakura sat there and took her time eating as she waited for him to come popping in when he didn't "...where is that guy?! Ugh! It's almost time for class and I'm waiting!" She shouted angrily as she crossed her arms and tapped the floor repeatedly. "Ahh so you can get angry Sakura-san" Sakura turned around to see Kakashi standing there with his orange book in his hand.

"There you are!"

"Mhm here I am" He simply said as he stepped into the classroom, his eyes glued to his book. "Well...um I-"

"One sec" he said cutting her off as she stood there awkwardly with the guy, silently in the classroom. She stared at him as he looked at his book then looked down at his watch, then back to his book. "Um-"

"one minute" His eye smiled, letting the silence sink in once more when suddenly...

"KAKASHIIII SENSEIIIIIIIIIIIIII!" I-Ino...? Sakura watched the door slam open revealing a very angry Ino glaring at the poor teacher.

"Hello Ino"

"Don't 'hello' me! WE needa talk, now" she demanded as she rolled up her sleeve and stomped closer to him. Kakashi laughed nervously as she shielded himself with his hands asking her if they can talk in a humane manner. "Go, talk!" Kakashi quickly scurried over to Sakura and gently pushed her forward to block Ino from him. "I'm willing to listen to you Ino/" "Alright then listen up!"

Ino flipped her hair and glared at Kakashi, "I can't work with Choji, and Shikamaru! They're pissing me OFF! I can't deal with his lazy ass, and Choji just agreeing with him because they're best friends, I will kill them if I have to sit through that again!"

Sakura mentally applauded her former best friend mentally feeling impressed by how she said that all in one breath. She watched Kakashi try to reason with her as they fought back and forth when suddenly Kakashi's head turned to her quickly and then...slowly turn back to her.

"Sakura."

Ba-thump

"Huh?"

"Hehehe Sakura... Sakura, Sakura, Sakura, Sakura" Kakashi sang as he walked over to her and took her gentle hand, yanking her to Ino. He made Sakura stand next to Ino and clapped his hands.

"Perfect! Ino you can work with Sakura!"

Both girls suddenly felt awkward as they looked at each other and looked away.

I can't work with her...They thought in unison as they awkwardly touched their hair. Kakashi smiled through his mask as he looked at them back and forth.

"Ino, if you work alone you only have 3 more days to finish this, and Sakura, if you don't want to talk, then you can't pass" he claimed as he pulled out his book and began to read again "I suggest you two work together or else you both fail, good luck" Kakashi mentally chuckled as he watched their eyebrows twitch at his words.

Both girls were at a loss of words... they didn't know what to say, or how to say it. For them, it was just plain awkward...

"I'll let you decide for yourselves."

He walked passed them, leaving the two former duo alone in the classroom.

Sakura cleared her throat as she walked over to her desk to grab her books when Ino called out to her.

"Hey...um..."

"Hm?" she looked up to see Ino look away and begin to run her fingers through her golden locks again. Sakura knew she always does that when she's nervous, it always amused Sakura because, and honestly Ino's almost never nervous.

"What?" Sakura asked as she grabbed her books and threw her backpack onto her shoulder. "...I don't know if you wanna work together or not, I honestly don't care, I just need the grade."

Sakura took into her words and translated it into: "let's work together, it doesn't matter."

"Alright...um..I don't mind either...so..."

"So..."

It was quiet again... Sakura felt a knot in her throat as she felt the silence drown her again. Looking at Ino right now really made Sakura think about how long it's been since Ino and her actually talked on mutual grounds. The last thing they ever agreed on was to never be friends anymore...

"Hah! Um I gotta go but, uh...do you wanna text me the details or ..er.."

"I don't have a phone."

"Email?"

"No computer..."

"Then...?"

"Here" Sakura handed her the copies she made for Kakashi sensei to look over today.

"I haven't made the power point, if you have a laptop you can just put it together on the slides, and we'll meet next time to look over it."

