Hi readers! I'm glad I had no abuse from the last chapter!
Okay, so I had a lot of anonymous reviewers ask questions or ask if I could add bits in… so here are your answers… since ya know, you're anonymous… lol
Guenièvre: You wanted Sakura to kick Ino, Sasuke or Saki? Well, I already have a story plan of events which I am following, and I am pleased to tell you she fights two of the above mentioned. I will not tell you which two or how and when they fight, but rest easy knowing action does start happening and quite soon now the boring introductory chapters are past.
MissHappyPoo: New kid? LOL, he is new in a sense. As in, new to the story but he is a Naruto character still. He doesn't play a huge part, but he still has a little side informative story to him.
Manda: Very good point, things are seeming quite slow, but as I said above in Guenièvre's comment: action does start happening soon now that the boring introductory chapters are out of the way. You see, the chapters so far have led up to the events happening soon. They were necessary to build up to the real action and explain the whole story to you guys. Also, sorry again but it isn't just a Sakura x Gaara story and it has only been allowed to hint so far because the side stories needed explaining as well as their feelings. But don't worry. Like I said, more action soon… ^.^
Kiairi: Not really a question or anything, but thanks for the compliment and the review!
Anonymous =D: lol, your review made me laugh. I'm sorry I don't update very quickly, but my average is around once a week and for the amount I write in comparison to other authors who hardly write anything, I think I do pretty good, as well as balancing job and college and the work with each. Don't worry, holidays are soon meaning I may have more time to write more story ^.^
Recommended Song: Aly and Aj - Speak for myself
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, or any of its characters. Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.
-Where I Belong-
-12-
"Achoo!" The girl sneezed and frowned. She always wondered why people always complained about this sort of thing when it seemed like so much fun and held a promise immediately after you're finished. Then again, she had never had to do it before so she did start to see how it could lead you to becoming annoyed.
She sighed and dropped the heavily stacked boxes, which were made of anything from stern, thick oak to shiny engraved metal. They were some of her best boxes for her masterpieces and she treasured them as much as the item's they hold. Making her way over to the small window which overlooked the grounds, she let her feet hit the ground heavily to highlight their protests for being over used. She had been at it for 3 hours straight, often standing in the same position making her ankles and calf muscles ache with pain when she tried to move.
"Honestly… where are they?" She sighed leaning her body against the walls, which were a ruby red colour. Strangely shaped patterns ran across the walls but not from deliberate decoration; the lighter shaded square patches were once covered by idols and brand makes worthy enough to be upon her walls. "Achoo!" She sneezed again and felt her two buns, which had been done messily through rushing and excitement. She didn't have to worry about her image when she was packing her belongings away to move to a new home. What she did have to worry about, was cleaning. After all, 'she dirtied the room, she'll clean the room' the old man's voice rang through her head making her frown once more.
From around the fenced blockade of the orphanage, small figures emerged making her frown be replaced with a grin. Finally, they had come to help her. When she said lack of time, she had been partly lying. She had all the time in the world; or at least until three o' clock, to be ready to move into her new mother's home but she couldn't sleep and also had goodbyes to say. So she decided to get up early.
As the figures drew closer, her anxiety only grew with each passing second. Why were they taking so long? She carefully narrowed her chocolate eyes and could see the faint colour of pink shaking. Only her shakes were more controlled and didn't suggest she was frightened or cold. She was laughing. The pinkette was laughing, while she was up in her room slaving away getting attacked by- "Achoo!"…dust.
She turned around and decided to carry on packing so time would hurry and they too would hurry to her aid. 'Hinata and Sakura better hurry up!'
Maybe it was lack of sleep or uneasiness which caused her to miss that tiny little detail, but she was a student of Konoha academy. She should have worked something like this out the moment she had seen them! But then again, it didn't take a Konoha soon-to-be operative to figure out her mistake. Jeez, it didn't even take a math degree or even a lesson to realise such an obvious fact.
Who was the third person?
She straightened her back quickly and marched with a strange new power over to the window again. She rubbed her eyes, thinking the dust may have affected her vision and looked out to see…
Damn! They were inside already. She shrugged it off and made her second trip back over to her desk where her weapon's cases awaited. Maybe it was just Naruto. But a sinking, queasy feeling kept clenching at her stomach wall making her fear the worst. No, she wouldn't feel this way if it were Naruto. It was someone else.
