Hey, sorry it took so long, I had a week holiday, so I am a week behind, but to make up for it, I have written two chapters. I will upload the second after I receive the usual amount for this one. So review fast and I will upload even faster next time, since chapter 18 is also done.

Recommended Song: Boys Like Girls – 5 Minutes To Midnight

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

-Almost Caught!-

-17-

Though the calm night's wind and the silent spectators didn't want it to end, the kiss broke. Onlookers gradually faded away with small sighs or unsatisfied murmurs while the wind died down, feeling like nothing more than a gentle touch.

Her forest green orbs looked up into his own jade ones and held their gaze long enough to identify a plethora of emotions swirling within the confusion he held. Her eyebrows deepened only slightly showing her need to know what he was feeling, but intoxication took hold once more.

Looking up to his extra inches in height seemed to affect her balance. His hold had loosened to face the emotions or at least to keep them in control, leaving her to her own devices. Since larger hands were still motionless behind her, her slow tumble backwards was stopped immediately and had snapped him out of his trance.

A loud giggle escaped her lips from her small fall, apparently finding humour in being weightless for a moment. Once caught, Gaara rolled his eyes at her childishness and looked down to his bike. There was only one way he could make sure she didn't fall off.

Grabbing her legs, after bending down, he lifted her up to place the creamy limbs around his waist. She squealed and clung to his neck so she wouldn't fall.

"G-Gaara?" She questioned looking down to the fall and then up again, to meet face-to-face with the smirking teen.

Wordlessly, he stepped over his bike and sat down, with one leg on the floor for balance. She seemed to understand once his hands lowered to her jacket's zip and pulled it upwards to protect her from the harsh winds which were to come. Although, riding on a bike backwards wasn't going to be something 'fun' in her books. Her trembles were already beginning.

Grabbing a helmet from their secure fastening behind him, he shoved it over his head and closed the visor. It would only get in his way if she wore a helmet too, so he pulled her against him making her head fit perfectly over his shoulder.

A roar escaped from the engine making her clutch him tighter, to which he wasn't opposed. Speeding off, Sakura could only remember the wind against her back, which pushed her even closer into Gaara, making her blush. He didn't go as fast as their previous ride, rewarding him with her silent gratitude.

Once back, he slowly edged his bike back into his garage and cut off the ignition. A chuckle escaped his lips when her hold didn't loosen and he stood up bringing her with him.

"Ha- Sakura?"

"Hm?" She answered tiredly lifting her head from his shoulder.

"I'm taking you home"

Her hold, which had relaxed against him after he called her name, tensed again as she stiffly nodded. He took note of this and narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

Once he rounded the street, he looked up to the tall house and shook Sakura lightly. "Front door or window?" He questioned realising she could get wrong for coming home inebriated with a strange guy.

"Window" She answered with a muffled sound thanks to his shoulder. His arm slipped under her ass as he lifted her into a stronger hold. Her eyes widened at the closeness and she felt her face burning.

With the use of his sand they were lifted to her window where he found it locked. After expressing his annoyance, smaller grains of his element began to slip through the cracks and the lock, moulding into the correct shape which opened the window with a click.

Stepping through the window, he took in the sight of her room and the strange polka-dotted pattern. After looking around at her sweet décor and possessions, something didn't feel right. He already hated her room, for whatever reasons, he didn't know.

Just as he was about to walk towards her bed, something stopped him. Something dull… and red. Residing beside her bed, on her hard wooden floor was a small splash of red. It was too centred to possibly be paint and the dull fade suggested something he feared was right. Blood.

His eyes slowly turned to look at the smaller body in his hands. He could feel her deep breaths against his chest and how she would shift or fidget every once in a while. Overall, she seemed calm and relaxed in his arms. The arms of a demon.

His feet managed to lead him over to her bed. The body in his arms didn't make any moves to suggest she knew they had arrived and his arms began to tighten their hold and refuse to let go.

"Sakura?" He asked gently hoping she wouldn't answer so he wouldn't have to let go.

"Mhmm?" Damn it!

"We're here"

Her head lifted and turned to investigate the room. After recognising the familiar dots lining her walls she nodded and loosened her hold, much to their dismay. Gently, he dropped to his knees and placed her so she sat on her bed.

