This Summer Chapter 3, a naruto fanfic

I gave in to majority. This is now SasuSaku NaruHina (as well as the original NejiTen ShikaIno) Congratulations majority, you win. You also suck. :P

Disclaimer: Don't own Naruto. Did I mention I hate majority votes?

-Sakura-

Hello world! It is I, the great Sakura! Ha-ha, what I mean to say is, I guess it's my turn. I said my goodbyes and cried a little. I was going to miss my best friends. The plane ride was AWESOME. It was my first plane trip so it was very exciting seeing the world from way up in the air.

We landed, I got my baggage, and there was a bus waiting for me along with all the other Soccer players attending this summer program. I must say it was pretty intense seeing part of my competition. There were so many young adults standing outside the bus with their luggage beside them. A guy with really spiky hair which was partly combed over his left eye stood at the door . He held a chart which he was checking off as people approached him.

I dragged my one (super massive) bag behind me, dodging cars to get close. "Sakura Haruno!" I called out.

He glanced at me and nodded once, jabbing at the chart with his orange pen.

Around me were at least fifteen hopefuls. A few had clustered together, one of them was bouncing a soccer ball off his head in succession to show off his prowess, and of course there were the loners.

The bus door opened.

"All aboard." The gray haired guy said. The weird thing about him is, he doesn't seem old, yet all his hair is gray- even his eyebrows.

Whatever. I'll probably see even stranger things.

The bus ride was… interesting. I promptly sat myself besides the most prospective looking player, a big muscly guy with an orange Mohawk. At first he looked startled to have someone sit by him then he relaxed. I smiled widely and patted his big, muscled arm. "Hi I'm Sakura!"

He blushed a little "Juugo…"

"Nice to meet you! What position do you play?"

He rubbed his head a little awkwardly and grinned "I'm strictly a defensive player. My coach won't let me play anything else, I'm hoping to be a goalie or forward at this camp though."

"Oh yeah, the auditions!" I almost forgot we had to audition for our spot on the team, rather than just glide in on our High School coach's recommendation. I felt my features twist into a feral grin. This was one thing I knew I could ace.

Ever since early childhood I was the perfect goalie. Actually Hinata, Tenten, and Ino were all on the team with me for a while until Hinata's father decided that soccer was too violent, and Ino broke a nail. Tenten just got bored and decided to do track instead. I stayed true to my team and blocked every goal sent my way, penalty kicks included.

"This is going to be easy."

The bus wheezed to a stop. Juugo is massive AND he had the window seat so therefore my view of the institution was blocked. I waited impatiently until the other bus occupants filed their way out. I kept my bag close to me as I stepped off the bus and inhaled the fresh air that suddenly surrounded me. It smelt so clean and pure, like a new spring day.

"MOVE!" whoever was behind me decided to make their presence known. My arms pin wheeled as I fell face-first off the bus, creating a cloud of dust.

A few of the cruder players began to snicker. Juugo instantly dropped his bag and knelt down to assist me. I spat out a mouthful of dirt. "Thanks Juugo." I gave the red haired girl my fiercest glare. Take that evil…thing!

Ok I need to work on my insults.

The campus around me is HUGE and OBVIOUSLY dedicated to athletics. The red brick buildings are short and of considerable girth, their titles are above the front doors in huge white letters. Gym, Male Residence Hall, Front Office… etc. Behind the row of buildings I can see it as clear as day, fields and fields of nothing but turf and even further away a forest. I gaped like the country bumpkin I am, not caring that I was receiving weird looks.

"It's awesome." I finally said.

Juugo gave another one of his shy smiles "I know. I go here every year and it still floors me."

I couldn't imagine ANYTHING big enough to floor this giant. I wanted him to be my friend so I kept my mouth shut and nodded. A woman with a spiky ponytail and wearing a long beige trench coat jogs up, her assets uh, bouncing, ensuring the attention of every man in the vicinity. Hell even I was staring! Was she faculty?

