Chapter Three is here! Seriously I get So excited and start squealing like a little girl when I read reviews saying they love how its coming along, and is currently one of their fav undergoing stories. Like Seriously MAKE MY DAY! You guys are soo sweeet! I cant believe I'm getting such good feedback, you guys are awesome.

Special Thanks for reviewing to: AmyKpd, KHautumn21597, earthbender068, MissKonoha- I completely agree about her hair, that's why I had to do it!

Disclaimer:I do not own Naruto.. Simply the plot.

... On with it ;)

Chapter Three:Spontaneous Combustion

I will run and hide til memories fade away

and I will leave behind a love so strong.

-Red

The intense yellow, orange and red hues of the sunset reflected in the rosettes green eyes as she made her way over to her dorm, admiring the mesmerizing colors as she went.. It was Friday. She had made it through her second week of college.. Although she was exhausted and sleep deprived it was satisfying. She had kept busy with homework, studying and volleyball practice, therefore that had left little time to hurt - to remember. To remember the pain. She still had nightmares every other day but they weren't anything too extreme.

The anxiety was definitely still very present, just underneath the surface waiting for her to doubt. Her friends, herself, and life itself. It had consumed her completely once, after her mom died. It ate at her until there was nothing left but a shell and without the pain present she fell into a serious depression, leaving her utterly empty... but Ino had been there. She had never left her side. She cried with her, encouraged her, and sometimes even slapped her when she lost all sense - slowly bringing her out of the pit...

Sakura was sure Tenten and Naruto knew now as well. Her spacing out, the bags under her eyes and always calling it 'a night' early had Tenten and Naruto asking questions. She had left it to Ino to talk to them. And the blonde did. Sakura was glad she wasn't there to see their faces, she didn't want their pity nor did she want them to act differently toward her. But when she saw them again, Naruto and Tenten hadn't even given the littlest inclination that they knew anything. They were exactly the same and Sakura was grateful... She was sure Ino was behind that as well...

The rosette heaved a sigh, she hadn't recovered, far from it actually, but for once she felt... at peace. Or close to it, she may not feel that way tomorrow but right now, in this moment, watching this sunset... It gave her hope in a way. A feeling that was nearly foreign to her. It was a start.

"SAKURA!"

Her moment of peace shattered.

She turned to the only person that distinct voice could belong to.
The blonde was glowing, her long pony-tail whipping around her as she raced over to her pink-haired companion.

Sakura did a full-body inspection of the slightly panting girl as she came to a stop beside her,"What's with that spark in your eye hmm?"

"Huh? Your delusional my friend, no sparks here." Ino giggled before she could stop it, immediately covering her mouth with her hands, she looked to her left at Sakura to find her watching her like a hawk.

The rosette crossed her arms over her chest, and smirked,"...With Shikamaru again?"

"I don't know what your talking about-"

"Ino!"

"Okay, Okay! Of course I was with him! I haven't shut up about him since we met!" She sighed dreamily.

Couldn't agree more Sakura thought.

"So where did you two go?"

"Oh don't go all mother-hen on me now Sak, it was all 'PG," She answered reassuringly with a wink. Although the 'wink' made Sakura more doubtful than reassured.

The strawberry-blonde sighed heavily, bringing up another matter instead,"So about tonight-"

"Oh my gosh! The football game!"

"Yeah, I don't want-"

Not even hearing Sakura, the blonde face-palmed,"I totally forgot, we have an hour to get ready!"

"About that, I don't-"

Her arms flailed about dramatically,"What am I gonna wear!? Shika will be there, Oh my God - so will SASUKE I'm gonna DIE!" She ignored the annoyance radiating off her pink haired friend and turned towards her,"Hurry Sakura we need to move!" She grabbed the rosette's wrist and sprinted to the direction of their building.

"Ino please, I don't want to, I need a nap."

"Stop speaking nonsense, we are going to that game and you are going to have a good time. Besides Tenten would be heartbroken... and so would Rock Lee." She finished with a sly smirk.

Sakura glared at her. Why did she always have to tease her about him, she knew it made her uncomfortable.

Well, that's why she did it sport.