Ino hesitated to take the papers as she grabbed it and looked down over at Sakura's writing. She looked up to see Sakura looking away from her, and she turned towards the door and stepped over to it, her hand tightly wrapped around the knob. "Thanks... I'll meet up with you tomorrow, so...erm..see ya."

"See ya.." Ino quickly opened the door and ran out, just within that second Sakura fell to the floor and started to shiver up.

She felt so much emotion and tension just from having Ino there with her. Sakura began to sob in broken tears as she curled up against her desk. ..Ino...how long has it been? Sakura thought to herself...thinking of all those times Ino saved her from total loneliness.. She sat there and cried out all her frustrations from her trip down memory lane before heading to her next class, with no intention of even paying attention.

Afterschool: Home

Sakura walked into the house shiver from the cold, she rubbed her arms up and down trying to calm her trembling body as she walked further into the living room. She ran up into her room and ran into her blankets trying to calm her body down.

Screw this! I need a freakin coat... Sakura angrily thought to herself as she hopped off her bed and looked into the mirror. Her bangs were getting too long, and she was sure she needed to trim that moptop of hers some time soon. She changed out of her uniform and into an old t-shirt and sweats she had left to wear before walking out her room. Sasuke was home, and she knew he was probably still pissed at her for this morning. She creeped down the stairs to see Sasuke grabbing his coat, when he looked over at the poor girl whose clinging to the railing for a good minute or so.

"Going out?" she asked thoughtfully, hoping to see if Sasuke would reply. He slightly nodded at her as he checked his phone and walked over to the coffee table real quick to grab other things off of it. "Will you be home for dinner?" her tone was quiet, almost a whisper to Sasuke as he stood there suddenly frozen and he scoffed at her words. She felt the knot in her throat grow as he turned around and walked towards her. She trembled behind the stairs and struggled to make any movements as Sasuke stepped closer to her. "Home...for dinner?" he asked tilting his head.

"M-mhm..." she was getting dizzy from the alluring scent of Sasuke's cologne as he stepped even closer. "You're going to make me dinner Sakura?" his voice was sarcastic as usual. "Or are you going to just eat in front of me again?" Sakura looked away from him, suddenly feeling guilty for doing that.

Maybe I overreacted... She rubbed her neck and kept her head towards the floor as he sighed. "Dunno, so don't worry about it too much..." Sakura had no other words for him as he checked his phone once more before looking back at her. He glanced, and then glanced once more but this time his eyes squinted at her as he stepped closer.

"What the hell are you wearing?"

"Huh?" Sakura looked up to see him staring down at her clothes. She suddenly felt embarrassed as she hugged herself tightly and turned away from him. "I-I had nothing else to wear, plus it's not like I'm going anywhere..."

"But that shirt-"

"Don't you have somewhere to go?" she asked hurriedly. Sasuke growled but before he had the chance to say anything else his phone rang, leaving him to do nothing more than to go to his car.

I know it looks bad, but what else am I suppose to wear? I don't even have a lot of stuff...

Sakura walked over to the sofa to sit down and watch TV when suddenly she heard the doorbell ring.

"Ugh...go awayyyyyyy!" She growled out. She can't even rest for a minute without someone bugging her. The doorbell rang once more, making her run towards the door even faster. "I'm cominggggg!"

-Click-

The sound of the door unlocked as she opened the door to see none other than...

"O-Oniisan..." Sakura looked up to see the tall Uchiha man staring down at her. She smiled lightly as he blankly stared at her. "He-hello Oniisan."

"..." Itachi put his hands on her shoulder and continued to stare blankly at her.

"How are yo-ehh?!" She was pulled in by his strong arms into his embrace as he suddenly hugged her tighter than ever before. "Oniisan?"

"Sakura." he mumbled, squeezing her into his arms. Sakura smiled as she hugged him back. His broad back was so warm against her little cold fingers. "ahh it's cold! Please come in"

Sakura tried to peel off of him but his grip was tight around her as he stepped inside, Sakura still in his arms. She heard him close the door, she assumed with his feet before he finally let go of her.

