Chapter 18
Sakura's POV
To simply put it, I was worried.
Worried about what happened yesterday, about Sasuke and what he thought of the gift, about what he thought of me. Worried about what would happen today, about whether he would ignore me or not, about him flirting with Ino and Karin again, about if he decides to confront me about the gift or about Naruto or about anything.
As I walked into the school I worried about seeing Sasuke in the halls, and as I got to my locker I worried about seeing a repeat of what happened yesterday (aka flirt fest with Sasuke, Karin and Ino). I worried when Naruto walked by me, nudging once and saying, 'Don't worry, I've gotcha covered,' because that meant Naruto was planning something (and we all know how well most of Naruto's plans turn out). I worried even more as I checked the clock on my cell phone and saw that there were only 6 more minutes until the beginning of class, which means only 6 more minutes until I have to go to Art, and Sasuke is in my Art class, meaning I have to be within a close vicinity of him for over an hour. Meaning I have to worry about dealing with whatever happened yesterday and the whole birthday gift thing- with Sasuke- for over an hour.
But you know what? I don't have to worry about that anymore. After piling all my binders and books and everything for class, I closed my locker, jumped, squeaked, and dropped everything that I was holding simultaneously; because on the other side of the door to my locker, unbeknownst to me, was Sasuke Uchiha. He was leaning against the lockers, arms crossed over his chest, looking down the hall in the opposite direction, as if it was completely normal for him to be there, half-stalking me.
I flushed and bent down to pick up my scattered books, looking out of the corner of my eyes to see if anyone had witnessed that embarrassing moment – unfortunately, they had. Ignoring the stares that I was receiving I continued to gather up my belongings, a touch of anger adding to my embarrassment.
He did that on purpose. I know he did that on purpose. What other reason does Sasuke have to be at my locker, without the intention of embarrassing me?
And Sasuke, always the gentleman, didn't immediately say sorry or help me pick up the mess he was initially responsible for- instead, he slowly turned his head to look down at me, lazily raised his eyebrows in mock surprise, and, with a hint of a smirk on his face, murmured sarcastically, "Oh, did I scare you?"
And I would have been even angrier but – why did his voice have to be so incredibly damn sexy!? It rendered me defenseless. And as I stood up it seemed as if I wanted to laugh or giggle at his comment, to try and play it off and act cool, but all that came out was an "Um… I…"
It was a good thing he decided to speak next, because I really didn't have anything else to say. Reaching into his back pocket Sasuke drawled in that same ultra sexy voice, "I won't be needing these." And he handed me a tiny stack of white papers- papers that could only be the receipts I had frantically ripped out of my wallet yesterday at his house. A quick glance at them, now in my hands, told me that I was right.
"Oh, right. I, um…" Yeah, real smooth Sakura. But how could I do anything else when he's looking at me like that. With his eyes dark, smirking only the tiniest bit, leaning inwards like he actually cared about what I was going to say next…
And then we were just staring at each other.
But I know that this is probably what he does to every girl; that this was probably what he was doing with Karin and Ino yesterday, but it was just so hard to resist him…
The warning bell rang and I jumped. Two minutes to get to class.
Like yesterday and the day before, Sasuke signaled for me to walk with him. The gesture was familiar now: he would turn to start walking, his eyes on me, and then he'd tilt his head in the direction he was going, a silent "Come on," or "Let's go." And I would follow- because Sasuke may flirt with Ino and Karin and every other girl in school- but as far as I know, he's only walked me to class.
As we walked to the Art room, I adjusted the books in my arms so I could take a look at the receipts Sasuke gave me- just to see if he had kept any of them to return any of the gifts.
I flipped through them and was pleased to see they were all there. I glanced at Sasuke, who was looking straight ahead, and smiled. Does this mean he liked them? The butterflies in my stomach flapped excitedly.
But as we neared the classroom, something didn't feel right. I looked at the receipts again. There was the PS3 controller, the sketchbook, the smoothie I bought, a shirt that was on sale that I just had to buy, the Calvin Klein cologne…
Everything was there, everything seemed fine. But then…
My eyes widened and my jaw dropped.
Oh no.
Oh my god.
Where is my Victoria Secret receipt?
I flipped through the receipts for the third time, and again just to make sure.
But it wasn't there. I think I was starting to hyperventilate as Sasuke glanced at me weirdly, so I tried to play it cool. And stay calm.
Maybe it's still in my wallet. Or my purse. Or at home. Or in the Victoria Secret bag.
It just can't be at Sasuke's house. It can't be- what if he and Naruto saw it? How embarrassing would that be?
We turned into the classroom just in time for the anthem to start playing. I took a deep breath.
It's going to be okay. Sasuke didn't see it. Naruto didn't see it. It's probably still in my wallet. Or my purse. Or at home. Or in the Victoria Secret bag.
Or at Sasuke's.
After I sat down, and after Sasuke sat beside me, after class had started and our teacher had started the lesson – the second Sasuke got up to go hand in a drawing to Ms. Lunids – the second I was alone – I tore through my purse.
But the Victoria Secret receipt was nowhere to be seen. And although I was freaking out on the inside, I had to stay calm and cool on the outside- I mean, I'm sitting beside Sasuke Uchiha. I can't be gnawing on my fingernails, pulling at my hair and whining in distress.
So I pretended everything was alright, though I have to say I could feel sweat gathering at my forehead in my extreme nervousness. I peaked at Sasuke, wondering if he noticed my odd behavior.
He was staring straight at me, and I flickered my eyes away immediately.
But…
I peaked at him again, this time long enough to register what he was doing.
And then everything clicked.
I turned my head away so no one would see my jaw drop to the floor in shock. Because Sasuke wasn't staring at my face, or my drawing, or anything appropriate.
He was staring at my chest.
Like, full on staring at my chest, kind of zoned out and caught up in his thoughts, but he was definitely staring. Staring there.
He has it. He has my Victoria Secret receipt. Or at least saw it.
Why else would he being staring there, when he saw a receipt that was from Victoria Secret. And the things that were written on it!
