Hell High
Chapter 6: Meet Prince PITA

"Sasu-chan!"

He twitched.

"Sa-su-chaaaan!"

"Shut up."

She grinned. "Sasu-chaaaaaaaan!"

"What?!"

"Ha! I got you to yell!"

"…"

"What?"

"A retard and weirdo in one, very rare." He turned around after saying those words and continued to practice.

"GET BACK HERE!" she yelled. "SASU-CHAN!!"

She's been in Oto for a month and a half, and surprisingly enough, those who once mocked her are becoming much friendlier than her first day.

They would greet her with a smile, a wave of the hand, a nod of the head, and sometimes jokingly bow down while having a grin, and she would giggle and curtsy to play along.

He had to admit, he was amused at how she instantly won the respect – or at least, the acknowledgement – of most of the students in Oto with her positive attitude. Sure she used to be gloomy on her first few days, but after he became friends with her (became her Knight rather), people began to give her a chance. She was still called Konoha Princess, but this time, it was not out of mockery but of endearment.

"Sasu-chan."

"Stop calling me that." He muttered, turning to glare at her. "And stop poking me!"

"But it's fun!" she grinned, poking his arm non-stop.

"Annoying weirdo."

She just grinned.

That was how Sakura's been acting: cheery.

People in Oto found it a breath of fresh air – since her smile actually lifted the gloomy atmosphere the school usually had. It was as if she lighted the whole place up, as if she was meant to be in Oto, as if she was really a Princess, but not Konoha's; she seems much better suited to be Oto's Princess.

"Sasu-chan."

"Why do you keep calling me that?" he grunted, downing the contents of his canned coffee. "It's annoying."

"But it's cute."

"Stop poking me."

"But it's-"

"Fun." He finished for her. "Geez. What the hell did you eat or drink?"

"Strawberry milk and chocolate cake!"

"No wonder." He sighed and lied on the grass with his arms crossed beneath his head. The sky was pretty blue today, and it seemed such a shame to waste the day in school.

"Sasu-chan."

He twitched.

"Sasu-chan."

"…"

"Sasu-chaaan!"

"…"

"…Sasuke."

"Hn."

She grinned, and much to his horror, she lay down and used his chest as a freakin' pillow.

"Sakura." He growled.

"Haaaiii?" she looked up at him with a very bright smile.

"Get. Off. Now."

"No." she said, snuggling closer. And to add to the effect, she wrapped her arms around him. Joy.

"Sakura, hands off. Seriously."

"Nuh-uh." She pouted at him, and he flushed and looked away.

"Ch."

She smiled in victory.

He kicked the ball and cringed when Sakura started yelling again.

"Way to go Sasu-chan!"

"Annoying girl." He eyed another soccer ball and juggled it, wanting to break his previous record of holding it up for five minutes.

"Sasu-chan!!"

He dropped the ball – and it was barely a minute.

"What the hell do you want this time?!"

She looked at him when he yelled, and he flushed upon seeing those damn teary eyes.

"…Hn. What?" he looked away.

"You yelled at me!"

"…You're annoying me."

"But you still yelled at me! That was so mean!" he was surprised when she started to pack up her things at a fast pace, and then ran off, yelling an "I hate you", at the same time she was crying.

"…The hell?" he sweat dropped, and then sighed before scratching the back of his head in annoyance. "Not my problem." He muttered to himself, turning back to the soccer ball which was on the ground.

He eyed it for a few seconds before his fists clenched and a curse left his mouth, and soon, he packed his things into his sports bag and ran after Sakura.

This will be the last time he'd make up for the practices he missed – especially if he'll be alone with Sakura.

She shook her head from left to right in a violent manner, and childishly stuck her tongue out.

He twitched. "Sakura…"

"Go away! You're not welcome here!"

"Stop being so childish."

"Go home!"

He sighed and turned to the guard who stood before the gate, looking at him in an apologetic way.

"You really can't let me in?"

"Sorry sir, it was Sakura-san's request."

"I figured as much."

A car pulled over, and he looked at it, seeing Ikichi's beloved Porsche.

