Hello Dear friends, I give you Chapter 9! Nearly 7,000 words just for you guys, but hey who's counting? Lol. I had soooo much fun with this chapter, I couldn't wait to get off work and school to continue it!
BEFORE YOU READ! On my profile page are the links to the suits I chose for our girls. (I wish it would have worked on here instead but oh well.)It was harder than I imagined since I was trying to pick suits that went well with each girls personality(hopefully I did okay, you be the judge) And I simply love the crochet cardigan, I would love to match that with anything! Thank you to all who fav'd/follow'd and of course reviewed, Ili, PinkBlossem, MissKonoha, SupaaFly, Kays3r, pizzarolls, ILoveSxS!
Also, MissKonoha reminded me of what a jerk Sasuke currently is in the manga so I'm hoping this chapter dissuades you a bit!
You are all simply Amazing, Thank you!
Disclaimer:I do not own Naruto, just the plot.
... Read on!
Chapter Nine: Blow-Out Part One.
So let go
Jump in,
Oh well, what you waiting for?
It's all right,
'Cause there's beauty in the breakdown
-Frou Frou
Finishing the back buckle of the straps of her suit top she brought her hands back down to her sides. Sakura chewed on her bottom lip anxiously as she examined her reflection through the full length mirror hanging against the stall wall. The pastel pink strapless bikini adorning her petite, pale frame snugly, wasn't her first choice. She had hoped her blonde friend would have brought her more conservative black swimsuit instead. But who was she kidding, of course Ino would bring the more sexier, revealing one. Sighing dejectedly, she undid her french-braided hair and ran her fingers through the soft strands, parting her hair evenly, she slid each side over her shoulders(She felt it helped cover her exposed chest a bit better)
knock knock.
"I knew I shouldn't have left you in there, come on already they're waiting for us!" Ino's voice was impatient, as she jiggled the door handle again. And when the rosette remained unreponsive Ino gripped the top of the swinging door and hoisted herself up, catching and ignoring Sakura's glare from her high perch she declared,"You look sexy!"
Rolling her eye's the rosette unlocked the door, causing the blonde still gripping the top to swing inside. Hopping off the stall door, she smiled at her cat-like reflexes. Although the slender girl had to adjust her bottoms(wedgie) as they had rose up during the process, earning a giggle out of Sakura.
The platinum blonde was wearing a white strapless bikini with soft colors running along it horizontally. Standing four inches taller than the rosette, her long tan body seemed to glow with the lightness of the suit. It was summery, and very Ino. Sakura smiled in approval of the blondes choice,"You look gorgeous yourself." The blonde gushed at the sweet compliment from her mostly-honest best friend. The two stalls to their right opened revealing Tenten and a shy Hinata, the brunette walked over to them with her right hand at her back and stood in front of Sakura before turning around, making her back face the rosette and lifted the untied straps to her bikini,"Please."
"Of course,"Sakura gripped either side and began tying it in a secure knot. Tenten was wearing a striking creamy bikini with dark high-lights on the edges. The straps came up and around her neck, like a halter, and along her ribs, twisting elegantly just beneath her breasts. It was very flattering against her golden hued skin. Hinata's cheeks were still flushed red as she refused to meet the eyes of Ino and Sakura as they discreetly took in her lovely figure and suit. She was wearing a deep purple off-shoulder bikini that showed off her neck and shoulder nicely yet made her fuller breasts seem modest. The bottoms came down just a little, as though it was a skirt. It suit her well, and contrasted nicely with her pale complexion. Out of the four, Sakura silently decided herself and Hinata were lacking in the tan department and would stick together and get some much-needed sun.
"Damn we look good." The blonde beamed, confidently flipping her long hair over her shoulder, before clapping her hands in haste she exclaimed, "let's move out!"
It feels as though I've been drafted into the army.
