If there are any volleyball players out there(I play but never been on an actual team) that noticed any mistakes with my terminology or anything else please do let me know, I tried. Lol.
Thank you to all fav/followed and of course to those who reviewed! TheGirlWhoIsInLoveWithJapan, KHautumn21597, Kmae, pizzarolls! And Of course MissKonoha, always look forward to your reviews!
Thank you all for your patience and Support!
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, but this is my story.
On with it... :)
Chapter Six: Confontations.
We're making something beautiful
Starting a riot
We've got this under our control
Starting a fight
-Sugarcult
"Alright class, let's go over your homework for tonight, 'Integrals Involving Quadratics." He turned away from the class and wrote it out on the white-board. "In this section we are going to look at some integrals that involve, of course, quadratics."
Sakura heard Naruto groan beside her and smirked. She and Hinata(who sat in front of her) turned to find his face
buried in his arms, splayed over the desk. The rosette rolled her eyes, and brought her attention back to Mr. Asuma quickly filling up the board for the third time that period. Yes, it had been a long Monday. She felt the blondes pain, but not to his degree. She was sure he was hungover from the party he had gone to with the guys just last night. Very irresponsible in her opinion because they obviously had class bright and early the next morning but hey, what can you do? You live and you learn.
Hinata hesitantly shifted in her seat, turning back toward Sakura she questioned in a whisper, "Do we have p-practice today?"
Sakura rested her elbows on the desk, leaning in she answered, "Yes, right after class. Ino and Tenten will meet us there." Hinata only nodded in response, stealing a glance at Naruto(again)before she faced-froward. Of course the observant rosette noticed the little exchange, making sure to keep that little piece of information in mind.
Tenten and Sakura had persuaded Ino and Hinata to join the volleyball team this year as well. They were a little late to sign up but Hinata being a 'Hyuuga' had it's benefits. Of course Ino had some doubts in the beginning but agreed upon seeing the very flattering, tight short-shorts. Hinata had played in the past with Sakura, so she had easily agreed to join their planned sport and hobby for the year... Sakura smiled at the memory of their crazy coach Anko spiking the ball at an unprepared, squealing Ino. The blonde had broken several nails that first day, which was a week ago, and had nearly quit but decided against it. Sakura was never really sure why Ino decided to stick with it but had a hunch it had to do with impressing Shikamaru... and most likely not wanting to be left out.
From the corner of her eye she saw Kiba lean toward Naruto to whisper something in his ear. Sakura guessed it to be 'party-business' or ... 'alley-business.' It had been a little over a week since that fateful day and Naruto was still fuming. He was convinced that Suigetsu was the one to rat them out to the cops, which Sakura thought was highly possible but didn't think he would stoop so low since he was at the alley himself. But then again he wasn't too happy to see them, the 'fresh meat' there, and more than likely wanted to prove his point.
When the Monday after that weekend had come a lot of the girls were giving them a hard time. Karin, in particular. Before that event Karin never even looked Sakura's way, they weren't even properly acquainted, but now it was glare after glare. Sakura recalled seeing her that night at the alley up on the cliff but it was insignificant because she was just a face, and she didn't even know her name... Now, Sakura knew it well. The red-head had walked right up to the rosette after class that Monday, giving her a once-over before declaring that Sasuke was her's and that she had no business going to the alley, and definitely no business riding with Sasuke. Sakura had waited until she finished and simply brushed passed her. There was no reason for Karin to be so threatened by the innocent escape-ride that night... Naruto had been riding with them too after-all. And Sakura had never even wanted to be at any of those affairs or in those situations anyway, Karin had no right telling her what to do or to get threatened over something that didn't even matter to the rosette. If the unreadable, infuriating Uchiha was what she wanted, she could have him!
He had never shown any interest in her and she in him, that should have affirmed the red-head all on its own ...but unfortunately Sakura had both Chemistry and volleyball with her, so there was no escaping her glares and loud assumptions.
When a little overwhelmed she confided in the girls, Ino was quick to say she was jealous and Tenten shined some light on the matter, explaining that Karin used to be pretty close with them, as was this other girl Sakura had yet to meet named Ami... Until both began competing for Sasuke and became a nuisance to have around. So they slowly but surely excluded them from their group, although that didn't exactly stop them from showing up at the same parties, and events... They too had high reputations of their own.
