Alright! So I tried to update before Christmas but obviously that didn't work quite so well since it's already June oO. Anyway, this is probably the longest chapter I've written so far. So you better enjoy it! lol. Well, Happy reading :D (for those who are still in fact, reading this.) And huzzah for summer, finally!

Disclaimer: Sheesh. If I owned Naruto, I wouldn't even be writing this crap.

Italics – someone is thinking.

The week passed by quickly and mostly everyone forgot (well nearly) about the rumor Kin started. Sakura was at her happiest state and Sasuke was.. being himself. Although the past few days, he had been a little nicer to Sakura. It was only a minor difference, not like he could tell. Sakura however, could and it was the sole purpose that had her stay up late at night. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of relationship (if you could call it one) she had with Sasuke. Were they really friends? They sure as hell weren't anything more but it's not like they were any less either. Sakura, deciding it was useless trying to figure out, immediately fell asleep.

The next morning, it was already Friday. Sakura woke up feeling a bit more cheerful. She didn't know why though. Maybe it was because she got more sleep than usual. Or maybe it was because today would be the day when Sasuke came over to hang out. She was overjoyed and got ready faster than usual. And when she drove to school, she walked into first period waiting to see Sasuke. But when the school bell rang signaling the start of class, Sakura was surprised Sasuke had not arrived yet. Maybe he just woke up late. But as the class had continued, there was no sign of Sasuke. In fact, the whole day Sasuke hadn't showed up in any of the classes he had with Sakura. And finally in Chemistry, Sakura looked over to Ino and whispered in her ear.

"Do you know where Sasuke's at?"

"Ugh. No. Why would I know where that loser would be?"

"I was just wondering. Sorry."

"Just pay attention." Ino looked to the front of the class and Sakura followed suit. She was starting to get worried and once school was over, she sullenly walked to her car wondering where the hell Sasuke could be.

Meanwhile, Sasuke was laying on his bed bored, listening to that damned I-pod like always. Maybe I should've gone to school today. Tiredly, he got up from his bed and walked over to the window. He watched as some kids from school were walking home, talking and laughing about their plans for the weekend. Then he frowned as he saw someone with bright blonde hair and blue eyes walk towards his house. He immediately shut his curtains hoping that would shield him from having to talk to anyone but to no avail, there was a knock. Sasuke stood there quietly, waiting.

"Sasuke, open up! I know you're home!" Naruto knocked furiously at the mahogany door of Sasuke's house. Sasuke grunted before walking down the flight of stairs to the front door and opened it.
"What?"

"Why didn't you go to school today?"

"I'm sick." Sasuke said with no hint of sickness evident in his voice. Naruto eyed him suspiciously.
"You don't look or sound sick to me. Actually, you look perfectly healthy."

"Hn."
"Come on Sasuke, what's the real reason?"

"Just tell me what you're doing here." Sasuke said angrily.

"I came to check if you were okay." Naruto grinned.

"Repeat that except this time, give me a legit excuse."

"No that is the reason! And well.. Sakura was worried also."
"I'm fine. Now leave." Sasuke attempted to close the door but Naruto jumped inside the house.
"Okay now it's your turn to explain." Naruto smirked.

"Explain what?"

"Why you didn't go to school! DER."

"I just didn't feel like it. Is that too hard for you to comprehend?"

"No, but I think there's more to it than that."

"Really now."

"I think you were just afraid!" At this, Naruto could see the confusion and annoyance in Sasuke's eyes.

"And what exactly would I be afraid of that would make me not want to go to school?"

"Haruno Sakura." Naruto stated knowingly. Sasuke ran his fingers through his hair before sighing in irritation.

"What does she have to do with anything?"

"You had a date with her today and you chickened out!"

"Okay bye." Sasuke walked up the stairs and towards his room, locking the door along with. Naruto shook his head and ran towards the Uchiha's room. He tried opening it but obviously it was locked.

"Sasuke, I don't get what you're trying to run away from."

"I'm not running away from anything. You're just annoying the hell out of me."

"Why? Because you can't face the truth?" Naruto chuckled. Sasuke opened the door and glared icily at the blonde.

"There's nothing to face. I do not like Sakura, and I was not chickening out on anything." Naruto started to laugh even more.