Now, a couple of different emotions were reeling through my mind at that moment.
The first was an "Oh my God, I can't believe he's doing that!"
The second was an "Oh my God, he's totally checking me out!"
The third was an "Oh my God, what is he thinking?"
The fourth, out of pure and utter mortification, the most dominating was a straight out, "Oh my GOD!"
I shifted my body away slightly, angling it so he couldn't actually keep staring, and out of my peripheral vision I saw something that made me bite my lip to stop a squeal of delight.
Sasuke, once I had shifted, had finally snapped out of his daze. He shook his head absently, distractedly, and he went back to work on whatever he was doing, a small frown forming on his face. But before that, he was completely out of it. Like totally caught up in, well… my, um… chest…
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When the class ended I was once again walked to my next class with Sasuke Uchiha. During the whole time I kept my books covering the front part of my torso for obvious reasons (cough-wanderingeyes-cough), however I could not get the image of Sasuke, distractedly shaking his head out of my mind. It played in slow motion, over and over, so that for all of English class, it was, unintentionally, all I thought about.
It was at lunch when I finally could focus on something other than Sasuke's ridiculously gorgeous face in my mind- as Sasuke himself had just walked into the cafeteria and the image was no longer in my mind, it was right beside me. Yes, Sasuke, for the fifth time this week chose to sit beside me at lunch. By now it shouldn't be such a surprise but when it comes to someone as impersonal as Sasuke, almost anything he does is a shocker.
Anyways, that wasn't the real reason for why I could focus on something else other than what happened in Art class. The real reason is that today, for the first time, I got to experience one of Sasuke and Naruto's infamous bets. Or at least, that's how Tenten described it.
At first I didn't even realize what was going on. With the incident that happened this morning, and Sasuke now sitting beside me again, too much was on my mind to pay attention to what was going on in the real world. But then the noise level in the cafeteria started to grow and I snapped back to reality. Everyone at and around our table was either chatting, laughing, bickering, or listening intently- all centered around Naruto and Sasuke's conversation. They seemed to be arguing, and though it appeared to be in good humor, the look in both of the boys' eyes was way too competitive.
And then I picked up on to what they were actually saying.
Naruto laughed, raising an eyebrow, "Oh yeah? You could 'settle down'? Sasuke, I don't think the world 'relationship' or even 'girlfriend' is in you vocabulary"
"You're an idiot Naruto, I could get a girlfriend anytime, anywhere." Sasuke replied; the swoons and chatter of the fangirls behind him proved his point.
What was going on? I leaned over to Tenten and whispered that exact question.
"What is going on? Sakura were you even – wait. Oh my gosh, this is your first time! Oka,y okay, okay – you are about to experience an infamous bet." She replied, overly excited.
"A…what?" I asked, confused.
"So Naruto and Sasuke like to fight a lot right? They compete at almost everything- I mean, you should know."
"Uh, right." I answered with a blush, choosing to ignore her last comment.
Tenten continued, "So sometimes they get really wound up, and out of that spawns a bet. But these bets are huge. Like one time, Sasuke had gotten a whole-"
That's when Naruto winked at me, and Tenten quieted immediately. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat- a wink means Naruto has a plan, and Naruto's plans don't really work out so well. It also didn't help that Hinata looked extremely anxious beside him- not in a good way.
"Sure you could get a girlfriend Sasuke, but could you keep one?" Naruto replied dangerously. Everyone at the table was silent now, minace the many girls giggling in the background, hanging on every word, knowing another one of their bets were coming up.
And amidst all of this, I suddenly remembered something from earlier this morning. Something that I had forgotten the moment Sasuke confronted me at my locker, something I was confused about – but now it was starting to make sense.
"Don't worry, I've gotcha covered."
His words rang loud and clear in my head and I suddenly started to feel a bit nauseous - what was Naruto planning now?
Said blonde leaned forward and continued, as Sasuke leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, eyebrows raised, smile smug, and waiting for the competition. "I bet, you couldn't get a girlfriend and keep her – being a faithful boyfriend – for a week – no, two weeks." At this, he winked at me again, and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop the feeling of hope bubbling up inside me, even though I knew it was a plan thought up completely by Naruto (and we all know what that means).
"Two weeks?" Sasuke drawled in slight amusement, "Naruto, you don't have very high expectations of me, do you?" It was so hard to keep the butterflies in my stomach under control when he spoke like that.
Naruto in return raised his arms slightly, palms facing his opponent, "All I'm saying, is that I don't expect much from a guy who screws practically ev..." He trailed off when the pale hand of the girl beside him squeezed his arm. Everyone's eyes shifted to the wide-eyed Hinata momentarily, who became the censorship of the conversation (well, the scowling Neji at the other end of the table was more of the real reason). But even though Naruto didn't complete the sentence, his intent was very clear, especially to Sasuke.
They stared each other down, Naruto grinning, Sasuke speculating.
"Deal." Came the crisp reply of the darker haired man, his eyes glaring in Naruto's direction (although I could tell Sasuke's eyes held some sort of silent pride for being the guy who screws practically ev- well, you get what I mean.)
The rules of the bet were made clear within seconds- Sasuke must date a girl for the period of two weeks, meaning the whole ensemble: dating, holding hands, no cheating, being a civilized human being to his girlfriend (made clear by Naruto), going to parties together. Staying at parties together. Leaving parties together. And if Sasuke couldn't accomplish this task, he owed Naruto a hundred dollars (i guess that's not very much for someone as loaded as Sasuke). What Sasuke didn't notice though, was that there was no reward for him, if he won. Maybe he didn't need one- after all he has practically anything he wants- or maybe he was too caught up in his own ego to know. But regardless of the rewards, in almost no time at all, the two boys were shaking hands, along with many others surrounding the table making their bets on this one.
And then Naruto, with a smirk, leaned back in his own chair and checked his watch, not before wiggling his eyebrows at me briefly and giving me a wink for the third time, confident in his plan- while Hinata beside him looked very worried about that plan. I could only watch silently, the hope almost bursting like a fountain as I realized what Naruto was actually trying to do.
