Finally, an Update! I'm sorry it's taken longer than usual, now that summer is here I'm definitely gonna update sooner!

Special Thanks for all who reviewed;

ILoveSxS, Guest, Khautumn21597, pizzarolls!

MissKonoha-Yes my Dear, we both agree'd that Naruto is soooo fun to write! And I'm really glad the volleyball scene had that effect, because that was my goal. And Eeeep! I find myself getting excited with SasuSaku's interactions as well. And the other things you pointed out through the PM really hit-home. As usual Thank you for your AMAZING reviews.

SupaaFly-Oh my gosh. Thank you! It makes me feel like I'm doing this right. Lol :)

Chance-Thank you so much! I had this plot planned for a while, there's soo much more SasuSaku goodness to come.

JessicaJade-YAYY! I'm trying my best to keep every chapter interesting so as to not bore the reader, so if you've been continuously reading, that is an amazing compliment for me. Thank you.

Soulhates-Im so glad you liked it, and Yes, Naruto is gonna be the light-hearted fool throughout this fic. Love that guy.

Oh I just LOVE you guys. Thank you soo much for your sweet reviews, I find myself going back and re-reading them over and over again. Seriously, I'm still having a hard time believing that I'm doing a decent job. Your reviews leave me a little speechless. Thank you.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, just the plot.

Alright, on with the story. :)

Chapter Seven: Convictions.

They don't see me, but they hear me
They don't feel me, but they fear me.

-Lil Wayne

No words were exchanged once they hit the road for Ichiraku and if not for the music still playing loudly, she was sure the awkward air would have been thicker. Well, at least for her. How could it not? She still couldn't get passed the memory of their first encounter... and their closeness during her 'episode.' She fought the heat threatening to rise on her cheeks, and took a steady breath. He made her feel... Exposed. How could she undo all that's happened? ... Maybe she was being dramatic, but she really didn't know how to act, or react with him without thinking about it. Even when their friends were around, let alone just them two together...Alone. And this drive was seriously taking forever.

...It's literally been 6 minutes, get it together girl.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

There it goes again, Sakura sighed. Sasuke's 'beeper' had gone off several times during the drive. From the corner of her eye she saw him turn down the music and reach for the square device. Eyeing the small screen he let out a small huff and tossed the beeper back into the cup holder. Running a hand through his wild hair he turned his dark eyes on her for a second and then brought them back to the road.

Surprisingly, he hadn't done any crazy stunts while on the drive. Yet.

She was originally expecting it, but realized the sun was only beginning to set, and he obviously wouldn't do anything risky with so many car's and cops around.

And they weren't exactly in a hurry, right?

She discretely studied the boy beside her again, to find his hand slip into his pocket and pull out his phone. He began texting someone.

Tch, Really?

"Haven't you heard of the 'It can wait' campaign?"

His eyes shifted from the road to his fingers, as he continued to punch buttons on the screen of the phone, completely disregarding her words. When finished, he sighed in exasperation and raised, bored' ebony eyes to her. He held her gaze as he slowly rose the phone up to his ear, speaking into the phone, he questioned quietly,"What do you need?"

She rolled her eyes, and he smirked.

He obviously could care less what she had to say about him being on his phone while driving. Attention back on the road, he hn'ed' at the person on the other end of the phone, who Sakura could vaguely hear, was talking non-stop. It sounded like a woman, but she couldn't be sure.

She silently found herself growing curious as to what sort of business he was involved in. She hadn't forgotten Naruto's words about him being the son of 'billionaire Fugaku.

Maybe another merchant house, like the Hyuuga's? It was possible. Or maybe they owned several hotels? She wouldn't be surprised. Or maybe, started a franchise of sorts? Could be. Or maybe-

"Alright," he finished, breaking through her thoughts, as he clicked the phone off and slid it back in his pocket... and then she heard him switch gear's and immediately, her breath was caught in her throat. Gravity jerked her back against her seat as he began accelerating. With her right hand, she again reached for the handle on the roof of the car, confident now that it was more than necessary. Confused as to why he was suddenly driving so brash, she wanted to ask him what was going on but found her heart palpitating at the scene before her wide eyes. Sakura flinched as he came extremely close to the car in front of them, "S-Sasuke," she gasped squirming in her seat. She was sure he was gonna hit them before he moved, cutting-off the car to her right. Exhaling in some relief, she sat rigidly as he continued to zig-zag his was through the line of traffic, never once slowing his hustle. She turned anxious emerald eyes toward him, and at first glance, he seemed completely insouciant, with the way his body was leaned back comfortably, his left arm resting on the open window of the car door. But upon closer notice she caught the flexing of his jaw and his knuckles were white from the tight grip he had on the steering wheel.