"Who said anything about you liking Sakura? All I said was you chickened out on a date but now I see you really DID chicken out and that you actually LIKE Sakura!"

"No. I do not." Sasuke said apprehensively. Naruto just shrugged his shoulders and began walking away.

"Doesn't matter. It's your loss. And to think Sakura liked you." Naruto smirked back at Sasuke and watched as he momentarily widened his eyes in disbelief.

"No offence or anything, but you're not too great."

"That's a lie…" Sasuke said quietly.

"Eh, it's just my opinion. But I mean, if you think you're great then go ahead and think that."

"That's not what I was referring to."

"Hey, look at the time. Gotta go!"

"Naruto, were you serious about Sakura?"

"Well I'm out!"

"Naruto. Get back here."

"See you around loser!" Naruto grinned before closing the door and walking outside.

"Naruto! You dumbass!" Sasuke yelled out to the empty corridors. Hastily, he put on his shoes and ran down the stairs to go chase after Naruto. He opened the door and ran outside, searching for Naruto but he wasn't anywhere in sight. He ran down the block and saw a blonde running while laughing and sprinted towards the person. He jumped and tackled the blonde. But when he did, he noticed that instead of a loudmouth blonde guy that he was on top of, he found a loudmouth blonde girl underneath. And that girl just happened to be Ino.

"EW! GROSS! GET OFF OF ME YOU FILTHY RASCAL!" Ino screamed out. Sasuke strained himself from punching her in the face and went to get up but a horn caught him by surprise and he stumbled back onto Ino. He turned to look towards the car and saw Sakura questioningly gaping at him.

"Ino! Sasuke? What.. are you two doing?" Sasuke looked confusedly before he realized that he was still on top of Ino and from someone else's point of view, it would have looked wrong. Ino snorted in disgust and tried pushing off Sasuke. Sasuke just rolled his eyes and got up not even bothering to offer a hand to help Ino up.

"This stupid GEEK ran into me. And he didn't even have the decency to apologize or anything." Ino got up and crossed her arms in defiance.

"Hn."

"You would just stand there and say nothing. Geek." Ino glared fiercely at Sasuke who in turn, glared back. Sakura stood there examining.

"Sasuke, you look.. perfect!"

"Uh. Thanks."

"No! No! I mean, you don't look sick at all!"

"Who said I was… sick." Sasuke said slowly. Sakura stared incredulously before getting out of the car and walking up towards Sasuke.

"You had me worried this whole time thinking you were sick, or hospitalized, or even DEAD! And then I see you gallivanting and tackling people around like a crazy lunatic looking perfectly healthy and stable! You didn't even bother to call or tell me that you weren't going to school today! Nor did you even think about how I would've felt for ditching our plans today! I saw Naruto; he told me what you said. If you really didn't want to hang out with me, you could've told me so. Instead you decided to play with my feelings and leave me in the dirt. Thanks a lot Sasuke! And don't even think about replying with a your welcome this time!" Sakura finished off with tears streaming down her face and ran to her car. Sasuke stood there and watched her put the car into gear and pull away from the curb. He stood there, not knowing what to do.

"Geez, Sasuke. You did a pretty shady thing." Ino said in a harshed tone.

"What's it to you." Sasuke replied bitterly.

"Sakura's my friend. And even though I dislike you greatly, I would rather have Sakura be happy because she's friends with you then have her be miserable because you made one stupid little mistake."

"Hn."

"I advise you go talk to her and apologize. She likes you, ya know." Ino declared. Sasuke rolled his eyes.

"And how would you know?" He scoffed.

"Because I see it in her eyes every time she looks at you." With that said, Ino walked away leaving a taken aback Sasuke behind.

"Sakura, you should understand that he's not that type of guy."

"I know but ugh. You'd think he'd have SOME emotion."

"He's stupid and never shows his emotions. I know, but trust me. He's just as kungfood with this as you are!"

"Naruto, it's confused."

"I know you are."

"No I mean, confused."

"I know..? You just said that."

"Yes but what I meant was that the word is confused."

"The word?"

"Yes Naruto, the word."

"…."

"NARUTO, THE WORD IS CONFUSED!"