She stepped back and pushed her bangs behind her ear to look up at him. He stood there and smiled a little smile at her as she nervously laughed. They walked into the living room and sat down on the sofa. "So...what brings you here Oniisan?" Itachi turned to her to see she was looking up at him. He felt his eye wanting to twitch when her cheeks flushed a pale pink.

Must. Hug. I must hug her... Itachi slowly moved closer to her, little by little until she was at arm's reach. His arms went up as Sakura nervously moved back.

His fingers began to wiggle as he leaned closer to her.

Huuuuuuuuuuuugggggggggggggggggggggggg

"Um Oniisan-ahhh!" His arms quickly went around her and he hugged her tightly in his arms. Sakura laughed when she felt his cheek rub against her head. "Please tell me why you're here hahahaha" Itachi sighed as he sat back a little and took her hand. "Sakura." he said, with the sweetest voice possible. "I just wanted to see you..." Sakura felt her cheeks flush a deeper red as she slightly gasped at his response. She felt herself smiling even bigger as Itachi squeezed her tightly. "I honestly just wanted to see you..."

"Oniisan..you-" Before Sakura had the chance to finish talking, both Itachi and Sakura's head turned towards the door that swung open causing the near winter air rush into the house.

"I forgot my .wal...let...Aniki" Sasuke said as he stepped in to see Sakura squeezed tightly in his brother's embrace. "What are you doing here?"

"Ahh Sasuke you're mmmm-!" Sakura was cut off by Itachi's hand flying onto her mouth as Itachi chuckled at his younger brother who actually didn't look at all that happy to see him.

"Little brother...why are you here?" He questioned as he started to pet Sakura's head. "I thought you left with your friends already." Sasuke stared at his brother then back at a red Sakura before turning back to his brother. "..I forgot my wallet..." he replied as he slowly walked to the table and grabbed it.

"I see...is that all Sasuke?" Itachi's eyes were glued to Sasuke's angry ones as Sasuke's narrowed a bit.

"Yeah that's it..."

"Hn, I see so where are you going?"

Sasuke's eyebrow shot up towards his brother. Why is he acting so weird?...

Hn, whatever. Sasuke checked the time on his phone and turned towards the door to leave.

"Going to the mall, see ya." he mumbled as he looked back at his brother once more before heading out.

Itachi laughed as he moved his hand from Sakura's mouth.

"sorry about that Sakura are you okay?" He looked down at the flushed girl who just nodded and kept her head down.

" so he's going to the mall..." she mumbled as she fiddled with her fingers.

I wonder what it looks like now... Sakura thought to herself, remembering the last time she went to the mall...which was about 6 years ago.

Itachi looked down at her and tilted her chin up.

"Would you like to go Sakura?"

"Huh?"

"The mall...would you like to go?"

Sakura looked right at the sweet, but intimidating man that stood so near her.

Does it mean it...will he really take me?

"Can we...?"

Itachi laughed while petting her head once more. His chuckle echoed in the quiet house as he stood up and took her hand. "As long as you promise to be my date I'd love to take you."

D-Date? Sakura smiled as she looked down at his big pale hand.

"...I'd love to be your d-date Oniisan."

Itachi did nothing more than clench her hand tightly in his, and chuckled.

"Then it's a date! Shall we?"

Sakura laughed as she stood up and nodded her head, she tried to ignore the fact that she looked a mess right now.

I don't have anything else to wear so what can I do? I'm sure it won't matter anyway.

Sakura grabbed her hoodie, slipped it on, and waited for Itachi by the door.

She skipped towards the car as Itachi opened the door for her and they drove off to the mall, a mall which Sakura has only been to about 4 times her entire life.

Konoha City Mall

Sasuke was walking along with the rest of his gang as they stumbled upon a couple of the stores the girls wanted to go into. "Oh my God!" was all Sasuke heard before the loud shrieks of his girl friend's rang into his ears.