"LISTEN UP DIRTBAGS!" She bellowed without the use of speakerphone. Already a crowd of drooling boys encircles her. "MY NAME IS ANKO AND I'M IN CHARGE OF THE GIRL'S RESIDENCE HALL! IF YOU'RE A GIRL, COME UP NOW! IF NOT THEN BACK THE HELL AWAY BEFORE I CASTRATE YOU WITH A RUSTY SAW!" she pulled a saw out of her trench coat and every male jumped back about five feet. She chuckled as the girls approached "Good."

I stared at this woman with blatant admiration in my eyes. Wow, now THIS lady is my hero. "My name is Sakura Haruno," I extend my hand, deciding to familiarize myself with the faculty "And I'm the best damn goalie you'll ever see."

Anko stared at me for a long moment, her mahogany eyes unreadable, before she gave me a roguish grin and slapped me on the back. Hard. I coughed. "I like your attitude! Sucking up won't help though."

I shrugged "I'm not sucking up, I'm just stating the facts."

She slung an arm over my shoulder, bringing her mouth close to my ear as if she were telling some grand secret "Listen up kid, there are tons of kids like you comin from around the country claiming to be the 'best damn this' and the 'best damn that'. Now personally, I admire the way you approached me and hell, you just might be the best damn goalie. But around here, talk is cheap. This whole camp is about what you bring to the table, understand?"

I nodded understandingly "Then I hope you like fillet mignon."

Anko threw back her head and laughed. That was when I knew everything was going to be okay.

My room was on the second floor of Kara Lang Hall. It was your typical grubby dorm room. It smelled faintly of cigarette smoke and old candy. My room was unoccupied so I chose the bed on the left. I dropped my bag on the eerily gray floor and plopped down on the neatly made bed, bouncing a little.

Here I am.

I grinned. The window gave me a clear view of the bright green soccer field. I could see a small group of boys practicing their passing. I realized I wanted to be part of the game. I quickly took of my clothes and changed into my black shorts, black sports bra, and white tank top. I pulled my long pink hair into a high ponytail, not bothering to fix it up or put on earrings. I'm not here to look pretty; I'm here for the game.

I made my best war face in the grungy mirror as I pulled on my cleats before running outside.

"HEY!" I cupped my hands around my mouth. The boys instantly turned. Most of them began to ogle my long bare legs. Okay I admit, I'm a little proud of my legs. It's the one thing Ino envies on me. I wear short stuff just to piss her off. Seriously, everyone says I have perfect legs. Okay enough about my legs. I'm embarrassing myself. "YOU NEED A GOALIE?" I asked before I can chicken out.

"Sure!" one guy agrees instantly.

I skip over to the nearest goal. I probably should have worn some padding. I find gloves on the floor. It must be part of this whole 'soccer camp' thing. Either way I'm not complaining. I made fists and bumped them together like the Incredible Hulk. I felt invincible standing there between the ball and the net.

"You sure you can handle this honey?" one guy leers "I wouldn't want to mess up your pretty face."

"Shut up and kick the ball!" I called out, feeling irritated. I hate when people underestimate me. I put on my game face once more to show I was serious.

I was too busy focusing on my game face to see the ball flying toward me. Only at the last minute do I leap up and swat it out of the air. The guys hoot but I shake my head in disappointment. That was too sloppy. I have to do better next time. It was nestled on the ground a few feet from the net so I run up and kick it, sending it soaring towards the first idiot. These guys are good. It didn't smack one in the face as I hoped.

Damn.

They all lined up and took a shot at me. I was more than ready. I leapt in the air as graceful as a ballerina. I caught the ball, bounced it off my head, and even kissed it to piss them off. They grew angry and started snarling half-hearted threats. The day went on… One guy gave a particularly pathetic kick, I plucked the ball out of the air like I was apple picking. I dropped it on the ground and took a few steps back. I felt like making this one fly. I ran the few short steps, arced my leg back, and swung as hard as I could.

I didn't notice the guy who had approached.

Let's just say, I hit more balls than I anticipated.

