A/N
WHOA.
Some of you guys have way too much pent up anger or something cuz some of the reviews I got on that author's note were pretty mean and unnecessary.
For those who I apparently offended sorry but you didn't give me the benefit of the doubt, I think some of you read it as if I was demanding and being all bitchy but that wasn't the case at all, I was just asking if I could get some feedback, so you didn't have to retaliate so brutally.
I just want to make it clear that I wasn't mad about the 'update now!' all I meant was it was 'troublesome' when those were all I got and none of it was feedback.
Thanks for all of the reviews; ESPECIALLY the ones who didn't flame and stuff – really its what kept me writing the next chapter.
I TOTALLY wasn't expecting that big of an outcome to the author's note, like seriously, some of you guys are so nice and everything, the author's note was just asking for a little, and you guys gave a LOT! Thanks SO much!
I tried to respond to as many as I could if there was an email or if they had an account but if I missed you I'm sorry, I tried.
For those who wrote flame-ish material, please don't write it anonymously next time because then there is no way I can contact you guys and break that miscommunication that apparently happened there, or give my side of the story.
Anyways, here's the chapter! Hold on tight because the mood of this one is a lot different from the other chapters!
Chapter 19
Sasuke's POV
The phrase 'What the hell?' became so repetitive in Sasuke's mind that it was, for the time being, virtually meaningless.
As he drove around mindlessly in his car, it would occur in between thoughts, interrupting some and concluding others – but no matter how many times he said it, he still couldn't figure it out.
He still didn't know why he turned to look at her at that stoplight, and why he couldn't take his eyes off of her as she teased the kitten through the bars of the cat carrier. Why he was suddenly leaning in, and why he just had to kiss her. Or why nipping her lip at the end felt… necessary.
However, the next events that came to pass in the car were easier to answer. The convenient store detour, well, she brought that one about. It was her fault for undermining his driving capabilities; he just had to prove her wrong. And that second kiss… the one in front of her house…
Well first, what was up with that? She practically pounced on him. Not that he minded… but he wasn't in control. He didn't start it, nor did he end it. He had followed her lead for the most part, although he liked to think that during the actual kissing part, he was completely dominant. Still, it wasn't the nervous, rambling teenager that was sitting in the car with him just minutes before. Don't get him wrong, he liked this Sakura, perhaps even too much, and bloody hell did he enjoy that kiss. It was just that his mind, which is used to being in control of everything, was not responding at all during those few moments. It was almost instinct that guided his hands around her. It wasn't reason that had him pressing their bodies together. It wasn't logic that decided to guess if she was wearing her second skin satin. And it definitely wasn't rationale that kept his lips on her at all times.
So, perhaps, the answer was that he was thinking of nothing.
With that answer in mind, Sasuke found his facial expression switching from smirk to passive stare, over and over; half of him thinking back to their rather hot make out session, the other half scolding him for liking it.
Which is not good (no matter how good it felt) – because he's in the middle of a bet. With Naruto. He can't lose. He will not lose. But, wasn't what he just did with Sakura....
No. He didn't lose. If no one knows about it, then he can't lose, right?
Right.
So tomorrow…
1. Make sure that Sakura doesn't blow their cover.
2. Try not to end up making out with her again.
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Sakura's POV
I woke up the next morning, my mind set on telling Naruto about Sasuke and me.
Originally, I was going to keep the whole thing on the down-low. I thought that maybe if I didn't tell anyone than it would be our little secret, and it sounded enticing.
But the night before, my thoughts on the situation that had just happened in Sasuke's car started to ferment in my mind; they started to turn from sweet, to sour.
I mean, how could he do that to me? He can't just blow me off for my enemy, ask me to do all these favors for him, and then totally come on to me in his own car – knowingly cheating on his girlfriend. He can't just do whatever he wants, ignorant to everyone else, especially to me and my feelings. He's being a total jerk.
So if I told Naruto – not everything of course, just maybe that Sasuke tried to make a move on me – and have Sasuke put in his place, well then maybe he wouldn't be such an asshole.
Excuse the harsh words, it's just that all this time I've been going out of my way just to please him, when it should be the other way around.
Well, not really, but I have to get some of my spunk back, yeah?
So I took a little longer than usual to get ready this morning. Did my hair a little differently, put a little more makeup on than just the essentials, picked out a form fitting top and some jeans that I knew made my butt look good.
Sure it's a little suggestive for me but I wanted to go into that school and show him that I am a force to be reckoned with.
As I walked into the school, I wondered if this is what Puriti always felt like – with the door opening exactly when a gust of wind flies by, blowing your hair in the perfect movie-style way, almost everyone's heads turning to look at you just as you take off your sunglasses and saunter in knowing that you look fantastic.
Oh yeah. I am Sakura. Hear me roar.
…Or something like that…
"Hey Naruto," I greeted him confidently at his locker. He turned to look at me but somehow his eyes never reached my face. As I look back on it, I realized why his 'Hi' came out as a dragged out 'Hey…"
If I picture the scene in my mind I can see his eyes, slowly dragging up to my face. Evidence of the form fitting top – I guess it worked a little too well.
Maybe that means Sasuke will like it.
Speaking of which…
"So about that bet you guys made on Friday," I started, my heart suddenly beating faster as I felt nervousness creeping upon me.
"Oh yeah, I'm still really sorry about that." Naruto rubbed the back of his head.