Sakura grabbed her white crochet cardigan, and quickly slipped her hands into the loose sleeves. The light material was comfortable and made Sakura feel less exposed. She ignored her blonde friends look of disapproval and followed Tenten out the door. Hinata had also thrown a loose black cardigan over her shoulders. Closing the door behind her the blonde quickly joined Tenten in the lead as they began descending down the steep hill that led down to the docks. Sakura's sea-green orbs landed on the sole yacht waiting at the end of the dock and felt her pulse quicken. It was huge, with an open deck at the very front and back, where several people could be seen dancing, lounging around and socializing. She couldn't help but think of Sasuke being somewhere on the boat to. Licking her suddenly parched lips, she felt her nerves buzzing about wildly and fought the urge to run. It wasn't the fact that Sakura had never gone to a party, or was worried about dancing or socializing, or even Sasuke(well maybe him, a little)it was the fact that she hadn't in so long. She felt out of touch, and guilty for some reason... The last time she had been on a boat was with her mother, before she got sick a few years ago. She had taken the day off from work and had dragged Sakura away from her studies, deciding to take her out on a small ferry ride just outside the city. She remembered how cold it had been that day and how she had remained wrapped in her mothers warm arms, laughing at how she would unabashedly demanded the captain go faster.
A small chuckle escaped her before she could stop it, and that seemed to snap her back to her surroundings. She blinked back her eyes and found them astonishingly blurry, rubbing at her eyes, she exhaled a heavy breath.
"About time." Naruto muttered as he met them halfway on the dock, falling into step beside Sakura. She found him wearing a pair of black and orange swim trunks, his tan chest and torso exposed and defined. His muscular arms swayed with his movements and shoulders glistened in the sun. Sakura fought the blush threatening to rise and the urge to slap herself as she realized she had just checked Naruto out. Thankfully he was oblivious, conversing with an eager Ino to his left. Reaching the end of the dock they were greeted by Kiba, leaning against the ramp of the yacht confidently,"Ladies, welcome aboard the White pearl... You can call me Sparrow, Captain Jack Sparrow," he winked and grinned boyishly.
Ino batted her eye-lashes and smiled flirtatiously,"Well Captain, are you gonna give me a hand or do I have to hop up there myself?" As soon as she reached for him he grasped her hand and abruptly hefted her up, coming face to face with him, he fixed her with a smug look, and she in response smirked and rolled her eyes at him. Naruto easily lifted himself onto the boat and turned to help the girls board as well. Kiba lifted Tenten and Naruto a crimson Hinata, once the girls were steady on the boat Naruto waved Kiba off before he could reach for the rosette. She met the blondes hands with slightly shaking ones. His warm fingers closed around her cold ones as he eased her up slowly, gently, meeting her anxious eyes he ordered quietly,"Stop that. Tell your worries to go to hell and just... listen to the music, the ocean and the laughter all around you... I promise your gonna have fun today Sak we just need to get you and myself a couple beer's and badda bing badda boom, we'll be the life of the party," he finished with a chuckle. A heartfelt smile graced her lips and she shook her head at him, Naruto grinned triumphantly and threw his arm around her,"That's more like it, smile like that again and I just might kiss you."
"Naruto!"
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding! Lighten up you geezer." He began steering her toward the very back of the yacht. She took in all the faces and the beautiful structure of the boat, although it was a bit difficult with so many people. Lights flashed from several projectors on all floors of the boat and Rihanna's 'Where have you been all my life' was blazing. She saw some familiar faces dancing to the upbeat tune but didn't recognize majority of the people. Squeezing through the narrow side of the yacht, they reached the back deck and found the gang.
Neji, Kiba, Chouji, Rock Lee, and three other boys Sakura wasn't acquainted with sat around the cushioned edges of the deck beneath the ramps. They were all well toned and damn good-looking, leaning back lazily, with their beers in hand... But there was no Sasuke in sight. She felt something foreign wash over her at the thought... disappointment?
What was wrong with her? Berating herself, she mentally shook her head dismissing the feeling... It was better that he wasn't here, she wouldn't have to apologize or worry about making things better between them just yet.