They had all become acquainted and friends fast, having several classes together, they were inescapable. Sakura had introduced Tenten to the girls so they inevitably met Shikamaru, Kiba, Rock Lee(who instantly showered her with compliments and requests for a date) Naruto Of course and even Neji. Sakura thought he was rather on the passive side but he was nice enough. The more she was around them the more she learned of their reputations. Number one being that they were loaded. We're talkin' filthy rich. Naruto had been quick to tell her all about his favorite food that was coincidentally' sold at his own restaurant, known as Ichiraku Ramen. Their food was talked about throughout the cities and people from all over the country came to Konoha just to have a taste. It was more than successful, as they were now opening up their fifth one in their neighbor city.. The Hyuuga's (she had already been aware of their wealth because of Hinata)were the heirs to Hyuuga Inc. It started as a merchant house and continued to grow, but that was all she really knew of them... Tenten's mother on the other hand had invented a special weapon that the Navy uses today, which Sakura thought was pretty neat. Ino had also told her all about Shikamaru's history. His grandfather had invented the well-known game Shogi, in which the lazy genius remained undefeated.

When Sakura asked how they all came to know each other Tenten elaborated that all of their parents had come to KU and were best friends. Their fathers had also been in the fraternity, and mothers had been in the sorority... And so lived on the legacy through their children. Sakura had felt a little more than intimidated by their wealth and status.. Their families were so accomplished, so unreachable... But Sakura had been quick to dismiss the feeling inferiority and reminded herself of her mothers own accomplishments.(She refused to acknowledge her fathers) She had been a recognized surgeon in Suna, one of the best before she got sick. It had been Sakura's dream to follow in her foot steps, but she wasn't sure she could do it anymore. After everything that happened, she didn't feel she could bear it.

Entering their building, they passed by a few girls while racing up the flight of stairs that were gossiping rather loudly. Sakura caught the name 'Sasuke' before both girls blushed and burst out into fits of giggles.

Sakura caught her best-friend rolling her eyes beside her, and smirked. She had yet to meet this Sasuke character all the girls seemed to gush about. Even Ino and Hinata had met him and thought he was gorgeous. Yeah that's right, even shy little Hinata.

Not that Sakura cared or anything, she was just a little curious... Damn curiosity. She was sure she had him in one of her classes as well, Chemistry was it? He just never showed up, not that she noticed. Or cared. Seriously.

They entered their dorm room to find Hinata fast asleep on her top bunk. The antsy blonde didn't waste anymore time and went rummaging through their closet, quickly pulling herself and the two girls something 'sexy' to wear.

"No."

"Don't be a grandma forehead, it could be worse," unfazed, Ino set the outfit on Sakura's bunk then moved to wake Hinata, telling her the situation before setting hers on her bunk.

"F-football game? Will N-neji be there?" Hinata asked as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
The girls had come to learn that Neji was quite protective of Hinata and had to be present at any event she went to. And Hinata didn't go anywhere he wasn't.

"Yes Hinata he'll be there," Sakura answered before defeatedly putting the outfit set out for her on. She would only go because Tenten and Naruto insisted, and to keep Ino and innocent Hinata out of trouble.

Stifling her yawn, Hinata finished pulling her clothes on and turned to Ino and Sakura for their approval.
She was wearing a lilac maxi-dress with a light jean jacket that ended mid-waist. It complimented her amethyst eyes and long dark hair nicely.

"Sexy."

"Lovely." Both girls complimented in unison.(Obviously 'Sexy' was Ino, if you couldn't guess)

Then turned to look one another over. Ino's attire was similar to Hinata's. Her dress was a royal blue that ended mid-thigh, and she was sporting a black jean jacket that also ended mid-waist. Her hair was held in its usual high pony-tail, with her silky bangs ironed to frame her pretty face. The blondes eyes twinkled in satisfaction of her choice for her modest rosette friend. Sakura was wearing a black jean skirt that ended mid-thigh(She kept tugging it down) with a deep red and blue floral long sleeve. The sleeves were lace and reached her elbows. The front hugged her chest and waist nicely, and flowed all the way down to the side of her hips like wings.

They both nodded at each other in approval before Ino moved to forcefully remove Sakura's tugging hands from her skirt, than to undo her french braid.

Of course Sakura objected but Ino didn't hear her, she let the long, pink waves free. Running her hand through them, she gathered a fist full and pulled it over Sakuras shoulder, giving her the 'girl next door' look.

Beaming at her girls, she snapped her fingers hastily and exclaimed,"Perfect, okay girls lets go!" Slipping on their flats and sneakers they departed.

The girls met Tenten outside the building and once they had their wits about them, began there walk to the football stadium. Sakura took in the brunette's attire as well, she was wearing a teal ruffled skirt that also reached mid-thigh along with a white lacy top. She looked lovely and Sakura decided to let her know, Tenten grinned widely in response, uttering a 'Thanks Sak' before looping her arm through the rosettes and continuing there walk.