"I need to make a quick stop," he stated, not bothering to look at her as he made a quick right, into a parking lot that was not a part of Ichiraku.

She remained silent. What could she say? They were already here.

But where exactly is 'here'?

She curiously studied the glorious, broad, buildings lined up before her. The center building, tallest one and most eye-grabbing, was with jet-black architectural-glass windows that seemed to reflect the sky, tree's, and surrounding area. It was stunning. Her eyes moved up along the its tall walls, falling upon the name in bold red print at the very top that read, 'Uchiha Corp.'

She withheld the gasp in her throat. So, it's another merchant/trade house?

She was so engrossed with the the exquisite edifice, she didn't notice the tall, lean man making his way over to the car until Sasuke rolled down his window. Tearing her eyes away, she turned toward him to find a man in a dark suit, with very similar features to Sasuke's, casually leaning on the door. He met her eyes then and she unconsciously swallowed. His dark gaze was identical to Sasuke's, and just as intense if not more. His skin was also pale and hair too, was the dark shade of ebony but long, tied neatly in a low pony tail from what she could guess from her angle. He was unbelievably handsome, almost regal. Sakura felt her cheeks heat up when she realized she had been staring. Immediately shifting her gaze away, she missed the smirk that broke out on his lips.

"The meeting is in an hour little brother."

They're Brothers?

His voice was like velvet too... Honestly, were all the Uchiha's blessed with good-looks and smooth voices?

She saw Sasuke silently grasp a folder from the man and turn his body toward her to place it on the back-seat.

"I'll be there," he answered when facing him again, but noticed his older brother watching the girl in the passenger seat almost curiously, before flashing his eyes back to Sasuke.

Sasuke glared at him and his eyes shone with amusement in response,"Pardon my manners, and Sasuke's, I do not believe we have met." Ignoring Sasuke's dark aura, he extended his arm across the younger Uchiha and over to Sakura. Her head snapped back as she realized he was addressing her. Hesitantly, she met his extended hand with her own,"Sakura Haruno," she grasped his hand and offered a small smile, while secretly wishing she had changed out of her volleyball uniform. It wasn't exactly the best first impression kind of attire.

And then she silently berated herself for caring... but how could she not when the older Uchiha looked - as put-together and professional as he did.

He raised a brow and smiled in return as well, although there was a thoughtful light in his eyes,"Your name is quite fitting. Itachi Uchiha, pleasure to meet you." Her hand was still in his grasp, and Sakura looked away from him, feeling her cheeks heat up hotly, That was a compliment. Right?

"You as well." She bravely faced him again and loosened her grip, hoping he would do the same, but to no avail.

He seemed to be silently contemplating something, eyes never wavering from hers, he spoke again,"Tell me Sakura, what business does a modest young woman such as yourself, have with my imprudent little brother?"

Like a deer caught in headlights, she froze, unsure how to answer his inquisitive question... but thankfully the boy beside her beat her to it.

Running a hand through his hair roughly, Sasuke vexed, "You have company." Effectively changing the subject, his eyes were near the entrance of the building, to their right. They both followed Sasuke's gaze and Sakura saw three young men, also dressed in dark suits. She guessed they were about Itachi's age, early twenties? They were surprisingly handsome too. The one on the left was the shortest of the three(by two inches or so) he had shaggy vermilion hair and soft brown eyes, the one on the right had long blonde hair and vibrant blue eyes, and the one in the middle had short ebony locks with eyes to match. He looked like he could be related to the Uchiha's. They seemed to be in a discussion but their eyes would periodically, look in their direction every so often.

Itachi loosened his grasp and eventually let go of her hand,"It appears I do. Please, do excuse me Ms. Haruno," he nodded at her, and turned to Sasuke,"I will see you shortly," he stepped away from the door and walked around the car, with confident steps headed toward the awaiting men near the building.

Sakura exhaled the breath she had been holding, That was, unnerving. She dared to turn and study the boy beside her. His face was emotionless and hand was already on the gear, bringing it down to 'reverse' he began backing out... and when he didn't speak after they exited the wide parking lot and hit the road, she realized he wasn't going to.