"What seems to be the problem?" the Haruno patriarch asked upon rolling down the window.

"Your daughter." Sasuke pointed with his thumb.

"It's not my fault! It's his!"

Ikichi slapped his forehead. "Sakura, this is the kind of attitude I was hoping you'd get rid of."

"It's his fault!"

He stepped out of the car and pulled something out of his coat's pocket. "I want you to come down here this instant young lady."

Sakura huffed. "Fine!" and then slammed the window shut.

"Sasuke," he addressed the boy in the soccer uniform of Oto. "Take these." He handed him four movie tickets. "Sakura's always wanted to see this movie."

"Sir, I can't-"

"I originally planned on asking you to join us, and to bring along a friend as well, but given Sakura's current… behavior, why not take her with two others?" he eyed the front door of the house. "Take it before she finds out I gave them to you."

"I can't accept these tickets for free." He lowered his head slightly, and Ikichi took note of how his grip onto his bag tightened. "It's not proper."

"Alright," he took the boy's free hand and passed him the tickets. "I'll ask you to pay them back someday."

Sasuke eyed the tickets for a moment, before turning to Ikichi. "You swear?"

"Yes."

"Alright, I'm here, what?" Sakura asked with a pout and crossed arms.

"Do you remember the movie you wanted to see?"

Her eyes lit up. "We're going?!"

"No, I'm sorry but I'll be much too busy with work." Ikichi apologized, patting his daughter's head. "But after talking to Sasuke, he said he had tickets with him to see that movie, why not go with him?"

She scowled. "No."

"Why not?" Ikichi turned to Sasuke who was gaping at him for lying. "I'm sure you'll have fun."

"But… but it's Sasuke!"

"…That hurt." Sasuke grunted.

"Don't care." She said back.

"He's taking two other friends with him." Ikichi said.

"But-"

"You won't be seeing that movie then." He shrugged. "Better go ask someone else to go Sasuke."

"Fine!" She glared at her so-called Knight. "Stay! Wait here!" she then ran back to her room to get changed.

"…Woof."

Ikichi just chuckled. "I've been meaning to ask you," he told the boy. "May I know the name of your father?"

"Normally, yes, but I'd like to know why."

"Your last name sounds familiar."

"Hn. His name's Fugaku."

He looked down in thought for a moment. "Hm. I thought I knew, but I guess not."

"Wait, you know another Uchiha?"

"Yes," Ikichi said. "Though I can't remember the name, that's why I asked. Does your father have a brother?"

"No."

"I guess you're not a direct relative then." He nodded once to Sasuke when Sakura came back. "Have fun you two."

He didn't get a chance to ask Ikichi more questions because Sakura started dragging him away.

He yawned and pocketed his hands. "I still don't get why teme would want us to go."

"You're his best friend, and I guess I'm here for Sakura."

"Yeah but…" he flushed slightly. "It appears more like a double date of sorts."

She giggled and looked at him. "You think?"

"W-Well it appears to be like that!" he said in defense. "Right?"

"Hm… I don't think it's bad." She said. "Do you?"

"No! Not at all Hinata!"

"Then I guess this can be considered a double date." She smiled shyly and looked up ahead. "There they are."

Naruto turned to where his best friend and Sakura were. "Hey teme! Konoha Princess!"

"I have a name!" Sakura snarled. "Use it!"

The blonde sweat dropped and looked at Sasuke who just shrugged.

"Hi Sakura." Hinata greeted with a small smile.

The girl smiled back. "Hello Hinata!" she linked arms with her, began to talk, and walked ahead, leaving the two boys to follow wordlessly.

"You're late…"

"Hn. I had to go home to change first."

"This is torture."

"Hn."

"Why did you drag me into this?"

"You get to be with Hinata, right?"

"…"

He smirked.

"Funny..! Very funny!" He glared. "This can't be intentional!"

"Her father asked me to take her, and bring along two friends."

"Her father asked you to date his daughter?"

"Aa."

"…That's new. I wish old man Hiashi would ask me to do the same for Hinata."

"Keep dreaming."

"Arcade..!" they heard Sakura yell.

