Hello all, First off SPOILER- Sasuke's up-coming Moto scene and over-all chapter was written while listening to the song Papercut-by Linkin park. Heads-up lyrics are a little intense/dark. The beginning guitar solo just works so well with Sasuke. Lol Love it. Give it a listen before/after you read and tell me what you think.

Big Thank you for reviewing to, KHautumn21597, Kmae, mannuj, Raikiri80,MissKonoha!

...On with the Chapter!

Chapter Four: Papercut

Something in here's not right today.

Why am I so uptight today?

Paranoia's all I got left

-Linkin Park

The people below them were wild with anticipation for the race to begin, and the man on the mic loved every second of it. He began announcing the final racers of the night one by one, shouting names Sakura couldn't place. It was evidently clear that she didn't know anyone besides her friends. Upon Neji's introduction the crowd went berserk and the rosette staggered back on her feet, caught off guard by their reactions. She was sure she'd be deaf before the race was over. Mulling over his special attention, she wondered if he was good at this? He must be, with all the ongoing shouts and chants he was receiving. Although she couldn't deny that she was nervous for Neji, she had no clue who the other racers were but their car's looked 'intimidating. Neji was steering a Bmw i8 and sure, it was beautiful, Sakura thought... but it was too pretty to win, compared to the other car's that seemed to be geared up and salvaged.

"I swear I'm gonna break his face!" Naruto growled.

Sakura looked away from the scene below and back to the current situation... Naruto was still pissed off about that Suigetsu guy.

"Stop taking his bait." Sasuke responded, his eyes on Neji and the other racers below.

Sakura was still flabbergasted. Why did he have to be Sasuke?

"... He's a piece of shit, I don't get how you tolerate him." Naruto's anger was diminishing.

"I tolerate you, that's how."

"Hey! Don't compare me to him-"

Sasuke tuned out his best friends ranting as his eyes discretely moved to the girl with the distinct pink hair. She was avoiding his gaze but seemed to be a bit more composed now. Her anxious eyes had not escaped his notice when she first heard his name. He smirked. She probably hadn't expected to see him again, let alone have the same group of friends. Of course he recognized her, that hair was unmistakable... and so were those legs. He had noticed her the moment Naruto hauled her over the hill and to the group. The fact that they hadn't run into each other sooner was just coincidence. Sasuke being busier than usual lately probably helped prolong it too.

"Let's go," gravel crunched beneath his shoes as he turned away from them and began walking in the opposite direction. Naruto quickly fell into step after him along with Tenten and Hinata. Sakura after a moment, hesitantly followed as well...Where were they going?

Bemused, the rosette couldn't help but ask,"We aren't - going to watch the race?" as she struggled up the rocky hill after Hinata, maneuvering herself over and between the bigger rocks, she followed after their steps. The blonde-haired boy slowed his pace some until she neared.

Cupping his hands over his mouth, he leaned toward Sakura as if to tell her a secret,"The whole routes visible from up here ...and it's a fan-girl free zone." He finished with a snort, nodding his head over to the stoic Uchiha who disappeared over the edge of the tall boulder before them.

Turning away from her, Naruto proceeded to climb up the same stone wall like an agile monkey.

Sakura only raised a curious brow in response. Yes, she had heard her friends and random girls gush about the dark-haired overly-confident boy, but she felt Naruto was being a little dramatic. What were a couple admirers going to do? ...Rape him? Tch.

Tenten laughed at the rosette's mixed expression and leaned in to whisper, "Naruto's words hold some truth for once my friend, as you've already noticed the boys are quite the celebrities around here... Sasuke primarily." The brunette moved to climb up the wall, hoisting herself up like the boys had.

Sakura paused, still trying to understand. Tenten's confirmation did shine some clarity on the matter... She had noticed girls act strangely(enviously) towards her, Ino and Hinata when accompanied by the boys... but something wasn't clicking for her. Everyone at KU was wealthy, you had to be to go there. Sakura had only gotten in due to a scholarship and(she hated to admit it) with some help from her father. He had also gone to KU, so he 'knew' people... So aside from the fact that the boys were rich and obviously good-looking, what was it about them that made the girls go wild? ...Them coming to the races? But there were hundreds of random boys here, none of them got the same attention.