"Alright," Naruto said, "You think you can handle two weeks?"
Sasuke gave him the 'puh-leeze' look.
"Well," the blonde continued, "You best get started."
Sasuke tilted his head back, scoffing, his eyes on Naruto the whole time. My heart was beating harder than a hammer on a nail.
"Karin," Sasuke said evenly, and the redhead appeared almost instantly at his side with a huge grin on her face. "We're going out tonight."
I froze.
Naruto's mouth dropped.
Hinata's eyes widened even more as her hand rose to cover her mouth.
Karin shrieked.
I heard snickers, I heard giggles, I heard sounds of disapproval and sounds of outrage. I even heard my own heartbeat drumming in my ears.
And then I heard Sasuke say, with his eyes never leaving Naruto but his head tilted toward Karin, "I'll pick you up at seven."
He smirked as Naruto sulked and as all of the hope that had built up within me went straight down the drain.
But somehow- as I recovered from my shock, as Naruto glared and as Sasuke smirked right back at him, as Karin shrieked and giggled and threw her newly appointed status into everyone's faces- I think that Sasuke saw right through Naruto's plan to the true intentions he had underneath.
And somehow, I think he saw another, even bigger challenge.
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I think I was going into shock – I couldn't feel anything, I couldn't say anything- the world seemed to spiral before me as the seconds ticked by after those fateful words. I mean, did that really happen?
I looked at Naruto, who looked at me with his eyes wide and his mouth open- I had a feeling that my face mimicked his.
My eyes panned across the table after, ignoring the crowd, seeing everyone else's face who sat with us at lunch. And they seemed to be in shock, or trying to hide shock.
It made me feel a little bit better about the tears stinging the corner of my eyes.
"Whoa. I was not expecting that." Tenten murmured quietly. She looked at me to gauge my reaction, but by that time my eyes were glued to the table, facial expression locked, not daring to move in case I broke out into hysterics or something like that.
And no matter how frozen time seemed to be in my world, it was still ticking away in reality. By the time I had gathered up my senses, Sasuke had already shifted over and a chair was placed between us, immediately occupied by Karin.
Harsh.
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"Listen, Sak, I am so sorry." Naruto exclaimed as we walked to Instrumental together after lunch.
"Why are you sorry? You didn't do anything wrong," I replied, forcing my voice not to quaver. I was playing it cool, pretending that this whole bet thing didn't really matter to me at all – even though there was a hysterical banshee wreaking havoc in my mind, throwing a tantrum and probably cussing Karin in every way possible. It's probably not very psychologically stable for a person to be as masked as I was at that moment, but I had been repeating the same thing to myself since I realized that yes, the bet actually happened, and yes, Sasuke and Karin are going out:
Just get through the day. Go to Instrumental, and then go to Biology, and then go home and have a nice weekend and then everything will somehow be okay when I get back to school on Monday.
However, Naruto's extremely guilt ridden apologies weren't helping me at all.
"Ugh, it's all my fault. Sasuke would do something like that – and I should have seen it coming from the guy who screws practically ev-"
"Naruto. I get it. It's fine."
"Seriously, I didn't mean it to go that way. Sasuke's just a bastard, I mean, I should have known he'd pull something like that and-"
"Really Naruto, it's okay." I reassured him, though everything he said made me continue to think about Sasuke and Karin. Everything he said made tears well up in my eyes.
"But it's not okay. I mean I just ruined the perfect chance for you guys to get together." He said, and I nearly reached my breaking point.
Because he was right. Now that Sasuke and Karin were going out, I didn't have a chance with him. Even if it's only for two weeks, I'll be old news to him by then. And knowing Sasuke, after having a taste of the whole dating thing, he'll go straight back to being the player that he always was, out of pure relief. Or the impossible could happen - what if he ends up staying with Karin?
I suddenly knew that I couldn't possibly go to Instrumental – because after instrumental is Biology, and not only is Sasuke in that class, Karin is too. And I know it's kind of lame that I'd be a no-show at Biology, but how could I even begin to think about entering that classroom and facing him?
So I stopped in my tracks and willed for my voice not to come out shaky and weak, "Hey Naruto," I started.
He turned and gauged my expression. "Sak, are you feeling okay?"
"No, I just, um, I just have a really bad headache." I lied lamely, "I think I'm just going to go home."
He gave me no grief, most likely knowing the truth, "Okay, I'll tell the teach. You want me to walk you to your car?" he asked, and I briefly smiled, knowing that only a couple months ago I would have died to have him say those words to me.
"No, it's okay. You'll be late for class if you do." I answered, and he nodded although he didn't care if he was late at all.
"Kay, I'll see you Monday," he said, and after giving me a small pat on the arm, turned on his heel and continued towards the Band room. I turned and walked in the opposite direction feeling pitiable.
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Is it really pathetic that the second I got home I flopped into bed and sulked? And when I got bored of just laying there in misery I moped to the TV room with a blanket and pillow, flopped onto the couch, made a makeshift bed, and then sulked some more?
And when it was time to feed Samuel, I didn't really try too hard because I was that desolated? Or when it was time for dinner and I sat at the table, morose and picking at my food? How about when my dad noticed my mood and tried to cheer me up by taking me out for ice cream and I went along with him and faked being all happy? Or when I got home after that, pretended to be cheerful again but really went back to my makeshift bed and watched TV until I fell asleep?
Talk about a bad case of teenaged angst.
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Three things made Saturday even worse.
The first was that I realized, upon awakening that morning, that everything that happened the day before was not just a bad dream. And that basically ruined my entire weekend.
The second was that Puriti, although the majority of the time we spend together I want to tell her wear she can shove it, was leaving that evening.
And the third was that Sasuke and Karin go on their first date today. And he's picking her up at seven.
And even though from seven o'clock on I was conformed to super sulking mode, exactly twelve hours later made up for it.
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I woke up to my cell phone ringing.
