Okay, so I had one review expressing interest in the Neji x Sakura fic I will be writing, so check out the ending notes for the summary. Review and tell me what you think.

Recommended Song: Sum 41 – We're all to blame

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, or any of its characters. Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

-Naruto's 17th-

-15-

'Okay… think Sakura… this is Gaara you're up against… and it seems we have a crowd… great…' The nervous pinkette thought clenching her fists and spreading her legs shoulder width apart, ready for an attack. 'Tsunade-Shishou already taught me how to use my strength in jumping, which means I know how to flips, rotate and use the air to my advantage. That should be handy when dodging him… Maybe I should pump some strength into my arms when I block… it won't hurt then and I could gain the upper hand…'

"Ready? Fight!" Naruto shouted enthusiastically from the side lines. A pair of thick, red eyes now focused on the fighting pair with envy. Why should she go up against the monster and not him?

Sakura jumped from her spot and ran towards the smirking red head, fist at the ready. She had been fighting Lee all day and was used to his speed, even if he had toned it down drastically. She cleared her mind of any impending thoughts which invaded her mind, most of which consisted of the sweaty male in front of her. Gaara effortlessly caught her fist and spun her around in an arm lock, pressing his chest against her back to whisper in her ear.

"Nice try" His hot breath tingled her ear causing an involuntary shiver to run across her body. This of course was noticed by Gaara and only provoked him to mess around with her further. What other chances did he have to do this?

She shifted her weight onto her left leg and swung the right up straight so her foot connected with his cheek. Stunned, he scuttled back from the impact and turned his head to face her once more, his smirk becoming more predatory. She could get lost in those intense jade eyes, but her pride kept her in the game.

At the moment of impact the crowds watching, including the students who didn't care to watch the battle, gasped and focused entirely on their fight. No one… and I mean no one had landed a blow to Gaara except Naruto, and the Uchiha… who did suffer a bad defeat afterwards.

She ran towards him once more and began to throw her fists out rhythmically, to which he dodged without any contact needed. Becoming frustrated, she threw out her leg to connect with his side, but he caught the offending limb and pulled her closer keeping a tight grip on her thigh, making her blush. He didn't seem to notice, or care, that there were three teachers watching them closely.

He let a smug grin take hold of his face as he grasped her opposite arm and tugged it behind her back, leaving her balanced on one leg, with a helpless arm hanging loosely. She growled in anger which only seemed to deepen his amusement as he turned her around, and switched her leg to the other side of his body like a dance of sorts. He pushed her forwards making her stumble but turn gracefully once she gained control once more.

She turned around and sent him a firm stare which showed she wasn't impressed with his tactics. She had momentarily blanked at feeling her thigh being cradled into his hip in a provocative position. The moment her arm was placed over her head in an arm lock, her back arched forward to lessen the pain and collide with a firm abdomen and partially his chest. To say she was embarrassed was an under statement.

From the sidelines, Naruto was raising a suggestive eyebrow at the pair, amused with Gaara's sly, yet obvious defensive moves. He was impressed that the usually stoic Sabaku was openly showing his attraction to the female to those who knew him best; being said female and himself. However, others were becoming suspicious…

"I don't understand…" One very dumb dojo trainer said to another student who refused to blink at the fight in fear of missing something important. Sakura charged once more at Gaara who performed the same dance, always dodging or blocking and never attacking. "…He is using a lot of unnecessary movement… he could have won by now!"

Naruto scoffed and tuned into another gossiping pair. "He hasn't even attacked her yet!" Some whiney girls complained under the influence of the green eyes devil. "He should just pulverise the stupid wannabe"

Naruto rolled his eyes and continued to watch the fight. He would give Gaara an earful when he had the chance. Not that he already provided as much to the usually irritant teen.

Sakura's moves were so fluent and graceful, making her moves seem like a beautiful dance. Naruto grinned widely at an obvious way Gaara could get close to her like beforehand and it seemed as thought Gaara also noticed this chance and took it.

She stretched her leg out, attempting a frontal assault but Gaara caught her foot once more and began to pull her closer slowly and tantalisingly, tracing his strong grip up her bare, creamy legs which shivered under his touch. With one final tug he reached the beginnings of her thigh before he swept his other leg under the remaining leg, making her fall with a thump.