Fidgeting with the strap of her bag that lay at her feet, she silently contemplated how she would question him. Or if she even should. His brother was rather blunt and seemed to think they were an item. It was only the first time they had met and he already thought they were a couple? It was strange... Or maybe Sasuke had a new girl every week? ...That would explain Itachi assuming they were together... Wouldn't it? But if that was true, she was being misjudged. And that's been happening more than she could bear as of late. She was not one of his desperate fan-girls or one-night-stands or whatever, and refused to be labeled as such. So she gathered her wits about her and broke the silence,"So... What was your brother getting at exactly? ...Like - he didn't think we were together or a thing... or anything right?"

He smirked disdainfully, throwing her a condescending expression he uttered, "Wishful thinking Haruno?"

Did he just-?

Instantly overcome with red-hot fury she reacted - seething,"Daydreaming Uchiha? No. Your just an egotistical brat. For all I know, with your reputation, you have a new girl everyday and he thought I was another one of your bimbo, air-headed fan-girls." She turned away from him, crossing her arms over her chest defensively, pretending to stare out the window as she attempted to get her anger under control. Her blood was boiling and she was on edge, waiting for him to immediately throw back another one of his smart-ass responses, but none came. All was silent... but she refused to feel bad for what she said. He started it. She quickly flashed her eyes toward him to find him completely unaffected. Blank. Emotio-

"Did you just... call me a brat?"

She now shifted disbelieving eyes toward him "... Is that really all you got out of what i said-"

"You did. You said brat." His voice, one of acceptance.

"Are you serious?"

"Are you not?" He countered, still not meeting her eyes.

"Not what?"

"Serious."

"What-How-"

His lips slowly curved into a smirk, and right then, she knew he was messing with her. She glared heatedly at him "You know what-"

"Yeah, I do. Your quick to call me prideful, but your reaction showed that your exactly the same." He threw her a challenging look.

Her eyes narrowed and jaw flexed tensely,"Excuse me? Your the one who was being arrogant - and hold on, you were testing me? Is this a game to you?"

He sharply put the car into 'park,' effectively silencing her and turned fully toward her. Confused as to why they had stopped, she looked around and only then noticed they had made it to their destination, parked in the lot of Ichiraku.

Sakura looked toward the object of her displeasure and found his eyes moving passed her shoulder. She followed his gaze and found Suigetsu and Juugo(whom she knew from Chemistry) casually leaning against a silver Porsche closer to the entrance of the restaurant. They both nodded, and it took Sakura a moment to understand that they were greeting Sasuke, she turned back to him to find his onyx orbs trained on her. Her throat went dry at their intensity.

He spoke in a low tone,"Stop being annoying for five seconds and cut the bullshit Haruno. At least if not in front of me, admit it to yourself... the fact is, I put you on edge, and you react defensively."

Without waiting for her response he reached over and unclicked' the seat belt still strapped around her.

Eyes wide with bafflement, she felt rooted to the spot, even as he pressed the unlock button for the doors. He wasn't looking at her and was clearly telling her to get out of the car. But she felt as though he had just slapped her in the face and remained seated in shock. She was so overcome with both anger and - and... conviction at his words she wasn't sure if she should lash out... or apologize. She swallowed the lump of emotions and weakly mumbled a,"Thanks for the ride," before fumbling to open the handle of the door. She didn't look at him for his reaction, or wait for a response. Pushing it open, she grabbed her bag quickly and closed the door shut. Sakura began power-walking across the parking lot, and gave a stiff nod toward the silver and orange haired men still leaning against their car. They nodded in return, and she quickly entered the restaurant, unaware of Suigetsu's lingering eyes, or the fact that Sasuke didn't leave until she was inside.

She was immediately spotted upon entering.

"Hey Sak, over here!" The blonde boy with the contagious smile waved enthusiastically. Naruto. A small smile managed to spread across her face, even though the last half hour made her feel depressed. She began making her way over to them but Ino blocked her path instantly, with an odd expression present on her pretty face."What took you so long? And who brought you?" She interrogated.

Sakura tired very hard not to show how very pissed off she was at the blonde. This was all her fault. If she hadn't left her, she would have never had to drive with him and she wouldn't feel shitty right now. "What do you mean? Your the one who left me with Sasuke without a word-"

"Sasuke!? What are you talking about forehead? Tenten was the one waiting for you, and I texted you!"

Tenten?

... What?

"Well, my phone died and Tenten was nowhere in sight!" The rosette stated angrily and stepped past her blonde friend, but Ino immediately grabbed her wrist and started dragging her outside, ignoring the confused expressions on the faces of their friends and Sakura's defiant tugs to free her wrist.

Once outside and a good distance from the entrance, she turned on her,"Okay Sak, tell me what's going on? What happened."