The howl he gave was unearthly. I watched on, shocked as he crumpled to the ground. His cry cut short and he just lay there in pain clutching his groin. "I am so sorry!" I apologized, kneeling beside him. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do. I sure as hell wasn't applying first aid!

"SHE CASTRATED SASUKE!" somebody howled.

"Sasuke? Is that your name? I am sooo sorry! Is there anything I can-"

I was cut short as he jerked his head up, nearly coming face to face with me. I could feel his short angry breaths on my face.

Hellooo nurse!

I think I just castrated a Greek god. This guy is gorgeous! It should be illegal to look this good. Black spiky hair, beautiful complexion, kind of edgy-sexy looks, smoldering eyes, and a glare that could make the devil piss his pants.

Uh oh.

I think I'm in trouble.

"Don't!" he says in a short, angry voice. He unsteadily rose to his feet. At one point he nearly tipped over. I caught his arm but he jerked away from me as if he could contract a disease or something. I felt a little hurt. I apologized! It's not like I kicked him on purpose!

He stumbled off without another word.

"You just de-balled our team captain!" One of the non-descript guys yelled helpfully.

"B-but…" I was a little shaken from that humiliating encounter. I paled at the though of making the team captain angry. I did not fly all the way out here to be a benchwarmer! "I thought we have auditions!"

"We do, and Sasuke always becomes captain!" he slapped his choking friend's back. His face was bright red from laughter, mine was bright red from a different reason "You are SO SCREWED!"

He couldn't have worded that any better.

-Tenten-

All alone. At last. Life just seemed a whole lot emptier without Ino's howling laugh, Hinata's sweet little voice, and Sakura's award winning smile. I laid on my bed staring at the ceiling (as usual). You know, without the girls around, I'm really not that interesting. I'm not a stunning beauty, or super rich, or a crazy hot athlete. I've got nothing on them. Sometimes I wonder why they even stayed friends with me. Maybe out of pity.

"TENTEN! GET YOUR ASS TO WORK BEFORE I-I-I…" Mom's shrill voice trailed off. Nagging she may be, but she still needs to work on her threats.

"Before you…kick my ass?" I suggested lamely.

"YEAH! MOVE IT! YOU'VE GOT FIVE MINUTES TO BE AT THE DINER AND IT'S A TEN MINUTE DRIVE!"

I rolled my eyes. I glanced at the uniform draped over my desk chair.

I should get moving.

My red pickup pulled up to the small building several minutes later that I was supposed to. I wondered if they would fire me. Then I could spend the whole summer being a schmuck. The prospective cheered me greatly.

I pushed the glass door, stepping over the welcome mat. A bell jingled above me. I hate when restaurants have bells, it automatically draws other peoples attention.

Sure enough all eyes were on me. Time froze. Then everybody turned back to what they were doing. Everybody but one…

"Tenten you're late!" a voice scolded.

"Sorry," I said even though I wasn't "I'm a wild sleeper and in the midst of my thrashing I must have broken my alarm clock. It still reads '4:44'." I gave my best disarming smile which Ino says looks more like a grimace.

Nina smiled, instantly forgiving me. She's the owner of this place. This diner had been in her family since the early 1900's when her Grandfather first opened the doors. She's a short woman in her late thirties with short black hair cut at a downward sloping angle towards the chin. She's pretty, for a woman in her thirties, and has this strange energy around her that seems to draw people. Even now as I contemplate ways to get fired I can't help but like her. "That's okay, business is slow today. Here, let me take your jacket and I'll take you to the back to introduce you to everyone."

I nodded keeping my face carefully blank. I hope that I'll be fired in a week or two. I hope she finds a better worker. "Okay."

The diner has seating for maybe thirty people, with two aisles running straight towards the counter where you can see a coffee mug brewing and the cash register. Shiny black stools line the counter and end at the window where a bright red jukebox is belting out Johnny Cash. Past the counter you can see into the kitchen where a chubby guy and a long haired girl switch places. The girl took her turn in scrambling eggs while the big guy flipped pancakes.

The floor tiles are black and white. In fact that seems to be the interior design… actually when you look at it – it looks just like one of those old 1950's diners.