"This isn't going to end well…" Sasuke muttered, and Naruto could only follow with a confused expression.

"Hmph."

"You were destroying the machine; of course the manager would kick us out."

"It ate my credits…"

"You slashed your card multiple times…"

"Whose side are you on?!"

"No one's, now, will you stop being so irrational?"

"Hmph."

"…Are you going to forgive me yet or not?"

She stuck her tongue out in response.

"Geez, you're such a kid."

"Hmph."

Sasuke glanced back at Naruto and Hinata who were apologizing to the arcade's manager, and then turned to Sakura. "Come on, let's stop this."

She just remained standing with her arms crossed.

He sighed and pocketed his hands inside his jeans, afterwards, muttered a "screw this" and grabbed Sakura's left hand.

Sakura yelped and looked at him as he dragged her somewhere. "I can walk!"

"Just shut up." He said, unaware that he had intertwined their fingers.

She grumbled and tried to ignore how he held her hand like a lover would, and she glanced back to see Naruto and Hinata appearing to be looking for them. "Hey, what about them?"

"They'll be fine; and if ever, I already gave Naruto their tickets."

"Where are we-" she stopped and gaped at the store he brought her in. "What are we…"

He pocketed his hands once again and looked to the side. "Pick one."

"Eh?"

He flushed a bit but still avoided eye contact. "Pick one." He repeated, indicating to the stuffed animals of different shapes, sizes, types, and colors displayed on the store's shelves.

She took a few steps forward as her head turned from left to right, looking for a stuffed animal that she would want.

His eyes watched as she looked from the white bears to the brown dogs, from the life-like looking giraffes to the open-mouthed crocodiles with beady eyes. He saw her smile at a round, stuffed pig, witnessed her giggle at a panda that served as a puppet. Her expressions and reactions upon setting foot into the store varied, and he couldn't help but smile slightly at how her eyes sparkled at the many items the store offered.

"Well, I didn't expect to see you here."

He blinked and turned around.

"Kakashi." He nodded once in acknowledgement to the co-worker of his father.

The silver-haired man grinned behind a mask he wore to cover his nose and mouth, afterwards, looked over at Sakura. "Cute girlfriend you've got there."

"Hn. She's not my girlfriend."

"Then why are you offering to buy her a stuffed animal? Something you hate so much…" he rubbed his chin. "I recall you twitching when Kurenai gave you a stuffed dog for Christmas…"

"Hn." He tried to not recall that incident. "It's to apologize."

"I know you, Sasuke; you don't apologize, much less to a girl."

"She's… different."

"Meaning..?"

"She's someone special," he admitted, glancing at Kakashi. "And why are you here and not with Kurenai?"

"Oh, well, she's craving, and I figured I'd buy her a bonus here." He picked up a stuffed pug. "How's this?"

He smirked lightly and shook his head. "Whatever you buy for her, she'll be grateful."

"Well, I wouldn't say that," he chuckled. "How's your brother?"

"Still the same wise guy, but he's fine."

"And your father's… habits?"

"He's doing better than before."

"Good, good." He paused and looked at Sasuke. "And you..?"

"…what about me?"

"It's you I'm more worried about, after she left, I mean."

His fists clenched within his jeans' pockets. "I'm fine."

"Smoking habits..?"

"I quit."

Kakashi glanced at Sakura, especially since the teenager he's talking to has been staring intently at the girl for quite some time. "Who would have thought she'd be the miracle you needed."

He blinked and looked at Kakashi who just smiled and bid him a goodbye after purchasing the pug.

Sasuke watched until the older man had disappeared from view before walking over to Sakura and picking up a stuffed lion on the way, one that had half-closed eyes at the color of onyx, and a mane that was quite messy. But what made him pick it up was the small flash card it held with its front paws.

"Sakura," he called in a soft voice, making her turn from the zebras to him. He didn't look at her, but he raised the lion to her, showing the message on the card.

She read the simple word scribbled onto the piece of board, and then looked up at Sasuke who was still turned elsewhere.

A small smile grazed her lips, and she took the lion in her arms and cuddled it.