Her searching eyes found Tenten, Ino, and Hinata sitting on the edge with their feet dipped in the water, and noted Ayame, Hana(from her volleyball team)and a girl she didn't know, clad in rather revealing cheetah and zebra print bikini's sitting near Neji and Kiba.
The boat began its descent then, causing most of the occupants to grab onto the ramps and cease their dancing, slowly the captain backed out of the docks and hit the open sea.
Naruto had yet to release her as he made his way over to the boys, he ignored her attempt at pulling away from him and held her firmly. He nodded at the boys(since they now had his and Sakura's attention) and didn't miss the curious glances a few threw Sakura's way. Proceeding to the ice-chest that Neji was currently using as a foot stool, Naruto released Sakura as Neji knowingly slipped his legs off allowing the blonde to open it.
"Sakura, I trust there was no trouble in getting here?" Neji's amethyst eye's studied her fragile frame.
She unconsciously tightened her cardigan around her body under his intense gaze,"No trouble, thanks," she offered a small smile,"Is this humble abode yours?"
He smirked leaning back into his seat, beer in hand, he gave a curt nod,"Like what you see?"
She chuckled,"Not bad Hyuuga."
Naruto shutting the ice-chest rather loudly got their attention, Sakura found him uncapping a corona with his bare hands, and then another. Ouch. Sliding both between his fingers he met her eyes and cocked his head to the side, telling her to follow, as he moved toward Ino and the girls.
"Alright girls, gather around!" Naruto hollered loudly(again getting everyone's attention) he shoved the second corona into Sakura's hand's and raised his own up, standing in the center of the girls he began,"To getting smashed, dancing our asses off, and blacking out! And no boys - I will fucking taze them." He threw a mock-glare to the boys behind them and found Kiba flipping him off, Neji smirking and the rest laughing, "Girl power WOOOO!"
"WOOOOO!" Everyone joined in, the girls clinked their drinks against his own before taking a sip. Sakura was trying to withhold her own laughter, Naruto was an absolute moron but he had a way of making her laugh until she was crying. Watching them down their drinks, Sakura knew Naruto had gone through all the trouble and decided a single beer for his sake wouldn't hurt. Bringing the bottle up to her lips, she tipped it up and felt the cool liquor run over her pallet and down her dry throat, and almost moaned at how refreshing it was. Nearly downing half the bottle, she found Naruto had stopped and was watching her in awe.
"Sak what the hell! You've been holdin' out on me?"
Wiping her mouth with the back of her hand she wore an innocent face,"Who, little old me? Never."
His blonde brows rose in doubt and eyes shone with amusement,"Than how did you just chug half of that corona like a pro and keep a straight face? ...And here I thought you were some saint," he rubbed at his neck, seeming to be in deep thought..."It's always the quiet ones," he finished with a shake of his head.
"Just because you hadn't seen it yourself, doesn't mean I haven't had a beer before.(she didn't feel the need to explain that her mother hadn't deprived her and mostly preferred they drink together, responsibly)
"... You party don't you? I can see it, the way you move, that glint in your eyes. Your a party animal incognito of a good-girl!"
She smirked before quickly changing her expression to one of shame,"'... I'm sorry you had to find out this way, still friends?
"That's right Naruto, our Sakura here is quite the little bad ass," Ino added mischievously, coming to stand beside Sakura.
He eyed both girls critically before staring down Sakura, he tossed,"Body-shots, right here, right now."
Ino fist pumped, "Hell Yeah!"
"Uhh, Mmm- no."
He pointed an accusing finger at the rosette," HA! I knew it!"
"Ah, Sakuraaaaa," Ino whined that the 'bad ass' facade was ruined.
The rosette shrugged her shoulders oh well. She smirked and raised her beer bottle up,"To us, and to world peace."
"World Peace!" They said in unison, clinking their bottles before downing them.