She didn't know why it was getting her so worked up just because another person came to help, but part of her was worried as to this person's identity. Meaning she definitely knew them, and maybe feared or resented them. Who could it be?
Rock Lee… She shuddered imagining him trying to move her prised cases whilst walking on his hands and gripping them with his feet thanks to the power of his 'youthfulness'. She prayed and somehow knew it wasn't him.
Sasuke… Yeah right! No one she knew, and liked, would hang around with the chauvinistic prick. That obviously ruled him out, but it was hard trying to think of people she feared or resented.
Temari… Yeah, as much as she denies it, she is a little scared of the blonde still. She had seen her fan wielding abilities during weapon's expertise and knew she wasn't to be messed with. She wanted to talk and find out what Sakura knew that anybody else didn't, but she wasn't interesting enough for the Sabaku not to kill before she got a word out. Sakura just seemed to be either crazy, lucky or skilled.
Wait a minute… it is quite possible… but no! He wouldn't! He couldn't…. how would he have known? Sakura! Damn it! Wait! Cool down Tenten… you're getting worked up about it and jumping to the worst possible scenario when it probably isn't anyone to worry about. It's just moving nerves.
Tenten nodded and almost shrieked when the door suddenly slammed open without warning. She jumped back and raised an arm in shock only to scowl at the pinkette who was now laughing at her.
"Calm down Tenten! It's only us!" She giggled making her way into the room.
"H-Hi Tenten"
"Why didn't you knock?" She asked angrily clenching her fists at the pink bimbo.
"Aww! I wanted to make an entrance!" Sakura whined causing Tenten's suspicions to run high.
Why was Sakura acting like this? She was acting childish and playful, almost similar to the way she would flirt, only this was far from flirting, besides obvious reasons since Sakura is heterosexual. The brunette could sense her mocking I-know-something-you-don't know/ you're-gonna-be-surprised-by-something-you-don't-know tone. She had done something.
All her questions were answered when she looked back towards the doorway into the silver eyes of a Hyuga, only it wasn't Hinata.
"Hyuga?!" She almost screamed making his lips turn upwards slightly. Sakura was grinning like the cat from Alice in Wonderland by this point, exchanging looks from Tenten, Neji and Hinata.
"Tenten" She stated as if it were a greeting.
"What are you doing here?" She asked through her teeth with narrowed eyes.
"Oh come on… Is this how you treat your friends?" He mocked fighting against the grin that threatened to reveal any hidden traces of a heart within him.
"Friends-?!"
He cut her off before she could continue. "Better late than never…" He said successfully silencing the brunette who looked stunned.
A light bulb seemed to have lit in her memories and she recalled what had happened. Better late than never… meaning he wanted to be friends… a faint blush framed her cheek bones in an elegant manner making him close his eyes giving off a cocky impression. He did not want to be caught staring at her or being accused for having a 'thing' for her. But the small agitated clicking noise he was making with his teeth had to be stopped before they sensed his nervousness from seeing her blush. Neji Hyuga did not get nervous from a girl.
"Fine…" She said softly turning back to Sakura who had a little worry etched into her now doubting features. After sending her a reassuring smile, Sakura lit up once more and grabbed Hinata's hand, pulling her over to the wardrobe she had neglected to empty yet.
"We'll start with the clothes!" Sakura announced grabbing the handles of the wardrobe and flinging them open like she found treasure. Tenten sighed before looking back to Neji realising he was waiting for some sort of hint as to what he should do. Tenten grinned making him tense up and shoot a questioning look at her. After all, she had control over the Hyuga's actions throughout the move. Someone controlling Neji Hyuga… well that was an opportunity she didn't want to pass.
"Right… you can help with my cases…" She pointed towards the far wall which was stacked to the ceiling with different sized, coloured and textures boxes. She grinned at him next but was unsatisfied to see him shrug like he was bored and walk over to the boxes. She hoped to see some sign of discomfort or anger from him, but then again, this was the emotion-les Hyuga. He was almost as bad as Gaara.
She unconsciously looked over to Sakura at thinking of the red-head and grinned. She would have to get her back for this 'favour' and she had seen the signs between the infamous red-head and the cheery cherry blossom. They had been in the corridor, alone together when she pushed her…
Tenten gasped slightly. She didn't know how she had missed the most obvious thing when Sakura pushed her into the Hyuga. They set it up and Gaara, of all people, even helped her by transporting her with his sand. It was the only explanation. They also must have made sure Neji was coming her way when they pushed and also hoped this would happen. After all, Sakura had made it her mission to destroy the social groupings, but why use her against Neji?