There had to be something that set them' apart.

Naruto's reaching tan arms fell into her line of sight and broke through her musings.

Sakura saw him grab a hold of a blushing Hinata, pulling her up with ease. Not wanting to wait around helplessly, the rosette stepped forward and attempted to climb over it just as Tenten had. She grabbed onto the bulging, sharper area's of the boulder to get a good grip and began lifting herself up. Although she wasn't a big fan of heights, she inwardly shook off the annoying fear. A step higher, she breathed out a breath and continued on up, all the while trying to make out the repetitive name the majority of the crowd was shouting... She'd have to ask Tenten.

Reaching the top, she had her upper body over when she felt eyes on her. Sasuke was watching her analytically from where he stood on the other side by the others. What could he be thinking? ...About their first encounter in the shower chamber? He probably thought her a complete fool... Sakura pushed off the ground and stood, meeting his bold gaze, she would not be intimidated by him... Or at least, she wouldn't show that she was dammit. They stood there watching each other for sometime, as if they were playing the game of who would blink first, but in their case 'look-away' first. It was strange, but Sakura couldn't find it in herself to be the first one, it would show that she was in fact, fazed by him... But getting a good look at him now, she would admit he was, handsome. Maybe it was how his pale skin contrasted with his jet-black hair... Or maybe it was those mysterious eyes that seemed onyx the last time she saw him, but were now hitting midnight-blue. It all gave him a sort of mysterious ambiance. Or maybe it was the way his jaw flexed on occasion. Yes, she could see why the girls swooned... But she wasn't fazed.

Then he shifted on his feet and 'hn'd before finally turning away from her - as if he had come to some sort of conclusion about her. She didn't understand, and was momentarily bothered by the thought but she refused to be affected.

Sakura sighed, moving to stand beside Tenten on the edge, and immediately getting a glimpse of the race below. Instantly she felt excitement and adrenaline well up in her. There were five or so racers sticking close to one another, and she watched as Neji easily caught up to the lime-green Porsche that was currently first. Both drifting and dodging each other expertly as the route became more loopy. As her eyes hypnotically followed the car's, she voiced the questions that had been pestering her. She needed answers.

"So, I caught the guy on the mic and the crowd call Neji 'Beta'? ...and something about a 'wolf pack'?"

Tenten chuckled, her eyes still on Neji, "Oh Sak, your so cute... The boys are the wolf pack."

She answered so casually, Sakura had to do a mental re-run of her words.

Green eyes widened of their own accord at the new reveal, clearing her throat she continued,"So - they must be pretty good to be so well-known, and for their presence to be announced like that right? Or is everyone here good?"

"...Would you believe me if I told you Neji, Naruto, Shikamaru, and Sasuke, are the champs of the alley?"

"Champs? So, they do this often?"

The brunette laughed again, getting a curious glance from the others. "Yes, they do this 'often' that's how they got labeled the 'wolf pack.'" She explained further, "Neji and Naruto are the Beta' although Naruto still get's the 'Omega' title, he's at almost the same level as Neji... Shikamaru is the Sentinel' and Kiba - newest addition, is the Delta... And that leaves Sasuke, the Alpha."

A pink brow raised curiously at that,"Why was he made Alpha-"

"Because Sasuke is undefeated," Naruto inserted over Tenten's shoulder.

Sakura should have known he would be eavesdropping, even with their hushed tones.

She was going to ask him what was going on between himself and Suigetsu but the screech of tire's burning out caught her attention.

The racers did a wide drift on what seemed like a court and on the next turn Neji did a sharper turn to get in the lead. She couldn't tear her eyes away as he seemed to move even faster after that. And then the distance between himself and the others became immense.

"Woah... how did he do that?" Sakura breathed in fascination.

