Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter Two

You are my Rock

"I don't think I can do this, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke pinched the bridge of his nose. She has been saying it for the past 30 minutes, the way she usually does minutes before they perform. Like it was some kind of stress reliever for her. Or maybe it was her way of practicing humility. Either way, it was getting old that he didn't bother giving her a reply.

"Why did we even agree to do this? Look at the big crowd out there! What if I sounded like a mouse and people will throw tomatoes at me?"

His eye twitched at the mention of his favorite fruit. "I'll catch them for you and eat them at home."

"Ha-ha, Sasuke-kun, very funny," Sakura said sarcastically as she continued to pace back and forth.

They were backstage waiting for their turn and after seeing the many people outside watching the mini-concert as part of the finale for the Firework's Festival, she can't help but feel nervous. This was their first time to sing in front of the whole town. Usually, they only perform on school programs whose audience was only a quarter of their audience tonight. They weren't even professionals! They're just another high school amateurs who was just discovering their hobbies. She was worried about the people's reaction to their act. If this came out very badly, she'll spend the next days locked up in their house until people forget this thing ever happen.

She's so gonna kill Naruto for this.

"Sakura, you're getting annoying. Everything will be fine," Sasuke tried to calm her. He was leaning on the wall, his arms crossed to his chest, eyes closed. He can't really blame her for what she's feeling. He was a bit edgy himself, though he won't admit it to her because it would just add to her anxiety.

This was all the dobe's fault. Doing performances is a hard task since it would mean attention: one thing he hated. But ever since he and Sakura sang in front of their class as part of their exam, they had become a celebrity with the offers they received every time there was a program. And he had tolerated it, provided it was only for the school to see. But the dobe had to open his ramen-wide mouth and recommend them to his dad, who happens to be the mayor of the town. He was itching to do a Shikamaru and voice out how troublesome this all is.

His only consolation was the pleasure of seeing Naruto being hammered by Sakura later after the show (of course, when his dad's out of sight). Those dainty hands can sure throw punch.

Sakura stopped in front of him and jabbed his chest with her pointer finger, snapping him out of his thoughts.

"Easy for you to say since you have an army of fangirls out there waiting for you to serenade them! They wouldn't even mind if you just stood there like an idiot onstage, they'd still cheer for you."

"Hn." Well, it was true, though it wasn't as if he craved for their attention. He loved his privacy and he just can't stand being with girls.

Well, except for one.

"Ugh! Why am I even talking to you?" She turned away from him and started her pacing again. "This is all Naruto's fault. If that loudmouth moron didn't suggest us to his mayor of a dad, I'll just be a simple citizen watching an awesome concert with our awesome friends before heading to the park for the awesome fireworks wearing my super awesome hat! But nooo! I'm here backstage waiting for my death sentence and you're being your asshole self again-"

"Why do you even insist on wearing that stupid hat? We both know it will be blown by the wind again as if by tradition."

She stopped again and glared at him. "Hey, my hat's not stupid. Daddy gave it to me," she huffed. "Besides, we also both know you're always there to catch it for me."

"Then stop fretting."

She was dumbfounded by his response. "Huh?"

He sighed before he opened his eyes and looked straight at his best friend's emerald orbs. He hated having to talk to her like this since it wasn't his nature to comfort people. But her panic state might ruin their number and he has to do something about it. He disliked the attention people give him but he also didn't wish to be embarrassed in front of a crowd.

Besides, he felt that with her kind of voice, he knew she could do the song beautifully even without him.

"You're not alone. We're doing this together. I'm there with you onstage to catch you should you fail, which I know you won't. I trust you, Sakura, and I trust in your talent. Have a little faith in me too."

Sakura was speechless. Sasuke wasn't one for words and yet, here he was, trying his best to calm her. Of course, in the 10 years of their friendship, she knew he was always there to support her. But hearing his words just now made her realize that their relationship was more than that of a friend. He was her life partner. Her foundation. Sasuke's the only one who helps her stand on her own, makes her stronger against life's obstacles. Somehow, she felt special because God gave her someone like him. The world may crumble beneath them but she wished for Sasuke to be always at her side. She just hopes that somehow, he also felt the same with her. That he can also feel her support and care for him. That she was also one of his precious people.

Sakura suddenly moved and embraced Sasuke, leaning her cheek to his chest. She relished the feel of his strong body against her small frame. He was like her own personal rock.

"Thank you, Sasuke-kun. It meant a lot. Of course, I believe in you."

Sasuke, who initially stiffened at her touch, slowly relaxed and wrapped his arms around her waist, hugging her back and smirked. "Aa. Stop worrying and save your strength for the beating I'm sure you're gonna give Naruto later." She giggled against his chest.

The floor director's voice jolted them out of their moment. "Sasuke and Sakura, you're next!"

Sasuke retrieved his arms from her and picked up his guitar from the wall. He glanced at his companion who was holding her shaker and combing her exotic pink hair with her fingers. She took a deep breathe and mentally prepared herself.

"Ready?"

She gazed up at him and nodded, smiling brilliantly at him that took his breath away. Now why does it feel like she had transferred her nervousness to him with the speed of his heart beat? He shook his head and tried to calm himself. "Let's go."

She took his hand and they walked side by side to the stage, facing the crowd together.

If I lay here, if I just lay here

Would you go with me and just forget the world?

Forget what we're told, before we get too old

Show me a garden that's bursting into life

All that I am, all that I ever was

Is here in your perfect eyes

They're all I can see

I don't know when, confused about how as well

Just know that these things will never change for us at all

o0o0o0o

I wish I could hate you

But during days like today

I will surely once again remember

These memories

o0o0o0o

tbc…

Thanks again for reading this chapter. Please please, reviews are very much appreciated. God bless.