Thanks guys for your patience and whatnot - the school year is finally OVER! Meaning I get to drive around all summer (or so I hope,) and chill out before Senior year hits. Wow did Junior year fly by.

I promise, flashback ends in the chapter…but this chapter starts out on the flashback still. I'm making this one extra long, since I haven't written in a very long time, and I own you wonderful people. 3 You know what that means~


The night before would have been much, much worse, and restless, if not for the random text she received. Sakura had dried her tears when receiving that message, a small smile of hope replacing it. The text came from none other than Sasuke, at about ten at night. It was a long text, yes, but still made her feel better.

Jade eyes scanned the message left on her phone from last night, just stepping inside the school. Good night Sakura. I really am truly about this whole Gaara mess. One day he will see what he was missing out on and wish 'damn, I should have dated her!' Hell, you could kidnap him if you wanted to - that might be a little too far though, lol. Just be careful, and know its his loss.

She had actually texted him back, and it led to the Uchiha asking if she liked Coke - it was one thing he could offer her for the time being. Of course she said yes - Sasuke said he would find her in the morning and talk to her.

Now at her locker upstairs, a mixture of gloom and hope stuck in her heart, she grabbed what she needed from her locker before shutting it again. Her and Sasuke had been talking for a while - she never did think he had such a caring side to him, but apparently, it was there for certain people.

Just the thought of him and how much he was really trying to help…it brought a small smirk to her lips. I think…I'm really starting to like him.

Sakura's descending of the two staircases followed, reaching the base in about thirty seconds. Her green eyes searched about for a moment - it didn't take long to find him.

Right against the lockers, standing there coolly, was the Uchiha and a friend of his. At the end of this small staircase was a sort of cape area - her and her friends usually hung out and talked here. She did note while coming down that a few were already here.

Upon seeing the raven haired male though…she couldn't help but smile through the pain. She set her things down against the wall as he approached, saying hi to the familiar faces in a light tone.

And upon turning back to the Uchiha's direction…she found herself literally in his arms. "Hey…" His grip around her back remained soft, but firm. Heat radiated from his warmer form to her cooler one, nearly taking her breath away. It was more than just one of those nice friendly hugs - more along the lines of a sudden embrace that seemed to say, 'I'm so sorry.'

She hugged him back, and they stood there for a moment, like that. Sakura was sad still, yes, but just begin able to see this amazing guy just felt like a ray of sunshine. The hold ended after a long passing moment, but…he didn't really fully let go. Instead, his dark eyes looked right into hers, both close.

"Your eyes are really red, Sakura."

The jade eyed female sighed as his hands fell away from her waste - the distance between never really changed. "Yeah, I wonder why." It came off sarcastically, along with the gloomy undertone. Her eyes had dropped after saying that; Gaara - this is what she had gone through last night, because she was so infatuated with him.

And just as she was about to drift off into a long thought dealing with the red head, a red and white can caught her eyes. "Here. Like I promised." A coke - holy shit, he actually brought it. Almost as soon as it had faded, a grin formed back, her automatic reaction being to hug him again.

"…Thanks."

"Not a problem." Sakura cracked open the can, taking a long, satisfying sip. Sasuke's friend still remained behind him, and another friend or two of Sakura's had shown up in the cape area next to the stairs, where they all stood about.

"You doing a bit better after last night?" At this point, the rosette would be with him the rest of the morning before the first bell.

She nodded, sipping on the beverage a bit more. "I think…it's cause you texted me and helped lighten it, you know?"

A sweet grin spread across his lips at those words. "That's cute."

Cute…

Sakura repeated in her head - she could feel her cheeks warm slightly at what he said. Another sip later, her lips parted once again, "Last night was just so terrible…I think all I really did was sulk, eat some comfort food, then lock myself away in my room again." As odd as it may seemed, seeing Sasuke and being able to tell him what really went on last night actually…helped. Opening up to him just seemed so easy now, since he was actually involved with this now. Not only was he comporting her, but helping as well.

He went to speak, but silence fell between the two of them.

Out of nowhere, the red haired male descended the stairs, and came up right next to Sakura - right between the two of them. Her green eyes locked with the onyx ones. Things just got very, very awkward. Pain fluttered violently in her chest - the raven must have been able to see it through her eyes. He turned towards the friend of his who had caused her so much pain last night. "Hey, Gaara."

Just a simple head nod was received. Sakura almost couldn't believe this - she was pouring her soul out crying last night, and he just waltzes right up between her and Sasuke? On top of that…he just did something way uncalled for.

Before the rosette could even register what just happened, she watched a very pale hand place the can of soda back where it was. Did he just…take a sip of my drink?! As simple as that, without a word, the red head walked away.

Sakura was baffled - what the FUCK?! Of ALL mornings for him to pick to step in a conversation and steal a sip off her drink, WHY this one?! Green eyes fluttered a few times before she was able to register what just happened. "…Sasuke?"

"Yeah?"