Her mind wondered until she came to the conclusion that Sakura must have thought she liked Neji. It was obvious she found him attractive, after all you would have to be blind not to notice, but that didn't mean she liked him! Her gaze occasionally wondered over to him but it was nothing more than curiosity and appreciation for his looks. Sometimes, she would sigh when she looked at him but that was only because she realised that there was so much more he could be if he didn't get in with the wrong crowd. She realised his potential that was all.
But, if that was all, why did she suddenly snap out of her trance to realise she was staring at him, and had been for a long time; not only that, but he was looking right back, curious as to why she was looking intently. It took her a few more moments to feel the heat radiating off her face. She looked away quickly and found something she could do to pass time.
An hour later, Tenten stood up from packing another five boxes and sealing them with tape. She turned around to find out what Hinata and Sakura had been giggling about to find them holding different outfits against them and shaking their butt or twirling around. Hinata looked sweet doing so, but she didn't expect something so… girly, from Sakura.
They pulled out a red, Chinese-style dress which would lie mid-thigh and the giggling stopped. It was a low cut dress with a black dragon design around the left leg's area and black spaghetti straps. By the looks on their shocked faces, they weren't expecting that.
"Tenten-chan?" Shy Hinata spoke up when Sakura was lost for words. "W-Why don't you wear it?"
"B-Because!" 'Genius answer Tenten,' she mentally scolded herself.
"Then… why did you buy it?"
"I-… I didn't…" She sighed rubbing the bridge of her nose in irritation. "That nosy old man bought it for my birthday!" She snarled in mock hatred. They all knew, of course, that the orphanage's owner meant it as a nice gesture and she knew this.
"You should wear it!" Sakura finally added. She looked over to see a curious Hyuga had been listening in on their conversation and staring at the mini-dress. When Sakura raised an eyebrow in his direction, he shrugged her off and looked back to the last pile of stacked boxes.
"When would I wear something like that?" she practically snorted crossing her arms and pouting.
"…"
"…"
"Well…" Hinata said finally lowering the hand which had been brought to her lower lip in concentration. "It is Naruto-kun's birthday next week… we were all going to go out…"
"Huh… where?" Tenten asked now interested in their words.
"He said it was his last birthday before it was legal for him to drink at a club, so he wanted to be daring and break a few rules by going out early…" The heiress said pushing her fingers together unsurely.
Sakura also hadn't heard this news meaning that the day at the table when the unfortunate girl was grabbed by Naruto was the day he had decided. Tenten had also been missing whilst he was explaining things, so it made sense.
"What a Naru-tard! Like we would get served!"
"Wearing that, Tenten? I think you could…" Sakura said with a grin. She had never been out clubbing before and had barely been out at all in the past, until she came here. She found a new kind of excitement building up within her. "It sounds fun!"
"Y-Yeah…" Hinata added with her own soft smile.
"Who else is invited?" Tenten asked sceptically, as if they were out to get her.
"Um, We are… and Kiba-kun… and Lee-kun… and Choji-kun… and Shikamaru-san…"
"Basically the gang…" Tenten said dismissively; not that she didn't like the gang, but the same things would happen while they were away. She wanted more people to talk to, but since the start of the academy; the groups had been decided, and their was no way people would attempt to mingle.
She looked over at Sakura and smiled while the girl was asking Hinata for approval over something she couldn't hear. Sakura managed to befriend other people from other groups. She didn't know if her friend knew or not, but what she was doing was gradually changing the whole school.
It started with Temari and then Kankuro from her introductions, meaning she was already accepted by their group, but not just because of the two Sabaku's, but mainly, because of the third; Gaara. Then from Gaara, his Fan-girls began to bring a new feel to the word loathe, which meant that the girls who hated these snobby, egotistical girls would congratulate her on pissing them off.
It moved on from the dangerous, sand siblings to their cousin, Sasori, and his girlfriend Deidara. After sitting with them during an after school art lesson, she came to know and respect them as much as they did her. This meant that unsure conflicts began between Sasuke and his brother, Itachi. Of course, Itachi and his brother aren't on good terms with each other, so that sided the elder Uchiha with two of his best friends, making more turmoil stir within their little gang.