My heart beat even faster. Was it really nervousness creeping upon me? Or…
Was it Sasuke's shadow?
Time seemed to slow as the brunette walked by and we made eye contact. His gaze was challenging, and I choked on the words I was about to say.
And when Sasuke nodded to Naruto, time resumed its normal pace.
And I chickened out.
"Yeah…" I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, and then looked at Naruto's expecting expression. "I bet you five dollars he won't last." I blurted; my attempt to bring on the downfall of the all mighty Uchiha failing. Or at least getting postponed.
Naruto laughed, unaware of my internal battle. "Why would you be making a bet with me? I was the one who said he wouldn't be able to last in the first place."
"Oh, right. That was stupid." I mentally hit myself on the forehead. No – wait, I did that in reality too.
"Ha, at least I know you're on my side."
"Uh, yeah," I replied lamely. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Why did I freak out? Why didn't I tell him? Why did Sasuke have to look so damn hot?
"Um… I got to get my stuff from my locker," I said, and ran off, angry at myself.
"Hey Sak!" I heard Naruto call after me. I turned around to see him still at his locker.
"Nice jeans." He continued, and I flushed, knowing that not only his eyes would be on my backside now that he yelled it to the whole world.
Oh well, at least I knew I looked good.
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I had to keep reminding myself that I was still mad at Sasuke no matter how many times I peeked at him across the art room in class. I had to keep saying to myself (not out loud, of course), that he is a jerk, and he is a player, and he does not under any circumstances, have the right to cheat on his girlfriend with me, and then take full control of my social freedom.
I had to keep on telling myself, as I forced all those Sasuke related images and play-backs from my mind, that I didn't want to just walk over there and kiss him as he leaned back against the counter doing something on his cell phone, and that I didn't want him to glance up at me with those dark eyes, and I didn't want to even be staring at him as long as I was. And I had to keep telling myself 'look away, look away,' as he pocketed his cell phone and flickered is eyes up to quickly scan the classroom.
The last one was a lost cause (well, so were all the others); my eyes were glued to his face when we made eye contact. I tried to gauge his expression, which wasn't much different from his usual impassiveness; all I could conclude was that he wasn't angry, seeing as I didn't do anything yet. However, there was some sort of look in his eyes (besides complete hotness) that made the 'Caution! Warning! Danger!' signs pop into my head.
I closed my eyes and looked away. I wasn't sure how to deal with him now. I mean, I couldn't tell what he was thinking: if he knew I was going to tell Naruto, if he knew that I still really wanted to kiss him; if he still really wanted to kiss me.
I focused on what Hinata was doing beside me, trying to find a distraction in anything that wasn't about Sasuke.
She was working in her sketchbook, the cover of it tilted towards her as if she what she was doing was a secret. It probably was, considering how engrossed she looked while drawing.
I leaned over, just to get a peek at it.
Attached to the page with a paperclip, on the top right corner, was a picture of Naruto. Just his shoulders and up could be seen, although his hand was raised to the back of his neck, his expression slightly guilty. The majority of the page beneath was filled with what was practically a replica of the picture above, however there were slight differences. Not in the way he looked, as you would know that it was Naruto at first glance – it was just the way she drew him. The expression in the strokes of her pencil, small, light, and wispy, really reflected Hinata's drawing style, and somehow, the way she felt about him.
It was weird; looking at her drawing almost gave me insight to how she saw and perceived him, which was such a stretch to what he shows on the outside – the blonde, mostly idiotic class clown. It made me wonder then, how differently other people perceived me.
How Sasuke perceived me…
"Wow, that's really good, Hinata," I said quietly, hoping that I wouldn't startle her.
But I did.
"S-S-Sakura!" She quickly closed the sketchbook, and started a combination of stuttering, squeaking, and turning absolutely red.
"Oh come on, Hina," I said, lightly teasing her by using Naruto's nick name. "It's just a drawing. But seriously, it's really good."
"Th-th-thank you." She replied, seeming like she was still coming out of a state of shock.
"Are you going to show it to him?" I asked, and she looked surprised.
"N-no!"
"Aw, why not?"
"It's… It's embarrassing," she replied, flushing again and looking at her closed sketchbook.
"I think he'd really like it." I told her, confidence in my voice to convince her.
"I-I don't know…"
"I really think you should. I mean, I don't think anyone's done that for him before – or at least, one that good. They've all been for that guy over there." I pointed my thumb at Sasuke, and out of my peripheral vision, saw him catch my gesture.
I pretended not to care (ch, yeah right).
"W-well, m-maybe…" Hinata answered, blushing again since I brought Sasuke's attention to us as well.
"Do it, I promise he'll love it, okay?"
"Okay…"
"Good." And as I looked back to Sasuke, who was idly watching us, I thought back to Hinata's picture.
I wonder how Sasuke sees me?
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Sasuke's POV
What the hell?
There was that same stupid phrase again. But he couldn't help it as it crawled into his mind every time he glanced her way.
Was… Is she talking about him?
And why was she pointing? If she was telling that girl…
No. No she wasn't. Her face would be red and she would be flustered.
She made eye contact.
Sasuke narrowed his eyes. She better not be telling her.
No, now he knew she wasn't. The flush that started at her neck and grew to her cheeks proved so – they had made eye contact, and now she can't even look at him. Her eyes are everywhere but him. It wasn't a mere coincidence.
