Always Remember Me
A/N: Hii! I'm sorry this was updated so late – more than a week, le gasp! Anyway, thanks for all the usuals. Hopefully, this chappie is up to scratch.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, or its characters, and possibly never will. Also, in the summary, the quote ('They say memory…') belongs to Oscar Wilde in 'The Importance of Being Earnest".
Summary: 'Hi! I'm Sakura. I'm a new student at Konoha High…and I have amnesia.' They say memory is the diary that we all carry around with us, but what if that diary is taken away? To top it all off, she has a freak going after her. What a life! (AU, SasuSaku)
Chapter Six: Lab Partners
"Kaimi Sakura and…" Anko-sensei let her voice trail off as she reached into the jar of doom.
Anyone but her. Please, God. I've been good. Even Shino will be all right, I prayed silently, making furtive motions as I did so. Stares were directed towards me. I flushed a little and went back to my silent praying.
"And…" Anko repeated, trying to build up the suspense.
"And…"
"OH, JUST GET ON WITH IT!" I burst out. There were a few snickers and Anko raised her eyebrow at me, but continued anyway.
"And…Uchiha Sasuke."
I LOVE MY LIFE!
"Just kidding! It's Karin!" she chuckled, smiling 'benevolently' at me and Karin.
I froze in my seat, and I was sure Karin did too. Was she serious? I was this close to pulling a Naruto on Anko-sensei, when:
"Like, ohemgee. You can't put me with that ugly bitch," Karin spat, and pointed a perfectly manicured finger at me. I wanted to tear that finger off. "I'd rather be with Sasuke-kun." She batted her eyelashes at Sasuke. He discreetly scooted away.
"I'm sure you're glad you're not the only ugly bitch here," I retorted, narrowing my eyes at her. Her eyes flashed angrily at my comment, and it was all we could do not to gouge each other's eyes out that very moment.
Anko-sensei seemed to notice the tension between us, and began to recite Teacher's Encouragement Speech number 4.
"Well, Karin, Sakura, the purpose of this partner work is to improve camaraderie that will further evolve your social skills. It is essential that you learn this, for once you step out of this school's gates, you will meet many people who have various personalities and if you are not well-prepared, you will not succeed in your field."
We silently seethed after her extravagant explanation. She frowned at this, and added,
"In other words, girls, live with it." Anko turned back to the class and finished up on the partnering. "And of course, Uchiha Sasuke and Aburame Shino will be the last group."
RRRRRRING! Oh sweet bell!
"Right. Class dismissed."
The class stood up as one and raced to be the first out the door. I sullenly joined Ino, Tenten, and Hinata by the lockers. Their faces had varying degrees of pity.
Hinata rushed towards me and gave me a big hug after seeing my sulky expression. Well, better than not getting any sympathy at all, I guess.
Tenten had the face of one attending a funeral. "I'm sorry you're partners with Karin - well, she's quite…all right…I mean, she's not all right, but-" she sounded frustrated, trying to find the right words to comfort me.
"It's even worse than being partners with Naruto!" Ino flailed her hands around. Okay, that just made me feel worse. We all gave her dirty looks.
"Thanks a lot, Ino," I snapped.
"Anyway, this ought to make you feel better." Tenten fished in her pocket and then held out four bracelets with three charms on each one. "Hinata and I found this store that had charm bracelets and we thought we'd get all of us one of them."
She distributed the bracelets to us. I examined mine closely. It had a cute panda, a smiling sun, and a sleeping pig. I wonder what that's about…
"Eh…Sakura, can I see yours?" Ino asked. I handed it to her wordlessly. She looked at it, and started sputtering gibberish before half-shouting,
"What the hell? How can I be a pig? How dare you insult the most beautiful woman in the world?" Ino demanded, flipping her hair over her shoulder.
"I thought you were the most beautiful woman in the school," Tenten snickered.
"Y-your n-name m-means pig, Ino-chan," Hinata smiled at her. Ino glared at her playfully.