There was also the shy Nina, whom Sakura was warming up to. The girl barely spoke more than the needed amount of words and was always concerned or worried for something, and afraid to say what she felt. But from Sakura's replays of their conversations, Nina seemed to be opening up more and more each day.
Now, the attention was focused on the cold-hearted Hyuga. It didn't seem like this at first, but Tenten knew that Sakura's wisdom must have done something to Neji to make him like this. She had always observed him from afar and knew how he behaved to anyone unfamiliar. Even to the people he was familiar with, he was still sometimes a cold bastard. But now, he seemed different… changed, but not completely.
Not only had the people in direct contact with Sakura been changed, but the rest of the students were following her fine example and befriending outcasts, or the more lonely pupils who were often left out. They had also been joining forces with other groups and realising what they had in common. To put it bluntly; they were growing up. She wished she could have more courage and wisdom to do the same, but she was an observer. She notice the changes happening, and stayed by the side lines, unsure of how to do so herself.
Maybe, just maybe she could be of some use too. She no longer wished to spectate these events, but take part in them. It seemed that in the corner, sorting out her weapon's boxes, the opportunity was given to her thanks to Sakura who practically delivered him to her.
"Hey Tenten…" Sakura whispered snapping the brunette out of her daze. "… Naruto told Hinata that we can invite other people… but only people we think worthy…" She grinned not needing any other words to get the point across to the other girl. "Choose wisely!" She said sweetly, moving over to the last of the clothes to pack them in the suitcase.
Tenten gulped and looked over to Neji who was sealing her box off with tape. He grabbed a marker pen and scribbled the contents of the box on a side before standing up and looking over to watch her approach.
"Hey…" She said almost shyly, but realised she had power over him.
"Hn"
"Ya know… since you're here helping us, it is only fair to receive orders from me…"
He raised an eyebrow as response making her agitated.
"I order you to answer properly!" She said through gritted teeth. He simply smirked at her.
"Yes ma'am"
She smirked in return raising a finger, "Also, you have to come to a party next week… its Naruto's birthday…"
"I'm only under your control today…" He said refusing to drop the smirk.
"Yes, but since the order was given today… you have to follow it through…" She grinned at him this time making his smirk drop a bit.
He was still unsure of what he was doing. Abandoning the other group would be the consequences of his actions, but then again, there wasn't much to drop except Shino and the older guys he got along with. Nothing much happened in the other group anyway in comparison to theirs. He would often look over to snatch a view at the brunette in front of him and watched their activities with curious eyes. There was always entertainment and jokes being spread through their conversation making them all smile and laugh with glee; whereas their group looked so uninteresting. So, when he was given this chance, what else could he do but agree? He was sure that Shino would be accepted into their group should he want to follow, which he most likely would, and the older guys were already well known to Haruno.
"Yes ma'am" He repeated making her grin turn softer and happier. He was sure she had just wanted to torment him whilst there or embarrass him, but now… she seemed glad he was going to join in.
"Great… because I was told only to invite people who were worthy…" She smiled at him again making a faint blush appear on his cheeks. His head annoyingly turned to face the window as her smile turned into a giggle. He loved her giggle… wait! No he didn't, yeah… oh no…
Tenten's nose scrunched up and another little sneeze escaped, making her loose, messy buns fall from her head and cascade down her back and front. Neji's eyes widened slightly from the sight, since neither he nor anyone had ever seen her hair down from its usual style. When she looked back up her eyebrows furrowed in confusion from his startled face then she realised what had happened.
"Don't look!" She squealed, her hands reaching out for his eyes in defence. He caught her hands in defence just as they were near his face, so she closed her eyes tightly and looked down, hair falling over her face. The old child-like theory of 'if-you-can't-see-them-they-can't-see-you' seemed to be effective in Tenten's eyes, as she couldn't see the intruding stare he as giving her from such a close distance. Close. Distance. Heat rushed to her cheeks staining them a tone of red. She could feel his breath upon her face and it was only further confusing her.
From the side of the room, Sakura and Hinata had been watching with a shocked expression. Not only from the fact they too hadn't seen her hair down, but from the fact that the moment occurring in front of them was not to be wasted and they hadn't seen the elder Hyuga so interested before. They sneakily rose and walked out the door and then down the corridor giggling.