Sasuke denied the fact that he was going to smirk – why would he? Sure he made out with her the day before, sure he may have lost control, and sure, he may have liked it way more than he was supposed to – but that doesn't give him any reason to smirk. Because it's not that he liked watching her all frazzled. And he definitely didn't like the fact that he was the one making her all frazzled.
He was just making sure that Sakura wasn't telling anyone.
And he was just proving a point to Naruto.
That's all it was. He was proving that he could do whatever the idiot wanted to do, and break all the boundaries all the same, without getting caught.
And he could do all that with Sakura – Naruto's ex-girlfriend. He could picture the blonde's face, finding out a year or so from now that his bet didn't work; as they always never work. It would make him angry that he was using his former ex, now friend, for purposes of the idiot's own destruction.
So that's all it was. He was proving something. He was using her. And he was –
No. Hell no.
He was not finding it a little hard to breathe when Sakura bent down to her purse; because his breath did not catch at the glimpse down her shirt (well, it was low cut to begin with).
And no… he most definitely… was not…
Staring…
He snapped his eyes away, and shoved his hand into his pocket, finding his cell phone. He pulled it out and started typing a text message.
Meet
This was the third time he started this message.
Me
And it's obvious who it was for.
In
Not that it had anything to do with what happened the day before.
The
Nor the fact that the clothes she was wearing today were abnormally… tight.
Chemistry Lab.
No. It definitely wasn't because of any of those reasons.
Now.
His thumb hovered over the send button. Why was he sending this again? To see her alone, right? The chemistry lab was hardly ever occupied, as it was only used when doing experiments. It would be empty. So it would jus be them, with no one else to see. But why did he want to do that?
And what would he even do once they met there? Warn her not to tell anyone? Just randomly start making out (like he coughreallycough wanted to)?
No, she would start asking questions – Heck, she would start rambling questions. And then he'd have to shut her up, but today…
Today Sakura seemed different. Today it seemed that she wouldn't take any of his games.
Sasuke snapped his cell phone shut and shoved it back into his pocket without sending the message. His eyes flickered back up to her again.
Maybe it was just the top she was wearing. Or maybe it was the gleam in her eye as she looked up at Sasuke again.
It was just, you know, a feeling he had…
And he was right.
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Sakura's POV
I spent my whole English class prepping myself for my big debut at lunch. I was sure, that then and there, I would tell Naruto about the bet. I would tell him just as the smokers came in from their little cancer session (which includes Sasuke). That way it would take him off guard, there would be no way that he could stop me speaking words of truth. And Sasuke doesn't sit beside me anymore (now that he's with stupid Karin), so really, there is no way.
Except for when he came back inside after smoking and sat right beside me and Karin, where he was in the middle and totally way to close for me to find any confidence with ease.
Actually, I barely found any confidence at all.
So when I started to speak to Naruto, like I had planned, only part of my sentence came out.
This was for two reasons.
With him so close, I could barely concentrate. Regardless of the remaining smell of smoke still coming off of him, I could smell his cologne, and his after shave, and his all around Sasuke-ness. And it made me dizzy (in a good way).
But the second reason, which surprised the hell out of me, was when I spoke the word 'bet', Sasuke's hand shot out to my leg. He grabbed my thigh, near my knee, where no one could see. And he held it there, relatively hard.
Like, if I were to get all sensitive, I would say it actually kind of hurt.
So it was a warning.
He was telling me to shut up. Or else.
And for a moment I paused and thought, really, or else? What could he do if I spoke? What dirt does he have on me? Really, it's only his word against mine.
But then again…
How mad would he be? How long would it be before he ever spoke to me again if I told everyone about our hook up? I mean, would he even hook up with me ever again? Would I be totally ruining everything?
Oh god, I was chickening out again.
"Never mind." I blurted when I couldn't finish my original sentence. But even after I spoke, Sasuke's hand still stayed on my leg, unmoving.
And then he released the pressure a little, but still didn't remove it.
I flickered my eyes to him and then away. He was staring straight ahead, paying attention to a new conversation that had started. I was oblivious to all of it – because his hand started to move; first in the direction of my knee, where upon reaching the joint, his palm released its contact, only leaving the tips of his fingers touching. And from there, they started moving upward, leaving a tingling trail that made me shiver all over.
By this time, my face was probably in flames. And people started to notice.
Tenten, across from me, was the first to speak up. "Sakura, are you feeling alright?"
She said it quietly but still it caught many people's attention. I could feel another wave of heat pass over my cheeks as I realized she had just drawn even more attention to me, and Sasuke still hadn't removed his hand.
"I… I think I may be coming down with something," I lied, and started to fan myself with my hand, only partly acting. "I think I just need some fresh air."
And with that, I stood up hastily, Sasuke's hand moving away just in time. I walked out of the cafeteria, the heat flushing my cheeks turning from embarrassment to anger. And quickly.
I mean, Come On!
Why did I stop again!? Why did he freaking do that!? Why the hell won't he just let me be!?
Flipping out my cell phone I pulled up Sasuke's number from my contact list and pressed 'dial.'
Because I want answers. And I want them now.
As the phone rang I peeked into the caf, seeing Sasuke pull out his own ringing cell phone. I could see him acting casual, although he knew it was my number (Caller ID) when he answered. "Hello?"