So...annoying... So FUCKING annoying was all that Sasuke thought about as he felt his lovely ex-girlfriend grab his hand and drag him into the shop. "Come on Sasuke! Hehe" Karin giggled along with her good friends as they began to hunt for clothes.

"Hn...why do we keep stopping at every other store?" he mumbled more to himself than to anyone else. Sasuke hated coming into the girly stores with Karin, because one thing or another happens, and somehow he always end up with no cash, and his credit card well put to use.

"Awwww can't we do something other than this?! You guys ALWAYS come shopping!" Naruto whined. He, Sasuke and the rest of the guys stood there while the girls ran from left to right grabbing stuff from left to right.

"Quit whining Naruto!" Ino growled, Karin following after her. "It's all on sale okay?! It's a good Christmas sale, so quit trying to ruin it!" Naruto stuck his tongue at them before sadly looking at Sasuke. "Teme..." he sniffed, "tell them we wanna go someplace else..." Sasuke grinned at Naruto as Naruto broke his sad face and laughed.

They both knew there was no way these girls were going to let them have it easy.

"Stupid girls, I see no use in buying these clothes, they're still going to look ugly." Sai said in the most innocent voice one can possibly talk in.

"What did you say?!" Ino demanded as she clenched her fists and slowly turned around to the girl confused boy. Sai looked up and smiled at her, "Are you deaf? I called you ugly." he smiled a small innocent smile as Ino stomped over and poked his chest.

"And just who do you think you are calling me ugly huh?! If you don't like it then you can leave! No one's going to miss you anyway, you freak!" She shouted as Sai peeled her finger off him.

"You don't have to pretend to hate me Ino, when we already know the truth" He said as she turned to walk away from him. "Ha!" she began, "pretend?! Who said I was pretending?"

"Oh please Ino, everyone here already knows you want my dic-mmmmmmm!"

Everyone suddenly gasped and turned their heads to a suddenly frozen Ino.

"HAHAHAHA STUPID SAI!" Naruto shouted as he slapped a hand over Sai's mouth cutting him off from saying anything further.

"What...did...you...just...say?!" Ino's eyes were on fire, as well as her cheeks.

"Penis" He replied as he moved Naruto's hand away from his mouth, causing Ino to scream and run over towards him "I'LL KILL YOU!" She growled out as the guys tried not to laugh holding Sai back, Karin grabbed Ino and dragged her away as she waved her fist at Sai swearing all kinds of threats to him.

Just as they were out of range the guys snickered a couple times before bursting out laughing.

"HAHAHAHAAHAHAHA SAI!" Naruto laughed as he slapped his back.

"What Naruto?" Sai asked tilting his head thoughtfully, "why was she so angry? Didn't I tell her the truth?" The guys looked at each other then looked at the boy again before laughing once more.

Naruto and Kiba were completely hysterical as Sasuke shook his head and walked off.

I can't deal with this insanity; these idiots are all the same...

He shoved his hands into his pockets before walking off to a different part of the store when suddenly he heard Shikamaru call him out.

"Hey Sasuke, isn't that your brother?"

Aniki...? Sasuke looked towards the door to look out and see it was indeed his brother, but it seems as though Itachi wasn't alone.

"Yeah and isn't that Sakura?" Choji questioned as Sasuke stared back at his brother, and Sakura walking hand in hand towards a couple of other stores.

What's Aniki doing here? ...and why is Sakura with him?

Sasuke shook his head as he swiftly walked further into the store hoping not to be seen by either of them and just when Sasuke thought things couldn't get any worse for him...he stopped his tracks when he heard another voice ring into his ear.

"Sakura-chaaaaan, Itachi-kuuuuun hehe look I'm at the mall too!" Mikoto shouted as she ran towards them.

Sasuke gasped as he stood there frozen still, his eyes grew wide open as he turned his head slowly to see his mother standing there.

Mom? Why is she here too?!...why are they all here near THIS store of all places? What the Hell is going on? Fuck, I need to get out of here. Quick. But ...how?

Beta'd by: BananaMilkshake101! ^ ^ thank youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

HappyCrayon: c:! meow