Sakura sighed.
The raven-haired boy that was unknowingly causing a lot of drama in her life hadn't turned up at all as of late. The last time she saw him after her episode was when they all went to Ichiraku after class last Thursday, courtesy of Naruto... and Sasuke recurred there. He gave no reaction when he saw her, not a 'hello,' or even that 'hn,' thing he did... as if whatever that had transpired between them never happened. She too, hadn't really looked at him or initiated any conversation or anything either but was a little bothered by his actions. (or lack-of) He had helped her immensely the last time they saw each other after all... Even though she honestly hated the fact that he was the one who had helped her. She would have preferred it if no one had been present during her episode, let alone him.
He was confusing... but then again, maybe she was over-thinking all of it.
So Sakura decided she wasn't offended, she much rather preferred him to act like nothing had happened anyway, so she was just peachy-keen...
"Dismissed," the teacher stated as the bell rang.
Sakura sighed as she gathered her things, sliding out of her desk along with Hinata, standing to find Naruto and Kiba surrounded by girls. Of course. Some of the pretty girls weren't even in the class. Psychic - stalking creatures that they were, always knowing where to find 'the boys.' And when they started giggling at some joke Naruto said, Sakura briskly grabbed Hinata and headed for the door, they would just catch up with them later.
"Sak wait! Kiba, ladies." He nodded at them before squeezing passed the flirty women and making his way over to the two girls.
"We goin' to practice?" The blonde asked as they exited the room together, he nodded at random people as they made their way through the halls.
"If you mean me and Hinata, then yes. We are going to practice." She stated matter-of-factly, throwing her arm around the blushing girl.
He was about to give a cheeky response when some random boys whistled at Sakura and Hinata, causing Naruto to immediately tense.
"You better have been gay and those whistle's better have been for me asshole's!" Naruto shouted over his shoulder, he would have gladly gone after them but Sakura immediately snatched his wrist, dragging him outside.
"Oh Naruto, what are we gonna do with you." Sakura couldn't help but laugh, Hinata joined in to.
He looked at Sakura seriously, "You don't understand, you don't know what goes on in a guys mind. And you girls aren't like the others so nobody is looking at you like your a piece of meat on my watch." He finished with a huff, crossing his muscular arms over his chest.
The rosette was touched, seriously. Naruto yet again seemed to get passed her walls... Because, she never noticed or even realized how much she truly missed having a real dad, or even a brother until she met Naruto. He was just always there, cheering her on at practice, defending her or making her laugh... Just such a genuine person.
Her throat uncontrollably tightened with emotion.
"Hinata, Sakura." Neji greeted as he came down some steps from their right to join them, falling into step beside Hinata. They both greeted him in return, and they continued to make their way off campus together, onto the stone path leading to their stadium. (half a mile away)
"Let's go with my car." Naruto seemed to acknowledge the long walk in the blazing heat and didn't even wait for their response as he bee-lined toward the parking lot where his neon orange Lexus IS 350 F sport was parked. Sakura looked to the Hyuuga's and they all shrugged in agreement before following after him. Their doors slammed shut with a click and Naruto began his ever-present chatters.
"Coach Gai is still trippin' off us not playing this year." The blonde sighed, hitting the road.
She usually tuned out most of his babbles but couldn't help but be drawn in at his words, she also noticed Neji looking slightly remorseful from his place in the passenger seat, giving him no answer.
That's right, Sakura remembered, they played football last year.
"I heard you guys were really good from Tenten, KU had quite the reputation because of you guys. So, why aren't you playing this year?" The rosette had been meaning to ask since she was informed.
Curious soul as she was.
Naruto adjusted his rear-view mirror to look at her incredulously, "All of KU's games are on live Tv. I'm surprised you didn't already know Sak?"
She merely shook her head at him, the light in her eyes urging him to continue... from his tone, she could already tell something was amiss.
He sighed dejectedly and began, "... It was the last game of the season freshmen year, and Sasuke was the ultimate QB... Anyway, we were bringing it home and those punks from Oto knew they were gonna lose... and ganged up on him after I scored."
A gasp left her lips before she could stop it, "How did they get away with that? He got injured... didn't he? That's why you guys aren't playing this year?"