Still groggy, I reached over to my bed-side table and answered, "Hello?"
"Sakura." The voice on the other end was smooth, deep, and recognizable.
I bolted upright, now wide awake, "Sasuke?"
My heart hammered and the butterflies fluttered. It's amazing how happy I was in that instant, by just hearing is voice, compared to what I had been the past two days.
The other end was silent. I could hear an annoyed sigh mixed in with the background noise of what I think was crying. For a second I thought about asking him how is date went with Karin *gag*.
When there was still no reply, I said is name again, "Sasuke?"
He answered after a couple more seconds of silence. "…Bun- Bun died."
"What?" I replied instantaneously, nervousness and confusion filling my voice.
More background noise followed, and then,
"Wear black."
"What?" I asked again.
My answer was the dial tone.
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Maybe I should have said 'Pardon?' or 'Could you please repeat that?' instead of just a plain 'What?' Maybe if I had been more polite or not so sleepy then I could have gotten an answer to why I was searching through my closet for something black at seven o'clock in the freaking morning. And maybe I could have gotten an answer to who or what 'Bun- Bun' was.
And as I stood there, going through my drawers and hangers, I wracked my brain for any sort of clue to this whole mystery. I thought back to anything related to Sasuke. It could be about his parents, or Naruto, or…
Sarah.
"Oh shit!" I yelped and threw on the nearest item of black clothing, grabbed my car keys, and ran out the door.
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As I entered the gated community that the Carter's lived in, an orange Lexus appeared in my rearview mirror. That could only be Naruto. So the situation was even more serious than I originally thought it was. Poor Sarah.
After I pulled into the Carter's driveway I waited for Naruto as he parked behind me. He got out of his car and we walked to the front door together. I had to note that he looked very attractive dressed all in black (Hinata don't kill me). When the doorman let us he told us to head straight to the back of the house and outside.
The ceremony was held in one of the gardens in the backyard. Actually, the garden at the very back of the backyard, meaning it took a full two minutes just to get there, that's how far away it was.
I could see Sasuke's tall figure as we approached and was nearly winded when he turned to look at us. He was dressed in a black button up shirt and black pants that contrasted sharply against his pale skin. His coal black eyes glared at us, and although I was practically blinded by how extremely gorgeous he looked, I did notice that he glared because Naruto and I had arrived together. I knew because of the way his eyes flickered between us and how they narrowed when they landed on Naruto.
"Sakura! You're here!" cried a voice and I snapped out of my daze when I realized that the reason I was here was because of the little girl who ran towards me, wrapped her arms around my waist, buried her head into my stomach and wept uncontrollably. Oh yeah, Sarah.
"Hey, I'm here too!" Joked Naruto and Sarah sniffed and lifted her head slightly to peek at him.
"High Naruto," she mumbled shyly and turned back to my stomach. "Isn't it awful?" she asked after a couple sniffles, now more composed than she was earlier.
"Oh it's okay Sarah," I answered. "Bun-Bun's gone to bunny heaven."
"Yeah, with all the carrots she could eat." Naruto added, and I gave him an impressed smile- he actually had some useful input. Out of my peripheral vision I could see Sasuke staring at me and I tried my hardest not to look at him- I mean, I should be mad considering he completely blew me off two days earlier and now woke me up at 7 on a Sunday to do a favor for him. But it still made me shiver knowing he could be jealous of me and Naruto.
"I guess," Sarah replied, and she pulled away from me to grab a hold of my hand. I looked down to see tears and little kid snot stained on my shirt. Mmmm, lovely.
I looked at Sasuke to see if he noticed, but his eyes were warily watching Sarah as she pulled me toward the tiny grave in the garden. And so the funeral service started.
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"Bun-Bun was a good rabbit." Naruto started dramatically. "She always ate her vegetables and never complained when anyone held her. I remember she used to frolic amongst the fields, playing with butterflies, tumbling in the grass-"
"Bun-Bun never went outside." Sarah interrupted plainly.
"Oh. Uh, well…" Naruto fumbled for something to say as Sarah's lip started to tremble.
"I should have taken her outside," she mentioned and tears welled up in her eyes.
"No, I, uh, didn't mean it that way-" He tried.
"Sarah, it's okay, he didn't mean to-" I cut in.
"I should have taken her-"
"Sarah." It was Sasuke's deep voice that cut through our frantic words and caught Sarah's attention. She looked up at him, tears in her eyes and her face red. Funny, how he only had to say one word to get her awareness. Sarah looked at up at Sasuke, the corners of her lips pointing downwards.
"Uh, I'll go next," I said quickly so she wouldn't start crying again.
I switched places with Naruto so I was by the grave facing the audience of three- and I could feel Sasuke's eyes on me the whole time. I frowned and cleared my throat, unsure of what to say, as I had only heard of Bun-Bun when I had babysat Sarah for the first time. So I completely bullshitted it.
"Bun-Bun was a good rabbit." I said, repeating Naruto's words. "Uh, I didn't know her personally, but I know that she touched people's lives. And she will forever be in our hearts, um, giving us the strength and courage that she portrayed everyday. Even though Bun-Bun has passed on to another life, her spirit remains here, watching over us. Rest in peace Bun-Bun."
Naruto clapped dramatically, knowing the whole thing was entirely made up. I walked back to my spot, embarrassed, and elbowed him. He quieted.
"Sasuke? It's your turn." Sarah said, and tugged on his sleeve.
"No." Was his simple and totally expected reply.
"Sasuke pleeease?" She asked, knowing that she had every right to get her way because her pet just died.
"No." He answered again.
Her lip trembled for the third time, "Please?" And this time I could tell that it wasn't just the puppy-dog eyes she was pulling.
"Uh, Sasuke mourns in silence." I blurted when her eyes turned glassy. I could feel all eyes but Sarah's on me. Instead, she patted Sasuke on the arm and whispered, "It's okay. I understand."
I pursed my lips to hold a smile and Naruto coughed loudly to hide his laughter. Sasuke glared at both of us. When his eyes turned to me, our gaze caught momentarily, until his look turned blank and he turned away.