She looked up at him startled with the faintest pink trace on her wondrous expression. Did he even know what he was doing to her? Did he realise he was touching her up in the middle of a fight and in front of a viewing audience? He finally released her foot and she openly pouted at him as she stood up.

She charged once more with a fake punch which he reached to grab, but she changed her course and sent her opposite leg out into his sides, making hi flinch at the contact and smirk at her one last time before he ended the fight.

He pulled her into him once more only he continued until he felt for her lower back with his opposite hand, tightening the hold even further. Her eyes widened at their position and her body stopped functioning once more leaving her in a daze. He gripped her waist harder and lifted her into the air catching the free leg with his elbow to lift her completely.

Shocked gasps were heard and the faces around them held frustration, annoyance, jealousy and amusement; primly from Naruto, Tsunade and Kakashi who would occasionally shake his head in disbelief of the boldness Gaara took.

Said red-head dropped to his knees, lowering Sakura onto the mat before he pinned her in place, via her wrists and legs. Even thought she was securely trapped between the mat and one smoking hot red-head, her body wouldn't have allowed her the proper functions to move or protest.

"Out!" Tsunade finally shouted feeling like her student needed a break from her 'work-out'.

Gaara hesitated before finally pulling away and back onto his knees, refusing to stand away from Sakura, who slowly mimicked him and pulled herself up to glare at him. She didn't realise that he was still kneeling between her spread thighs quite casually as she began to talk.

"Cheat" She seethed with her usual pout.

"I must disagree… I didn't abuse any rules…"

"You know what you did!" She snapped sitting further up.

"I don't understand what you are implying" He replied standing up taking her with her, knowing he wouldn't get more gentlemanly. He turned around and walked off the change leaving Sakura dumbfounded and confused.

He had to realise the moves he just pulled. He didn't even hit her once! Did one thought pass through his head of how suggestible they looked?

Feeling slightly deflated, she sauntered off to find Naruto who wiggled his eyebrows implying he shared the same wave length as Sakura.

"I saw you two!" He said with a grin.

"Apparently he didn't" She mumbled walking past him into the changing rooms. Naruto frowned and decided to change with Gaara and bring up the matter.

oOo

The steam oozed off his taut skin, rising in the air like smoky flames and then vanishing. A rough towel rubbed the damp skin with unnecessary force all the while thinking of the events that occurred.

His boldness was unmistakable. He was sure someone other than Naruto had spotted his actions with interest. The only thing damaged in the long run was his reputation. Although he had considered where his pride stood, he wasn't sure if it too was damaged or heightened from his courage.

Gaara Sabaku did not go so low as to openly feel up a member of the opposite sex.

He thought for a minute about that last sentence.

Of any sex! Not that he would even consider touching another male. He shivered slightly, but the blank façade was immediately protecting any emotions running amok.

A door sounded from the opposite end of the locker room and he was sure he knew the very person intruding on his shower time.

"Gaa-ra!" He hated how right he was sometimes.

It also seemed like the close contact session fried his mind as immature thoughts invaded his mind.

'Maybe if I ignore him he'll go away'

He snapped out of his pathetic state and emerged fully clothed, hair still damp and the spokes clinging to one another. "What is it Naruto?"

"Hey! I just came… to talk, yeah!" He said punching a fist into the air for good measure.

"Cut the act, what have you got to say?"

Naruto took the hint rather quickly. "I saw you touching up Sakura-chan!"

He sighed before gathering his things in the bag he usually neglected. "We were initiated in combat. What you deem as 'touching up' was inescapable…"

"Bull shit! You didn't need to pull half of the moves you did out there! Plus, you didn't even land one hit on her! Combat my butt!" He grinned feeling like he had accomplished something. Oh he had alright. He succeeded in pissing off one already confused Sabaku member.

"Naruto…" Gaara warned.

In a matter of seconds, Naruto's tone changed and his serious demeanour took place. A rare event but whatever was said in these times was usually meant to be understood and respected. Gaara found himself listening to the blonde, curious as to what made him act like this.

"Gaara… I know you aren't the best, social wise, but… Sakura likes you. Don't do anything you don't mean to. Don't…" He paused thinking of the correct words. "…don't lead her into believing in something only to let her down."

"What do you mean?"

