I wish, I could meet Sasuke and Sakura in person. (sigh) But that's just IMPOSSIBLE!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

The middle age man around 42 years old tugged his favorite cigarette at the corner of his lips scrutinizing his former students. A too young man stood at the corner of the room, tying his long dark silky hair into ponytail–so that it wouldn't bother him that much. The person was Neji. As the matter of fact, most high schools would disallow students especially males, keeping their hair longer than it should or else they will face the consequences. But in this case, Neji was exceptional- He said he was still bound to the traditional rules of the Hyuuga clan. Hyuuga traditional clan rules, where every man in the clan must keep their hair long as the sign of honorable men.

He puffed the smoke out of his lung as his eyes turned to the laziest guy in school, Nara Shikamaru, who laid his back on the bench, letting his mind drift off wherever it wanted. Nara Shikamaru was the sort of unenthusiastic guy who liked to spend most of his times sleeping. He preferred not to involve in any ''troublesome'' activities, but he had brains so Asuma-sensei convinced him to be the part of the team. At first, Shikamaru was not interested and refused the offer. But then he realized that his life was so dull and boring that he told himself that it wouldn't hurt him if he just gave it a try.

Then, he found Uzumaki Naruto, the strong-will boy who doesn't give a crap about what people said about him. His strong-will cannot be put down easily by anyone who stands on his way. He did not give up easily no matter what he did. If he threaten to fall, he would get up on his knees with all his strength, stood up, and keep on track. Asuma-Sensei admired his intestinal fortitude. Although he sometimes acts like an idiot among his friends, but one thing for sure everyone respected him for who he is.

Asuma shook his head and sigh deeply. What else could he say to his boys? Asuma took the lighted cigarette away from his mouth, cleared his throat before he blew the whistle, earning their attention.

''ALRIGHT GUYS! LINE UP!'' their coach wailed in high pitched tone, as his players stood up orderly before him -hands on their back, heads held up high like a steady experienced soldier waiting to be ordered by their leader.

He began counting the members and quickly noticed when a certain someone wasn't there with them. ''Where's the team manager?'' Asuma asked directly. Everyone just shrugged.

Asuma turned to the blonde and asked. ''Well, Naruto...do you know where Sakura is? She should be here by now; we need her.'' As the manager, Sakura played an important role on the team. She must observe each player with critical eyes, recording their strength and weaknesses in every practice and save it in data record for the coach use.

''Let me search for her.'' Naruto offered his help. Asuma nodded instantly giving him the permission as he ran straight out from the gym.

Naruto was searching for her everywhere even in her classroom, cafeteria and even the library (Sakura's favorite place) but still he could not find her. He assumed Sakura had forgotten their basketball practice and went straight home. He was about to flee himself back to the gym when suddenly his ears picked up the noises coming down the hall.

'What's that noise?'

Naruto tiptoed carefully and stood discretely behind the divided wall.

''I'm not going with you!''

''Wasn't that Sakura's voice?'' Naruto question himself. He knows what Sakura's voice sounds like since he befriended with her. ''What could they possibly be talking about?'' Naruto briefly wondered, and then her companion said. ''Then I would not join the team.''

The curiosity engulfed inside him. Naruto boldly shifted his head slightly to the side so he could take a closer look. His eyes captured the raven-haired man talking to the girl. 'What a minute was that… Sasuke?!'

The blonde couldn't believe his eyes. Sasuke was trying to lure her and she was aware of it. 'Sakura..' Naruto clenched his fist tightly and wanted to butt in, yet he decided not to. ' this time..' He shook his head. 'Whatever it is please don't do stupid things, Sakura' Naruto shut his eyes tightly and leaving them behind and went straight to the gym hoping she would make the right decision. If not, he would be really upset with her.

Asuma-sensei asked when he saw Sakura didn't come with him. ''So, you did not find her, Uzumaki?'' Naruto took a quick glanced at his formal teammates who were practicing and perfecting their passes with seriousness displayed on their faces, ignoring all the sweats running down their faces as they continued. Then he turned back and faced his coach.