Ino started bobbing her head in sync with the loud bass and Sakura found herself doing the same. They both laughed at one another and the gorgeous blonde leaned in to whisper in Sakura's ear,"I missed this you. The bright, outgoing Sakura, just like how it used to be." The rosette wrapped her arm around Ino's neck and pulled her close, planting a soft kiss on her sister's cheek,"Me too. I think it's the booze though." And they both erupted in fits of silly laughter all over again.
Naruto grinned like a mad man, so excited to see Sakura openly enjoying herself. He felt rather proud of himself, grasping the girls empty bottles he tossed them into the nearest trashcan,"Round 2 comin' right up," he exclaimed as he made his way over to the ice chest again. Ino waved him off and started dancing, dragging Tenten away from the ramp of the boat to join her. Hana, Ayame, Kiba and Rock Lee joined them after a moment to, and it was hilarious to watch. Sakura laughed as she backed up against the ramp to stand beside Hinata, leaning against it comfortably.
She eyed the quiet girl beside her and found her secretly stealing glances at Naruto (not discrete enough if she noticed) A small smile formed on her lips and she nudged the young Hyuuga heir. Lavender eyes blinked towards her,"Sakura?"
The strawberry blonde grasped Hinata's right hand that was currently holding a full beer and raised it up, just beneath her chin,"You don't have to but, just have a little, it will help you relax, maybe even bold enough to talk to 'him.'"
Hinata's eye's widened anxiously as color bloomed over her cheeks again, she timidly looked away from Sakura,"... Am - Am I that obvious?"
Sakura placed a hand on her shoulder, a warm expression on her face,"No your not. Don't worry, your secrets safe with me Hinata... We just got to find a way to get you two to talk." Her eyes hazed over and index finger tapped at her chin thoughtfully, attempting to formulate a plan or game to get them to converse.
"N- no, no! I- Neji-"
She covered Hinata's mouth with her hand quickly,"Shhhh, nothing crazy don't worry! ... I'll figure something out." Her purple hair fluttered as she nodded in response, due to Sakura's hand still covering her mouth, the rosette let her hand drop and resumed her leaned back position.
Facing the dancers before her, she eyed Ino, Tenten and Hana doing a sandwich and Kiba trying to squeeze himself in the middle. She also found that Rock Lee had been eyeing her since she arrived but had yet to approach her, she silently wondered as to why that was. She couldn't recall there last encounter and if she might have offended him in some way... Retracting her memories, from the corner of her eye she saw something move and turned just a bit to find Hinata taking a small sip from the beer and shuddering with a grimace after forcefully swallowing the mouthful. Sakura giggled but made sure the young Hyuuga didn't notice, she didn't want her feeling ashamed or even peer pressured. She just wanted her to let go for once, just like the rosette was doing. And she felt good, light, as though she had truly left her cares back on the dock.
Sakura resumed her people watching with a permanent smirk on her pretty face.
Oh Na Na
Look What you just started,
Oh Na Na
Why you gotta act so naughty,
Sakura found her body rocking to the familiar -Trey Songz tune playing and enjoying the fresh breeze ruffling through her hair and jacket a little too much. Her buzz was warm and had hit her hard due to drinking another Naruto thrust at her(and all on an empty stomach) but it had helped loosen her tight muscles immensely. Lightheaded in a good way, she laid her head back against the high ramp, ready to doze off, childishly humming the tune as she did.
Oh Na Na
I'm bout' to spend all this cash
Oh Na Na
If you keep shakin' that a-
The yacht had come to a stop fifteen minutes ago and the location was quite extraordinary, she could see the tall tropical palm tree's along the sandy shore to her left but the deep blue sea completely surrounded her right. Glistening with the sun's rays beating against it and endless, it was breathtaking. She noticed other boaters and para-sailors out today as well... and why wouldn't they be? The sun was blazing and hot, it was mid-September but perfect weather for a swim.
Spotting Naruto conversing with the girl in the cheetah print from before, she found him making his way over to herself and Hinata, with the girl and Ayame in tow.
"So where is Sasuke? I've been waiting... I thought he was gonna be here."
Coming to stand beside a blushing Hinata he effectively avoided the girls question, "Hey Sakura, have you met Ami?"