His goofy nature partially returned trying to lighten the mood. He didn't want to tell Gaara his thoughts on the subject because Sakura was also his friend. He didn't want to hurt either, but he couldn't deny the sparks that he noticed.

"I mean… if I'm right… Sakura-chan really likes you. If you keep pulling acts like that one… she'll become really confused about your intentions… right?" Naruto could sense a bunch of questions threatening to fall from Gaara's enquiring face so he decided on a hasty exit. "Anyway, I gotta go give Sakura something, see ya!"

With that said, he ran out the door before the steam red-head could even blink.

Damn that Naruto! Trust him to say something that implies 'I know something you don't know but I ain't gonna tell you!' Now he would remain irritable and curious.

oOo

She found herself walking out of the school, well past closing time, enjoying the sun rays which accompanied the cool breeze. Until the peaceful serenity she was relaxing in was interrupted.

"Sakura-chan!" Naruto yelled whilst jogging up to her from the building. He lived directly opposite the school, in the middle of the estate in a rather large, cottage-like house with ivy growing up the strange stone.

Once he caught up he gave her a sheepish grin. "What is it?" She asked a little annoyed by his unexpected call.

"Tsunade-baa-chan wanted me to give you these…" He said handing her a little black box with a pink ribbon which matched her hair. She eyed the gift curiously and looked up at Naruto as if it were a joke. "I dunno what it is!" He said with defensive hands.

She opened the box to reveal brand new, freshly scented leather gloves with white circles on the back. She was curious as to what the circles meant but she knew her blonde friend wouldn't know, so she decided on asking Tsunade on Friday, seen as though they had the following day off thanks to teacher meetings.

"Thanks Naruto…" She smiled making the blonde shrug as if it were nothing. He became worried when she began to lean in extremely close and landed a peck on his cheek. Nothing more than a friendly gesture. "Happy Birthday you silly blonde!" She announced flashing him another grin.

He smiled in return and waved her off, running home to change for the party they had planned. She turned around and looked at the gloves whilst walking. Se hadn't noticed before, but a small note was wedged in the corner of the box. It had been hidden by the pink tissue paper that the gloves rested prettily on.

Sakura,

I told a friend of mine about your unique chakra control, especially when put to destruction using that method. He recommended these to help protect your hands from the impact, and help control the chakra further and more efficiently. I had a pair myself when I was a little older than you…

Put them to good use…

Tsunade

P.S: I had them custom made. I don't think you know, but the white circle was the Haruno clan's family emblem; their crest. I expect to see them when I allow you an all out fight against one of Gai and Kakashi's student during your after school lessons. That won't be for another two weeks though. Keep practicing.

She grinned and packed the box away into her bag. When she looked up, she caught a bright colour by her side and noticed someone had been walking beside her. It was none other than Gaara.

She blushed madly at noticing he was walking very close, which made her think on their fight and the seemingly 'innocent' moves he pulled. Did he actually know how she felt about the way he touched her? Never mind him. She didn't even know how she felt.

She was excited and felt herself turn into mush when he held her in some of the positions. But the nagging voice in the back of her mind told her it was Gaara and he wouldn't have meant anything by these moves. This made her lose a little hope, but she could still dream about what it would feel like to be held in the same sense once more. Astonishingly, she found no remorse, disgust, anger or hate about the situation. Dare she say, she liked it.

"Err… hey" She greeted unknowing what to do.

'Is this what Naruto was talking about?' Gaara thought sensing how tense and unsure she was. 'Maybe I scared her. Of course I did. I'm a monster after all. I only succeeded in making things awkward…'

"Hn… we live near one another. I thought I would accompany you"

"Oh… thank you" She said in a shy voice which made his heart race. It seemed like she was happy for his company, but because of his moves, she was acting like a little girl with a crush. Or at least he could make believe. "You know… Naruto wanted me to invite you out tonight. We're going to a club your sister recommended. She's coming too… it would mean a lot to him if you came…"

"…"

"It would be good if you did come… I-I would like you to…" She looked to her feet as if there were something interesting about them. She had never acted this way towards him, or anyone for that matter. She successfully told herself that yes, she was attracted to him. But it ended there. Naturally, she knew she had a crush on him, and was very interested in him. But it sickened her to act like a fan girl and made her wonder if he viewed her the same if she told him. Hell, she couldn't hide her feelings for him much longer. They were slowly leaking from her and she feared he would notice and distance himself.