"Besides the fact that Sasuke whooped their asses on live television? We joined in of course, even though Sasuke was handling his own well ...That fight didn't stop us from being sponsored or even ruin the chances of Sasuke possibly being drafted or anything but he walked off the stadium that day and didn't look back." The blonde pulled into the gym parking lot.
"... Because of the fight?" She couldn't help but ask.
Half of Neji's face came into view with a single seething lavender eye, "Because those bastards egged him on with past events they shouldn't have."
Sakura said nothing more. That was the most emotion she had seen from Hyuuga Neji... what could the Oto boys have said for them all to quit football for Sasuke? They had all played since high school and could have made it in the big leagues if they wanted if she understood correctly... Mainly due to the fact that they were children to heirs and heiress's? ...Or were they really that good? Sakura wasn't sure, but the fact that they gave it up just showed how close these boys were to one another, having grown up together since they could walk, they were like brothers.
All was silent as they exited the car and headed toward the gym. Naruto and Neji were held back on their way by some random boy, so Sakura and Hinata continued onward toward the locker rooms to change. Upon entering they settled their bags, and began undressing.
"I-I wonder what they s-said to Sasuke." Hinata voiced the questions that were swimming around in Sakura's own head.
The strawberry-blonde sighed as she pulled her loose hair into a ponytail, "Yeah, me too."
Hold up. Why did she even care? They weren't really even friends, it wasn't any of her business and still she wanted to know more. Damn curiosity. Maybe because she couldn't figure him out? From everything she had heard and seen, he didn't seem fazed in the least by all that's happened. Maybe she would 'youtube' the fight to actually witness The Sasuke Uchiha lose his cool and get angry enough to beat up the whole team.
When finished, they both stood in front of the full-length mirror to inspect their appearances in the new uniforms. The black shorts were(thankfully) just above mid-thigh and tight(compared to them being as short as underwear)The loose shirt was red with Konoha University printed on the front and their last names with their number, Hinata being #4 and Sakura #9 stamped on their backs, written in black and white with big print. Sakura adjusted the tight sleeves that came down to her elbows, before turning to adjust Hinata's.
"Ready? Let's go." Sakura lead the way out of the lockers and into the gym.
Coach Anko's voice echoed off the gymnasiums walls, "Come on Yamanaka, our first game is in two days!" She was relentless, following the panting blondes every move as she currently did a dance through the 'agility latter' with weights strapped around her ankles. Ino was improving everyday but had a hard time focusing today, because Shikamaru was sitting on the bleachers with the guys, watching intently.
Satisfied that Ino was focusing, and becoming quicker on her feet after completing a few more rounds, the coach clapped her hands and blew her whistle, "Alright, partner up." She grabbed a volleyball from the basket that held many, and threw the one in her hands to the first random pair, "Ino and Ayame." Moving over she threw the next one, "Tenten and Hinata." The next, "Hana and Kazumi." And the last, "Sakura and Karin." She blew her whistle again, "Lets go!" Clapping her hands enthusiastically to get them moving.
Sakura distantly heard someone curse under their breath and turned to the bleachers to see it was Naruto and he looked troubled. It also appeared that Sasuke had joined them on the bleachers without her notice, sitting right beside the blonde. His dark gaze was on her for a moment before he turned and spoke with Naruto in a hushed tone. The blondes brows dipped at his words, but Naruto didn't take his eyes off her.
"Perfect. Sasuke's here, and I'm about to make you look like a fool." The red-head muttered as she invaded her personal space to snatch the ball from her hands. Sakura was taken aback by the bold girls words and actions.
She caught both Ino and Tenten giving her worried glances.
The rosette sighed, lets get this going.
Sakura moved and grabbed the ankle weights left for her by Anko, strapping them on, she stood straight, hands up, legs spread and crouched slightly, taking her defense stance. Not a second later the ball came flying at her, and she followed the orange cones laid out before her that were set in a triangle. Hopping to the right, then center, she set Karin up, then stepped back, and repeated the same motion for the left side. They had a good flow going and Sakura's earlier jitters lightened... that is, until Karin started hitting lower. No time to question the red-head, Sakura was quick to dip low, but ensured her knee's never touched the ground.(That was also part of the exercise)And then Karin switched it up and started hitting higher, causing Sakura to back up and away from the cones. Which obviously wasn't how the practice worked, but Sakura wasn't going to stop if she wasn't. Their practice cones were left behind and forgotten as Karin pushed her further and further back... and then she was full on spiking at random, there was no even flow, it went for Sakura's knee's, to her abdomen, to her face. Sakura remained unfazed, setting her up perfectly, over and over again. From the corner of her eye, Sakura was able to make out Coach Anko watching them curiously and found the others had stopped and were also watching them.