"Get your butt out here now." I ground out, and I could see his lips twitch. Probably at the fact that I said 'butt' and not 'ass' or something cool. I suddenly felt like a loser.
Over the noise of the cafeteria I heard him say, "I have to take this call," and he made his way towards the door, towards me.
Sasuke didn't even stop when he finally got out of the cafeteria. Instead, he glanced at me and then kept on walking down the hall.
Wait, what?
Is he ignoring me now? Or is he leading me somewhere?
The latter was proven right when his body turned, and there – that familiar gesture that he did just a week ago – told me to follow him. It was that nod of his head as he turned back around that not only made butterflies rush to my stomach, but made my feet move to follow him unconsciously.
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I approached the door that he entered – The chemistry lab. Waiting a couple of seconds outside of the room I tried to pull myself together. The room was empty – it was almost always empty – so we would be alone. I would be confronting Sasuke.
Alone.
Nervous was an understatement of how I felt.
Taking a couple of deep breaths I put my hand on the doorknob and tried to think of something to say to him when I got inside.
But I couldn't think of anything.
The fact that we were going to be alone and that I was confronting him kept running through my mind leaving no space for anything else. I mean, was I crazy or something? No one confronts Sasuke Uchiha (unless you're Naruto… or you're looking for a fight).
But I had to go in, because he was waiting. And I couldn't take too long; he'll wonder what happened to me. He'll think I chickened out, again.
However, it was that thought that made me swing the door open and step inside without hesitation – I was not chickening out for the third time in a row.
He was leaning against a desk in line with the doorway and halfway across the room. I was suddenly aware of how boisterously I opened the door and now embarrassed, turned to ease it shut quietly before it slammed.
When I turned back, leaning against the door, he was staring straight at me, and for a while it was silent, both of us waiting for the other to speak.
"Sakura," he finally said, saying my name in that low voice that makes me shiver.
"Sasuke," I addressed him equally, however it wasn't nearly as sexy as he said mine. Actually, it was more blurted out in that 'I didn't know what else to say but didn't want to back down' kind of way. My hands were fisted at my side in nervousness and tension, although I hoped he would think it was in anger.
Again, it was silent, for a longer stretch than it was a couple of seconds ago – I didn't know what to say, and Sasuke… well, he was just Sasuke.
Until he finally spoke up.
"…You wanted to talk?" He drawled, and again, I shivered.
My mouth opened and closed a couple of times until finally I uttered out, "You can't just do that," in a much more forceful way than I meant it to be.
He raised his eyebrow, a cue for me to explain. I felt like an idiot.
"You, you can't just make out with me," I finished, flushing at the thought. I paused, and then continued once I realized that what I said was not fully what I meant. "...And then pretend like nothing happened."
Still, it wasn't what I meant, and I was met with blank stare. So I kept on going.
"And you're in a bet! Doesn't that mean anything? I mean, you lost, you made out with me, in your own car," Again I flushed, "so I have every right to tell everyone. You can't just lose and then force me to stay silent!" I was practically yelling now, my hands fluttering around, unnecessarily emphasizing my little speech. I was having trouble wording my thoughts and I guess my hands were trying to make up for it.
However, nothing changed with Sasuke; the blank stare remained, well, blank. I felt like I was just digging myself in a hole every time I opened my mouth – anything that tumbled out seemed to receive no response from Sasuke. None whatsoever.
And for some reason though, this kept my mind whirling, my mouth moving. I was on the verge of rambling.
"I mean, why would you even do that? Why did you make out with me? Why won't you let me tell anyone? Why did you even ask me to help you at the mall? Why did you even ask me over to that funeral thing?"
Okay, now I was rambling, and I realized this once Sasuke pushed off of the desk and slowly made his way towards me, his eyes focused on mine. I continued to blurt out every 'Why' question that came to mind, talking faster and faster as Sasuke approached me, until finally his body closed in on mine; arms on either side of me, hands against the door, and me, shrinking away from his intensity. My words died instantly.
And then he lowered his head slowly, his nose brushing my neck.
"Sakura," he said, breath warm as his lips now brushed my skin. "…What if I wanted to?"
Even if I wanted to reply to that (which I didn't), I couldn't seem to make a single sound.
And from there, he started to place kisses along the side of my neck, starting from where he whispered, all the way down to my collar bone. My chin subconsciously tilted upwards, but other than that (and my deep breaths and fluttering eyelashes) I stayed motionless. He started trailing his kisses upwards, to behind my ear, when I shivered visibly.
"Hmm…" Was Sasuke's reply, apparently taking pleasure in my reaction, his lips still pressed against my skin.
Immediately after, I shuddered and unconsciously sighed, 'Oh God.'
As he moved even closer to me, so our bodies were just barely touching, I felt his smirk against my skin, almost instantly after my response. I snapped back to reality, realizing now that he was just toying with me. Again.
"No no no - you're not supposed to be doing that!" I scolded him, waving his face away and practically scampering to the other side of the classroom, missing the smirk he still held on his face. Now our places were reversed from the beginning: him against the door, me leaning against the desk (catching my breath).
Sasuke raised another eyebrow, playfully, although his face remained relatively stoic.
"You," I pointed a finger at him, "are not single! You are in a bet! You," my voice raised unintentionally, "are dating Karin." I hoped he didn't sense the sneer I put behind his 'girlfriend's' name. I also hoped he didn't sense the jealousy and hurt either.