"Each charm represents each one of us, see? Hinata's a sun, Ino's a pig-" at this Ino glowered again, "I'm a panda, and Sakura, you're a sakura! A cherry blossom," Tenten grinned. "This way, when you wear it, you'll remember you have friends who'll help you no matter what!"
"Oh, thanks guys," I said, trying to force a smile. The bracelets reminded me of the stone that I received from my other friend…lost and gone.
"You could've at least put more life into your thank you, Sakura!" Tenten teased jovially.
But Hinata seemed to notice. "S-sakura-chan? Is s-something t-the m-matter?" I looked at her. Hinata's white eyes were kind and concerned, and mirrored the others' expression. Maybe I should tell them…
And maybe I shouldn't. They were probably going to call me delusional if I told them I was going emo over a stone.
"Never mind me," I smiled tightly, "Let's go eat lunch! I'm hungry…I wonder what's to eat today…" They still looked unconvinced but followed nonetheless.
Sitting at a table as soon as we got out food, I looked at the selection today. Bacon, eggs, rice, and a chocolate brownie for dessert – delicious, but I couldn't find the correct kind of ecstatic excitement needed for a meal of this caliber. I poked at my food, moving it around my tray.
Ino's eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Oi, Sakura, didn't you say you were hungry?"
"Huh? Oh…sorry…" I took a small bite of bacon. Swallowing the tiny morsel took a humongous effort on my part.
Hinata's unusually observant eyes noticed that, too. "A-are you s-sure y-you're –all right?"
"Sakura. This is chocolate, your best friend," Tenten said, pointing at the bar of chocolate. "You aren't eating it. Have you lost your appetite? Are you sick?" she felt my forehead.
"No, I'm okay…I promise," I said while brushing off her hand.
"You seem depressed."
Well hell yeah I am.
"Were you dumped?" Ino asked suddenly.
"NO, YOU FREAKIN' PIG!" I shouted. Proper response, at least.
"Just asking!" Ino said defensively. Tenten devoured the rest of her chocolate in one gulp, and asked, trying to change the subject,
"Well, anyway, what's your next period?"
"Science" – Ino.
"H-history" – Hinata.
"H.E." – me.
"Hm…none of us have the same subject. I've got English," Tenten made a face. "I have so got to go. I remember one time when I was late for Ibiki's class…and I quote: 'Miss Tenten! Thank you for finally joining our class. State yadda and yadda and blah.' I forgot the rest of his speech." She waved and dashed off.
"Wow. That was fast. I guess I'll get going now, too," Ino stood up and exited the cafeteria. Hinata and I were the only ones left. Feeling bad about how I acted earlier, I decided to make an effort to be sociable.
"Hinata, let's go together. History is just a few doors away from the H.E. room," I said.
"O-okay."
We walked in silence to History, and then I walked by myself to H.E. I went in and sat next to Sasuke in the fifth row. Sneaking a glance at him, I saw he was reading his History book – most likely cramming for our quiz later.
I checked the board and saw a note from Kurenai-sensei: Class – I'm afraid I can't come today since I have a meeting to attend. Use this period to study or review for your tests. Kakashi-sensei will substitute for me. –Kurenai-sensei.
And obviously, Kakashi-sensei was late.
Taking out my stuff, I started writing feverishly, totally unaware of what was happening around me. Finally, I finished my report, using up half the period. Now, what to do? I was finished studying for all my tests already…I looked around the room. While I was doing my report, Kakashi had entered and had put his feet on the table and started sleeping with his book on his face. What a teacher…
Sasuke was finished with his cramming session. Right now, he was…glaring.
What the heck?
Oh. At Gaara.
"Um. Sasuke?" I asked.
-Insert eerie silence here-
"Hellooo? Saaaasuke?"
-Siiiileeeeeenceee-
"Sasuke! The aliens are coming to get you!"