''No.'' Naruto lied.

Just when Naruto said that, the gym door hung open revealing two people walking towards them. It was Sakura with Sasuke trailing behind her with a blank expression on his face. Sakura made a quick apology for being late to everyone; and this time, she had a better excuse to begin with.

''Where, have you been Sakura?''

''Well, I was taking care of something…'' She scratched nervously at the back of her head smiling sheepishly.

''I hope you have a good excuse.''

''Yes, I do have. Well, you see Uchiha-san is here because he wants to join us.''

Neji, Shikamaru, Sai, Lee, and other team player stopped playing as they turned to Sakura first then Sasuke. ''What?! Really?''

Astounded by Sakura's doubtful answered, one of the player asked Sasuke curiously; not because he didn't trust Sakura in the first place, but they need to proclaim Sasuke's own affirmation.

''I thought we all heard it well that you didn't want to…''

''I've changed my mind.'' Sasuke interjected before he could finish the sentence.

''That's interesting, you changed your mind because of Sakura.'' It was not a question but it was more like a statement.

Upon hearing that, Naruto's faced turned red. Lee sensed it as he eyeballed Naruto at the corner of his eyes. He was just standing there, not making a single comment about anything. It's a rare thing to see the blond suddenly went quiet. Usually he would be so loud that other people lose their common sense.

''Naruto-kun, are you alright? You seem a bit taken off guard.'' Lee asked hesitantly somehow worried that he asked the wrong question.

Naruto didn't react to Lee's question as he just stormed off and left the building without saying a word.

''Lee..What have you done?'' Neji asked bluntly.

''I didn't do anything. I swear!'' Lee exclaimed.

''Just ignore the blonde kid Uchiha,'' Shino said while fixing his glasses. ''..he maybe a wreck, but he has a kind heart. He just not use to the new comer like you, I guess. Don't worry he will get use to it.'' Shino reassured.

''Alright everyone, since we have a new player, let's give him a warm welcome. Welcome to our team Sasuke!'' Everyone clap their hands together celebrating the new player.

''Hope we get along together and be a great team.'' Kiba said as he patted on Sasuke's shoulder.

''Sakura.''

''Yes, coach?''

'' I want you to keep an eye on him. Make sure you list down everything in your record. You know what to do.'' Sakura just nodded in understanding then she proceeded with her work.

''…and as for you, Uchiha,'' Asuma- sensei turned to the raven haired boy. ''…you need to do extra practice so Sakura can observe you. Also, she will be explaining all our formal-rules. ''

''Got that.''

''Alright everyone, dismiss! Don't forget, we have real practice starting next week.'' Asuma-sensei yell, as everyone stop playing. They finished up their ending routine of stretches, sit-ups, push-ups, and passes. Naruto and Kiba finished up their practice game while the other players bid their farewells and exited the gym.

''Sakura.'' Sasuke said her name but Sakura did not stop from whatever she's doing as she busied herself in writing on the clipboard. Her swift hands were completing much needed information that was required in the form so she would not miss a single thing.

''Sakura.'' Sasuke called her again to which she hated when someone disturbs her in the middle of work. There were a lot of things she need to take care of, and Sasuke repeatedly distracted her.

''What?!'' Sakura snapped when Sasuke took the ball and throw it on her foot. ''Can't you see I'm busy right now?''

''Hn.''

Sasuke stood behind her, watching her back menacingly as she continues to ignore him like he wasn't even there. Sasuke chuckled darkly which went unnoticed by Sakura. He was actually amused by her action and didn't expect that at all coming out from her. Sasuke never met this kind of woman who would at least test him, not to mention his undeniable tolerance and patience towards others. He is never good when it comes to it; but this hideous pink haired woman dared to step up the game into the next level. She is really something that he truly wanted to discover for himself, and he took it as a challenge.