Tenten found the silence awkward so she opened her eyes slowly, peering from the small gap of vision she had created. She noticed he was still watching her curiously so she opened her eyes further to see him smirk at her. Anger began to replace her shyness.
"What's so funny?!" She snarled at him with furrowed brows as her eyes looked away yet her head remained in place.
"You" He said huskily, making her stomach turn and flip. She ignored this and settled for violence and anger as the solution out of this little incident.
"Yeah?! Well I don't-!"
Warm lips cut her off making her anger leave her and her eyes to widen. He dropped one of her wrists so he could pull her closer by pushing her lower back to him and so she could stop him if she thought he went too far. He hoped that wouldn't happen so his other hand began to loosen his grip on her other wrist and trail down her arm to reach her cheek where he brushed the hair away and back over her ear with his fingers.
Her mind started to fog the longer his kiss stayed in place and she found her eyes hooding and her sense gladly giving in to him. She eventually closed her eyes and rested her hands on his chest to gain balance from her raised tip toes. He ran his tongue over her lip causing an involuntarily shiver to course through her veins as she opened her mouth in reply. As he deepened the kiss, his hand ran through her long chocolate hair as the other created small, relaxing circles on her back.
Suddenly, the door burst open making the two pull apart and look over towards the intruder. There stood a tall woman with jeans and a purple wife beater with sandals to match. She grinned at the two as one hand kept the door open and the other rested on her hip. Her dark purple/ black hair was pulled back into an elastic band.
"Heh? Is this your boyfriend Ten-chan? Don't keep me in the dark now! I'm your new mother after all!" She announced proudly as she caught them. "Name's Anko kid… and yours?"
"Neji Hyuga" He answer normally with the blush disappearing from his face. Tenten wasn't as successful since her red cheeks wouldn't stop burning. Not only had she been caught, but Neji was accused as being her boyfriend. Actually, he had just kissed her… and she kissed back… her heart started to race and her hand found its self feeling for the erratic beat around her chest. Neji didn't seem bothered at all compared to her, in fact, he may even seem annoyed for being interrupted.
"Well Hyuga, if you're the one she chose we should get to know each other better huh?"
He smirked in reply while she looked shyly at Anko. She didn't want to mess up her adoption so she kept quiet, until Neji started being walked away by Anko who was quizzing him about his life. She chased them out the door and shouted down the corridor at them.
"You don't even know me yet!" She yelled making Anko laugh and grin at her while Neji watched her closely with softer eyes. They continued to walk leaving Tenten to sigh and walk back in the room.
"Tell me bucko…" 'Bucko?' Neji thought in amusement. "…what are you to her?"
"Friend"
"Yeah right! I'm onto you kid…"
"Why would I lie?"
"I just found you two making out! Of course you're going to lie!"
"We are friends" he countered crossing his arms.
"Hah! A likely story!"
"Hn"
"Hn? Oh, I see… the anti-social, bad boy act huh?" 'Act?'
He sighed in response making her eyebrow twitch.
"I'm fine with it, you and Ten-chan I mean… I've only just become her mother but I am still her mother either way… I need to know these things…"
"Fine"
"So are you?" She leaned in raising an eyebrow.
"Am I what?"
"HER BOYFRIEND?!"
"Hn"
"I take that as a yes…" She sighed. He smirked at her questions and mentally deemed the woman trustworthy enough to look after Tenten. He was also quite fond of her view on his and Tenten's relationship. It sounded right, and it wasn't as if he lied… he just didn't tell the truth.
oOo
"Hey we need to talk to you!" A high pitched, feminine voice called out in anger as her heels stomped against the path that led to the picnic benches at which their target sat.
The students were as loud as ever, this Monday morning, and each sitting at their respectful table studying, talking, laughing and fooling around as they would. He was early sat at the table but didn't sit alone as he would have expected. Beside him sat Shino, who had decided to keep his friend company. He never spoke much and originally, it was Neji's idea to sit with the more popular crowd, knowing it would be an easier way of life. Shino followed him wordlessly and also gained a seat at the table.
"Why is it we heard you helped the bun-freak on Saturday?!" Saki snarled while Ino stood next to the irritating girl. Honestly? Ino wanted to know the truth since it seemed unlikely… Saki wanted to unleash her anger not only from hearing the news but from not receiving a tuna salad from the canteen because they were sold out.