... Do I want to meet her?
Sakura felt a small spike of jealousy involuntarily shoot through her as she processed the girls questions. The rosette quickly composed herself, shaking her head politely she answered,"No, I don't think I have."
The girl plastered on a fake smile,"Hi. Now, about Sasuke," She turned toward Naruto again,"Where-"
"Oh I think Kiba's calling you over!" He slightly pushed her to her feet and in Kiba's direction. She threw the blonde a glare over her shoulder but quickly turned away from him and put on a seductive smile for the spikey-haired brunette, Ayame following after her like a lost puppy.
The blonde sighed, taking a sip from his beer he mimicked Sakura's and Hinata's laid back position and they fell silent. But Naruto was a very restless individual so not a minute later he pushed off the ramp and grabbed both Sakura's and Hinata's wrists hauling them away as well.
"N-Naruto?"
"What's up?"
He silently dragged them over to the very edge of the boat where there was a water deck, he released their wrists before taking dramatic leaps and hopping right into the blue ocean. Sakura and Hinata silently watched as he emerged with a mad grin on his face,"Come on! What are you waiting for?" He shouted loudly, drawing attention from the others on the dryer part of the deck.
Both Sakura and Hinata looked at one another, Sakura shrugging her shoulders in agreement and Hinata hesitant(But Sakura knew that she wanted to do it because Naruto had and it was the perfect opportunity for them to talk) The rosette felt bold. Immediately sliding the jacket off her shoulders, she tossed it on one of the cushioned benches and quickly snatched Hinata's off before she could protest(missing the blush that spread over Rock Lee's and Nartuo's faces upon fully revealing there swimsuit clad bodies)grabbing her hand she led as they both sprinted across the water deck and screamed girlishly before jumping off the boat and into the water. Emerging a few seconds later the girls were greeted by several hollers and shouts, getting a mirthful laugh out of Sakura. Her green orbs flashed toward her petite friend, "Hinata, you holding up okay?" she asked slightly breathless.
The plum haired girl was lovely, her eyes shined vibrantly against the glistening ocean, she nodded her head reassuringly,"Y-yes, this feels a-amazing."
The girls squealed as Naruto splashed water at them,"Damn right it does!"
Sakura and Hinata began shoving water back in retaliation but barely reached him, as he swam a short distance away from them, they followed after him but he was too fast. The waves were strong but not enough to overtake them so it was safe, just as long as they remained near the yacht. Naruto grinned smugly at the girls being unable to get him back but that was quickly wiped off his face as Kiba launched at him, jumping off the second floor deck and forming a cannon ball with his legs, heading straight for Naruto. The blonde yelped, and frantically moved, just barely missed being completely crushed by the heavy-muscled brunette. Sakura and Hinata burst out laughing hysterically at the scene. Served him right.
"What the fuck Kiba!" Naruto lashed out heatedly once he emerged from the water, he didn't even wait for a response as he pounced on the boy, both going under a second later. This gave Sakura and Hinata an unhindered view of the deck, she found a frustrated Tenten walking away from Neji and toward Ino. But he quickly came up behind her, grabbing her by the waist he lifted her up and started running toward the water deck.
She struggled in his strong arms,"Neji Stop! No! Don't-" she shrieked as they jumped off the deck and into the water. Water splashed around them and a moment later Tenten resurfaced gasping for air, she quickly turned on him and furiously dunked Neji back into the water, pushing off of him as she did, she used the leverage to swim faster toward Sakura and Hinata.
"Okay girls, here's the plan, those punks are going down-" the sound of engines roaring close by drew their attention, they looked toward the open sea and found two-no three Jet-ski's making there way toward the yacht. Fast.
"Oh shit, it's about time." Naruto exclaimed excitedly, upon noticing the incoming torpedo's. They seemed to be bouncing off the water with their speed. Were they racing? The middle appeared to be in the lead, Sakura made out.