-Twitch, but no answer-
If they keep this up, their eyeballs are going to pop out. Oh well. I'll just take a nap then. Might as well. Gai-sensei is going to kill us next period. I swear that. If not with his suicidal laps then it's with his crazy eyebrows. He needs a wax, honestly…
(Sasuke's Point of View)
Damn that Gaara. To hell. If he isn't already in it.
Entering the H.E. room, I chose a seat on the fifth row. First one there, as always. Other students started pouring in and Kurenai told us about her meeting and wrote a note on the board for the later people.
Hn. Kakashi. Late again.
I decided to review – not cram – for my History quiz. Someone sat down next to me. It was Sakura – she appeared to be working on her report. A lock of her unusually pink hair fell on her face. I had an unnatural urge to push it away. I wonder why…
Shoot. I'm going delusional from boredom.
But still. She is quite pretty.
No, not just pretty. Beautiful.
I unconsciously smiled to myself, which was not missed by a certain someone who I really want to kill.
A folded piece of paper hit my desk. I opened it and saw: So the great Uchiha isn't gay after all, huh. How much do you like her? – SNG. Subaku no Gaara.
Screw that redhead. I glared at him, and he glared back. Minutes later, I heard Sakura try to call my attention and then give up, opting to fall into a deep sleep…
(End of Sasuke's Point of View)
"Hn. Sakura." Sasuke poked me in the arm.
"Hmm? No Ino. I don't like him. Okay I do. But you can't make me say it," I sleep-talked.
"Wake up, Sakura. You'll miss the next period," Sasuke continued poking me. One poke finally made its way to my tickle spot. Immediately, I jolted awake, screeching loudly. The whole class gave me looks.
"Sorry! Sorry!" I whispered out of embarrassment. "Thanks for waking me up, Sasuke," I added, rubbing my side. He raised an eyebrow but replied with his customary hn anyway. What an odd guy.
Odd but still hot.
'Like who?' thought Sasuke to himself. 'Damn. This is going to keep bugging me for the rest of the day.'
"Bye, guys," I said, my depression returning with a passion as I waved to my retreating friends, going to finish their reports. They were strangely distant. Okay, not strangely. It's probably my fault…
Where is my stone, though? My past…
I got a notebook and started doodling aimlessly, until I reached the shores of Sleep.
RRRRING!
I slammed my fist on my alarm clock. Stretching, my foot hit something hard. I shifted the blankets to see what it was. Oh! The notebook. I must have left it there when I drifted off to sleep.
On the first page, random things were written, one of which was "Shino is itchy." Weird, ne? I turned the page and looked in horror at what was written.
"Uchiha Sakura."
Oh shoot! What the hell? Ino must have written it there. Yes. Ino. Most definitely. I took deep breaths. It was Ino, but I tore the page off for good measure.
You have to admit, though, it sounds nice…Uchiha Sakura…Sasuke and Sakura.
Damn. I'm screwed.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
"Yeeeess??" I called. "Who is it?"
"It's Sasuke." Speak of the devil and he shall come! I opened the door. He reached into his pocket and handed me a stone.
The smooth blue stone was familiar to me of course. It was mine.
"This is your stone, isn't it?" he asked me. I felt tears fill my eyes when I saw the stone. I just nodded in response.
"Thanks, Sasuke." Taking it, I gave him a big hug. He awkwardly returned it, turning extremely red.
"N-no problem," he stammered. "Sakura? About that stone, I mean…" I cocked my head and gave him a questioning look. "…Never mind."
I wonder what he was going to say...
"Thanks again, Sasuke!" He departed.
"Hello? Yeah. Uh huh. Kabuto! Tell the boss I'm moving to phase 2. Yes, I found her, idiot – I'm better than any other agent you can find anyway. What do you mean who do I think I am? I'm Rin, duh, son of a bitch. Hmph. Whatever…yeah, bye, sucker."
A/N:Hey, should I change the rating to T or what? What do you guys think?
Thanks for sticking by. Read and Review, Please and Thank you!