However, he seemed to have noticed, as he took a hand and ran it through his hair. He looked at me, point blank, and once again, said, "Sakura…" Same word, same voice, same freaking sexiness.
He walked towards me, stopping about a foot from where I was against the desk. I met his gaze and was partially surprised when I thought I saw… conflict?
"Sasuke…" I replied nervously, filling the silence (déjà vu?).
He shoved his hands into his pockets. "The bet with Naruto…" he started, I held my breath in anticipation, "…Is only about Naruto."
I was confused. It only had to do with Naruto?
"I…" My brows furrowed, trying to understand.
"Karin," He spoke up again, apparently getting that I couldn't read his mind, "was only to make Naruto pissed."
"I…" Apparently words aren't forming so well for me. Maybe it has to do with the fact that this is the most I've probably ever heard Sasuke speak. To me, no less.
"Do you think I'd walk right into that?" He said, the question present, regardless of his emotionless voice.
"No…" I answered, only half understanding, "I just…"
"Do you think I'm an idiot?" He continued, still dead pan, slightly offended.
"No! I just, I'm trying to understand-" I stopped at his smirk. He was toying with me again.
"…I guess anyone could have seen it coming." I finally mumbled, blushing and embarrassed.
His smirk remained, and it was silent for a while. Which I guess was good, because it was revelation time.
…So Sasuke only picked Karin because he knew that Naruto wanted him to pick me. Does that mean he actually wanted me? Or was it just for the sake of the bet? Then why did he pick Karin – who's practically my mortal enemy. Was it to make me angry? To make me jealous?
I thought back to him making out with me. And then to him making out with her.
I frowned.
"But…" I started, "You…"
He cut me off. "Take it or leave it, Sakura."
Take it or leave it…
Either walk out now, or keep it a secret. Is that what he was saying?
Okay then…
"So…" I pushed off the desk, regaining confidence. Sasuke stayed motionless. "What you're saying is… If you get to keep your 'manly pride'…" I took a step towards him, so I was now looking up to make eye contact, "Then…" I took another step. "I get to keep you?"
He frowned slightly, probably about the 'manly pride' bit.
His mouth opened to retort, "I wouldn't put it that-"
But that was good enough for me.
"Done." I cut him off, and in an instant both my hands were reaching for his head. His hands were barely out of his pockets when I pulled his face towards me and kissed him.
And then I practically pounced on him. No wait, I actually pounced on him.
Sasuke, after stumbling back a bit at my force, wrapped both of his arms around me, and kissed back with the same intensity. Always having to be the dominant one, he pushed back, and soon I was leaning against the top of the desk. And then my back was against the top of the desk.
He was much rougher than any other time we kissed before. I mean, he was biting. He was like, claiming his territory or something. I didn't even try to be somewhat in charge, I just went with it. It wasn't like I had a choice; the second I turned my head sideways to breathe, his lips were on my neck, his left hand moved to the small of my back, pressing us together, and I almost died when his right hand moved down to my thigh, and then hitched it up against my side.
The weird thing, through all of this, was that he seemed to know the boundaries. He seemed to know how low he could kiss down my neck, how far his hand could go on my thigh. When he reached under my shirt, it was only to my stomach, and then it withdrew.
But no matter how controlled he was, again, it was rough. When he finally caught my lips again (which seemed like it took forever), I could already feel them bruising. Not that I noticed at the time. Not that I even cared…
So that kiss, the one at the stoplight, was simple. The kiss after, in front of my house, was hot. This kiss…
Well this kiss was freaking steamy.
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"How are you feeling Sakura?" Tenten asked when I sat back down at my seat in the caf beside Sasuke (to which Karin was clinging to). We had staggered our entrances, so our timing wouldn't seem suspicious.
However, the second I sat down, Sasuke's hand snuck to my leg again.
And again, my face flushed. "Just…I think it's a small fever or something." I lied, trying to focus on unwrapping my lunch in front of me.
"Oh, maybe you should go home then," Tenten replied concerned – and oblivious, as was everyone else, to what was happening underneath the table.
"Uh," I fumbled over my words, a new wave of heat rushing across my cheeks as Sasuke's hand slid higher and higher up my leg, "yeah. Um, maybe I just need to get some more fresh air or something." I jumped up hastily, and for the second time that day, rushed out of the cafeteria.
A moment later, Sasuke's cell phone rang.
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It became a game. How many times, how many places, how many ways, could Sasuke and I kiss without being seen. How I became a contestant in this game is still a bit fuzzy, as it just kind of happened, but I learned quickly. Very quickly.
Usually he'll send me a text message: meet me in the chemistry lab/ in the gym/ outside/ in my car/ in the library – whatever place is available and unoccupied.
Sometimes it would just be a nod of the head as he walked by me, a cue for me to follow him to one of the locales mentioned above.
And rarely, it would be so out of the blue, so random, that I wouldn't even have time to react.
Like the time where I dropped my pencil case during Spanish class. I bent down under the table to pick everything up when Sasuke, who was sitting beside me, bent down as well. First I was confused, was Sasuke actually helping me? Because that is very un-Sasuke- like. But then, after all my pencils and pens were put back in the case, he leaned in and kissed me. Under the table. In Spanish class. How random is that? Or dangerous?