"Where were you two?!" Naruto yelled upon seeing Sasuke and Sakura walking towards them, the latter now carrying a stuffed lion.

"None of your business." Sasuke muttered as he and Naruto purchased some popcorn and soda for the movie, leaving Hinata with Sakura.

"Did he buy that for you?"

Sakura nodded at Hinata and grinned.

"And did you forgive him yet?"

"Yes but, don't tell him that." Sakura grinned, and then looked back down at the card the lion held: Sorry.

"When do you plan on letting him know?"

She just smiled upon seeing the two boys heading back for them. "Later."

And the four of them walked towards the movie house upon presenting their tickets.

An usher directed them to their seats, and Naruto cheered when he realized they'll be seated in the middle row at eye level.

The two boys let the two girls sit beside each other, with them being on the other end, since they'll be watching Tooth Fairy.

A few trailers passed, and more and more people came in to take their seats. Some were in front of them, and others were either on their sides or behind them.

At one point, Naruto almost got into a fight with a group of teenagers who sat behind them for being noisy, but Hinata managed to remedy the situation by apologizing to the noisy kids and calming the blonde-haired blue-eyed Naruto down.

"Sasuke..?"

He glanced to his left where Sakura sat, the lion he bought for her seated comfortably on her lap.

She smiled at him and leaned forward to place a small kiss on his cheek. "Thank you."

He blinked a few times, wondering if she meant the movie or the lion.

"And… I forgive you." She smiled and took a couple of popcorn from the bucket he carried for the two of them, since Naruto had his and Hinata's.

"…Hn." He looked back at the screen and tilted his head towards Sakura's direction in order to let his palm cushion it, and also in an attempt to hide the blush on his cheeks.

Halfway towards the movie, he still wasn't focused onto the story, which is why when people laughed at a couple of scenes, he was silent. He was there, staring at the movie, but his mind was wandering.

He recalled what Sakura told him last time when they were stuck in her freezer, and he realized that up until now, he still hasn't given her an answer. She didn't even bother to remind him about the incident, or perhaps she just wanted him to tell her his feelings voluntarily, no reminders or such.

But what did he really feel? Sure he likes her, but is it the same type of like? What if it was just a crush? What if he only likes her as a friend?

"That was so wrong in so many levels!"

He heard Naruto comment, followed by Sakura and Hinata giggling.

"Fuck. I can't concentrate…" he sighed silently and tried to get his attention on the movie, yet his mind kept going back to Sakura's feelings, as well as his. "Should I… go for it?"

He wanted to try it out, her and him, especially since the kiss they shared in the freezer seemed like more than just… to keep warm. Heck they were already making out!

"What if she thinks I'm leading her on?" he furrowed his brows. "Is that why she's been too… hyper? Is she preparing herself for the worst?" he stole a glance her way, seeing how she was laughing so hard at the movie. "Is that why she's… sensitive lately? Why she easily gets hurt or upset when I get mad?"

He watched how she hugged the stuffed lion tightly while keeping her eyes on the movie screen, and somehow, he wanted to pull her to him, but he stopped himself from doing so, remembering that Naruto and Hinata were present, and that he has yet to tell Sakura of his feelings.

"I'll tell her… if not later, then tomorrow." And he looked back at the movie, finally able to focus on what was going on.

"That was fun." Naruto said with a grin as they exited the mall with a few people who decided to call it a night. "It's just too bad that we have school tomorrow."

"Hn. It's Friday tomorrow, Saturday's coming."

"Yeah, true, but still…" he sighed. "I guess we better head home."

Hinata smiled at them. "I asked our driver to pick us up; I can take all of you to your homes."

"Really? That'd be great!" Sakura said while stretching her arms, the stuffed lion safely tucked inside her bag, with its head popped out to view the outside world.

"Not for us," Naruto said while wrapping an arm around Sasuke's shoulders. "We need to discuss a few things about club." He grinned at Sasuke to play along, so the raven haired teen shrugged and turned to the girls.

"Oh, why don't you talk about it on the way?" Hinata offered.

"Nah, it's also an excuse to skip going home early, and to hang out with my best friend."