Apparently, alcohol was still in her system. "Wow! Gaara kneeling before somebody?" She giggled making him narrow his eyes.

His mind took him back to the time she pushed him playfully with the same giggle she was using now and he just couldn't resist nudging her into falling backwards on her sheets.

"Hey!" She whispered remembering there were other occupants in the house. "Did you just push me?" She asked sitting back up with much difficulty.

He smirked at her before lifting to his feet and turning around, only he didn't expect a soft hand to reach out for his own. She only managed to grab two fingers, but her hold was strong enough to make him turn curiously.

"Stay with me…" She asked quietly looking up at him with such huge, rounded eyes he felt himself melt ever so slightly. Her feet were already working on kicking off the stilettos and folding beneath her so she could scurry backwards and bring him with her.

"Why?" He lamely asked out of embarrassment.

Apparently, she had no real reason behind it. "B-Because!" She defended not wanting to loosen her hold on his fingers. He sighed and began to kick at his own boots so they released their hold on his feet. His other hand trailed its way to his jacket's zip so he could remove the heavy material.

She did the same with her own jacket and momentarily let go of his hand to lay the jacket on the floor, mimicking his own actions. Her feet hooked the covers of her bed and she slipped beneath the material. Gaara sighed when she tugged his hand once more into her bed, and only then understood what was happening. She was lying in Sakura's bed.

Alarms seemed to go off in his head but were ignored, along with Shukaku's intrusive commentary. It was too late now, her hold on his hand didn't falter and her eyes were already drooping.

"Gaara?"

"Hn?"

"Will you still be here in the morning?" Her eyes looked up at him, hooded from her exhaustion and her found he couldn't look away.

"Hn"

"Hn?" Her orbs began to close once more, only leaving room for her final question. What the heck did 'hn' mean?

"Yeah"

She smiled and welcomed the darkness.

oOo

Breathing in a deep, alluring scent, emerald eyes opened to find another lying beside her. She moaned something unresponsive and blinked her eyes rapidly, to try and focus on the shape beside her. A dull, thumping pain pounded in her head and her stomach felt like she had drunk acid; heavy and churning.

Now clear, her eyes looked at the figure beside her and she felt herself gasp and rise slowly from the bed, in order not to wake the sleeping red-head. What happened last night? Did she…? Did she really…?

"Oh my god" she whispered to herself looking down at Gaara, who remained still. Even worse, the sure sound of footsteps were echoing from outside her door. Somebody was climbing the stairs to pay her a little visit and from the sound of the hooker heels, she knew who.

She looked down at the sleeping teenager beside her and decided there and then, she really didn't want to be found like this, especially not by them.

She climbed over him and settled herself in between his legs. She leaned back on her elbows, which were placed on either side of his body, and sorted out the covers to look as if she were alone.

Suddenly, the door sprung open and there stood a smirking Yoko, who looked as if she knew something. "What have we he-?" She paused looking around the room and then to a sleepy Sakura who was scratching her head tiredly.

"Wah?" she mumbled looking around the room. She was pleased the covers were over her chest, hiding the red dress she still wore. They were under the impression she was here all night.

"I was sure there was…"

"Slut?" Sakura interrupted with an unhealthy tone. "Why are you in my room?"

"…" Yoko settled for a glare which was nothing in comparison to Sakura's at that moment. Not only had Sakura learned super-strength and healing from Tsunade, but intimidating people came second nature to Sakura now.

"Get out!" She said in a low, promising tone which made Yoko turn and strut away, slamming the door shut.

Sakura tensed at the door's harsh sound before letting out the breath she never knew she was holding in. Out of habit from a stressful moment, Sakura let herself fall backwards only to stiffen when she realised who's chest she fell on. Remembering the door slams and tone of voice, there was no way in hell he could still be asleep.

She felt herself being risen from the bed in an upright position, yet the chest was still firmly on her back. Looking up, she found a very confused Gaara looking down with a raised eyebrow.

"M-Morning sunshine!" She greeted with a sheepish smile, hoping to avoid the subject of what just happened.

He had been meditating all night but with her little moans and murmurs in her sleep, it was difficult when taming the wild beast in his head, who was threatening to break loose and take her.