She looked toward the blonde boy curiously, and back to the newcomer's that had yet to slow their pace,"Shouldn't we move?" She intoned mostly to herself, fearing they wouldn't see them swimming so far out from the yacht. The middle Jet-ski was a mere twenty feet away before she knew it and had slowed down just in time, jerking to the side wildly, causing water to split and splash around them. The rapid stop had manifested a major wave, that began rolling in on its self, heading straight for them.
It took her a minute but from her angle, Sakura identified the blow-in as Sasuke. Her heart seemed to drop into her stomach upon the realization. He was here. She was so distracted by the sight of him, she completely forgot about the wave coming straight for them and was unprepared as it overtook them a second later. Going under, the water seemed to drag her down for a moment, having not caught her breath properly beforehand she attempted to remain calm as she tried to push upward, fighting against the heavy currents. She pushed, and pushed and thought her lungs would burst before she made it up. Resurfacing, she gasped for air, and caught sight of another boat and vaguely heard Naruto yelling her name but couldn't focus as she was choking, just barely keeping her head above the water with the wild currents. The waters whipping against her distracted her, so she was again unprepared for the rapid, bigger wave coming at her. The large body of water mercilessly enveloped her a second time without warning. This time she did a couple flips along with the strong currents and started to panic as she couldn't tell which way was up and which was down. Her heart was slamming against her rib-cage and eyes burned from the salt-water. Barely holding the small breath she had taken, her throat was screaming for air and itched for the cough still at her throat, she felt herself getting lightheaded with the intensity of it all. She knew she was deep because the pressure of the water around her was so heavy her ears were popping painfully, her weak arms felt as though they weighed a ton and she vaguely thought that this was it, this was the end. The thought of some shark nibbling at her lifeless corpse caused a shudder to wrack her body, and she pushed forward driven by fear(adrenaline)But the water enveloping her was so heavy, she was already exhausted, her arms barely made a difference as she tried to push up. She felt her eyes droop and thought she could no longer hold her breath.
A strong arm suddenly wrapped around her waist and pressed her back against a toned chest, and began lifting her up with him. Sakura sluggishly tried to assist in swimming up as well. They got closer and closer, and Sakura thought she would die before they made it up, but not a second later they emerged and all she wanted to do was breathe but her body was immediately wracked with severe coughing, unable to take in a proper breathe. She fought to stay calm, as the unknown person continued to haul her with him toward the yacht's water deck. The arm around her waist was muscular, and secure, whoever it was, she felt strangely safe in his arms. Now gasping in-between small coughs, she chanced a glance at her hero and her eyes widened painfully, she thought she might swallow her tongue, Sakura immediately tensed in Sasuke's arm's.
"I'm s-sorry, I'm okay, I - I can swim!" She stuttered breathlessly, and pathetically attempted to unwind his arm from around her waist.
She felt more than heard him rumble (as she felt it vibrate through his toned chest) before he silently vexed,"Stop being annoying."
Feeling ridiculous, and like the 'damsel in distress' all over again, she pushed the feeling aside. The rosette didn't want to argue with him, she was to exhausted... but was undeniably so aware of every touch and brush of skin that she wished she had drowned instead. Her back was still pressed against his chest, his strong arm wrapped around her bare stomach made her want to shudder, and he had yet to loosen his tight grip. Even in the water, his skin was warm and inviting. She swallowed hard.
Eventually she felt him come to a stop, inwardly grateful the whole ordeal was over. He released her, only for both hands to grasp at her waist as he turned her to face him. His handsome face was set in a scowl, his eyes so piercing she felt as though he had cut her with their intensity, her throat was so dry.(Both from what she endured and Sasuke) She felt goosebumps involuntarily spread all over her body as he gripped her lower waist(sending a sharp jolt through her stomach)and a moment later, lifted her up onto the deck. Still panting, she couldn't take her eyes off of him for some reason.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
His thundering pulse wouldn't slow until he lifted her fragile frame up onto the deck and quickly examined her face and body for any damage. Finding her mostly unscathed after a moment, his heartbeat began to steady. When Suigetsu showed up with the speed boat the same time Sasuke and the others had, the waves formed into one another causing the huge wave that overtook them. The image of her choking and going under a second time had caused his unfeeling heart to wrench involuntarily. The dobe was in a panic, trying not to drown himself and find her at the same time. So without a second thought Sasuke had taken action.