She sighed heavily, "I'm tired Ino let's just-"

"Tenten wasn't there when you got back from your run?"

"... No."

"But Sasuke was?"

"... Yes."

"Alone?"

"... Mhmm.

Sakura noticed a new light in the blondes eyes and was afraid to ask what she was thinking.

Ino smirked,"Interesting... Although I admit, I'm feeling a hint of jealousy inwardly, I'm pushing it aside for your sake... I'll have to talk to Tenten about this."

"Talk to me about what?" The brunette suddenly interjected as she came to stand beside Sakura. Having just shown up with Neji, but he wisely decided to proceed on and enter the restaurant so as to not intrude on their hushed conversation.

Ino raised a curious brow at her and started bluntly,"Sasuke just dropped off Sakura."

The brunette bit her bottom lip and turned to Sakura with apologetic eyes,"Yeah I know... He kinda made me leave. I'm really sorry Sak, I wasn't budging at first but then Neji showed up and backed him up and I eventually relented."

Ino processed the new information and fixed the rosette with an accusing look, "What the hell! Are you two talking forehead? How could you not tell me-"

"No. Stop jumping to conclusions pig," Sakura defended in exasperation, running a hand down her hot face.

Ino was relentless,"So then what's his deal? What was his motive? Did he make a move on you? What happened Sakura, SPILL!"

Sakura somberly leaned against the brick wall behind her, and answered honestly,"He... told me to be wary of Karin."

Ino's eyes widened animatedly,"Oh. My. Gosh. Do you know what this means? He care's... Meaning he likes you. The Sasuke Uchiha, has got the hots for you."

Sakura exhaled loudly and gave the blonde an annoyed glare for her exaggerations,"No he doesn't. He thinks I'm pathetic and cant take care of myself. He pities me."

The blonde immediately shook her head in disagreement at the rosette,"You know that's not true. Tenten, you tell her! You've known him longer."

"Actually Sak... Ino's right. He was pretty determined to talk to you... And I've personally never seen him bat an eye for any girl, whatever his intentions may be. It's not what you think."

"No, he doesn't... You two don't even know the half of it... You wouldn't understand."

"Try us." Ino and Tenten both declared in unison.

Sakura sighed. She debated if she should confess what was on the tip of her tongue. Maybe if she did, they would drop this and see it the way she did... So she started hesitantly, first telling them about the event that immediately caused heat to flood over her cheeks(for the umpteenth time.) Starting from the moment she left the dorm after Ino awoke her from the nightmare their first night on campus, she explained that she had sleepily walked into the Male's side of the chamber unknowingly and had showered and exited the bath before she realized there was a boy present. Sakura purposely ignored the look of hurt and almost betrayal etched upon the blondes face from keeping the incident from her. She continued on that the said boy' deadpanned the fact that it was the men's room, and she was unbelieving and mortified but he left quickly, telling her that she had enough time to get dressed and leave before men flocked the place. Tenten's expression softened at that and Ino was still in bewilderment. She continued and told them half of what happened with her episode. Leaving out the part that she had an episode. Just that she tripped over the butler and cut herself and that he had (unfortunately) been there and had surprisingly done a good job of cleaning her up.

She sighed, and met the eyes of her friends and was shocked to see Tenten's expression one of amazement and Ino's of awe.

"No, don't give me those looks. He pities me. I'm a nuisance. I don't even know why he-"

"Sakura, please listen to me when I say this, and don't take it the wrong way or anything, I just want to clarify... Sasuke pities no one and he definitely wouldn't go out of his way to warn a 'nuisance' as you say..." The brunette watched the doubt flicker across the rosettes face and continued,"He may get the reputation of a 'player' but he is far from it... Whatever you think his intentions are, you have to look past the superficial Sak."

Sakura's eyes were downcast as she bit down on her bottom lip in thought. Her heart was pounding for reasons she wasn't sure she wanted to delve into... Ino - Sakura realized at that moment, had remained surprisingly silent.

She too fell silent, eyes glazing over as she pondered over the exchanged words.

She was aware she had misjudged him - from the moment she met him. He was instantly labeled as trouble in her book and though she didn't know him any better than she did last week, she was out of line today. She knew.

Maybe she knew it just as she insulted him too..? Aside from the affect his closeness has had on her, he had also seen her in a state of emotional distress only Ino had ever witnessed... Resulting in her being more guarded than usual..? It was her defense mechanism, one she was accustomed to...

And it also led back to her history too.