She paused for just a moment, eyes staring off at some place next to the grey tee shirt he wore. "Not only was that awkward, but…he didn't even…notice me…" Words died off, and the depression started to leak back in. Just Gaara's presence was way too overwhelming. She wanted to go crawl back into her bed and weep some more. That was bad.

"It was kind of rude to do. If that guy only knew what he caused you last night…"

"He can't know." As she spoke, her eyes remained on the pop can, where those soft lips were just a minute ago. It just…hurt.

"I never intended to tell him." Sasuke must have caught on quickly to the distraction, for the red can suddenly disappeared from her weak grip. It did, however, make her Jade eyes follow the can, and watch the Uchiha take a sip off of it. And after, he smiled that crooked smile, handing it back. "Hell, it is coke though." Though with broken eyes, she sipped on it too - hoping to swallow the lump in her throat.

The words wouldn't quite come out. Sakura just wanted to be quiet for a moment, and just let her friends around talk some with each other. To let Sasuke and whatever friend it was with him talk a bit. It didn't appear Sasuke was done with her though. "Hey, look at me. Screw the pop can." Slowly, green eyes met his. "You're going to be okay. I know what its like - I'm still in one piece. Sakura, you are a strong and tough girl. Don't let him get to you like this."

Now that she thought about it…it made sense. Just a faint grin came to her lips, the can following. The Haruno chugged the rest of it, then tossed the cola can into a trash can. "Still doesn't mean I can't be upset for the time being. Really upset." And it suddenly became evident to her that the friend of Sasuke's said something to him, pointing off to the right. His dark eyes shifted in the same direction - they popped just ever so slightly. It made her curious, so, she looked over too.

And then she wished she didn't.

Just as her jade eyes settled onto Gaara's form…it also took in the girl next to him. Bright, sparkling blue eyes, and long black hair, flowing over her delicate curves. Not only that…but his arm was around her waist. Her lower waist. He was gone for all of two minutes, and comes back with a girl around his arm. The rosette knew all too well who this was - Aoi.

If those flutters of her heart hurt before…they were tickling compared to what they were doing now. It felt like tearing of the pericardium, with deep bleeding that was being attempted to fix itself. Both of them were smiling, and happy, coming up next to Sasuke and Sakura. Never had she seen Gaara grin like that before. This girl…he really wanted to be with her, and they both seemed more than thrilled about it. She was where Sakura had been trying to get for many years now, and, it was smacking her in the face.

Sakura could feel the tears coming, just standing there, looking at the red head and his…girlfriend.

Suddenly, they look one another in the eyes - faces started moving close. O-oh god…oh god…no… There was no way to stop this, was there? Her clouding eyes ripped away before she saw anything happen, and happened to look right into Sasuke's. Immediately, just seeing how the rosette looked…he kicked into hyper drive. He could see her pure sorrow and the forming tears - it actually…no, he just couldn't handle seeing her cry.

Quickly, his hands came to her shoulders, and he turned her around to not look at them. Nothing was said between the now dead-inside Haruno, and Sasuke, doing what he could to try and keep her from breaking down on spot. No words could verbalize the shredding of her already ripped heart. The rosette remained mute, fighting the tears…just asking herself the same thing, over and over. Why? Why here, why now? Why not her?

His hands rubbed at her shoulders, trying best to soothe her. "It's okay, I'm here. I'm right here." She wanted the pain to just go away and leave. Everyone around - her friends - were so busy buzzing around, they didn't seem to notice only Sakura there. Only Sasuke noticed her now, and only he cared about what the fuck was going on. He was keeping her from a complete and utter breakdown.

A greater pressure was felt on her shoulders - Sakura was pulled back, and the side of her head thudded into his warm chest. The Uchiha's arms wrapped around her form, holding her close. It took her a moment to register that he was holding her before her hands placed themselves tightly around his back. Sakura had always wanted Gaara to sweep her into his arms like that when she was having a bad day. Never did he do that. Not in the many years they have known one another. And in just this short amount of time with Sasuke…the Haruno had accomplished so much more.

Fighting back the tears, eyes closed, her wet lips parted. "I'm so glad I have you." the balls of his fingers dug in ever so slightly more to her lower back, pressing her more into his chest.

It was now, Sakura realized three things. One, that Gaara had officially broken her heart. Two: Sasuke, was indeed, the Gaara she had always sought after. And three - she was falling, fast and hard, for the Uchiha.

End Flashback

Butterflies lashed violently in her stomach as she stood at Ino's locker - the school day was coming to an end. Both the girls were about to head over to math, since lunch just ended. After math she had study hall. Just two more classes…and school would be out. Then she would have to face answering the Uchiha. He actually had texted her once or twice through the day asking if she knew yet. Must have been eager for that answer - and the more he asked, the more she wanted to hesitate.

It was a huge decision to make - her first time doing anything like this. It needed to be the right person. Sakura had her own romantic version on this sort of thing. That her and a guy would date for a while…and, that one special day, the sparks would fly, and it'd go all the way. But, a hook up? No dating? That was the only thing stopping her.