After all that, she had nearly drowned and still insisted that she could swim. So stubborn. Foolish.
He eyed the object of his displeasure again and found himself confidentially taking in her full appearance.
Her creamy skin was just as toned and delectable as it had felt under his arm, in that tiny pink bikini. Pale pink hair clung to her chest and torso, her emerald orbs vibrant and staring at him dazedly, her face still pale from nearly drowning and it was all he could do not to grab her by the neck and smash her lips against his own.
It was the booze currently raiding through his system, he told himself.
He gripped the deck and hoisted himself up, brushing her upper thigh in the process, he adjusted himself and sat beside her. Not missing the bit of color that seemed to come back to her cheeks after his 'innocent' caress, he looked away from her before the small smirk broke out on his face.
He relished the effect he had on her, nothing brought him more joy.
"Sakura! Oh thank God! Oh thank you merciful Jesus!" Naruto cried, wrapping his arms around her neck from behind and pressing her back to his chest, earning a glare out of Sasuke for being so dramatic, the blonde ignored him and continued ,"I tried to get to you but Hinata went under to, and by the time I helped her I couldn't find you. The boat and two other jet-ski's came in to close, they hadn't seen us like teme had."
She weakly nodded against his arm around her neck,"... Did Ino see?"
The blonde's brow's drew together as he tried to recall, "I don't think so, I haven't seen her since Shikamaru showed up with teme."
"Good."
"I'll go get you some water," with that the blonde stood and left toward the crowd of people that were still dancing and music, still unfazed. The boy to her left moved to stand as well and without thinking, she found herself reaching for his hand. Halted, he aloofly looked down at her from where he stood and when she didn't speak, he raised a single brow at her and she immediately snapped back from her far-away expression, releasing his hand as if it was hot as fire.
Her cheeks were warm, as she bravely met his eyes again, ignoring the amusement that flickered through his dark depths she began softly, hesitantly,"Thank you... Sasuke... and I'm ... Sorry about what I said - how I've been - I -you...didn't deserve that." She looked away from him and started fidgeting with the ends of her long hair. Hazily, she realized she was resembling Hinata at the moment quite a bit. When he didn't speak, she chanced a glance at him and found his attention on the ocean, his face not giving the slightest emotion away.
Dammit.
How does he do that?
And then he turned to her, saying nothing for a moment, before he bent down, leaning on the balls of his feet, and answered lowly,"Apology accepted Sakura." Her name sounded sinful coming from his lips she thought. She only nodded numbly in response, unable to speak.
Just when she thought he would be on his way and she would be able to breathe normally again Sasuke leaned even closer, earning a small gasp out of her,"And... Sakura..." His tone was seductive, hesitant, as if trying to find the right words. The look in his eyes made Sakura feel like putty in his hands, as she patiently waited for the words that wouldn't come out. He sighed softly, wearing a torn expression, he uttered just above a whisper,"... Have you considered life insurance?"
Dazed, it took her a few seconds to process his words, and her eyes widened with understanding.
What. a. bastard.
His chuckle got a harsh glare out of her and before she could even reciprocate a comeback he was already walking away, throwing a glance over his shoulder he tossed,"Think about it," before disappearing in the crowd.
"Asshole."
"Isn't he?"
She looked up toward the new voice and found a lean body, along with a cheeky grin, and amethyst eyes watching her intently. He silently took a seat beside her(the seat Sasuke just vacated) and dipped his feet into the water just like hers currently were. She faced the sea and was oblivious to the newcomers hungry eyes roaming over her body.
She was not one to vent out her frustration to a stranger, let alone him, she remained silent, kept a cool exterior.