"Who's The Word?"

"I give up. You're as dumb as Sasuke is." Sakura heaved a deep sigh.

"Well whatever. The fact of the matter is, give him another chance. He's not as heartless as you think he is. He feels something for you." Naruto said reassuringly. Sakura looked up at him with doubtful eyes.

"And how would you know?"

"Because I can read minds!" Naruto grinned.

"Really now? What am I thinking?"

"You're thinking Sasuke is a loser and that I should really go out with this other really nice, funny, smart guy instead -cough- me -cough-."

"Yes, Neji does seem like a good contender." Sakura uttered while sneering at Naruto.

"You can't go out with Neji!"

"And you can't read minds."

"Okay fine. But really, you know how I know?"

"How? And don't try telling me something stupid either."

"You have no faith in me." Naruto stuck out his tongue.

"Just get on with it!"

"Geez okay. I know because I see it in his eyes."

"And what's that supposed to mean?" Sakura asked, baffled.

"He doesn't look at you the way he looks at me or any other normal person. It's a different kind of look."

"What look is that?"

"I dunno? You expect me to know everything. Sheesh." Naruto peered outside Sakura's bedroom window.

"Well don't tell me something and not elaborate."

"I would if I knew what that meant."

"Well.. if he really had any feelings for me, I would need some proof." Sakura stated. Naruto turned to face Sakura and smiled.
"Here's your proof."

"What are you-" Sakura glanced at the window where Naruto was currently pointing to. She saw the raven-haired in front of her door. He didn't ring the doorbell though. Instead, he just stood there.

"What the hell is he doing?" Sakura asked aloud.

"I'm not sure. It looks like he's.. staring at your door?"

"No, I don't think he's staring. I think he's glaring. Heatedly. At my door."

"Why would he do that?" Naruto scratched his head, puzzled. Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Because he's stupid. ARGH! What is the point of him coming here if he's not going to do anything?"

"Hm.. maybe he's always done this and you never noticed. Maybe he's.." Naruto paused. Sakura looked at him questioningly.

"Maybe he's.. what Naruto? Maybe he's retarded? Maybe he's mad?"

"No, no."

"Then what? I mean there's no other possible explanation. Seriously. Well unless he's in love with me, which I doubt." Sakura glanced at Naruto who hadn't replied.

"Oh NO! That is not what you're saying, is it Naruto? Because that is absolutely absurd. I mean, why would he? I'm nothing special. I yelled at him earlier! He's probably angry with me for that. That could never happen. Plus that's just-"

"Uh Sakura." Naruto interrupted Sakura.

"What?!"

"I was going to say, maybe he's a stalker." He laughed as he saw her flustered face slowly turn red.

"I am going to KILL you. You could've stopped me. Anytime!"

"Heh, I know. Just you looked so cute getting all worked up over Sasuke."

"I was not getting worked up over Sasuke." Sakura crossed her arms and turned her head away.

"Oh yes you were. Come on, you were going crazy at the fact that maybe he'd be in love with you or whatever."

"Nuh-uh! I was just.. rambling. But in no way would I get worked up over that egotistical bastard."

"What egotistical bastard?" Sakura turned around to punch Naruto for being so dense but instead of seeing the blonde, she was met with Sasuke's impassive face.

"Wh-what are you doing here?"

"I need to talk to you." He grunted.

"Okay… WAIT. How did you even get inside?"

"He probably knew a way after watching you so many times. Told you he's a stalker." Naruto sniggered.

"Shut up Naruto."

"Stalker?" Sasuke asked infuriated.

"No! No, Naruto is just being his dumb self like always."

"Hey, that was uncalled for."

"Anyway, uhm Sasuke. What do you need to talk to me about?" Sakura tried to see if his face held any emotion but to her discontent, his face stayed blank. Sasuke stood there without saying a word. On the outside, he seemed perfectly nonchalant but on the inside he was actually going crazy. It was hard enough for him to actually go to Sakura's house and approach her. Especially since for about 10 minutes, he contemplated even going there. Hence, why he was glaring fixedly at her front door. And he was just about to leave when Sakura's mother came out to go to work and had let him go inside. Damn it. I should've gone home. I don't even know what to say.