Sakura sighed deeply, she truly enjoyed the cool weather in Konoha. It was what she enjoyed most, considering the humid air in Suna - but having a car would have been nice, the rosette thought. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy walking, it was the fact that KU was extremely huge and it was dark out, and it was Friday night, and they would obviously have to walk all the way back as well... See? She was thinking logically. She wasn't scared - simply had common sense... Or it was the voice in her head that sounded a lot like, her mothers. And it didn't agree with their method of transportation, but if she voiced her thoughts they may think her paranoid...

Which was probably true, but they didn't need to know that.

An engine roaring obnoxiously was suddenly heard, breaking Sakura out of her musings. The girls turned around to see a dark car viciously burning out of the parking lot across the street from them. It did a full-on donut several times - its screeches drew the attention from everyone in the area before the person righted the steering wheel, hit the gas and headed straight for them. The girls had been paralyzed to the spot as they realized it was coming at them. It all happened too fast for them to react physically, just barely managing to yelp in fear.

A gasp escaped Sakura's lips, as the car came to a careening halt, rapidly turning on its side and stopping, just inches away from where her body stood.

Dazed, and numb she exhaled the breath she had been holding, before her knee's gave out and she fell on them.

feeling woozy, Sakura barely registered Tenten's voice beside her,"Sakura are you okay? Take a few deep breaths," she consoled, as she rubbed her back, kneeling beside her.

Sakura nodded, turning to inspect Tenten, she found her completely unfazed. Almost smiling actually.

What?

"...What are you INSANE-" Ino found her voice but stopped short when the tinted window rolled down to reveal-

"Shikamaru, you scared these poor girls half to death," Tenten halfheartedly scolded as she helped Sakura to her feet.

The blonde gasped,"Oh my gosh Shika! Is that you? That was totally INSANE! I didn't know you could drive like that!" Ino's tone of voice was now flirty and excited.

What a switch, Even in the face of death, Ino never ceased to amaze Sakura. She couldn't help but feel confused at the situation. He nearly just ran them over - Tenten was unbothered and Ino had heart-shaped eyes. What was the world coming to?

She felt a squeeze on her shoulder and turned to its source,"Sakura... he wasn't gonna hit us." The brunette asserted softly, catching Sakura's befuddled front.

"Is she gonna be alright? We gotta go." Shikamaru suddenly urged, as his eyes moved from Sakura to Tenten.

"It's tonight? I didn't get a text."

"I know, Neji sent me."

Tenten looked alarmed at his answer but quickly composed herself. Although it didn't go unnoticed by Sakura

"Go where? ...The football game right?" Ino questioned, confused as well.

"Get in, we'll tell you all about it." Tenten moved to grab Hinata's hand and lead her to Shikamaru's Camaro zl1. Both hopped into the back seat, so Ino silently claimed the passenger seat. Once they were situated they turned their attention to the girl who hadn't moved from her spot.

"Sakura?" Hinata questioned in her soft voice.

She remained glued to the spot and openly skeptical... They were supposed to be going to the game.

"Sakura baby, get in the car."

She met Ino's pleading eyes, and was helpless against those aqua orbs. Sighing dejectedly and ignoring the uneasy feeling in the pit of her stomach, she moved to hop in the backseat with Hinata and Tenten. Closing her door with a click, she knew she was going to regret this. Shikamaru began making his way out of the parking lot and onto the roads and she just couldn't brush off the feeling washing over her. Like something bad was going to happen. Mentally shaking herself, Sakura instead kept busy looking out the window, where the majestic buildings and hills could be seen... Wherever they were going, she had a feeling Tenten's passed riddle's were about to be answered.

And she wasn't sure how she felt about it.

The bass was so loud and strong outside that the vibrations could be felt in the car. Sakura had no clue where they were, or what route Shikamaru had taken to get here - one thing was for sure though, it didn't look like Konoha. Unable to properly assess the location with all the random people crowding the place, she could only guess it to be a really big, endless alley of sorts. Cars and motorcycles were lined up on both sides of the street, leaving the middle road empty for all to come and go. Music was blazing from all the cars - lights were flashing in all colors from every corner. It almost seemed like an outside club. Was it an outdoor party or something? ...Festival? Sakura wasn't sure, her heart fluttered with anticipation. Some of the crowd seemed to recognize Shikamaru's car (His windows were tinted so the girls and himself weren't exactly identifiable) since many honked their horns, waved or nodded their head's in greeting.

Interesting, the rosette pondered over the exchanges. He was obviously recognized here.

Shikamaru continued down the middle slowly, taking in the curiosity and confusion adorning the faces of the girls seated in his car.