Which would explain the pale pink skirt and white sweater I'm forced to wear.

I blink stupidly.

Oh.

"Come on!" Nina gestures for me to follow her behind the counter. I swallow and do so.

"Everybody meet Tenten, our new waitress!" Nina called, patting the long haired girl on the back and smiling at the chubby guy who smiled widely at me in return.

"Nice to meet you!" he said in a slightly gravelly voice. He seemed very pleasant. I think I just found a potential friend. "I'm Chouji, the master chef here."

The girl scoffed at that.

"Whaaat?" Chouji sounded offended "EVERYONE says my eggs benedict are the best!"

The girl scoffed again. Hmm… maybe we could be friends after all. Sakura, Ino, and Hinata are my only female friends in the world. I've always related to boys better. Maybe its time to change that.

Nina called me in the back before I could get to Operation: New Friends. She shows me the employee break room. "Okay time to show you the ropes." She gives me a wide smile which I am forced to reciprocate.

I hate unnecessary smiling. It gives me wrinkles. At least that's what I tell people.

She leads me back to the kitchen. I feel myself begin to perspire. "You've already met Chouji and Neji…you'll meet the others later I guess."

What kind of name is Neji for a girl? Ugh.

"Now here's the cash register. It's a little old fashioned but you'll learn to use it in no time at all. I assume you know how to make coffee?" I nodded "Good. Next on our tour is-"

By the time she was done I was serving coffee to bleary eyed customers. The jukebox continued to wail music that only my grandparents could recognize. I was instructed to smile and inquire on the well-being of customers, which as you know, does little for my well-being.

The grumpy girl behind me hadn't uttered a word and she is always looking at the grill so I can't tell what her face looks like, which pisses me off a little. I like knowing what people look like, is that a crime? One time I stalked a hooded man at the supermarket because I was just DYING to see his face. That's why I'm not Christine from The Phantom of the Opera, I would've ripped his mask off the first time I saw him.

I guess I'm just a nosy person. When you think about it, without curiosity there really isn't much to life. I live to satisfy my curiosity, which is why I put down the coffee and made a beeline straight for her.

I didn't have a game plan. I prefer moving before I think because by the time I think I scare myself out of doing it.

"Um Neji?" I said, sounding surprisingly sheepish.

Neji, the girl cursed with a horrible name, did not halt her mixing of the biscuit batter.

"Aaahh…" My voice trailed off as I stared at her long, silky brown hair with envy. If only my hair were so lovely and soft looking. "You have such great hair." I said lamely.

Neji still ignored me.

"Doe a deer a female deer…" I sang nervously. That's another one of my odd points. I sing when I'm nervous, yet I can't sing in front of people. The girls tell me I need to make singing a career but I'd rather die than exploit myself in front of thousands for a few cheap bucks.

I decided to be truthful "I came over here to talk to you because… YOU'RE HAIR IS ON FIRE!"

Neji jumped out of her skin and turned to me, her gray eyes wide "WHAT?"

"WHAT?" I yelled. Neji wasn't a girl she was a guy! A guy with big pale gray eyes (similar to Hinata's, I suppose), and really long pretty hair. "Oh my God! You're a dude?"

"Is my hair on fire or not?" the ex-female asked in an extremely calm voice for one who was supposedly aflame. Now that I got a good look at him… well…yowza. Ha-ha. No seriously, he's hot in a very 'i'm a bad boy pretty boy' way. He's not as rugged and tattooed as I like my men.

"No I lied." I said truthfully, still watching him with my eyes innocently wide "You forgive me?"

Neji gave me what I assume to be his fiercest glare.

I chuckled nervously and scratched the back of my head, mindful of sanitation rules and my tightly twisted hair. "I guess not." He turned sharply and returned to his work. I stuck my tongue out as him "Nice to meet you too…"

End Chapter

I like writing Tenten, I think she's most like me or I'm most like her. Sakura was difficult to write but I hope you liked this chapter and people will HOPEFULLY stop just READING my story and REVIEW AS WELL!

Ha-ha… er…