Actually, what was even more random than that was the time in biology class, where everyone was doing a lab and we were assigned partners. Sasuke and I were with different people but that didn't stop him from inconspicuously finding his way over to me. I could feel his eyes on me as I made my way to one of the closets to grab our supplies, and I could feel his footsteps behind me after I passed his table. Pretending not to notice, I entered the closet and reached up to one of the shelves for a beaker. I froze, hiding a smile, when I felt his hands on my hips. I then felt his head bend down towards me, and expecting him to maybe kiss my neck or something, I got nervous – wondering if anyone could see us. But Sasuke, instead of doing the expected, leaned towards me, and from behind, nipped my shoulder. He stepped away just in time for Naruto to enter, eyeing us suspiciously. I grabbed my beaker and exited, giving him a smile and avoiding Sasuke's gaze.
Super random, right? I mean, stalking me to just nip me? And my shoulder of all places. I mean, who bites someone's shoulder (no matter how sexy it seems)?
The good thing about all of this though, was that I became way more confident, not just in general, but around Sasuke too. He was less mysterious, more approachable. Not only could I just talk to him now, in public or alone, as talking isn't too suspicious, but when we were alone I wouldn't be afraid to kiss him back. I wasn't as nervous about his silence or his moodiness or his over bearing need to be totally dominant all the time. And it kind of got even better when Sasuke noticed this.
It was partially surprising when he decided to act on his realization, in that it was a sort of new side of Sasuke I hadn't really seen. Well, I've seen him flustering me, but not like this. I had followed him to the chemistry lab, getting excited as I usually did when he wanted us to meet (take note of that: when He wanted us to meet). When I entered he was waiting by the door, and our bodies met at practically the same time. But instead of going straight to kissing me on the lips, he started at my neck and worked his way up to my cheek. Back down he went until he reached my neck again, then to my collar bone. And then, for the second time, up to my face. But he never touched my lips with his.
Even when we moved to one of the desks, where I found myself in a familiar position (my back on the table, him leaning down towards me), he still didn't touch my lips. Instead, his hands were everywhere, his touch, light and curious. He traced almost every part of my body with his hands (well, minus the parts where certain boundaries were placed), and still I hadn't gotten the chance to actually kiss him – he wouldn't let me.
And then, the surprising part. When his hands reached my sides, his touch turned extra light, extra gentle. It sent shivers down my spine and made me smile and… wait…
Was he tickling me? Was Sasuke actually tickling me? This isn't like, his evil twin or something, is it?
I started to giggle and squirmed away from his touch, but he was persistent. However, he never stayed in one area long enough to make me fully laugh. He'd start in one place, and then move to a non-ticklish one where his touch would seem more make-out related, but then he'd be back. It was almost embarrassing, especially the fact that he seemed amused by it.
I finally had to sit up to prevent him from continuing, telling him to 'stop' in a partial giggle. I took his hands off of my sides as he stared at me, looking right into my eyes. My smile disappeared when I knew what was coming next.
Sasuke leaned in, and this time he finally kissed me. But it was so deep, and so sensual that it actually was embarrassing. I mean, his hands went to embarrassing places, he even murmured embarrassing things. And at the end of our little session in the chemistry lab, I left the room with my face beat red, my body still trembling, and a hickey that I had to cover up in the washroom right away.
I learned a very good lesson that day: Never get too confident around Sasuke Uchiha (or maybe… do it more often).
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Now even though we seemed to be hooking up a lot; it only ever happened at school. It was never at any other time.
For that week, I never saw him outside of school, unless it was across the parking lot at the end of the day or something. But what really made me wonder was whether I was just another one of his hook-ups (even though, as I said earlier, we hook up a lot).
I mean, I wonder what would happen if I tried to do anything with him outside of school. Would he even want to? Or is he just playing it safe for the bet – I mean, it would be suspicious if he was seen with me and not Karin somewhere else.
Oh well, I have him for now, so I guess I really shouldn't take that for granted or anything. I mean it's only been a week since this bet started. There is still a lot that could happen. And even if it only has been a week, I can probably say that it has been the best week of my life.
Come on, I've been making out with Sasuke Uchiha all week long.
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Sasuke's POV
All week long Sasuke had been having dreams about Sakura Haruno. And these aren't just any regular dreams. Some of these were like hard core, XXX, must be 18 years or older, $%!* &*#!%, viewer discretion is advised, rated R type of dreams. Dreams that would have him wake up in the middle of the night, sweating, needing to hop up onto the roof hoping there was a cold breeze.
And some were so personal that he'd almost be disturbed. I mean, who dreams about their wedding's dress rehearsal with the girl he's secretly been cheating with?
It wasn't normal. Yes, dreams are supposed to be your subconscious telling you things or preparing you for future situations, but did he really need to be having dreams his wedding?
Did he really want Sakura Haruno that badly?
He's just a fucking teenager for Christ's sake. He's not supposed to be having dreams like that.
Well, he's also not supposed to be thinking about her so much either. Maybe it was some sort of inner, subconscious-meets-conscious compromise.
Whatever.
Who cares about dreams anyways? They're just random thoughts muddled into some crazy storyline that his brain made up while he was sleeping. They're nothing at all…
…
…
Maybe he should stop smoking up so much…
Or rather, stop making out with Sakura so much…
…
…
…
Nah.
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Sakura's POV
Life was good.