He finally answered their unspoken questions,"Ladies, welcome to the exclusive RedZone." His voice not as mono-tone.

The blonde beside him squinted her eyes thoughtfully before probing,"What is this place Shika? ... A racing alley?"

He smirked at her, an expression of 'praise' crossing his features,"Yes, that's exactly what it is." He didn't elaborate anymore. He hit the gas a second later, causing the unsuspecting girls to gasp and hold onto each other, as he flew up a steep hill, jerked the car to the left, accelerated, and did another sharp left, setting the gear to 'park.' Dust floated around the car in response to his reckless turns, and Sakura watched their grey lightness from the window draw near and film over the glass... Racing alley? Sakura couldn't wrap her mind around it. Was that what this place was? ... Was that why they were here? She felt the beginnings of anxiety pool into her stomach. Wasn't this illegal? How weren't the cops around? Surely someone had complained about the noise by now right? Or maybe they were somewhere really secluded.. Or maybe the cops were in on it?

Yeah right.

Whatever the case, they should not be here, they still had time to go catch half of the football game if they left now. Yup, that's it, now all she had to do was convince Ino-

"There you are Sak, quit hiding and get out here!"

She snapped to her right at the familiar voice to find Naruto leaning on the open car door, grinning at her like a mad-man. When did - She hadn't even noticed the girls and Shikamaru exit the car... How long had she been sitting there?

The rosette sighed and turned away from the ever-waiting blonde, muttering a small,"...No."

Uncertainty was clear in her sea-green eyes, and he knew she wouldn't willingly get out of the car.

Sighing heavily, he leaned in, locked his hand around her wrist, all the while ignoring her 'no-this-can't-be-legal' protests, he dragged her out of the car. Once her feet touched the ground he quickly grabbed her, effectively getting her away from the car - he slammed the door shut with his other hand. Adjusting his hold on her, she bounced high like a toddler, dangling side-ways like a rag doll with his single arm wrapped around her waist, her back was pressed against his side and she fought the urge to elbow his gut. He started making his way down the parking hill and over to their friends. Naruto ignored the constricting fingers wrapped around his forearm, and began his descent down another small hill and up a stone path.

"Naruto-"

"Trust me Sak, we'd never put you guys in danger, its just clean racing.. most of the time."

"What about the cops-"

"This place is pretty isolated, its in the outer edge of Konoha."

"But-"

"They wont come Sak, unless a crazy fight breaks out no cops are gonna show-up."

She turned her head(with difficulty) to catch his gaze and saw that he was completely confident in what he said... Although it still didn't ease the knots in her stomach. So many things could go wrong. What if a fight did break out? What if they did get caught? Goodbye college and future... Honestly she didn't want to be the worry-wart but this was seriously risky business. She sighed miserably.

"...Okay, you can put me down now-"

"Sakura my beauty! Oh you light up a room-"

The grip around her waist tightened fractionally,"Beat it fuzzy-brows your in my way!" She yelped as Naruto lifted her higher and jerked her away from Rock Lee's reaching arms.

This was honestly becoming a routine with them, during lunch, in class, and in-between - Naruto felt the need to defend her innocence whenever he was around. (Although she wished he wasn't so harsh with Lee) She found it, sweet... and for some reason he always showed up right when she needed him, it was odd. Like he knew her virtue was in jeopardy or something... So they had become close friends fast. She wasn't sure how, when or why but they were very comfortable around each other, almost like siblings. His protective and easygoing manner made her feel like she had known him all her life.. Maybe that's what it was? His light personality and the fact that he was always around, caused him to become familiar to her? She truly enjoyed his company... Well, most of the time, he had his irritating moments for sure, but his silly demeanor and laughter always seemed to win her over. His optimism towards life was entrancing... and she was definitely lacking in that area..

She stopped her struggling long ago and turned her head to the side, lightly whispering,"Thanks Naruto," so only he could hear, the last thing she needed was a weeping Lee.

He nodded in response before coming to a stop, her feet touched the ground and from where she stood she could spot the faces of her friends. Well, most were her friends, some faces were unfamiliar. Tenten and Kiba could be heard snickering and Ino was full-on laughing. And of course she was, Ino found it hilarious that Lee could be so bold and try again and again after being turned down. Sakura hated being put in that position but, she always let him down easy. He really was a sweet guy, just relentless.

"Come on," Naruto nudged her before trailing down the small hill and onto the flat gravel surface where their friends were lounging about. Sakura slowly followed suit, taking in everyone's face and the location as she did. The best way she could describe it was a cliff, made of stone and gravel overlooking the streets below where all the car's and people were.