"Go Sakura!"
"Get it girl!"
She couldn't tear her eyes away for a second to see who was cheering her on but they sounded a lot like Naruto and Kiba. Karin was openly glaring now, but was beginning to tire, Sakura could see. Both panted heavily as she hit it awkward next, causing Sakura to dive for the ball, saving it just in time... but she wasn't fast enough to get back on her feet before the next blow Karin threw her way. Sakura gasped, barely bringing her wrist up in time to block the fire ball coming for her face. The connection between the ball and her wrist echoed over the suddenly quiet gym loudly. Panting, Sakura brought her wrist down from her face to meet Karin's gleeful red orbs.
Unbelievable.
There were simply no words, Sakura was utterly stupefied.
Ino was the first to break the silence,"What the hell Karin!" she glared venomously at the girl as she paced over to her friend, coming to kneel beside Sakura's form on the hard ground along with Tenten and Hinata.
Karin only smirked, flashing her eyes over where Sasuke was sitting before she answered, "I was just making sure she was ready for this Wednesday's game. Intense practice, right Haruno? Just like you wanted." She flashed cheerful ruby orbs toward Sakura again, who refused to meet her gaze and instead sat up to silently unfasten the weights on her legs.
"Whatever Haruno may have wanted or not, you know the rules here Karin. Are you the freshmen or is she? I want five laps around the track from both of you, Karin you will go now. Sakura you will go when she is finished." Everyone dispersed, and Anko made her way over to Sakura as she stood upright. Putting her arm around her she drew the rosette closer, and spoke in a low tone, "Don't let her get to you. Your both great assets to this team, Karin gets easily threatened is all, give her some time... and if her attitude doesn't improve you tell me, got it? Hang in there kid." She slapped her bum before walking off, in which Sakura jumped slightly from the violation.
She turned to face Ino, her aqua eyes even more furious than before, "What a bitch! What the hell was that about?"
"She's jealous..." Naruto answered, he had left his spot on the bleachers, that was now surrounded by Tenten, Hinata, Ayame, Hana and Kazumi, and other random girls that were chatting loudly about herself and Karin. Great.
"You totally kicked ass Sak! ...but are you okay?" He placed a hand on her shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze, his blue gaze was regretful.
She mustered up a small smile,"No sweat Naruto, I'm good."
Ino looked at Sakura in bafflement before turning her anger on Naruto," You better tell me what the hell's going on or I'm gonna-"
"Shhhhh," Naruto urged, flashing his eyes over to where the guys were before turning back to them. "I'll explain, just be chill okay? So... how do I say this? Mmm-Okay, so Sasuke and Karin, kinda, sorta, had a thing... Lasted mmm-maybe a month-the most? Anyway, she was whack so he dumped her."
The platinum blonde gave a humorless laugh, crossing her arms over her chest as she did, "He didn't know she was whack before he got with her?"
The blonde-haired boy shook his head,"She changed, besides being obsessive and clingy, she loved the attention and publicity she got when they were together... I mean, she was dating the son of billionaire Fugaku." Sakura's eyes widened at that statement but she was quick to hide her surprise. Now that he's mentioned that, I know I've seen the name 'Uchiha' somewhere.
Naruto continued knowing fully well Ino wasn't going to let this drop unless he did, "She caused major drama between himself and his own friends. Just, stirring the pot. Like a bitch... Did-did you see what I did there? Bitch instead of witch?" He chuckled at himself but stopped immediately when Ino glared harder. Clearing his throat gruffly instead.
"How long ago?" Ino probed, and shifted to lean on her other foot, her temper had yet to cool.
He ran a hand through his hair roughly, "Over a year ago," he sighed.
"I don't give a fu-"
"Ino please, it's not a big deal. Let it go, okay?" Sakura's expression was resigned as her green eyes connected with her friends before she walked off, heading to the opposite side of the gym where her bag laid. She was tired and did not want to give Karin the satisfaction of knowing they were still talking about it when she got back from her laps.