"Because I did… it has nothing to do with you" He answered simply earning a raised eyebrow from Shino, who was first to hear the gossip. Steam started to rise from Saki's ears while Ino stood with a little smile on her face; some gossip which was actually true and what they didn't spread? That stuff was hard to come by.
"It has everything to do with us! Don't think you can sit with us and talk to… to…" She pointed her finger over accusingly at the table where Naruto, Shikamaru, Kiba, Rock Lee and Hinata sat. It seemed Sakura and Tenten were missing which only made Saki's foul temper worsen. "To them!"
"I feel I must correct you" He stated smugly, enjoying every moment of their argument, "I did not talk to them… only Tenten, Sakura and of course my cousin…"
"Sakura?" Saki spat angrily. Ever since the pinkette didn't heed her warning and stay away from Gaara, her dislike in the newbie only grew stronger. Not only that, but she managed to get past a part of Gaara's unbreakable wall, which Saki wanted to accomplish. "Oh I see… this is all that bitch's fault… isn't it?!"
Neji did not like where this as going. Sakura managed to break him from his pathetic ideas and thoughts, as well as introducing him to Tenten in an… unexpected way. He should have known better to get her even worse and possibly take it out on Sakura, whom she had a never ending hatred for. But it was true, it was all Sakura's fault either way; but it didn't mean he wanted to drag her into this mess. He owed her one after all…
"The fault is mine alone, so don't be a coward looking to take your anger out on others… when the real 'criminal' is right in front of you…" He said with narrowed eyes which made the brunette's skin crawl, but she didn't back down.
"Well Hyuga…" She said with a smug expression as she straightened up and put her hands on her hips. Shino raised an eyebrow, apparently unimpressed but interested in what she was about to say. Of course, he stayed quite though. "… the rules can't be changed, as you should know! Now choose; us…" She thumbed in the direction of the other table after raising it to her own chest. "…or them"
Hyuga's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise, but then his expression turned into a smirk. Of course she looked so proud and accomplished; since she thought he would immediately choose their own crowd. But she was mistaken; he was sick of their own group. It was full of fakes, cowards and egotists who believed themselves above everyone else. The other fun packed, hard working table looked so much more inviting.
"Why the expression?" He decided to toy with her before completely stomping over her.
Her smile grew wider. "Oh, I think you know… you're nothing without us…"
"You, nor anyone in the group and in particular the Uchiha…" Ino's attention was suddenly gained with the narrowing of her eyes. "…can control my destiny… I choose my own path… and my path you ask? Is not with you…"
Shino's head turned slightly towards his cold friend. He had waited so long to hear Neji say those words and give up on the group. The moment he had sent he group, he had disliked everything about them. It angered him to sit so close to these fake assholes but his friend needed him there and he would stay with him.
He rose from the table and smirked at the two girls before walking after his friend and patting his back. "About time…" He said keeping up with the Hyuga's strides.
"Hn"
They continued to walk until they seen two familiar faces looking bewildered and shocked. The looked up at him allowing silence to flood between them, before Neji smirked and the brunette smiled in return.
"You have to meet some people…" Tenten said grabbing his hand and leading him over to the group who had been sitting at the picnic bench. They were currently inside one of the corridors fooling around and yelling at each other, while other student's who passed would look down and avoid being ragged into their fooling around.
Sakura followed behind with the quiet Shino, who decided to speak up. "Shino"
"Sakura"
"Hn"
"This is great you know"
"Hn, it was you wasn't it?" His head inclined to her direction to show he was interested in her answer.
"I don't know what you're talking about" She grinned playfully and looked back towards the group.
"Hyuga?!"
"N-Neji-nii-san?!"
"Huh… I'm confused…" A bark followed.
"Troublesome…"
"The power of youth drew you to us Neji-san!"
"You guys are so… irritating!" Tenten whined beside the awestruck Hyuga.
Sakura grinned finally making it over to the group with…
"Shino too?!"
"Yep… definitely confused…"
"…"
"H-Hello Shino-san"
"Hn"
"This is soooo awesome! Sasuke is gonna be pissed! HAHA!"
"Na-ru-to…!"
Te began to walk down the corridor quizzing Shino, since he doesn't speak much and they don't hear much about him, while Neji and Tenten were left to follow behind.
"Are you ready for this?" Tenten giggled letting her hand drop to the side, palm faced upwards.