"Is this about the Sasuke thing?" Jade eyes shifted up quickly from wherever she was staring off, locking with the light blue pair. Ino was her best, closest, and most trusted friend after all. She was the only person she had told so far. Her heart had nearly ripped from her chest in the next passing moment though.

Just as she went to answer back, two soft, warm hands slid around her stomach, and pulled her back. "Hey there." Her back was against his chest for a moment - the sweet, serenading deep voice melting her heart.

The blonde rolled her eyes, going back to getting things from her locker for the next two classes. "You're really bad at flirting." The thing with Ino - she had no interest, whatsoever, in the Uchiha. She actually had someone right now out of high school.

"So?"

The breath was right at Sakura's ear - his nose grazed her pale, hot neck, speaking into it. A numb shock ran up and down her spine at that action. Oh my fuck…is this…really happening? Though she had some books in her grip, the Haruno did best to hug him back. Hell, she couldn't just stand there speechless. Though, he probably knew perfectly well what he was doing to her.

"Hey to you too." After speaking, the raven let her go, and opened his locker. Sakura remained standing by her friend, doing best to remember how to breathe. She had to say or do something to calm herself down. Why not a funny comment then? "Hey, Ino, are we about to hang out tonight and have some babies together?" Because they were such good friends, saying that sort of thing was okay to do.

The blonde stood, and smiled, "Oh yeah, cause I'm gonna be the one taking your virginity away!" Both girls smiled as the locker was shut.

Apparently though…mentioning that the given moment wasn't the right thing to do. Not with the Uchiha there.

Dark eyes locked with green ones. She nearly gasped at what she could see in them - a glint; those bedroom eyes. The thought was barely able to reach her brain, for in the next passing second, his had came up to her waist. A sudden pressure was applied, and she was pushed into his locker.

"…That's my job."

He was getting quite close, eyes right with hers, the bedroom glint remaining. Was something supposed to happen at this point? Was she supposed to give him a sexy smirk and play along? Kiss him right there?

She didn't know - the action was so abrupt, she couldn't think straight. "Save it for later you two - we gotta get to class." Ino began to walk away, just like that - Sasuke recomposed himself and let her go to catch up. Her head was dizzy, sight messed up. That little heart of hers was about to burst open.

"Uhm, Ino…"

She threw a glance Sakura's way, smiling. "You two really would be something. Hard one for me to trust, but hey."

"Yeah…" She knew that fact well enough. But for the time being, her mind would continue rushing as it was - along with needing to reply to the text he just sent her, seeing her phone vibrated. He was probably asking if she was okay after he did that. Or, asking about sex for the third time. At this point though, if he kept doing that…there was no way she would decline.

Sakura and Ino both got to math just in time, taking there seats. And, it now gave the Haruno a few minutes to reply. Phone slid from her pocket, glancing at the phone when she flipped it open. No doubt, it was Sasuke. Well now I know what kind of thing gets you going. It's gonna be so much more crazier if you say yes…

It just automatically happened - she started thinking about the sex. Both of them would be sitting on the couch…and he would start touching her. Working her up. It would drive her insane, but she'd love it. Then, with a burning desire and confidence, she would get up, and sit in his lap. Maybe that sort of thing would turn Sasuke on?

Sakura could feel her hormones from down below reacting to the stimulating thoughts. And, the Haruno would press her lips into his, straddling him on the couch, while his hands freely moved around…

"Alright class, get the homework out from last night!" Her eyes met her teacher, Asuma's, for just a moment. No doubt he saw the phone…but because she was doing so well in the class, he didn't care. Just those thoughts though…

Her fingers pressed a few buttons, and then the send button. Her mind had just been made up for her. I hope…that I know what I'm doing. Her heart was fluttering madly - did she really just say that to Sasuke? Did she really start playing along with this? Well…if she was going to carry through with this, and he could get her horny…why not do the same back? Sakura smiled, though nervous, glancing at the text she had sent.

Hope you won't mind me getting on top of that.

The screen lit up with a text back from the same male. Are you serious? You want to do this? All it took at this point was texting back a simple yes, followed with a 'I'll talk to you later about it. Text me tonight.' For a moment, still smiling the way she was, Sakura slipped her phone away as Asuma checked in her homework. "Remember Sakura, don't make it too obvious."

They looked at another for a moment - he winked, and she smiled. "Sorry, I know." He continued down the isle - her phone vibrated. And, more carefully, she pulled it out and opened it.

Damn…now you're really making me impatient. Didn't think you had a wild side - that's…sexy. The Haruno didn't reply to that - just smiling, and feeling that hotness run through her, now anticipating what he did. She had a feeling too, that they would be talking a lot about that sort of thing tonight. Quite frankly, she couldn't wait.

Are things between them getting hot or WHAT?

Perhaps now the flashback being put in so soon makes sense - it's what brought them together. Got it? Damn well better…haha.