Sakura knew that her parents divorce had messed her up in a way that she never wanted to be vulnerable with a boy so she always subconsciously had her guard up... But Sasuke, she is coming to know, is a man of action, not words... And that's exactly what had set her off. He didn't have to do any of the things he had done for her... and it was driving her crazy because she was waiting for him to be like the rest. All, with a hidden agenda... But then again, why didn't she react this way to Naruto..?

She knew the answer to that question too.

...Because her inner-battle hadn't been exposed to Naruto like it had to Sasuke... and because Sasuke Uchiha was an entirely different breed. If she was being honest, everything about him got her defensive. He made her - feel stupid, and self-conscious and antsy without having to do much.

He was more than intimidating.

The raven-haired boy was also very observant but now he knew too much - could see too much. And she had subconsciously held it against him.

But she knew its root.

All she had seen and heard was crap from the men in her life... Her father had failed her and so had Sai, her childhood friend she grew to love. He ran away the moment she needed some emotional support, she had been so torn from his rejection she disregarded any and all memories of him... And so, her heart grew numb - cold...

Though she was usually more in control of her emotions, always keeping them in lock and key... but not today.

What was wrong with her..?

The rosette heaved a long sigh before deciding to confess, "We kinda got into an argument... Before I entered the restaurant. So, I'm sure he wont be doing anything out of character for my sake anymore."

Ino grasped her right shoulder at that, and gave it a light squeeze,"Does that make you glad, or... sad?"

Conflict and guilt were evident on Sakura's face, "I... don't know - I was rude, and out of line... He didn't deserve that."

The brunette smiled warmly at her before placing her hand on Sakura's other shoulder,"Don't worry Sak, you guys will work things out... Sasuke's pretty amazing once he actually lets you in... and you'll learn that he isn't quick to lose a friendship. I mean, he's still putting up with Naruto and our boys right?" She flashed her eyes over to Ino who's cheeks instantly flushed.

The guilt weighing in on the rosette was now suffocating.

A shy smile graced the blonde's lips,"Right. Come on, let's go back inside and get you some food."

She nodded and absentmindedly followed them inside as her mind continued to go over all that happened and was spoken.

The next few days went by swiftly, they won their first volleyball game of the year Wednesday and she decided to try and be-friend the red-head since then. They played well together and in all, were a good team, when they set their differences aside of course. So Sakura was gonna 'try.' She just felt that Karin wasn't giving her a chance before they even properly got to know each other. She didn't seem like a bad person, she was just so caught up with the raven-haired boy, nothing and no one else mattered. For now, Sakura felt they were 'getting along' a bit better, since she wasn't constantly glaring at her, it was now only occasionally. Yup, all was well.

That is... until Sasuke decided to show up for Chemistry Friday. In a black button-up and slacks. It was striking against his pale skin and tousled ebony locks, she admitted then that he was... beautiful. Casually leaning back in his seat, arms resting loosely on his front, attentive toward the teacher, Orochimaru who was going over their upcoming quiz. (Who also didn't even question the boys absence's) She hadn't seen him since their little argument... She also noticed Karin and two other girls from the class stealthily move without the teachers notice to sit on the vacant seats to his right and back, trying to flirtatiously engage him in hushed conversation. But he only listened, never responding or initiating anything back.

And when Sakura snuck a glance at him (for the tenth time) from where she sat on the other side with Naruto in front of her, she found his obsidian gaze acknowledge her then as well. Her heart skipped a beat.

The rosette inspected his face, and found it remained emotionless. He wasn't angry, wasn't glaring like he had or seemed offended in the least...

But in-comprehensively... he was here. He shifted his attention back to the teacher and she did the same after a moment. Her emerald eyes gleamed brightly as a small smile graced her lips.

She would fix things.

There was nothing wrong in being friends right? All he had done was lookout for her thus far.

She owed him that much.

Yes, they could be friends... It just, it all would have been a lot easier if she didn't feel the attraction she held toward the young, indecipherable Uchiha heir growing so immensely.

'Your name is quite fitting,' Steamy-Uchiha-Overload GAH! A few of you asked if he(Itachi) would be making another appearance, and the answer is yes.

'Three young men, also dressed in suits,' The three men near the Uchiha Corp building, whom MissKonoha guessed perfectly, were Deidara, Sasori, and Obito.

'Her heart grew cold,' Sakura is already inexperienced when it comes to boys, but the only interactions shes had with the men in her life automatically created the icy barrier that has kept them all at bay... All except for a certain lighthearted blonde haired boy and of course, slowly but surely, Sasuke Uchiha.

Please leave me your thoughts, Thank you friends.