"Hn… this is where I belong" He said taking the hint and slipping his hand in hers to follow their friends.
oOo
Break came around quickly, and Sakura found herself talking with the kind old man who was the janitor. He had been in a spot of bother again, being unable to reach the top of the notice board to take down any unwanted and old notices, since he was a short man.
"Ah, Thank you again…" He grinned his toothy grin while crumpling the paper up to throw in his little bin on the trolley.
"No problem… how is your knee?"
"Much better! I feel like I can do a marathon…" Sakura giggled in response making the old man sigh.
"What's wrong?"
"I had a daughter once…" He said walking around the other end of the trolley. At seeing Sakura follow curiously, he continued. "She would have been around your age… beautiful girl, much like yourself…" Sakura blushed at receiving a compliment. She still wasn't used to them. "She had beautiful white hair and was quite a caring girl…" He sighed once more. "I don't know what ever happened to her…"
"What? Why not?"
"We were travellers… never stayed in one country too long, preferring the open road's company… we were attacked by a very dangerous man, who struck me down. I thought I was a goner and in a sense… I am still…"
"What do you mean?"
"He either killed her or took her. Where? I don't know… but my life seems empty and wasted… I have been searching for her ever since… that's why I am here. Tsunade's plan for the school could be my only hope for finding her."
"Plans… for the school?"
"Why else do you think she is training you in different fighting and combating arts? Her plans will surely help people just like me… and get rid of people… just like that attacker…"
Sakura felt her heart sink at his story and looked down at her feet. She had no right to cry for him, when he needed the comforting. She did the only thing she could think of. "I hope… I am part of her plan's to find your daughter!" She said firmly making the old man's eyes widen.
"Stupid old man…" A smirk, evil voice interrupted. "After two years? She is already gone…" Sakura, surprised at the sudden interruption, quickly looked around the corridor, looking for the source of the voice.
"How do you-?" the janitor replied, eyes wide in surprise.
"Shut up… I heard you telling Tsunade… whining like a little girl…" Sakura glared towards the direction the voice came from, only to meet with the eyes of the Uchiha as he stepped away from the shadows.
"What do you want?" She said angrily.
"Nothing much… I just came to… question you…" He said moving in on the girl who was steadily backing away into the wall.
"W-What?"
"I've been told you had some part in taking Hyuga away… I don't like my friends to be meddled with…" He was almost on top of her now as she weakly looked up at him like the feeble girl she felt she was.
"Friends? I'm surprised they let you call them that… who would want to be your friend? He made his own choice…"
He laughed darkly in her ear letting his warm breath heat her face making her blush at just how close he was. "Sharp tongue you have there… I'd love to taste it…"
Sakura's eyes widened at him leaning in so she did the only thing she could to stop him. He hand connected with his cheek, turning his head to the side where the red mark started to develop. He slowly returned to look her in the eye, full of annoyance.
"Unfriendly aren't you? You will have me begging to date you…" He said clenching his teeth.
"I would rather not Sasuke" His eyes widened slightly at her bravery to call him with no respect.
"Oh I see…" His emotions started to move on from anger to amusement. "You would rather date… someone else hm?" A smirk appeared on his lips making Sakura shiver. "I wonder who it could be…" He chuckled.
"Shut up!" She knew where this was going. She didn't like him. Of course not… she wasn't allowed to like anyone… he would be put in danger… she didn't want to hurt him. She cared about him. She… cared? So… she did like him...
"Oh? It seems I have struck a nerve… and I haven't even said his name yet…"
"You're wrong!"
"Then you won't care if I find Sabaku and tell him…"
"Stop it!" She said angrily through her teeth, daring to threat the Uchiha.
"I'll warn you… you are complete opposites… you are way too innocent for such a darkened monster like him… you're like two sides of a coin…" He chuckled at seeing her look sadly away.
"But…" His laughter stopped and evolved into curiosity. "…the sides of a coin can't exist without one another… otherwise, they don't make a full coin…" She looked up to see anger in his eyes. He pushed away from the wall in anger and stormed down the corridor making the group of people, who were walking closely, jump out the way nervously.
'What… what have I just done?'
To Be Continued…
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Next Chapter: Next time… it's Sakura's time to do the confronting… but what is she confronting Sasuke about? Also, what is up with Ino and Kiba's past?