Naruto turned to smirk at her and Tenten winked at her.
The rosette fought the urge to roll her eyes. Seriously, would the secrets never cease? She turned back to the alley below to find Neji crossing the finish line, the crowd went crazy, enveloping the main middle road and running over to the winner. Sakura found herself smiling at the outcome, he was good, and some of the pieces to this confusing puzzle were being put together.

"Who was he racing anyway?" She asked Tenten, still watching the scene below.

"Oto University students, and they lose every time." The brunette replied smugly. Sakura smirked at the response, it was kind of cute to see the obvious pride she held for Neji and the rest of the boys.

"Yeah, those assholes don't know when to quit," Naruto added.

"So-" The rosette was beginning another onslaught of questions but stopped when she caught blue and red lights flashing from the corner of her eye. She turned to see police hastily making their way down the hills toward the alley. Within seconds the sirens were becoming distinguishable, and everyone could hear now.

"Oh shit, Code Red!" Naruto exclaimed as he bolted, quickly jumping down the boulder, he turned to catch her, Tenten and Hinata. Sakura's heart was pounding a hundred miles an hour as anxiety officially kicked in but the only thing going through her mind was RUN. They quickly made their way back down the stone path the same way they had come.

Nearly out of the rocky hills and onto the pavement, Tenten stumbles over a bulging rock causing an unsuspecting Sakura to stumble over her. She hissed as her hands and wrists scraped over the hard - jagged ground. Struggling to pull herself up with all the hysterical people nearly stepping over her, she was hefted up immediately and carried. Dizzy with vertigo she looked up to see it was Naruto, and exhaled in relief. Wondering if Tenten got out, she looked passed his shoulder, finding that somehow Neji had escaped the crowd and had shown up to gather the brunette and Hinata. The knots in her stomach loosened a little at that, but the relief didn't last long as she noticed Naruto separating from them.

The blonde nodded at Neji before sprinting off in the opposite direction.

Alarmed, Sakura was about to question him when a motorcycle abruptly swerved to a stop before them, blocking their way. Naruto jerked to a halt, nearly dropping her in the process. Dazed, it took her a moment to recognize that it was Sasuke... She had been so caught up with running and trying to keep up with the others, she failed to notice his absence... Were they riding with him? Where was Naruto's car? Didn't he come with one? She felt the hysterics beginning just underneath. Naruto quickly set her down on shaky feet and hopped onto the bike behind the raven-haired boy.

Getting situated, the blonde reached for her,"Come on Sak-"

"Wh-what about the others, what about Ino!?"

"Their already on their way out, we need to go!"

"How do you know? What if-"

"I saw them, come here!"

"But - but we wont fit-" She wasn't able to finish as Sasuke impatiently reached forward, grabbed her, and flung her onto Naruto's lap diagonally. She gasped as she fell against the blonde, not even giving her the time to get situated properly, Sasuke released the clutch and put the bike into gear. Sakura yelped as they immediately gained speed. Squeezing her eyes shut in apprehension, she held on to whatever she could - having never been on a bike before, this wasn't exactly how she pictured her first experience to be. The wind was icy, her hair was whipping wildly across her face, arms and over her back... and the way she was sandwiched between them with only Naruto's arms securing her made her uneasy. She felt unstable.

Taking a few deep breathes to calm herself, she squinted her eyes open a little, finding that she was holding onto Sasuke's shoulders... but all awkwardness and shame she had felt a few moments ago were out the window. He was their savior as of right now. And he was going so fast, she barely registered that the cops had already filled the place. Wanting to survey their numbers, she turned back to see two moto-cops on their tail. The tremors waving over her body intensified and she found it impossible to breathe now... A sharp turn of the bike had her facing forward again, and she found that Sasuke wasn't daunted in the least.

The road that was kept empty moments ago was now completely packed with cars trying to escape from all directions. The ebony-haired boy was unbelievably smooth, easily squeezing through the narrow spaces that had her holding her breath and unconsciously tightening her grip on his shoulders. He roughly steered the bike onto the sidewalk, shifting gear's - he accelerated and it felt as though they were flying. It was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time - she wouldn't even allow herself to blink out of fear. He shifted then, transferring back onto the road and sliding right in front, he took the lead. She chanced a glance passed Naruto's shoulder to see no moto-cops in sight, and relief hit her so hard she was helpless against the giggle that escaped her. She met Naruto's gaze and caught him grinning at her. His expression was relaxed, completely at ease. It almost felt like they weren't being chased down by ruthless cops, as if they were criminals. She laughed even harder.