School has been relatively easy, my parents haven't been fighting as much lately, Sam is actually eating things (even if it is more paper from magazines and bugs that got trapped in the house than his actual cat food), I've been having some sort of affair that you only read about in books, and it's with the hottest guy ever.
And now it's the weekend, a time to revel in the amazing (and steamy) events of the week, to relax, to rent and watch movies, to go shopping (and buy more of those tops Sasuke actually said he liked… probably because it was a tank top with a v-neck and a loose hem… and so what if he only murmured it to fluster me while we were making out and his hand was half way – he remembered the boundaries – up my shirt…), a time to make giant breakfasts of waffles or pancakes, to stay up late at sleepovers with either Hinata and/or Ino, a time to spend a gazillion hours on Facebook and even more at Starbucks, a time to check my email and a-
Wait a sec.
Let's rewind and look at the Facebook message I just got.
Hey guys, what's up?
So I know we haven't seen each other since FOREVER, as some of us chose to go to different schools, so I was thinking we should have a reunion soon! The last one we had was in grade 9 – which seems sooooooo long ago – at the X's and O's bar and grill, and we didn't even see some of you there! So I was thinking we should have one this weekend, same time, same place – what do you guys think?
Hope you can come! And RSVP so I can make reservations!
Your former middle school president,
Grace Younge
p.s maybe we can go partying after? Anyone want to offer up their house?
Our last reunion was three years ago on a Saturday, 6:00 pm. I remember because I sat there contemplating whether or not I should go, as it was only a couple of months after Moji and I broke up and my old friends (and Moji's) were all mad and feeling betrayed because of the break up and the fact that I was going to a different school and not to the private one like we all had promised way back when.
But you know, I think I will go to this one. I mean, it's been three years since all of the immature drama, almost everyone already RSVP'd, it would be kind of nice to see all my old friends, Ino would even be there with me, and I could read the subliminal 'Sakura was a no show last time' between the lines saying that I better be there or else. I mean, it was pretty obvious with the whole 'some of us chose to go to different schools' and the 'we didn't even see some of you there' lines.
Plus, I was in a really good mood; I mean making out with Sasuke Uchiha kind of does that to a girl, so the decision was easy to make.
I just hope things aren't going to be awkward…
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Sasuke's POV
It was Saturday, and Sasuke was sitting at a window seat across the table at an expensive restaurant, trying to civilly answer annoying questions and ignore the creeping foot that rubbed up and down his leg – both from the redhead across from him.
One week, he told himself, repeating it over and over in his head. One week until the bet ended, and then he'd be free again.
He turned his head to look out the window to avoid acknowledging the forkful of spaghetti Karin offered while batting her eyelashes.
He sighed; bored with taking her out on dates almost every other night, not that he liked it in the first place. It was just that, fuck, she used to be normal. He used to be almost friends with her. They used to hang out, along with a couple others as well.
And yes, even when she was normal she used to have a crush on him. He knew that, and knew that maybe choosing her for his "girlfriend" may not have been the best idea, but God, he didn't know she'd be so serious about it. He was hoping that maybe it wouldn't be so awkward, so annoying, such a labor, to have to spend time with her.
Still looking out the window, he tried to focus on anything out there that was less tiresome than the girl in front of him.
How about the girl walking on the other side of the street, the one in a relatively short skirt, the one with recognizable pink hair and familiar green eyes, talking with a huge group of people, both girls and boys, as they stopped at an ice cream stand?
The one who was talking animatedly to half of the people, obviously the center of attention: the popular one. The one that seemed to be reenacting something with two other girls, and ended up jumping on one of the guys' back, piggyback style, everyone laughing.
It finally occurred to Sasuke as he watched her from the restaurant that Sakura Haruno actually had a life outside of the one that revolved around him (surprise, surprise!).
And, as he turned back to Karin to give a minimal response to something she said, it occurred to him that he didn't like it. He didn't like it at all.
He didn't like how open she was around other people, how unafraid and confident, how funny and flirty she was. Especially how flirty she was.
He turned back to the window, wanting to examine this new side of Sakura he'd never seen.
To his (denied) dismay, one of the boys confronted her, looking sheepish. Actually, he looked kind of familiar, only Sasuke couldn't place him. It must have been at some party when he was drunk or something. Anyways, she was talking to him now. The boy. And they were slowly making distance between the group and themselves to go sit on a bench nearby. The group gave them their space, pretending not to eavesdrop.
Sasuke suddenly felt moody (not that he wasn't before), obviously because of the alone time she was spending with this boy (who did that guy think he was anyway?) even though he wouldn't admit it. Almost angrily, he turned away from the window again; back to (sigh) Karin.
Not only did he not want to be here, but he wanted to be out there, walking across the street to… well, what would he do anyway? Tell her that she couldn't see anyone else, even though he was the one with the girlfriend? Kiss her in front of everybody, losing the bet? Punch the guy in the face? Or maybe he had already done the last one… he didn't know, party memories were always fuzzy (or nonexistent).
But alas, here he was sitting in a restaurant, wasting his money on an annoying girl for a reputation he had to keep. After staring at Karin blankly while she told some meaningless story, he switched views for the third time to outside, and was miffed when he saw them still talking. Alone.
Another minute and they finally ended their conversation (ch, no… Sasuke wasn't relieved at that…) as a blonde girl, one he knew from school, brought Sakura an ice cream.
Sakura gave the guy a quick half-hug which he returned, and then accepted the ice cream. Now Sasuke really wanted to go out there and punch the guy.