''Don't test me, Sakura.'' He said in a dangerous tone giving her the silent warning, telling her it was not the smartest idea to argue with him now. "I bet you don't wanna know the real side of me..'' Sasuke said in low huskily voice, his onyx orbs piercing into her emerald ones when she decided turned to face him. Sakura raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything.

''Meet me at the front school gate tomorrow. 7 a.m sharp. Don't late.''

Sakura was about to protest the whole thing but found herself gawking at Sasuke who already left the building.

''Unbelievable! I was about to tell him that I'm not an early riser!''

Sakura went back to her duties with an exasperated expression on her face. Out of their sight, Naruto saw the two talking, but he couldn't make out what they said.

'Something is definitely fishy here; but what is it?' He pondered.

'Krinnnnggggggg….Krinnnnggggggg…Krinnnnnngggggg!' the alarm clock continued ringing restlessly throughout her small room at the side of her bed. 'Who set it in the first place?' She mumbled half-asleep as her hand shot up from the bed, rubbing against the small table searching for the irritating creature who's disturbing her peaceful sleep. Once the ringing had stopped, she pulled up her cushy blanket over herself a bit more. She rose up in the bed and drove herself to sleep, completely forgetting the whole thing.

Knock.. knock.. knock…

A gentle knock could be heard at the side of the door, still in bed, she shouted with a small reply ''Come in.''

The middle age woman with her long hair tied in a neat bun appeared behind the door, watching her only daughter still cuddled up on the bed. A soft yet true smile appeared on her thin lips as she sat beside her baby and caresses her lovingly. ''Sakura, honey wake up. Aren't you going to school today?''

''Hmm? What time is it?'' Sakura rubbed her sleepy eyes and turned to her mother who poked her forehead lightly. ''It's already 6:50 a.m, silly. I thought you said you wanted to go school earlier this morning?''

Sakura let what her mother said soak in for a while.

''WHAT?!'' Sakura shrieked as she jumped off her bed, grabbed her towel, and stormed to the bathroom to take a quick bath.

Misaki held her laughter and shook her head at her daughter's behavior. She slowly got up and left her daughter's bedroom and headed downstairs to prepare breakfast.

''Mom! I'm off to school now!'' Sakura announced running down the hall clumsily as she headed towards the front door wearing her shoes. She's running late! The sweet yet spicy-like aroma spreading across the room which; made her stomach growl hungrily.

''You're not taking breakfast, dear? I'm making your favorite tamagoyaki.'' Misaki asked out in the kitchen as she put some seasoning in the food.

''No mom, I'm already late!'' Sakura was looking herself in the mirror, fixing her long hair in the right places as she tied it into half pony-tail. Sakura looked at her reflection in the mirror seeing her mother expertly rolling the omelet like a pro chef, placing it in the empty container with three different types of sushi. Sakura was simply amazed with her mother's culinary skills.

''You're always late.'' Her mother said jokingly while handing the bento to her.

''Mom...'' Sakura whined.

''Be careful.'' Misaki gave a light kiss on her daughter's forehead lovingly. ''Alright, I'll be home soon, thanks for the bento! I love you!'' Sakura manage to give a bright smile to her beloved mom as she promptly running like a bat out of hell.

The raven haired man stood steadily in front of the gate, tapping his long fingers impatiently on his arm as he waited for his slave to showed up. He had been there for over the past five minutes. But still, there was no sign of her. He felt airless and unconcern with all the attention he received from the girls who walked passed him without missing a seduction smile on their faces. He ran up his hands along on his hair-ruffled messily; trying to hold back not to lose his temper.

'Excuse me!' 'Excuse me! Get out of my way!'

'Hey! Watch where you going!'

'Sorry! I'm in hurry!'

Sasuke looked up and saw the pink haired girl running down the busy streets as fast as she could before halting herself, placing her hands on her knees- as she struggled to gain her breath.