"Whatever…" Sasuke muttered.

"Okay then." Hinata looked towards the car that will be picking them up. "Last call boys."

Sasuke shook his head and Naruto just waved an arm dismissively.

Both Hinata and Sakura nodded at them, and when the latter was about to get inside, she felt her wrist being grabbed by someone, so she looked up, and her eyes widened when she felt Sasuke's lips on hers.

"I didn't smoke." He smirked and let her wrist go, afterwards, gave her a mocking two finger salute.

She just blushed and smiled before entering the car, the vehicle leaving the two boys alone.

"So…" Naruto looked at Sasuke. "Plan on telling me what's been on your mind?"

"…Shit."

"Revolting…"

"Yes sir."

"Absolutely disgusting."

"True sir."

He looked at his companion. "Why would he enroll her here??"

"Change of attitude, perhaps."

He looked flabbergasted. "My hime is perfectly perfect!"

"…yes sir."

"Hmph." He looked from right to left, watching the students walk in the school and not care if he stood in all of his school's glory by wearing the royal blue jacket and tie, and the crisp dress shirt and pressed black slacks. "Where is this… Principal..?"

"I do not know sir, I've never been here."

"Wait here then," he walked forward. "I shall grace the peasants with my presence."

"…right, sir."

He walked on forward, head held high when students turned their attention to him. Some of the guys had snorted at his get-up, while some of the girls cocked their brows at his smug expression. He walked on forward, climbing the steps which he dismissed as very dirty and unsanitary, afterwards, dared to push open the double doors of the school building.

His blue eyes searched the crowd for his beloved princess, believing himself to be a prince who has come to rescue her from the lair of a pathetic excuse of a school.

Forward, he marched, shoulders stiff and back straight, chest puffed out and stomach sucked in. He caught a few giggles from girls, which he thought was admiration. He noticed a few stares from guys, which was more on disbelief, but he believed it to be envy or awe. He curled one side of his lips upwards and raised his left hand to run it over his sleek black hair which he had carefully styled this morning.

The echoes of his black leather shoes' heels made him feel superior, because he felt as if everyone was stupefied by his presence, thus the deafening silence.

He yelped in a very un-prince like fashion when a student came flying out of a classroom.

His eyes studied the dark-haired teen who groaned and sat up, and he almost fainted upon seeing the sight of blood on the boy's face.

He heard someone crack his knuckles, and he turned to his right to see another dark-haired teen step out of the classroom.

"Give it back, now."

The boy who got punched glared and picked up an object lying on the floor, afterwards, handed it to the one responsible for punching him.

"Next time, I won't be lenient."

The Prince-wannabe held back a gagging sound – so a punch on the face was already lenient? What is this place?!

He stiffened when the boy responsible for punching the other boy had looked at him.

"You lost or something?"

He nodded vigorously, earning a raised brow from the… well, he decided to name him a barbarian.

"Let me guess," he dusted dirt off of the thing in his hands. "Principal's office."

Another nod.

"Come on." The barbarian gestured with his head, so he followed, all the way down the halls and corridors. He took note of a few men who raised their hands for a high five, the barbarian doing the same to return the greeting. He saw a couple of girls smile and wave, and the boy he followed nodded once to them. "I'm guessing he's a jock to have this kind of treatment."

They stopped upon reaching a black door with frosted glass in the middle, and painted in black letters was the name "Principal Orochimaru".

"Just knock and greet him, afterwards," he shrugged. "Well, whatever it is you came here for."

"Yes," he squeaked and cleared his throat. "Thank you, peasant."

He earned another raised brow, and then a shake of the head before he was left alone to deal with the master of the school.

As instructed, he knocked, entered, and greeted the long-haired Principal.

Orochimaru raised his head, eyes widening for a fraction of a second upon recognizing the school uniform the boy wore.

"To what do I owe this visit from my previous Alma matter?"

The boy blinked and immediately walked in and sat down.

"You're also from Konoha?!"

"Shi-shi!!"

He sighed and remained standing before her.

"Thanks for getting him back!"

"Why did you even bring that thing here?"

"Hey, this thing happens to have a name, and you gave him to me."