Apparently Karin finally caught on that he wasn't interested in anything she was saying and followed his gaze out the window.
"Hey," she said, "Doesn't that girl go to our school?"
Sasuke didn't reply, and kept his eyes on Sakura – she surprised him again, confidently posing for a camera someone had with the blonde girl. Sasuke finally recalled her name to be Ino… or something like that. Then another blonde girl, one he didn't recognize, jumped on the bench they were sitting on to join the picture. And soon, almost everyone in the group tried to fit on the bench, Sakura now standing to make more room, changing poses dynamically for every picture taken.
"She's… weird." Karin concluded snottily, crinkling her nose.
"Hn," Sasuke replied, his automatic response. But really he found some truth in Karin's words.
It was weird that he could barely recognize the girl outside, one that he thought he knew. Well, at least physically. But still, it irked him somewhat, that she was so different when he wasn't around. That she was comfortable with this random group of friends. Was this who she really was with other people? With her other friends or this random guy?
Was this how she was around Naruto?
Jealousy suddenly overwhelmed him, and he was taken back by the strength of it – actually, he was taken back by the fact that he was even feeling jealous. Sure it was Naruto and they always try to out win the other, so it's likely that he'd get competitive.
But…
Hewanted to know this Sakura.
Sure it was her amusingly flustered side that seemed to catch his attention in the first place (and the fact that she was going out with the idiot), but it was just like that time, back when they were at his house and she was pushed in the pool and she came out all wet and… attractive. It was like, who is this Sakura, and where can I get one?
He didn't realize that he had zoned out until Karin spoke up again.
"What's she doing now?" she said, in that same snotty (annoying, irritating, aggravating) voice.
Sasuke turned his focus back to Sakura, where he found her unmoving and staring at something while everyone else had gone back to… well, whatever they were doing. He followed her gaze, wanting to figure out what had caught her attention.
Ah. His Maserati: parked outside, a couple of spaces away from the restaurant. Of course she'd stare – who else has a dark blue Maserati Diablo that she knows of?
Strangely, Sasuke turned his head away from the window, not wanting Sakura to see him on a date with Karin, not wanting her to see that he was lurking her from across the street.
Strangely, because usually he'd jump at the chance to fluster her.
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"Hello?"
"It's your turn, idiot."
"Wha? Aw man! Really?"
"Hn."
"Aw that sucks! I was really looking forward to getting smashed tonight!"
"I'm crying for you."
"Fuck, shut up, this is really disappointing – I didn't even get drunk the last party. I was going out with Hinata the next morning.
"Still crying."
"Just shut up. Shit. Aw fuck. Okay, whatever, I'll just pick you up in an hour."
"I'll be at Karin's."
"What? Why?"
"She wants to get ready before we go."
"She's coming too?"
"Your rules, not mine."
"Fine, whatever. What's her address?"
Sasuke glanced at Karin, now beside him in his car. "Address?" he asked, monotone.
"665 Orangeview Drive." She recited, and Sasuke repeated it into the phone.
"Okay, I'll be there in an hour." Naruto answered morosely.
"Hn." He replied, and then, as an afterthought, "Invite Sakura."
Naruto and Karin's 'What?' occurred simultaneously, immediately after the words left his mouth.
"Invite Sakura," Sasuke repeated, hardly fazed. He could feel Karin glaring at him suspiciously.
"What? Why?" Naruto asked.
"Designated Driver," Sasuke answered simply (sure, yeah right, Sasuke, that's all), and practically felt Karin's snotty smirk.
"Yes! You're a genius! Then I won't have to be!" Naruto yelled, and then, "Wait, she's probably got plans or something."
"No, I just passed her on the street, she's doing nothing," Except walking around and being weird with a group of supposed friends and some guy. Because she really shouldn't be with them anyways.
Luckily Karin was too busy examining her nails to notice his lie, not that he cared if she did.
"Awesome! Sweet alcohol here I come!" Naruto rejoiced, and then seconds later, hung up.
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Sakura's POV
So other than a mild panic attack I had when I thought Sasuke might have been nearby and watching, the reunion was really, really fun. We relived old inside jokes and stories – It wasn't awkward at all. Even with Moji, who after dinner had a talk with me and cleared up that whole thing that happened at the end of grade eight. It all went smoothly.
But then the whole group was going over to one of the guys' houses so they could party hardy, so I started to get uncomfortable. Here I established myself as Queen Bee again, and now I had to risk it by going to this party where they'd all be bad-shit-listing it up, and I …wouldn't.
So you can probably guess how much gratitude I had towards Naruto when he called me just before we started to make our way towards the house the party was being hosted at. Although his request of me being the DD for him that night wasn't something I necessarily wanted to do (as it was another party I was now going to), I jumped at the offer considering the situation I was in, and the fact that it would give me the excuse not to drink.
So I made an excuse to everyone about how my friend really needed me and that I had to go. I also thought it wasn't fair to ditch Ino, so after secretly telling her the real reason, I invited her along. She agreed, as it's Ino, who wouldn't miss a party where all the populars at our school were going.
However by leaving the reunion, I unintentionally got myself way in over my head.
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A/N thanks again to the reviewers! Seriously, you don't have to review as much as you guys did last time (although it was awesome!) I can't say when the next chapter is but as usual I will try and do it as fast as I can.