"Haruno? What are you-?" He started but stopped when he heard footsteps slowly approaching them.

"Shit!" She cursed looking towards the door. "Gaara-?" She turned to tell him to hide or leave only to find she was sitting on the bed alone. He was already standing up. She looked down to find his boots beside the bed; no wonder Yoko knew there was someone here still. Grabbing said boots, he walked towards the window and let himself dissolve into a flurry of sand, but not before sending her a victory smirk.

She threw on a thin jumper from the side of her bed and stepped up to reach for her own boots, to place them where Gaara's had been. She grabbed the half-pants from the back of her chair and tucked her dress into the baggy grey combat pants. She jumped back into the bed just in time.

The door slammed open once more to reveal Osamu and Yoko, both looking around angrily. "Where is he?" He spat at Sakura making her shiver at his tone. She knew he could force himself on her if she defied him and also reveal the red dress under her baggy clothes.

"He?" She answered confused, "Who?"

"Don't play dumb with me you little whore!" He yelled stomping into the room and looking around. He searched in her wardrobe and the bathroom to find nobody there. He looked over to the window and stuck his head out to find the grounds empty and nothing in sight. Next, he moved over to the bed making Sakura looked to her knees, as if he were going to attack her. His face grew into a smirk, mistaking her expression for something else. He assumed he was under the bed.

He crouched o his knees and lifted her loose cover up to inspect the underneath of the bed. Nothing.

Standing up, he looked towards Yoko with a hostile glare. "Where is he Yoko?" He asked.

"I know someone is here! His boots are by the bed!" She gasped hoping to stay on his good side.

His predatory glare, looked down to inspect the boots there. If they were men's, they really had tiny feet. "Those are mine" Sakura said finally, making Osamu stalk over to Yoko and punch her in the face.

Sakura felt guilty from his assault on Yoko, but knew deep down she had it coming for telling him in the first place and for being awful to her over the years. He grabbed the blonde by the arm, and dragged her from the room forcefully.

Collapsing into her sheets, Sakura's head began to pound once more. Last night… why couldn't she remember anything? Damn Ino and Temari… and those gorgeous, fruity drinks.

oOo

The next day, Sakura found herself walking to school by herself. Tenten had moved now, so she couldn't walk with the brunette anymore. She missed their walks and how they would ramble on about rubbish. A content sigh escaped her lips. Yesterday, on her day off thanks to teacher meetings, she hadn't had much time to elaborate on the party, thanks to all the work she needed to catch up on. Now was the perfect time, being alone. She could only imagine, after all, what would be said at school if she didn't think things through first.

'Okay, the last thing I remember clearly was those girls hanging around the guys. I remember how annoyed I was and how Ino interrupted with a drink. Hmm… I remember dancing with two guys… but it didn't last long. I can't remember that part very well. I thin somebody interrupted… then I was taken to the bar and left with Kiba. Ino joined us… damn; I wonder what happened to those two! She looked shy about something. Then those guys grabbed me and Kiba jumped up to kick there ass! I think he got one good in the jaw!' She thought, pleased she couldn't remember anything which embarrassed her.

'Cha! That punch looked like it hurt!' Inner Sakura chimed, thinking about Kiba's right hook.

'I agree… then what happened?'

'Well, Kiba got punched back and Ino screamed and start fussing over him'

'Really? I… I don't remember that part'

'Nope, because we were dragged off by those guys… they too us outside'

'What?! Did they… oh my god!'

'Don't go getting upset, they didn't get a chance. Some hunk came over and sorted them out!' She said with glee making Sakura try and recall the night.

'Hunk?'

'Gaara…'

'Gaara?! Of course… he was who I danced with! Now I remember… he was good…' She found herself blushing deeply at their close contact dance before she continued to reminisce. 'Yeah… then I kissed him and he took me home on his bike'

A brief silence was taken before she realised what she had just said. Inner Sakura was grinning like a mere cat before Sakura could blow up. 'I DID WHAT?!"

'Calm down! He… is a good kisser!' Inner congratulated with a grin.

'Oh no! He slept beside me all night too!' Sakura felt her world crumbling and wished the ground would swallow her up so she could escape her harsh life and the embarrassment along with it.