"Hn. Fine. Why did you bring Shi-shi here?"

She grinned. "I didn't want to leave him alone in my room!"

"You have other stuffed animals there to keep him company."

"But Shi-shi is special." She said, looking at the eyes of the stuffed lion. "He's your first gift to me."

He glanced at her when she suddenly became quiet, and again, he remembered what he told himself the other day.

"Sakura," he called her, making the girl look at him. "About…" he turned a bit red. "About what you said in the freezer…"

Her cheeks instantly turned pink upon remembering that incident.

"I just…" he avoided maintaining eye contact due to his flushing cheeks. "I wanted to say that… I…"

"Head's up!!"

The two teens turned to where the voice came from, and Sakura received a hard hit on the head from a speeding volleyball.

Sasuke blinked a few times, as if registering in his brain what just happened.

"Ow…" Sakura groaned while clutching Shi-shi in her left arm. "What hit me..?"

Somehow, her expression and her teary eyes made him snort, and he held back a laugh when she sharply looked up at him with a glaring pout.

"Sorry." He said, before offering her a hand.

She looked at the hand that was offered to her, and without breaking eye contact from her Knight, she took it as he helped her up.

"Peasant!"

Her eyes blinked repeatedly when she felt someone slap both her hand and Sasuke's away, and someone's back came into view, replacing her vision of Sasuke's face.

"How dare you touch and disgrace the hand of my Princess?!"

She recognized that voice anywhere, and she felt damned to see that the owner was wearing the uniform for boys of Konoha High. Immediately, her cheeks turned red out of embarrassment – especially now that people were looking.

"You have no right to taint the royal hand of my lovely Sakura-hime!"

"AKIRA?!"

Sasuke raised a brow at Akira, and then glanced at Sakura, since he was still taller than the self-proclaimed… Prince.

"You know this guy?"

Sakura looked from Akira to Sasuke. "He's a former classmate."

Akira turned to Sakura, looking quite offended. "Sakura-hime," he did not notice the twitch Sasuke had on his left brow. "Why would you call me a former classmate?! I'm your future-"

"Akira," Sakura cut him off. "My father has yet to agree to that… engagement, and…" she bit her lower lip and glanced at Sasuke when she said the word engagement. "I still didn't say yes to you."

"Fear not, I shall save you from this… this…" he looked around. "…school."

"I see you've met."

The three teenagers and the few students who lingered to watch the scene turned to the school's Principal.

"Tsukiyoshi-san just wanted to know of Haruno-san's whereabouts." Orochimaru turned to Sasuke. "Sasuke, this is Tsukiyoshi Akira, a student from Konoha High." He looked at Akira. "Tsukiyoshi-san, this is Uchiha Sasuke, one of Oto's best students, and also team Captain of the Soccer team."

Akira dared to narrow his eyes at Sasuke, who just quirked a brow. "And how is it that you know my hime?"

Sasuke glanced from Akira, to Sakura, and then he smirked at Akira. "I'm her Knight."

The hallway was silent for a moment as Orochimaru chose to be a spectator for the time being, whereas the other students were itching for a showdown – it wasn't everyday a… well, Prince, dropped by to challenge the Knight for the Princess's heart, even if the Princess has obviously already made a choice between the two men.

Sakura, on the other hand, didn't know if she would squeal at how direct and forward Sasuke answered Akira, or if she should interrupt a soon-to-happen verbal argument.

"K-Knight..?"

Sasuke nodded once. "Yeah, Knight." He leaned down slightly and kept the smug smirk on his face. "Got a problem, your highness?"

Akira remembered just how lenient Sasuke was, and how a single punch from him had caused the other raven-haired boy a nosebleed.

So the object he retrieved from the other boy belonged to Sakura…

"If you'll excuse us," Sasuke side-stepped and offered an arm to Sakura. "The Princess and I are late for class."

Sakura just smiled and took his arm, clearly amused at how her Knight was behaving today.

"B-But… Hold it peasant!!"

Sasuke sighed. "Seriously, that word is getting annoying."