"Enjoying yourself?" Sasuke stated more than questioned, as he shifted the gear, maintaining the speed.

"I-think-I'm-going insane," the rosette confessed between the laughter racking her body. She laughed until she was weak and panting, falling limp against Naruto. The blonde hugged her to him, hoping to comfort her in some way. He could still feel her body shaking.
They were almost out of the hills and Sakura thought it was smooth sailing from here on out, and allowed her seized up muscles to unwind a little... until she witnessed a car become visible from the shadows of the last hill they were passing. Choking on her words, she was helpless against the scream that escaped her as the car swerved straight for them.

Sasuke quickly jerked the bike to the right to avoid colliding with the reckless cop, it had skidded across the road just for them. Sakura fell forward against Sasuke in the process, her cheek pressed against his shoulder and arms automatically wrapped around his waist to steady herself. And she didn't care in the slightest... and if he did, he didn't let on. Black spots invaded her vision - sluggishly she realized, she was going to pass out.

It was all too much for her, she was mentally and emotionally drained. Unable to fight her weighted eye-lids anymore she let them slide shut, and tried to focus on her breathing as best she could.

Breathing was key.

"Almost there Sak, hang on." Naruto whispered as he rubbed her back in circles, she was so tired she barely heard his words. He sounded so far away, so out of reach.

Was this the end?

Her future ruined before it even began, for this?

...What would her mother have thought?

Her heart ached at that and she suddenly felt moisture on her cheeks.

Was it raining?

None of this felt real.

...Maybe it wasn't real?

Could this all possibly, just be a bad dream in result of her curiosity keeping her up at night? Yeah, that could be right. Just a bad dream. It had to be because - Tenten couldn't have been talking about a racing alley when she said Konoha was a 'different place at night, it was just too dangerous, too risky. And there was no way 'Sasuke' was the same guy that saw her half-naked her first night at the university. It was just too convenient. And 'wolf pack'? Nice touch Mister Sand-man. Oh, and it was raining. Yup, just a dream for sure. She would wake up and find herself in her bed, in her dorm soon. Yup.

Soon.

The wind that had been hitting her so hard just a minute ago, began lightly ruffling wisps of her hair playfully now. It was soothing, lulling her deeper into her sleep... and then it wasn't windy at all, it was still. (almost had me fooled with that effect Sand-man) She felt the pillow she had been clutching so tightly to slip from her arms and her front was instantly cold. She shuddered without its warmth, wanting to reach out for it but her arms were so heavy. Her neck suddenly felt awkward, as though it was arched, and it was not at all comfortable. A moan escaped her - where was that damn pillow?

And then, it felt as though she was moving, she could tell because her arms were swinging... Were they swinging? They swung for some time until they hit something solid, then she felt softness beneath her. It felt cold under her exposed legs at first, so she shifted to the fetal position and snuggled into the covers before sighing in bliss. She was finally comfortable, she would now fall into a dreamless sleep.

Yup, it was all just a dream.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Actually no.

She was delusional.

Very common with exhaustion, anxiety and of course denial.

...

..

.

-TBC-

'Tenten's confirmation did shine some clarity on the matter,' Sakura has no clue just how big of a fan club our Sasuke has and finds the boys being snooty about the whole ordeal. Little does she know :))))

'Naruto smirked at her and Tenten winked,' When Sakura asks how Neji was able to move so impossibly fast at the very last minute of the race, she is answered with mischievous eyes, and so grows her suspicions of the group. They are keeping more secrets.

'She suddenly felt moisture on her cheeks,' All that our Rosette has been through emotionally has caused her to be so numb she cannot register if she is crying or not, as her eyes no longer sting in warning.

Any questions? Please Review, they make staying up all night worth while.

Thanks for reading :)