''You're late.'' Sasuke stated with annoyed expression on his face.

'' I-I k-know c-cant y-you see I'm r-running l-like a maniac?''

''I don't care, that's your business. Next time, be on time. Two minutes would also be counted'' Sasuke said dryly. ''I hate people who didn't keep their promises.''

Sakura rolled her eyes at his statement, 'Since when I make a promise to him?' but decided to let go of it.

''Anyways, why did you request for my presence, my lord? Is there any crucial task that needed my help? '' Sakura said almost too sarcastically to which he responded by rising an eyebrow to her. She really is something isn't she? He thought secretly.

''I want you to do something for me.''

''…and what is that?'' Sakura asked briefly waiting for his respond.

Reaching down in his pocketed pants, Sasuke took out his blue black wallet with a letter 'S' design on it. He flipped it, and handed her the money.

''Here. Take it.'' He insisted.

Sakura's jaw dropped to the ground, eyes wide open upon seeing five thousand Yen in his hand. She was mortified by his doing. What kind of joke is this? First he asked her to be at school early. Second, he scolds her because she was late for two frigging minutes. And now he is trying to make her look like some cheap prostitutes who gets their pay? Was that the real reason why he wanted her as his slave? So that he could make herself embarrassed in public? Not to mention, she was so ready to take his head off.

Sakura just stood there not making any single attempt to leave nor take the money away from him. Her face turned even darker when she realized that Sasuke doesn't seem to be fret by her seethe. He still acting like a cool-innocent- bastard.

''Use this money. Go to the nearest stall and buy me a drink. I'm thirsty.''

Sakura blinked in confusion. ''W-wait, w-what?! I beg your pardon?''

Sasuke frowned, ''Do I really have to repeat myself?'' an irritated tone could be heard at the last of his sentence.

''N-no.'' Sakura flushed to her foolishness, and Sasuke wondered why he found her half-embarrased, half-flustered expression so endearing. ''You're face redden.'' He stated coarsely.

''Haha N-nothing at all'' Sakura laughed nervously. ''I just wonder, don't you have any smaller notes? Five thousand Yen is too much.''

''I don't have one. Just go!''

''But, the nearest store is three blocks ahead! It cost times! Besides, class is about to start soon. '' Sakura exclaimed begging him to reconsider.

''That is not my concern. You better go now before the bell rings.'' Sasuke said ruthlessly as he slung his beg on his shoulder, heading towards his classroom and leaving Sakura gagged.

Sakura saw various choices of drinks like carbonated, energizing, and caffeinated drinks, stock well in the cold-storage. Sakura bickering herself, recalling that she forgotten to asked Sasuke what he wants. Her eyes scanning carefully- searching the best. Once she had it and satisfied with her choice, she paid it at the cashier counter before sprinting herself back to school again.

She stepped inside her classroom with soda in her palms she had just brought from the store, witnessing no one was in the class. 'Weird, where is everybody?' she murmured to herself. 'Oh, yeah! They're all in the lab.'

''Pssstt, Hinata!''

''Hinata-chan!''

''Y-yes?'' Hinata tilted her head to the side and saw Naruto who look disturbed.

''Have you seen Sakura this morning?''

''N-no.'' Hinata shook her head lightly. '' I d-didn't see h-her.''

''Oh, I see.'' He gave a small smile to her, 'Where are you Sakura?'

''Naruto-kun, Sakura.'' Hinata said with relish, pointed her finger to where she is.

Sakura bow her head almost forth times already still not giving up.

''…Please, let me explain first.. I was actually..''

''Enough said!'' Zabuza yell. ''I don't want to hear any of your lame excuses! All I know is that you're late for my class, and you know what that means right? Accept your punishment. ''

''But sens-''

''No BUTS! ''

Sakura glared furiously at Sasuke at the corner of her eye, clearly upset that he didn't even bother to stands for her. He should have covered her shouldn't he? But, what did he do? He just sat there and did nothing.