"That's how he talks, sorry…" Sakura mumbled, patting his arm lightly. "His mother has been filling his head with fairytales when he was a kid."

"Hn," he smirked. "And how is it that you know so much?"

"Akira is very… talkative."

"I shall escort Sakura-hime to her classroom!"

"Do you even know where it is?"

"…I shall rely on my skills to-"

"Newsflash, your highness," Sasuke leered. "You don't need skills, you need a map, and apparently, you don't have one."

Honestly, the pain in the ass Prince was getting annoying.

"Then I shall walk with the Princess while you, peasant, will lead us there!"

"I'd be glad to…" he muttered sarcastically. "But then, shouldn't you be asking the Princess if she wishes for that?"

"Of course she does!"

"Right…" Sasuke pulled away from Sakura and raised both arms up. "Who am I to get in the way of romance?"

Sakura gaped as Akira grinned. "A wise choice peasant!" and he offered his arm to Sakura, who was forced to take it when Akira had grabbed her free arm to wrap around the one he offered. Next, he walked forward, talking all the way while Sakura looked back at Sasuke with a helpless look, mouthing the words "save me" to him. He just stood there with pocketed hands and a very, very, evil smirk, afterwards, gave her a wink that clearly said "have fun".

"You did that on purpose…"

Sasuke glanced at Orochimaru, and then back at the two teenagers.

"What do you have in mind, exactly?"

He smirked. "I just needed some entertainment."

"And then he went: 'Peasant! Direct me to the lavatory!' And I'm like 'oh sure, which door should I lead you to? The female's?' and then he gasps and yells 'blasphemy!!' and I just went on… whatever…"

"Dude, that dick's annoying… what with all his 'peasant' talk." He muttered. "Anyway, Naruto, did he go to the bathroom?"

"Heck, no. He said the door was too… unsanitary." Naruto snorted. "What a prick."

"Pussy is more like it." He snickered.

"Well said Kiba." Naruto nodded. "Well said."

"And how is the darling and stupid Knight taking it all?"

They looked at Neji who just arrived with a tray of food, followed by Lee.

"Currently," Kiba began. "He's still good, but I bet he's about to explode."

"Who wouldn't?" Shino murmured. "I'm tempted to send in some of my pet roaches down that guy's pants."

"Forget roaches," Shikamaru yawned. "Just throw him a wet ball of tissue paper and he'd hit the ceiling."

"Not a bad idea…" Naruto smirked while preparing to do just what Shikamaru said. "What say we spare our little Knight, eh?"

The group looked at where the royal pain in the ass Prince was currently seated with Sakura being forced to sit next to him, whereas Sasuke is being forced to play servant.

"Why is he humoring the guy again?" Kiba asked.

"You know our dear old Captain," Shikamaru smirked. "He tends to… do things when amused."

"I'm not about to just sit back and watch." Naruto gave an evil grin as he held the wet ball of tissue paper. "Everybody, clear the area!"

Everyone instantly ducked their heads as he tossed the wet object in his hand. They all watched it zoom pass tables and make a direct hit for Akira's head.

Next thing they heard was a very girlish scream coming from the guy who came from the preppy school.

"Score!!" Naruto did a high five with Kiba while the rest of the guys laughed.

"WHO THREW THAT?! I DEMAND TO KNOW!!"

Akira was currently standing on the table with his head turning from left to right. His eyes stopped at Naruto's table, and immediately, he marched over there.

"Great…"

Sakura looked up at Sasuke as he watched Akira walking towards Naruto.

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Hn. Lights out for your Prince."

She twitched. "He's not my Prince."

He smirked at her. "Really now?"

"Yes."

"Hn…"

Sakura flinched when Naruto had done a roundhouse kick to Akira, who was being held back by Kiba and Shikamaru, whereas Neji, Lee, and Shino continued to eat.

"Shouldn't you stop them..?"

"If I didn't enjoy the show so much, I would."

Sakura narrowed her eyes at Sasuke.

"Alright, alright…" he sighed and walked over to his friends.

"Can't see me huh? Can't see me!!" Naruto grinned. "Seriously, dude, he's such a wuss! That kick didn't even touch his face and he's already begging!"