"I… I'll think about it…" He said hesitantly. Part of him wanted to go badly, but he knew the range of other people who would also be coming. They probably wouldn't appreciate his company.

Sakura took this opportunity to act as she normally would and put an end to the uncertainty between them. "Eh? That's not good enough! Don't make me get Tem's help and force you to come!"

"You and Temari? What could you do?"

She felt the insult and her anger got the best of her. "I'm stronger than you think!" She wished she could prove herself but Tsunade forbid her to use the strength-enhancement technique until two weeks from now..

He allowed a small smirk to play on his lips while he stared at her in disbelief. "I'll consider it"

"No way! You're coming like it or not! I'll call for you around seven…" She answered stubbornly.

"Haruno…" He protested looking at her.

"Hey! It'll be fun! No arguing…" She grinned up at him rendering him speechless. It seemed he couldn't say no now.

oOo

Keeping intact the uncontrollable laugher, threatening to fly from her glossed lips, Sakura proceeded to climb down the large tree not too far from her window. Sure, she could have used the chakra control, but she didn't want to risk damage to her outfit. Besides that fact, this was hilarious for her to do.

After finally reaching the ground, she checked the nearby, kitchen window to see it was empty, and began to run up to the fence which she climbed over, not wanting to make any noise that would alert the bitch and its master.

She ran along the street until she came to Tem's house and stopped to catch her breath and check to see if she was followed or noticed. Thankfully she noticed nothing and turned in order to knock only to find the door was opened and someone stood in front of her.

"Tem!" She yelled hugging her friend.

"S-Sakura? Jeez… I only seen you today… but yeah I supposed I missed you too…" She joked hugging the girl back before releasing her.

"Hey!"

"Sorry Sakura, but I'm getting a lift already…" She said a little strangely avoiding eye contact with the girl.

"Oh I know that already… tell Shika I said hi!" She teased making Temari blush.

Through the time Sakura had been to Konoha, she often talked about Tem in front of the lazy ass, who as already intrigued by the loud blonde Sabaku. Sakura had also caught her staring, for long periods of time, at the Nara and she decided on progressing their relationship and hinting Shikamaru to take her tonight. She was too good…

"Ho-How did you… never mind. I don't wanna know" She gave in rubbing hr head.

Sakura took this time to notice the outfit Temari wore was kick ass. She wore a black dress, which was low cut, and a small leather jacket with various chains. She had on her usual large boots and her hair in four elastics bands. She looked great.

"Nice outfit…" Sakura grinned noticing how a lot of flesh was showing. "I'm sure he'll approve… greatly" Sakura laughed and narrowly dodged Temari's anger attack. "Hey!"

"So if you didn't come for me… who did you come for?" Temari asked partially confused.

"You're moody brother… GAARA!" She yelled into the house.

Temari allowed a small smile. If it had been anyone other than Sakura, she would be skinned, burned and ripped apart within a heart beat. "Well… not that I want to miss the look on his face for being summoned… but my dates here"

Sakura turned to see Shikamaru waiting inside a posh, blue car with his troubled expression in place. She had heard his dad was also intelligent but mainly worked on computers for the Konoha government. He was also in close connection withTsunade but regarding what, Sakura didn't know.

"See ya!" Sakura waved happily towards the vehicle. She winked at Temari who glared in response, holding no true hostility against Sakura.

She giggled and turned to shout for the red-head once more to find he was casually leaning against the door frame staring at her.

"Hey! If you're standing there say something! Ready?"

She took this time to eye Gaara up in his baggy black combat pants and boots. He had a red tank top making her think he would be a hot dancer of sorts. It showed a fair amount of arm muscle which made her hold back a blush, not to mention the muscles in his abdomen it highlighted. The thin belt he wore hung loosely around the pants and his hair was in its usual spikes. She became embarrassed at how they were both in a red and black dress scheme. They looked like dates.

"Hn. I'll come on one condition" He announced refusing to move unless she agreed.

"Name your terms" She grinned challengingly.

"We ride in transport of my choice…" He smirked in response.

"Eh? That's it? Of course…" Apparently she didn't know he had some sort of vehicle and her expression told all.

She walked down the path and sat on the wall while he grabbed his leather jacket, and two round things. Round? What the hell?