"I have to apologise… where would he be on a morning?" She whispered to herself before speeding up into a run, when the school gate came in sight.

Avoiding the usual meeting spot she shared with her friends, she snuck her way over to the secluded area, of which random trees were dotted all over, creating strange bubble shadows on the floor thanks to the tree's leaves.

Turning around, she headed for the gym next, remembering how she encountered him on her first day here. Luck was on her side when she heard someone fall to the floor from inside. Peeking her head around the door, she recognised the wave of red hair as Gaara's and realised how fortunate she was for finding him straight away.

Fortunate? Was she really? Now she had to explain she was sorry for something she remembered. This would cause further embarrassment.

Apparently, it was too late either way. "Haruno?" He asked aloud, sensing her presence.

"G-Gaara?" She replied stepping into the gym and walking along the wall, on which she leaned.

He turned his head to the side to take in her shape, and the embarrassment lying in her eyes. So she remembered? A smirk took place on his lips and he stood up to make his way over to her.

Watching him advance towards her, she suddenly felt panicked to get her apology out of the way. "G-Gaara… err, I came to… well" Why wasn't he stopping. That damn smirk just kept growing. "…I came to say I'm sorry… for, acting like a fool and… well, you know." She began to fidget with her hands and when she looked up, he was right in front of her.

Taking her wrists he pinned them above her head before leaning in to whisper in her ear, "No, I'm afraid I don't know" his deep voice breathed into the sensitive skin on her neck.

"Y-You… ah, you're a l-lousy liar!" She admitted turning away with enflamed cheeks.

"Am I"

"Sorry I was rude…"

"When were you rude?"

"When... when I…" She gulped and continued, wanting the embarrassment over with. "… I kissed you"

He leaned back and looked at her directly, smirk still in place. It was then he remembered the Uchiha's words. The Sabaku he mentioned? It was so obviously him; it was the only way her actions made sense.

In a flash, he leaned in and too possession of her lips with his own. She gasped against his mouth before closing her eyes and allowing him to kiss her. Quickly becoming frustrated with such a simple act, he strived to deepen the meaning and so bit her bottom lip, and awarding him with a gasp. He fit his tongue perfectly past her lips and began to trace the lines of her mouth, which he remembered from the night of the party.

As much as he wanted to continue this for as long as possible, he broke the kiss with her need for air and rested his forehead against hers. Their eyes were heavily hooded and neither said anything for a moment.

"Now we're even" He said quieter than usual making her look up into his amused eyes.

"No we're not, I said sorry afterwards…" She said with her last ounce of defiance.

"That's because I'm not sorry" The smug upturning of his lips triggered her into being a little bit more difficult.

"Fine, then I'm not either!" She lamely replied with a pout.

"Fine, now we are even" He finished pulling away from her to walk out the gym doors.

Deciding to keep it going, she ran up to him and stopped him by his hand. Reaching up, she planted a quite peck on his lips before running to the door and looking back with a playful smile, "Correction; now I'm winning" She stated before running down the corridor with a small, delightful laugh.

'Oh that's how she wants to play… then I'll make sure we will win' Shukaku decided to give his opinion.

'I don't need you to seal my victory…'He smugly replied before walking calmly out the door.

oOo

Two weeks later, Sakura found herself attending the usual martial arts class. Only this time, she wasn't nervous about walking through the door. Pushing the heavy, swinging doors open, she strolled into the dojo, greeting the people she passed with a smile and a wave.

She hadn't had the chance to pair up with anyone like her first time, with the exception of Rock Lee, her mentor, as dubbed by Gai. She had become quite powerfully strong combining both her combat and strength in some extra sessions with Tsunade, but the class hadn't witnessed this strength yet. The excitement of having this power up her sleeve and using it one day had her on the edge. She was craving the attention and stares she would get from demonstrating her power, but Tsunade put it on hold… until today.

Grinning, she set down her bag, already dressed in her sparring gear and felt Naruto pound her back as any good friend would. "Hey Sakura!" He casually greeted receiving a blow to the head. "Ow, Sakura that hurts!" He whined clutching his nose.

"You don't smack a girl on the back in greeting Naruto! Honestly, I thought Hinata had told you this already" She opened one of her smugly closed eyes to see him blush and change the subject quickly; too quickly.