Grabbing the water bottle from her bag, Sakura took a seat on the nearest bleacher, uncapped the bottle and brought it up to her lips. She drank until her thirst was quenched, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand after, she found Sasuke's obsidian irises watching her from across the gym. She held his eyes for a moment but turned away from him. He caused all this dammit. She had no clue what was behind that hooded gaze of his... maybe he felt a little guilty. Yeah right, good one Haruno.
Making herself busy, she gathered her things, stuffing them back into her bag, and from the corner of her eye she noticed Karin re-enter the gym, immediately striding over to where Sasuke was.
And that was her cue, she grabbed her headphones and pushed off the bleacher, omitting everyone around her Sakura silently exited the gym.
On the track, she speed walked to warm-up.
Opening the 'workout' play-list in her phone she put ~EnV ~Heaven Rd. 2 (Ng mix)
Turning it up all the way to drown out her thoughts, she waited for the tempo to rise and felt the adrenaline pulse through her veins, then set off in a sprint.
She entered the gym still breathless, to find it empty.
Thank God.
She made her way across the gym, over to her bag with heavy steps, feeling the aftereffects of her intense run. She had done ten laps and it had completely wiped her out, effectively helping run out her frustration. She was both physically and emotionally drained, and couldn't be happier. Reaching her bag, she opened the front zipper pocket to stuff her head phones back in, then zipped it back up and threw the strap over her shoulder. She turned and started making her way to the locker rooms. Intent on taking a nice long shower. Oh, she couldn't wait to be under its hot spray.
Nearing her destination, she noticed somebody sitting on the middle-row of the bleachers beside the entrance to the locker room. He was sitting forward with his elbows resting on the dark pants of his knees, eyes downcast in thought.
It was Sasuke.
Sakura felt her heart bounce back full speed just like it had been moments ago on her run, but she remained calm externally, maintaining her steady steps.(and fighting the urge to run) He would not effect her. As she neared the door, she saw him move from her peripheral vision. Blocking him out, she began pacing and clutching her bag, as if she were evading a dangerous criminal. Reaching for the door as though it was her safe-haven she pushed it open roughly... and found him slipping in right after her.
She turned around to face him, eyes narrowed into slits as she spoke, "What are you doing? This is the Female's locker room." She used the same cocky tone he had used during their first encounter.
He stuffed his hands in his leather-jacket nonchalantly, "That's right, your improving."
Sakura glared at him heatedly,"What do you want?" She demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.
He seemed to be inspecting the room curiously, eyes shifted from corner, to corner, all around the room, taking in every detail. Before finally meeting her emerald orbs."Stay away from Karin."
Caught off guard, Sakura did well to hide her surprise at that. Did he still hold feelings for the girl? ...Had he come to defend her?
"Are you accusing me of initiating what happened today?" She questioned incredulously.
He moved until he was standing a foot away from her. She fought the urge to take a step back, and met his dark gaze head-on. "No. I'm not accusing you, I'm telling you to keep your distance from her."
Sakura arched a pink brow at him... Why?
He easily read her expressive features and asserted,"She's trouble, Sakura."
She felt her heart in-admissibly skip a beat. He had called her by her first name and it sounded divine coming form his impossibly smooth voice.
Woah, get yourself together girl.
Exhaling a small breath, she cleared her throat and probed,"What's it to you? Are you, worried about me Uchiha?"
He smirked but his eyes held no amusement,"Don't get carried away. I've seen how well you can take care of yourself so far." Sarcasm dripped off his words as he took a step closer, she in response took half a step back.
"Who do you think you are? Stay out of business that doesn't concern you." She bit out icily having reached her limit, and pushed past him to get to the exit, but didn't get far as his hand shot out grabbing her wrist. Pulling her back, furious jade met annoyed ebony. "Are you always such a stubborn ass?" the grip on her arm tightened, leaning in he insinuated,"You don't heed good opinions when you hear them? ...Or is it because I'm the one giving it."
Something indecipherable shot through her at his words. Her jaw flexed and she tore her eyes away from his piercing gaze, he was making this very difficult. Attempting to compose herself, she chanted keep cool,' like a mantra several times before facing him... and vaguely noticed she was close enough to see her reflection in his stormy gaze.