It seemed as if he was giving me the cold shoulder now. Was it because of what I said? Or was it something else? Or was it that Naruto just slung his arm around my shoulders?
"I don't know about you guys," the blonde said, "but I am starved."
"Yeah, yeah, me too," Sarah agreed, "Sasuke, can we go to Starbucks?"
"I kind of missed breakfast with all of the commotion," I admitted nervously and flickered my eyes up to Sasuke. He wasn't looking at me.
"It will make me feel better." Sarah insisted.
"Whatever." Sasuke replied, and Sarah cheered, finally out of her gloomy state. If only I could get out of mine.
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As we walked through the house towards the front door I asked Sasuke where his parents were, as they weren't at the 'funeral.' His reply was a stiff "not home." I didn't say any more. Why was he being so cold now? Is it that different now that he's not single anymore? The thought practically killed the butterflies in my stomach.
When we reached the driveway I noticed how inconvenient it was that we all had our own cars. Not only is it stupid for all of us to drive separately to the same place, but it also meant that I don't even have a chance of riding in Sasuke's car again.
"I want to go with Sakura!" Sarah cried and ran to my side. Then again, maybe I will have a chance.
"Fine you can go with her." Sasuke stated and went to his own car. Then again, maybe I won't.
"I don't have a car seat," I uttered without thinking, unconsciously trying to hitch a ride with him.
Sasuke looked at me as he got in his own car. "It's a two minute drive, Sakura," He stated, his tone condescending. My expression, along with what felt like my stomach, dropped.
"Oh… okay." And Sarah and I walked to my car. "Make sure to buckle up," I told her when we were inside and sitting down. "Gotcha," she answered.
Since Naruto was in the driveway last, he drove in his own car and pulled out so we were free to move. I went second and followed him, followed by Sasuke.
I drove extra cautiously, just because I had Sarah in the back without a car seat and I didn't want anything to happen. I guess since I was driving so slow, Sasuke got impatient behind me. He passed me within two blocks of his house so he was in front, but also behind Naruto. It was funny to watch Sasuke try and pass Naruto as well, but Naruto swerving just slightly so he couldn't.
During the car ride I turned on the radio, and when Sarah said she loved the song that was playing, I decided to blast it just to cheer her up even more. I even started to dance a bit with her when she started really getting into the music, until I realized that Sasuke was in front of me and could see us rocking out through his rearview mirror. Again, my mood was shot down.
When we reached Starbucks, the instant we were inside, both Sarah and Naruto bolted to the only two comfy chairs by the window, claiming them as their own. I rolled my eyes at Naruto, kindly took his order and went to the cashier. Sasuke did the same for Sarah.
We stood in line together, side by side, not speaking and not looking at each other (well, if you don't count me looking at him through the corner of my eyes). When our orders were ready he took his silently and brought it back to the table. I followed quietly and nervously. Sasuke took a chair from another table and pulled it up to ours, and I also did the same, however I noticed that he distinctly place his between Naruto and I…
When we both sat down, Naruto instantly piped up conversation and made things a little less awkward. That is, until he asked Sasuke how his date went.
"Hn," was the brunette's reply.
"So, where did you go?" Naruto continued, ignoring the fact that Sasuke didn't want to talk and that it was really awkward for me.
"Dinner. Movie," answered Sasuke, taking a sip of his coffee. His eyes briefly flickered to me and then away.
"Which one?" Prompted Naruto.
Sasuke sighed, clearly annoyed, "Does it matter?"
"Well, no, depending on what you did during the movie…" Naruto trailed off. Sasuke raised an eyebrow. The blonde continued, "So, what did you do during the movie."
Sasuke took a sip of his coffee, I did the same, not wanting to hear the answer.
After a couple of moments of silence, Sasuke replied, "What do you think we did?"
Naruto didn't answer, I kind of felt sick, and then Sarah, who had been relatively silent up until now, said, "Watched the movie. DUH."
We all looked to her, and I had to smile at her cute little six year old naivety. Naruto thought the same and burst out laughing, while Sarah looked at us, unsure of how her sentence was funny at all. I also think I saw Sasuke's lips twitch slightly as his eyebrows raised.
Through Naruto's laughter and my giggles, she frowned and then piped up again, "Sasuke, what's your girlfriends name?"
Our laughter died and we returned to partial awkwardness again.
"Karin." Sasuke replied in a monotone, a sigh included.
"Is she pretty?" asked Sarah. I bit my lip- although I really didn't want to be in this conversation, I simultaneously really wanted to know what Sasuke thought of his girlfriend.
"Depends," was his indirect answer.
"Well is she pretty like Sakura? Or Rock Star Barbie?"
I held my breath in anticipation, my stomach doing flips in suspense. I saw Naruto chewing on the edge of his cup, and Sarah, well, she sat swinging her legs off the chair, innocently waiting for an answer.
In the quiet that surrounded our table, I could hear Sasuke's foot tapping on the floor- was he thinking of an answer? Or was he just really annoyed and didn't want to talk? Or maybe it was both? Or maybe-
"No."
Sasuke's monotone voice echoed in my mind. At his answer a shiver rushed down my spine, and if I wasn't sitting in a chair I would have fallen, as I think my knees turned to pure jelly.
Sarah broke the silence again, "Oh… well then I don't think I like her." She shook her head to confirm her answer.
"Good," came Naruto's instant reply, "Cause she's a red headed carnivorous bi-"
"Naruto."
Sasuke and I both said at the same time, warning Naruto that he had to censor his language. I blushed like I was in grade two and Sasuke glared.
"I was only-" Naruto started, but then, I think he saw some sort of connection between Sasuke and I in that instant. Not just because we said something at the same time, but that it wasn't so awkward anymore, that Sasuke wasn't being so cold, and that I wasn't so nervous – that things were relatively normal again. So he quieted instantly, and instead started a new conversation, about something or other – but I didn't really listen.