Sasuke looked at her as well and clearly saw the anger on her face. She walked towards him slow and steadily- ignoring her sensei crying out for her. She just doesn't care anymore.

She stopped in her tracks, facing the Uchiha and he stared back at her without erring. The air felt tensed.

Clank!

Everyone blink.

''Enjoy your drink.'' She said smugly then walked off.

Then their classmate turned to Sasuke who act like nothing ever happen. Not even single tiniest of guilt left inside of him.

''Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Sasuke! Who really did he think he is?! I should kick his sorry ass back then.'' Sakura cried out in frustrated, while crazily swept the trash on the ground with broom in her hands ignoring the people surrounding her.

Grisy grey coil-garish prints with unflattering shapes, and oversize measure hung on her tiny body. Not to mention but Oh my! the fragrance of it, it smell like rotten carcass; bad were grease stains and scratches all over the top; and the fumes were nautiating. She looked like a lost clown, trapped in his own show.

''…and because of him, I had to wear big burlap sacks instead of clothes!''

''Don't worry, it suits you.''

Felt insulted by those words directed to her, she turned her head to the side and saw Sasuke leaning against the pole, smirking.

'' What do you want?! Hadn't you felt content by torturing me like this?!''

''…Not yet.''

The urge to punch him in the face taunts her more than anything but she restrained herself. Not because she is weak but because she did not want to be the honor student listening to one of the principal's lectures.

Sakura watched him as he boldly took a step closer to her as he put something in her pocket.

''Meet me there.''

''Why in the hell, I must do that?'' she snarled.

''…Because…''

''…you owe me.'' Sasuke finished his sentence then walk away. Sakura burst out laughing; she thought it was the most ridiculous thing she ever heard in her life.

'' You owe me, my ass!'' Sakura scoffed harshly, as she took out the paper and unfolded it. Sakura read the note carefully. She folded back the small paper and held it in her small hands when she heard her friends were calling out for her.

''Sakura! There you are, we've been looking for you!'' Ino screeched, then her blue-baby eyes look up and down to her friend, she closed her mouth holding her laughter.

''Oh, stop it, Ino.''

''I c-can't h-help it cause y-you look so h-hideous.''

''…By the way, how come you ended up like this?'' Tenten asked.

''…It's a long story.'' Sakura told them from the start (minus she is Sasuke's slave) until the part where she had to accept her punishment.

''That, sucks! Man, I never knew he would be that much of a jerk.''

Tenten agreed with Ino.

''Anyways forehead, there is something we both want to tell you. You're maybe not going to believe this.'' Ino said.

''What is it?''

''Do you remember Zabuza-sensei asking us to do the physics project last week?'' Tenten ask meekly, her right hand holding Sakura's shoulder.

Sakura nodded in understanding. ''So, what's the big deal?''

Ino slapped her forehead, hard. ''How can you be so dense?''

''Don't you know what it means?'' Tenten ask again, just to make sure of Sakura wasn't kidding around.

Sakura shook her head.

''… Guess what?''

''What?''

''Sasuke choose you to be his partner from all of the people!''

Sakura just stood there with a blank expression on her face. She didn't respond to her friends calling and just stood as still as a statue. Tenten waved her hand in front of her face, but still didn't get a response.

"Hold on; I got this," Ino told her, proceeding to Sakura. She pinched Sakura's nose, cutting off air. Tenten did a comical sweat drop.

"Are you sure about this?"

Before Ino could respond, Sakura finally reacted as Ino released her nose.

"WHAT?!''

A/N: So, what do you guys think about it? I would love to have at least five reviews for this .. Can I get it? Five reviews would be enough for me. Do I sounded like desperate kid? Yeah, maybe I am. It's just I couldn't stop from wondering and worrying whether my readers are enjoying themselves while reading this fic. Special thanks to Malevolentdarkness16 and Crimson Vein who help me a lot with this story.