Not even having to go near the edge she could already tell, they had the best view.

Nearing her friends, she noticed a single motorcycle parked a few feet away with a boy leaning against it talking with Neji in a hushed tone. The Hyuuga's brow was creased with contemplation as the other spoke... What could they be talking about? She tried to catch a glimpse of the boys face but found it impossible with her angle, so she resumed her pace all the while admiring the rather 'expensive looking bike, with its jet-black body and blood-red high-lighting its edges.

"Sakura, glad you could join us." Ino winked at her.

"Against my will."

"I know this is crazy and I know I said it was always 'spontaneous' but I didn't mean this spontaneous, usually we at least get a heads-up an hour or two in advance... this was pretty unexpected Sak, I hadn't planned for you guys to come so unprepared." Tenten looked absolutely stricken.

"It is crazy," Sakura replied before nudging the brunette and offering a small smile to console her. She didn't want her to feel bad, they were here, and what was done, was done. She was here with friends and would make the most of it. Even if it felt like she was gonna pass out at any given second.

Gravel crunched near them, and then an unfamiliar voice spoke in a taunting manner,"Think of it as an initiation freshmen, lets see how good you are at keeping this a secret." A boy with silver hair and amethyst eyes entered their little circle.

"Chill out Suigetsu, they're with us." Naruto was quick to defend.

"Obviously. Who else would bring freshmen to the first race of the year."

Sakura crossed her arms over her chest at his icy tone, suddenly feeling cold.

"...Well aren't you a prince charming." Ino inserted sarcastically.

He smirked at her but Naruto moved so he was blocking his view from the girls, standing just a foot in front of him. Sakura only then saw just how tense Naruto was... What was going on? Who was this guy for Naruto to react so defensively?

"Where do you come off-"

"Where do I come off? Where do you come off Uzumaki?" He growled, taking a step closer.

Sakura did not like this.

"I've had it up to here with your bullshit-" Naruto raised his hand above his head and swiped the air, emphasizing his words.

Suigetsu sneered,"Well when the cops show up on our door-steps we'll hold you accountable-"

The blonde took a step closer, standing toe to toe with him. And Sakura's heart began palpitating.

"Shut your fucking mou-"

"That's enough."

All eyes turned to the source of the new authoritative voice.

And Sakura's became as wide as saucers as she took him in. That wild hair, those dark eyes and pale complexion. Here he was, the boy she had so recklessly stumbled upon while half-naked. Oh she could just die of embarrassment. She had buried that damn incident in the deepest part of her mind and now the mere sight of him had it all coming back, and had her blushing crimson. She was silently thankful it was dark and no one could see her mortification. What was he doing here? ...Stupid question.(What was she doing here was more like it)

Okay Okay, be cool Sakura! The rosette exhaled sharply, attempting to get her shock under control...

Even now, she found he was as nonchalant as ever, with his hands in his pockets - face unreadable... Only thing notable was his unwavering gaze, trained solely on Suigetsu. Honestly did anything rile him up?

...Or maybe he was riled up?

Suigetsu glared venomously at Naruto until he stepped a good distance away from him - then, turning away and disappearing into the dark. Sakura exhaled the breath she had been unconsciously holding, and placed a hand over her pounding heart, willing it to calm.

The raven-haired boy she had prayed to never cross again spoke a second time,"Good... Neji's lining up." And it was as though he broke them out of a spell because everyone immediately dispersed and went to the edge to see who was racing him.

Naruto, Tenten, Hinata and Sakura remained. The rosette had lost Ino during the exchange and could only guess she joined the others and Shikamaru in watching the race somewhere close-by. The brunette beside her spoke, ceasing her search for the blonde.

"Quite the mediator Sasuke, didn't know you had it in you," Tenten said with a smirk.

Sakura's eyes widened painfully in utter disbelief.

This... was Sasuke?

His charcoal orbs met shifted toward her then.

...Was that amusement playing in his eyes?

Oh God, kill me now.

...

..

.

.

To be continued.

Posted two days later from my last update because I couldn't resist...

Few things to keep in mind:

'His optimism was entrancing,' Naruto's easygoing personality draws our rosette to him like a moth to a flame. She has never had the luxury of being carefree so his easy demeanor both irritates and attracts her. Their friendship will continue to grow and he will inevitably effect her for the good.

'Who was this guy for Naruto to react so defensively,' I'm sorry to say(Love the guy) but Suigetsu is going to be a villain in this fic. Naruto has more than enough reason to react the way he does and you will soon find out.

Sasuke's made an appearance, YAY!

Any questions?

I'd love to hear your thoughts.