Because Sasuke's knee gently pressed against mine underneath the table, and I was practically in heaven.
At first I was dizzy in shock, that Sasuke would even pull something like that now confounded me. That he was suddenly trying to fluster me again, even though just moments before he was Mr. made of stone. Then, I was embarrassed and confused at the small smirk he gave me when I glanced at him.
I took a long swig of my latte, my face beat red. These mixed signals he's giving me are going to drive me insane.
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Luckily Monday was better. Not during the day, for the whole time I was forced to witness Sasuke and Karin frolicking about the halls and classrooms of the school, holding hands and cuddling (okay, maybe just Karin). I was almost completely nonexistent to Sasuke, even though I was in some of his classes and sat like two seats away from him during lunch, and even though he should be thanking me for waking up early and doing that favor for him yesterday. And the worst part was when I saw them kissing in the hallway between classes. I didn't even mean to, and out of respect I should have given them privacy instead of stopping dead in my tracks and staring. However when it comes to Sasuke, my body has a mind of its own.
So I may have – I'm not saying I did – but I may have looked around to see if anyone was watching me, and thrown my pencil in there general direction before speed walking my ass to chemistry class.
Or I may have just secretly and jealously watched them out of the corner of my eye while walking by, to wussy to do something so bold.
But I'll just keep that a secret.
And it's not like them kissing is a huge deal anyway – I mean that's what boyfriends and girlfriends do. And its not like they were getting really into it, rather Sasuke was just standing by the lockers, an arm around Karin's waist while she attacked him as mildly as she could.
Anyways, after school, things finally started to lighten up.
I had gotten home and to the kitchen to feed Samuel, where I found a pizza delivery brochure very noticeably set out on the counter, which could really mean only one thing: Golf Championships. Or a tournament. Or something important and golf related on TV.
See, my dad isn't one to really ask you to do something for him; rather he leaves a kind of clue that he does want something, and if you're willing, he'd like it a lot. This whole pizza brochure thing is exactly that. I don't know exactly when it started but we have this kind of tradition, where every time there is some important thing that has to do with golf or football or something, we order in pizza and watch it together. And I may not even know what's going on in the thing we're watching, but my dad is the type to be extremely happy just because of my presence on the couch beside. So I endure the long confusing hours of watching sports just for him. Plus there's the junk food factor that always makes it better.
So I call my dad and get the time of the golf event and his order for pizza, which are respectively, 6 pm and Hawaiian.
And then practically two seconds after I hung up, the phone, which was still in my hands, rang.
I answered with a simple 'hello?'
"Can you meet me at the mall in a half hour?" The question was stated in a way that already concluded my agreement without me saying anything. Guess who.
"Uh, Sasuke?" I asked, and the lack of an answer was a clear enough response. "Um," I checked the time, it was four thirty. That meant I really didn't have time to go to the mall in case I didn't make it back in time. I breathed a sigh because I hated what was going to come out of my mouth, "I have plans, I ca-"
"Never mind. I'll just pick you up now." And he hung up right after that. What's with him and hanging up abruptly? Hasn't he ever heard of manners?
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The funny thing is, whether I knew it or not, my decision had already been made the moment I knew it was him on the other end of the phone, even though currently I was in denial.
I waited by the window, watching for his car. My mind was set on telling him no, that I couldn't just be at his every beck and call, because I have plans. But as his car pulled up to my house, I could already feel my resolve unraveling. He didn't get out or come to the door, or even honk – he just sat in his car, waiting. I huffed, and exited the house – he knew that I'd be waiting for him to come… jerk.
Determined to turn him down, I tapped on the car window instead of opening the door. He rolled it down and I leaned in.
"Hey, um…" Wow, great start. But I had looked into his eyes and there was no hostility or anything, so I rethought the situation. Maybe Sarah needed me, or maybe he needed my help, or maybe… well, a girl can always dream.
"I just have to grab my stuff and write my dad a note." I said quickly, changing my mind completely. I know its silly, because I don't even know what we're doing or why he needs me, and I know I shouldn't just give up my plans for a him, but I can't help it. It's Sasuke. Plus when he looks at me like he just did, with his eyes dark and expecting, like he knows I want to be there, it gives me butterflies in my stomach – simply, he's to hard to resist.
At my answer, Sasuke gave a look saying, "And your telling me because…?" I got the message and ran back into my house, where I did the two things I said I had to do.
I went back outside and this time entered Sasuke's car, reveling in the car ride that I was robbed of yesterday.
As we drove away from my house I did make one request to at least give me back some of my dignity. "I have to be home by five thirty," I blurted, and inwardly groaned – what I tried to make a bold statement came out a half question.
In response, Sasuke gave me a lazy glance, and then pressed down on the gas pedal, accelerating to the speed that he likes to show off in. I bit my lip and settled in for another James Bond experience.
When we reached the main roads and Sasuke was forced to drive like a sane person again, I finally decided to get some information.
"So, why are we going to the mall?" My question sounded uneasy.
"Sarah." Was his answer. Could he never just give me the full explanation, or did I have to prod it from him?
"I… is she okay?" I asked.
"Her friend got a new dog, Sarah came home hysterical." He replied tiredly.
"Oh." And I understood immediately. Sarah would come home from school hysterical when she just lost her beloved pet, and her friend just got a new one.
"Hn."
"So we're going to get her a new pet?" I responded, finally glancing at him.
He gave me a look that said, "No shit," and I was momentarily angered by his behavior. I mean, wasn't I doing a favor for him?
So I said with out thinking, my tone bitter, "Why isn't your girlfriend here then?"
Out of my peripheral vision, I saw his fists clench the steering wheel hard.
He didn't respond to my question. I think he was mad at me.
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When we reached the pet shop, I realized how much Sasuke needed my help. For a while we stood in front of the store, staring at the ruckus inside – while all of the animals were in their cages, it didn't stop their voices. The noise left Sasuke rubbing his temples.