She decided to let him get whatever 'transport' he wanted and got her phone out to call Ino and tell her she didn't need a ride.

"Hey Ino-pig!" She greeted with the new nickname.

"Forehead girl? Don't tell me you're cancelling…"

"No way! I'm coming, I just don't need a ride anymore…"

"Eh? How you getting there?"

"Beats me. I'll see you there"

"Sure thing, we'll wait outside for you. You better be dressed hot, otherwise I'll be hassled all night…" She joked making Sakura scoff.

"Sure thing pig… see you there"

She hung up the phone and turned to hurry the red head up to find him sitting on the front of a slick, black bike with a red kanji on the side for speed. She opened her mouth in shock. It was the same bike which scared Tenten and herself.

"You were the maniac that day!" She yelled making him release a low chuckle and hold out his other hand which had a helmet in it.

She looked hesitant as she approached and took the helmet. She hadn't been on a bike before and noticed the speed he rode.

"Y-You won't go too fast?" She asked with soft, scared eyes.

He took pity on her and shook his head. He wouldn't risk endangering her, but he would still drive as fast as she would let him. It seemed she trusted him enough as she pulled on the helmet and fastened it beneath her neck. She was already wearing her leather jacket which covered her outfit, which no one had seen yet.

She looked to him as he motioned to the back of the bike and she held onto his broad shoulders as she sat on the bike. Placing her feet correctly, she looked around unsure of how to stay on when he looked back and grabbed her arm, hooking it around his waist. She blushed, but thanks to the helmet, it was a secret. She tightly held onto him and dug her head into his back.

He revved up the engine and pulled away quickly, making her let out a little scream which didn't go unnoticed.

After making it to the main road, she opened her eyes to see countless lit up clubs and lights zooming past her. She held on tighter making his stomach flip and churn. They sped past other slower vehicles. She felt her heart race and the fear gradually slip away making her grin through the helmet. It was the ride of her life.

Through watching the cars, she noticed Temari and Shikamaru driving along. That wasn't what interested her however, as she noticed Temari's hand on his leg as he drove along with a nervous blush. She laughed and watched more lights and colours pass by until he suddenly jerked the bike to go faster. He was testing her patience.

She let out a scream and held on tighter to the red-head who was smirking through his helmet. She also felt his stomach contracting and relaxing. He was laughing at her.

He eventually came to a stop and cut the engine outside the club Temari had instructed him of. He removed his helmet to find Sakura had already jumped off the bike and was pointing at him with a shaky hand.

"Y-You! You did that on purpose!" She yelled taking her helmet off and point at him again. He simply smirked and got off the bike, taking the key with him. "I said not to speed!"

"I don't take orders…" He said stubbornly. Honestly? He hadn't gone half as fast as he would have normally. He had followed her orders regardless of him denying it. She pouted and he looked away with a bored expression, yet he secretly fought the longing to watch her and hold her. She looked so cute right now… and he never admitted if something was cute.

"Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked from behind her. The whole group had arrived before them, with the exception of Shikamaru who was currently stepping out of his car with Temari. "What an entrance!" He yelled and then turned on the driver. "Hey Gaara!"

He nodded in acknowledgment and Sakura noticed a few people looking at him with unsure looks. Tenten, Shikamaru, Naruto and Hinata were already used to Gaara and found nothing wrong with him being invited. They had talked occasionally but Naruto or Sakura were usually there too. Neji, Shino, Sai, Sasori and Deidara weren't affected with his presence simply because they respected him or were emotionless. It was mainly Ino, Kiba and Choji who were unsure. But Sakura made it her mission to erase that by the end of the night.

"Hey Gaara… No scaring them!" She chuckled playfully nudging his arm with a laugh. "Really… everyone here was chosen because they were better than the school system. You might even get on with them!"

He looked at them and the nodded at her understanding. They had to be worthy if they were chosen by Naruto and Sakura. "Let's go" He said attracting everyone's attention as they nodded or grinned and turned.

"Yeah! Let's P-A-R-T-Y!" Naruto added for good measure, getting the group riled up.

To Be Continued…

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Check it out guys, Melludee on deviantart made an amazing picture for the fic.

melludee (dot) deviantart (dot) com/art/Two-of-the-Same-125861224

Next Chapter: What will happen at the party? Do people get drunk regardless of the fact that most are underage? Why not? You only live once…