She needed to get out of this situation. Now.
"Don't get carried away," she threw his words back at him, "... I'll watch my back when I'm around her... Satisfied?"
The grip on her arm loosened, but remained around her wrist. The hardness of his eyes softened as they both stood still, and his concealed expression lapsed, revealing the many questions held in his gaze. Sakura was sure her eyes mirrored his own... the more she was around him, the less she understood him...
The twin peeks then began scrutinizing her features, as they traveled all the way down to her lips, the very air in her lungs suspended at his open observations... and when he leaned even closer, Sakura thought she would die.
"Let's go." He uttered before turning away from her.
She weakly sat on the bench behind her, and discretely evened out her breathing again.
Of course, she was breathless. Again.
Damn Uchiha! Damn Karin! ...and just, dammit it all!
"Where? I'm waiting for the others."
He opened the door, and glanced at her over his shoulder, impatience evident on his handsome face. "They're waiting for us at Ichiraku's."
What?
I understand Naruto going without hesitation, but Ino wouldn't leave me with him... Would she?
"I'm outside." The door clicked after him and Sakura remained still.
Oh hell.
It was endless. If Karin or any of his fan-girls were to witness her riding with him yet again they would skewer her, didn't he understand that? He had just told her to 'keep her distance' from the red-head and here he was giving Karin more ammunition against her. It was all seriously giving her a headache. Maybe she could talk him into dropping her off by her dorm instead. She wasn't hungry anyway.
The rosette took a deep breath, she was exhausted and wanted more than anything to just shower and crawl into bed...
Ugh, maybe if I just stay here he'll go without me, She inwardly considered.
Exhaling sharply after a minute, she made her decision, forcing her legs to move, she made her way out of the locker room and into the gym, immediately overcome with dread. What if he was with his bike again? She wasn't sure she could handle it a second time, even if they weren't currently being chased down by cops. She didn't want to sit so close to him. Exiting the building, the breeze ruffled through her ponytail and she breathed it in, truly relishing the fresh cool air of Konoha.
Sakura was about to head over to the parking lot but found a charcoal tinted vehicle already coming her way. Her jaw dropped as she was able to make out Sasuke's silhouette as the gorgeous piece of metal she could only guess to be a... Lamborghini? Neared to a stop where she stood... Gawking before she could catch herself, she suppressed her buzzing nerves and put on a cool facade. Forcing her jittery legs to move, she stepped down from the sidewalk and quietly walked over to the passenger side. Opening the door she slid into her seat, and closed it shut before placing her bag down neatly by her feet. Once situated she then reached around her right and pulled the strap of the seat-belt, strapping it around her with a click. She had yet to notice he was still 'Park'ed and watching her with an amused expression until she met his gaze.
"... What?" Her voice was so small. She was nervous.
He said nothing, bringing his attention back to the road, he turned up the song that was currently playing, 'Revolution by Diplo, and brought the gear down to 'drive.'
She unconsciously swallowed as she watched his hand release the gear, and move to rest against the top of the steering wheel.
Realization and memory hit her hard, ...He's Alpha of the alley, right?
The trance-inducing beat of the song seemed to get her more on edge, as she automatically reached for the handle hanging from the roof of the car and tensed herself up tightly. Her eyes widened of their own accord and she held her breath when they hit the road. Sakura heard a chuckle then. Caught off guard by the sound, she turned to see the raven-haired boy facing the road with a smirk.
"Deep breath's Haruno." He spoke over the loud music, flashing mirthful eyes toward her, in which she half-glared at him.
Dammit all.
...
..
.
'She's jealous,' Thanks to Naruto, Sakura is beginning to understand a little as to why Karin is acting the way she is, but still doesn't understand why she is taking it all out on her, when Ino, Hinata, and Tenten are all part of the group too.
She was sure her eyes mirrored his own,' Both have questions the other wont voice/answer, they are embarking on the journey of getting to know one another, even if one is stubborn as hell, and the other impossible to read.
BTW- I'd love your opinions on the songs I use during the scenes. -EnV Rd-When she's running and -Revolution-Diplo-In the car, these are of my tastes, and I recommend you check them out sometime, pretty awesome tunes.
Thanks Friends!