To him, I think it was an ordeal; entering the noisy place, going through animals, I mean, doesn't he have to do the whole thing where he sits down with the employees and gets to hold the animal and stuff? Like, how could Sasuke possibly pick out a pet for Sarah on his own? I can see now why he needed me there.
"Well," I started, as if this would be some big adventure, "let's go." He followed me in as I entered the shop.
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Twenty minutes later we were still wandering the aisles and cages, with no progress. Sasuke wasn't helping me at all, and when I asked why his parents aren't getting the pet and why he is, he answered, "They're not home yet. And I just need her… to shut up."
I realized that the last comment about Sarah is really his own way of saying he just wants her to be happy. Sure, it wasn't said exactly that nicely, but the meaning, at least to me, was clear. So I decided to take charge, as we were getting no where with Sasuke in the lead.
And the moment I actually started to seriously think about Sarah and what pet we should get her, the answer came to me immediately.
"We should get her a cat," I announced and marched over to the cat section. Sasuke followed, appearing uncaring and bored. I bet he was.
I then explained to him the story with Samuel, when Marie and Sarah came over to my house for my dad's promotion. I explained how Sarah loved him so much she practically strangled it, which I hope she won't do with the new one we're about to get her.
After my reasoning, Sasuke's only reply was, "Whatever." But I believe he was secretly grateful.
Choosing which kitten wasn't hard. When we (I) asked an employee to see them outside of the cage, I instantly saw three kittens that were Sarah worthy. But it was the third one that I held that I knew was the one. She was small, white, super fluffy and incredibly adorable. The second she was in my arms she cuddled right up to me, unafraid and completely lovable. I could not help the 'awwws' that escaped from my mouth. Actually, I could, when Sasuke glanced at me weirdly. Instead of flushing and stammering and getting nervous (actually, I did all of the above), I insisted that Sasuke hold the kitten. He refused with a simple "no," but I was persistent, telling him he had to make sure that it was perfect for Sarah. Only then did he reluctantly agree.
Almost awkwardly, he took the kitten from my extended arms and straight away, she went into cuddling him like she did me. Which basically sealed the deal. I 'awwwww'ed again, and instead of a weird look, I received a glare, and he shoved the cat back into my arms, and then shoved his hands in his pockets. He glared again when I giggled at his reaction.
Another twenty minutes later and Sasuke and I were in his car, about $1000 worth of cat related things stuffed into the back seat. I sat in the passenger's seat with the cute kitten in a small carrier on my lap, unbelievably happy at how the evening was going, how enjoyable it was despite some of the moodier moments. I could not help the smile from beaming across my face, especially when I was playing around with the kitten and she was doing the most adorable things.
It was at a stop light when Sasuke first kissed me.
I wasn't expecting it. I was so uncontrollably happy and caught up in the kitten and taking pride in knowing that Sasuke called on me when he need help that I didn't know that I was staring at him. He turned to meet my gaze, and I realized my smile was still glued to my face.
I wonder what look I must have been giving him, what facial expression I had on, that caused him to lean towards me.
I was frozen, unsure of what he was doing. At the time, all I could think was "Is he actually going to kiss me?"
And when it happened I was so unprepared. I'm pretty sure I stayed motionless, afraid that if I did anything, he would stop. So I was absolutely still, eyes closed, when he pressed his lips to mine. It wasn't his usual I'm so hot and talented with my mouth, it was a simple, light pressure, closed mouth connection. Only a few seconds had passed when he pulled away slightly, our faces only an inch apart. And even before I thought it was over, he leaned in for the second time and gave my bottom lip a small nip before I felt the car moving again. My eyes fluttered open and I saw Sasuke driving like nothing had happened at all. But I'm pretty sure that my face exploded it was so red.
I stiffly turned my head to stare out the front window, my cheeks on fire, absolutely shocked at what just happened. My chest was heaving, even though the kiss lasted like 4 seconds.
And then there was silence, except for the occasional sounds of the kitten moving around in her carrier.
My eyes flickered to the time on the car's dashboard, remembering my earlier commitment. It was 5:15.
Here's a question: Have you ever had to order pizza when you have just been kissed by an extremely delicious should-be male model?
Well, it's hard. I'll tell you that.
First you kind of have to awkwardly explain why you're ordering pizza, and then dial the number and talk to a stranger about food when your throat is all clenched up out of nervousness and your face is beat read out of embarrassment and you can hardly think because your mind is racing.
So yeah, it's hard.
But I did manage to put in a bit after I called, being all 'I would've called at home but someone had to drag me to the mall and now I barely have time to go to the convenient store to get some junk food before the game on TV starts.' Except it wasn't in as many words. And it wasn't as bold. Or all that understandable.
But I think Sasuke got the picture. His eyebrows raised in what was maybe acknowledgement, then his hand went to the gear shift.
And suddenly he switched lanes, the whole car swerving so we managed to turn right just before the next intersection. I clutched the cat carrier afraid that it would fly from my hands in Sasuke's new momentum. I turned to look at him, he had a small etch between his eyebrows, like he was concentrating on, I don't know, kidnapping me? A whoosh, and he was James Bond, I was his Bond girl, and we were heading in the exact opposite direction of my house. Or at least, I wish that's what was happening.
Instead, the one piece that made this whole situation logical appeared in front of us as Sasuke zoomed towards it. As opposed to my fantasies, the convenient store parking lot was definitely not at all a James Bond hostage sight. But I did need to go there before I went home.
Sasuke glanced at me when he parked, and gave me a triumphant smirk, that really wasn't all that triumphant or smirkish but it was close enough to one that for Sasuke, it was one. And I know Sasuke – he didn't do this out of kindness or anything, nor to repay the two favors that I did for him; it was to show me that he could get me home in time, that I was wrong for even saying I barely have any time, that he can do anything.
So simultaneously happy that he was doing me this one favor and inwardly groaning at his male pride, I said a weak 'Um, thanks,' passed the carrier to him so I was free to move, and got out of the car. Just before entering the store I glanced over my shoulder, making sure he wouldn't just disappear, but the Maserati was parked where I left it.