"It was only a taunt too." Kiba snickered.

"Guys, come on, cut it out."

Naruto and the rest turned to Sasuke who was scratching the back of his head.

"Orochimaru's gonna have my head for this."

"Why? He asked you to keep an eye on Prince PITA here?"

"…PITA?"

Naruto chuckled. "Pain In The Ass."

"…Right." He looked at Akira. "And… yeah, you know Orochimaru, he's a former Konoha student."

"Fine, fine." Naruto pulled back while Kiba and Shikamaru let Akira go, who soon ran behind Sasuke.

"Peasants!" he seethed. "You!" he pointed at Sasuke. "Teach them a lesson! Make sure they-"

"Will you shut up?" he told Akira. "I am this close to kicking your ass back to Konoha, so don't tempt me, got it?"

All he got was a slow nod from Akira, before he took him back to where Sakura was waiting.

"And for the record, Sakura told me to save you. Otherwise, I would have just left you."

"Hime did that?!" instantly, he was next to Sakura and holding her hand, saying how kind she was. "As for you, how dare you-"

"Welcome to Hell High." Sasuke grunted, before taking his leave.

Hallway was empty, and no student was present in the library. She checked every classroom of the senior level, and they were all empty. She went to the outdoor basketball court and only saw a couple of guys she didn't know personally. She checked the gym and saw the Basketball club; she checked the laboratories and saw only a couple of teachers. She went to the faculty room and even the Principal's office, yet no sign of her Knight.

"Where did you go..?" she sighed and sat down on one of the stairs' steps. "Sasuke…" she looked at the stuffed lion that Zaku took from her earlier, mocking her for bringing it to school. Yet, again, Sasuke came to take it back from the guy, and just when he was going to tell her something important, a volleyball had to ruin the moment. And even if he had offered his hand to assist her, Akira had to jump in to destroy the magic.

Sighing softly, she stood up and held the lion tighter, hoping that Akira wouldn't be able to find her, since it was pretty hard to give him the slip.

"He won't even let go of my arm…" she frowned and rubbed the spot where the guy kept holding her. "Can't he take the hint that I'm not interested?!" she climbed up the stairs and decided to check one more place out before taking her leave.

As she stood before the door which led to the rooftop, she told herself that if Sasuke was there, she'd stay with him. But if he wasn't, she'd accept the ride home Akira was offering.

"Please be here…" she thought, and shut her eyes when she pushed the door open.

A strong breeze greeted her, and she had to block her face with her free arm in order to not let any dust enter her eyes.

Once the wind had calmed down a bit, she took a peek outside, eyes widening upon spotting who she has been looking for since school ended for the day.

He was standing with his hands pocketed as always, and gakuran coat left unbuttoned to reveal the tucked out dress shirt he wore underneath. His left ear still had the silver hoop earring, and his left helix still had that silver clip attached to it. But what made her stare longer was the cancer stick in-between his lips.

"Uchiha Sasuke!" she yelled, causing him to turn to her nonchalantly.

Sakura glared with tear-stained eyes while walking towards him, the door to the rooftop automatically closing as she neared him, and he stood still, eyeing her until she was but a foot away.

"What are you doing?!"

He raised a brow.

She grabbed the lighted cigarette and threw it on the ground, afterwards, stomped onto it with her left foot.

"Why are you smoking?! I thought you quit?! Why did you smoke a stick?! WHY?!" she looked around, seeing a couple more sticks on the ground. "You skipped classes just to smoke?! How many have you taken?!"

He kept his eyes on her, afterwards, pulled out a pack from his pocket to reveal two more left.

"Are you trying to kill yourself?!"

He shook his head.

"Then why?!"

"It's the only way I could think of." He said, keeping his eyes on her.

"To what?!"

"To always keep you next to me."

To be continued…

Next Chapter: Within Reach

"Sakura..?"

"…Yeah?"

He narrowed his eyes. "Get it off."

She blinked, and then stuck her tongue out. "No."

"Take. It. Off."

She just grinned.

A/N: Aww… The Knight is sad… he wants his Princess next to him all the time. XD