"Who you planning on fighting today? Tsunade-baa-chan said you could have another one-on-one today! I hope it isn't me" He muttered, finishing of his change of subject with a rub of his nose.

"Who knows, she said she would choose or let Kakashi. But she would definitely be here" At the mention of her Sensei, she looked around trying to find the blonde who promised she would be here when she kicked butt, but couldn't see her anywhere. Feeling defeated she sighed and looked away.

"You know, you would think she was your mother… all your huffing and sighing because she isn't here yet" Naruto joked making Sakura frown. What would she give to have a mother like Tsunade?

On cue, the door opened to reveal the busty blonde, which made Sakura's eyes widen and a grin set in place. She did come! "Hah! She did come! See! Just like she promised!" She told Naruto who smiled for Sakura, understanding what it meant to her.

Turning around to look at her Shishou once more, she froze when she had long since moved on and instead, she looked a broody red-head in the eye. She hadn't been avoiding him these past two weeks, but cutting their meetings short so it was more difficult for him to get one up on her. She smiled sweetly at him before he tuned away annoyed. Naruto noticed this and decided to tell her what was going on through his mind.

"You know… you've got him really frustrated lately" He blankly stated not knowing how perverted it sounded. Sakura turned bright red and glared at the impudent blonde.

"What? Naruto, keep your voice down!"

"Oops… sorry." He apologised with a cheesy grin, making Sakura snort. "He's just, on the edge more than usual" He continued.

"How?" Now she was interested. So she had a hold over him? Great! Hiding the smile threatening to take over, she tuned into what the blonde was saying.

"He snaps easier now… and he seems to always be deep in thought… like he's planning something. But, besides the snapping, he seems a whole lot happier than usual."

Sakura found herself smiling and nodded as a signal she understood Naruto's words. Things had been calmer around here since the party. Not only had Osamu been away numerous days, meaning she had a more pleasant, abuse-free time at home, Yoko didn't dare give her any lip when he wasn't there to protect her. She looked towards her Shishou who nodded and waved her to follow her.

Kakashi decided to tell the class the news. "Alright guys… and girls" He noted the few scowling females which Sakura was annoyed at. After hearing that she had joined the after-school classes with ease, some more annoying candidates for martial arts joined too; primly to eye the boys up and keep an eye on Sakura's relationship with them. "We're taking today's lesson outside." Most of the class moaned while some of them cheered for being allowed outside in the scorching sun.

Sakura grinned knowing why they were being moved outside. Her adrenaline was pumping now. Tsunade seemed to notice this and grinned along with Sakura, also feeling excited to see her student match up against another.

"Now then, Sakura-chan!" He joked playfully pointing to the centre of the marked, dusty training area. "…and lets see" He skimmed the crowd of students trying to fair her up against someone similar for the time being, so he could fairly match her in the future.

Sakura found her heart and head screaming for him to pick Gaara but it all died down into annoyance when the name fell from the silver-haired teacher's lips.

"Saki"

She actually groaned in annoyance for being placed against someone so… pathetic. She wanted someone stronger than Saki, who only joined to eye up Gaara and watch her like a hawk.

Tsunade also looked disappointed; her student against the little madam who tries to give her attitude? She needed someone worth while, and she had hoped she would be placed with Gaara once more since it provided her with entertainment as well as material she could tease her student with.

After a deep breath and placing a bored expression on her face, Sakura marched out into the field clearly annoyed. It was almost humorous finding some of the closer martial artists wondering why the ground shook.

"Okay guy, use everything you know, including your expertise in other subjects, to fight. Sakura VS Saki…" Kakashi lazily announced, watching some of the students sit and begin to talk, not finding the fight of any interest. "…Begin!"

To Be Continued…

Remember, I will update after the usual amount of reviews have been given to this chapter.

I am SO excited about the next chapter. It's going to be awesome! Or should I say, it is awesome! The plot is beginning to thicken ladies and gentlemen.

Also, check out my introductory story into the works of Neji x Sakura... if you like the pairing of course. Click on my profile, then on the oneshot, story Encounter.

Next Chapter: How will Sakura and Saki's fight go? What will Sakura do against Saki's rumoured counter attack?