"Sasuke? Hello?" Sakura waved her hand in front of his face trying to get his attention. After dazing off for a few more seconds, Sasuke realized he hadn't said anything. He noticed Sakura's waving hand in his face and involuntarily grabbed her hand to stop it. Sakura blushed at the direct contact of Sasuke's hand on hers. Naruto watched amusedly as they stood there momentarily, holding hands, just gazing at each other's face. Sakura was about to say something when Sasuke detected their hands still conjoined and let go immediately.

"Sasuke.."

"I wasn't avoiding you." He gushed out.

"I didn't think you were?"

"And also, I wasn't afraid."

"Afraid? What're you talking about?" Sakura's face was full of confusion. Sasuke ran his fingers through his hair and sighed.

"Never mind."

"No, tell me. What were you talking about?"

"Just, I wasn't afraid to hang out with you. That's all." Sakura giggled and set her hand on his shoulder comfortingly.

"It's okay. I know."

"Hn."

"Plus, why would I think you were afraid? It's not like you would be, your pride would be soiled." Sakura said jokingly. Naruto laughed at this and Sasuke gave them both a stern look.

"You thought it was a date."

"A date?"

"Ah."

"I thought it was a date?" Sakura said in exasperation. Sasuke merely nodded in response.

"No, no, no. I think you're confused."

"Actually, no I'm not." Sasuke confirmed.

"Yes you are, because I did NOT think it was a date."

"Hn. Right."

"I am right! I believe it was you that thought this was supposed to be a date."

"What?" Sasuke said, taken aback. Sakura smirked and began to continue.

"Yah, you were the one that assumed I thought it was. So obviously, you must have thought this a date."

"No."

"I think so."

"I think not."

"Sasuke, come on. Don't deny it. I won't care, swallow your pride and admit it!"

"Hn. I would never admit to something as incredulous as this." Sakura chortled.

"You're so unbelievable."

"And you're annoying." Sasuke turned away in irritation while Sakura stared at his back in shock. And Naruto was snickering away in the background. He watched as Sakura's face slowly distorted into anger. She took a hold of Sasuke's hair and pulled it back. The Uchiha was hauled into the nearest wall and almost stumbled to the ground before he caught himself and narrowed his eyes at Sakura in an intense and heated glare.

"That was not necessary." He seethed.

"Oh I think it was. You pompous, arrogant, narcissistic jerk!" Sakura yelled out furiously.

"Oooo. She got you there." Naruto said out of nowhere.

"You do realize Sakura, that those all mean the same damn thing." Sasuke stated.

"Shut up, I'm surprised you even knew what I meant!"

"I have a comprehending brain unlike you."

"Oh ho ho. Is that the best you got, chicken hair?"

"Yah is that the best you got?" Naruto chimed in. Sasuke closed his eyes in aggravation before countering back.

"I've got better things to do than argue with some deprived, obtuse, little girl."

"Woah, that was harsh!" Naruto whistled out.

"Are you calling me needy and stupid?" Sakura asked, appalled.

"Yah obviously."

"You-"

"I'm leaving." Sasuke said cutting short whatever Sakura was about to say. He walked towards her bedroom door and opened it. But before leaving, he turned to add one last remark.

"And your forehead is huge." He smirked as Sakura gawked at him in disbelief. And as he left, she jumped onto her bed and screamed into a pillow.

-Ring! Ring! Ring!-

There was a shuffled noise and covers being pulled up.

-Ring! Ring! Ring!-

A deep groan was heard.

-Ring! Ring! Ring-

Sasuke shot out of bed and grabbed the phone from his desk in haste.

"What?"

"Is this a bad time?" A sweet, innocent voice was heard on the other line. Sasuke grumbled quietly.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you up!" Nervous laughter was soon followed after.

"Hn."

"Listen, could you meet me at the promenade later? Around noonish?" There was silence.

"Sasuke?"

"Why?"

"I'll tell you when I see you! Say you'll be there?"

"..I guess."

"Great! See you then. Bye!" There was a soft click and then a long agonizing beep. Sasuke put away the phone and sat on his bed tiredly. It was 9 in the morning and he still felt like sleeping. And it didn't help that he felt like a thousand knives were stabbing his body at the moment. After he left Sakura's house last night, he went home and wasted the rest of his time working out like crazy. He got up and walked towards the bathroom. He'd feel better after taking a long, long shower.