I didn't get as much junk food as I usually would for these events, but I was getting back in Sasuke's car which is already filled with cat supplies, and I didn't want to look like a pig. So grabbing some chips, pop, and candy and shoving them all into one bag, I paid the cashier and went back to Sasuke.
He was blankly staring at the cat carrier on his lap as I got into the car. When he passed the carrier back to me I could tell the kitten was getting fussy for being kept in a small place for so long. Maybe that's what caught Sasuke's attention.
Anyways, the Maserati was rolling towards my house within a couple of minutes. With the cat carrier on my lap I couldn't really get my things together, so I had to wait until he parked outside of my house to gently set the carrier in the space where my legs at once been before grabbing my purse and the bag of junk food.
I didn't really know how to say good bye or thanks for driving me to the convenient store, as things were still pretty awkward ever since he kissed me at that stop light. I settled for a quick 'thanks' or 'hope Sarah likes her cat' as that would probably be the only thing I could say without stammering and stumbling over my words.
However I was wrong. Standing by the open door I ducked my head back into the car, opened my mouth, and said nothing. Nothing came out of my mouth. I probably looked like an idiot.
But it wasn't my fault.
He was already staring at me when I looked at him. And it wasn't just any stare either.
This one was notably, incredibly sexy. So sexy that I reevaluated my 'thanks' and just thought: 'What the hell.'
His seatbelt was off and his arm was already reaching for the back of my head when I re-entered the car, closed the door behind me, and kissed him. It didn't even bother me that he was expecting it either.
For the first time, I had the upper hand in this kiss. Scrambling over to his side of the car left me kneeling and a few inches taller than he was. Although it still really didn't matter how tall I was, Sasuke took complete charge anyway.
The kiss he responded with made my insides melt. Everywhere he touched left a tingling sensation, every time his mouth moved against mine frenzied the butterflies in my stomach. It was only a matter of time before a soft moan escaped my lips.
The sound of my voice seemed to awaken something within Sasuke. His movements became rougher, his actions more urgent. His hand dragged down my side and curved around to my thigh, where with one movement he hoisted my body so I was exactly overtop of him, a knee on either side. Now nothing stopped his hands from roaming. They slithered down to my legs, around my thighs, back up to my waist, and too close to my chest, sending a wrack of shivers down my spine; all the while his mouth never strayed too far from mine. His fingers lingered over the imprint of by bra on the back of my shirt, and a brief thought flittered into my awareness: did he think I was wearing my new bra? You know, the Victoria's Secret one? Sasuke's hands started to edge around to my front, following the imprint, and then they dropped down, under the hem of my shirt and started crawling upwards.
That was when I knew it had to stop. I mean, although it made me feel all tingly and gave me goose bumps, he was not finding out what type of bra I was wearing. Or at least, not anytime soon. It was going way too far, way too fast for my liking. Especially when Karin and the whole bet popped into my head, supporting my crazy decision to tilt my chin away from him and untangle my hands from his shirt and hair.
Sasuke's mouth, losing accessibility to mine, moved to my chin down to my neck and to my collar bone, leaving a scorching trail behind it. Only then did he finally stop, his eyes flickering to my face, most likely annoyed and demanding.
But I couldn't look at him. While I only felt a tinge of guilt for cheating with him behind Karin's back, my embarrassment made up for it. How could I be so bold? I was never that confident when it comes to anything, let alone macking Sasuke. So I sighed, my moment of being a Bond girl fading by the second as I thought of something, anything to say as some sort of goodbye.
All that came out was a breathy, "I hope Sarah likes her cat." I could sense more than see his eyebrows raise at the comment.
Stupid, stupid, stupid. That's all I could hear in my head besides my own drumming heart beat as I fumbled to get out of the car through Sasuke's door. I mean, couldn't I say something sexy, or mysterious? All I could talk about was his sister and a cat?
What a major turn off.
I stumbled when I stood up outside the car. I practically ran over to the other side where my purse and junk food were waiting and leaned against the car momentarily, my hand pressed against the window, holding my weight. I was suddenly dizzy. I must have stood up too fast. Or maybe it was the kiss? Or maybe it was because I could feel Sasuke's smoldering eyes following my every move, even as I ran up to the front door of my house?
After knocking on the door I tried to make myself look presentable and act calm, as I know my dad was home for his car was in the driveway. The moment he opened the door his eyes looked past me.
"Whose the guy with the nice car?"
I spluttered, unsure of what to say, and then I blurted out, "You were watching me?" Oh my god. What if he saw me making out with Sasuke? What would he think? What would he do?
"No, he's still parked in front of my house." My dad answered, his eyes still on the Maserati. I could hear a faint possessiveness on the 'my' of his sentence, the protective dad was showing through just a little.
I blew a sigh of relief and turned around to see Sasuke standing by the passenger side of the car, wiping something off of the window. Most likely my hand prints.
I huffed, multiple versions synonymous to 'obsessive compulsive ass' running through my mind as I answered in a relatively normal tone, "Oh, that's Sasuke, Mrs. Carter's adopted son."
My father 'Oh'ed, shrugged, and walked back in the house talking about how the game was almost starting and how he was glad I had the time to pick up some junk food, completely letting everything about why I was in a fancy car with an attractive boy who looked older than his age. I was thankful for the fact that Sasuke's mom was the really nice boss of my dad.
The rest of the evening settled down. My dad and I watched the golf game and ate pizza and junk food as usual; however my mind was on another planet. I couldn't stop shivering at the memory of his lips and hands on my body; I couldn't stop thinking about what just happened in the car, how this would change what Sasuke does at school, how this would affect the bet between him and Naruto.
And suddenly, at the thought of the bet, I practically had a religious experience.
Now I may not know why Sasuke seems to change moods so frequently, or why I hardly feel guilty for cheating, or why he has made a point of either constantly flustering me or constantly ignoring me, or why I can't control myself in his presence, or why I can't stop thinking about the kiss we shared in the car…
But I do know one thing: There is no way in hell Sasuke is going to win that bet.