At the promenade, Sasuke stood waiting while listening to his I-pod. He had his eyes closed and didn't notice a presence that appeared as he was standing there. He felt someone pull off the beanie he was wearing and viciously grabbed the person's hand still with his eyes closed.

"Sakura."

"Uh. What? No?"

"Hn."

"How'd you know it was me?" She asked skeptically.

"I just do." Sasuke let go of her hand much to Sakura's dismay.

"You're just that amazing, right Sasuke?" He opened his eyes and held a blank expression. Sakura rolled her eyes and poked him in the chest.

"What happened to your speech skills? You seemed to have a lot to say yesterday." Sakura said with sarcasm laced in her voice.

"Tch. What do you want?"

"Well I figured we'd hang out today! To make up for ya know, last night." Sakura gave a small smile before continuing.

"Plus, I had this brilliant idea." Her smile turned into a toothy grin. Sasuke raised a curious eyebrow.

"I want to give you a makeover!" Sakura exclaimed excitedly.

"No."

"Aw why not?"

"What is with the sudden change of mood?" Sasuke inquired, changing the subject.

"Huh? What're you talking about?"

"I thought you were mad."

"Oh that? I'm over it. Don't worry Sasuke, I'm not mad at you." Sakura smiled to assure him.

"I know that."

"Well then why would you assume it?"

"I didn't think you were mad at me." Sasuke answered placidly.

"Uhm. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because there's no reason to be."

"There definitely was. You were being an ass!"

"Sakura, don't start." The pink haired girl bit her lip to stop whatever insults were about to roll off her tongue. She breathed in heavily and blew out her frustrations. Then she plastered a smile on her face and took a hold of Sasuke's arm.

"We're going to go shopping." Sakura observed Sasuke's expression as his deadpan face slowly twisted into one of detest.

"No we're not."

"Oh yes we are."

"No way in hell." Sasuke declared.

"Too bad, you have no choice." Sakura pulled the Uchiha who was grudgingly trying to stay in place.

"You're not going to get me to move." He said knowingly.

"I did yesterday, remember? When you were pulled into my WALL?" Sasuke's eye twitched for a second before retorting back.

"That was only because I wasn't aware that you were going to."

"Okay Sasuke, whatever helps you sleep at night. We're still going shopping." Sakura demanded.

"No. I refuse."

"Come on! What could it hurt?"

"My pride."

"Your pride will get over it. Now move your feet." Sakura snarled while still trying to pull him.

"Sakura, stop. You look stupid trying."

"Why don't you stop being difficult and just come with me?"

"I don't want to."

"It's not as horrible as you think it is." Sakura urged.

"Hn. That's what I thought of you and now look where it got me." Sasuke mumbled.

"Excuse me? You better stop while you're at it."

"Sakura. Let go of me." She stood there contemplating before letting go.

"You know what? Fine. Don't go shopping with me. See if I care."

"Bye." Sasuke turned to walk away.

"No!" Sakura cried out and grabbed a hold of his arm again. Sasuke quizzically looked at her.

"You just said-"

"Forget what I just said. Please Sasuke! I am BEGGING you to come with me! Please! Please! Please!" Sakura pleaded. Sasuke stared at her as if she was crazy.

"You are so needy."

"I never said I wasn't."

"You're strange."

"Yes, I know. So will you go shopping with me?"

"I'm going to hit myself for this later." Sasuke sighed before letting an ecstatic Sakura pull him away to the vast wonders of the mall.

I never realized how much dialogue I put into this.. Anyway, hope you liked it! Sorry if it seems rushed, I was really tired and I just wanted to finish the darn chapter hah. And sorry for such a long wait, I apologize deeply. For the next update, Sasuke will have a totally new image! And he will feel the wrath of fan girls. Now that it's summer, I'm hoping I'll be able to update faster. Well reviews would be nice :).

P.S. I changed the story title -yah it's a stupid title lol-. It used to be Change of Hearts but I found a story with a similar name so I didn't want anyone confused.