He nudged her shoulder with his own then,"Come on, you could talk to me. I promise I wont tell him," he held up his right pinky finger with a very convincing smile. Sakura found it infectious and couldn't help but smile back,"... It's nothing. Thank you Suigetsu."
He raised a grey brow at her,"You sure?"
"Positive," she answered more quickly than she would have liked, giving off the 'irritated vibe.'
He eyed her curiously but said no more on the subject, lazily he leaned back on his elbows before inquiring,"I don't think I've seen you at one of these events. Not one for partying?"
She brought her legs up out of the water and to her chest, wrapping her arms around them, she answered honestly,"Not really."
"Ah, a book worm."
"Hmm, I like that assumption. I'll go with that."
He smirked before sitting forward, trying to catch her gaze,"Sorry, I don't mean to throw assumptions... I'm just trying to figure you out."
She flashed her green irises at him, a little taken aback she questioned,"And why is that?"
His expression seemed to change into one of beguilement then, he held her gaze before speaking in a low tone he answered,"Well, Isn't it obvious? ...Your beautiful Sakura, inside and out."
Eyes fractionally widening, and pulse in-admissibly quickening at his words, she turned away from him, unsure of how to respond.
"Sakura, Ino's been looking for you," an agitated voice suddenly inserted that could only belong to Naruto. She turned to find the blonde standing right in the center of herself and Suigetsu, wearing an open glower on his usually bright face.
Ignoring his obvious disapproval of the situation she intoned,"Is she alright?" He didn't answer as he bent down and grasped her arm, applying more pressure than necessary, he ignored her befuddled expression, and pulled her up to her feet.
The silver-haired boy immediately stood as well, wearing a frown of his own, he interrogated the blonde,"What's your deal man? We were just having some friendly conversation-"
The blonde brushed passed him, downright dismissing Suigestu and hastily walking away with a furious Sakura in tow.
"Let go," she demanded in a low tone, so as to not draw attention as they squeezed through the dancers.
Fruitlessly trying to tug her arm free, it was all she could do not to punch him square in the face. How dare he!
"Naruto!" She all but growled before he came to a stop where their friends were lounging about and turned on her, meeting her glare with his own.
"I leave you alone for five seconds and this happens! Don't associate with that guy Sak! We talked about this-"
She sneered at him,"You made me look like a child back there-"
There tones and obvious hostility towards one another drew the attention of their friends.
He defended heatedly,"You didn't see the way he was looking at you! I was only-"
"Only what? Looking out for me? You made me look like a helpless fool Naruto, like he was some big bad wolf-"
"HE IS! The son of a bitch cant be trusted-"
"Stop it! He was nothing but kind to me, your being ridiculous!" And with that she furiously turned away from him and stormed off, entering the open-glass living room of the yacht and turning a corner, out of sight.
"Fuck," The blonde ran a hand over his face and into his scalp in frustration. He flinched when he felt a cool hand on his shoulder, ready to pounce if need be but found it was only Shikamaru.
"Ino went after her, whats goin' on?"
"... Suigestu," Naruto rasped, catching Sasuke's dark gaze as he spoke. The raven-haired boy had heard every word spoken along with Neji, Tenten, Hinata, and Ino. The blonde dragged his feet to sit beside the young Uchiha on the cushioned benches, shoving a pestering Ami from Sasuke's side without a shred of remorse. Leaning back into the seat, a cool beer was placed into his hands and he followed the retreating, thin arms to find Tenten wearing a contrite expression. He dejectedly uttered a,"Thanks Ten," before uncapping it and taking a sip, the boy beside him also took a swig of his drink.
"So, you heard?"
"Hn."
The blonde sighed heavily, leaning his head back against the cushion he wailed,"How am I gonna fix this teme? She's pissed and wont listen to me."
Sasuke didn't answer, merely finishing his beer, he tossed it into the nearby trashcan and roughly uncapped a new one.
The blonde eyed his best friend and seemed to feel the agitated aura radiating off of him, more so than himself. His expression was clouded and jaw would flex every so often. Naruto wisely refrained from asking what was wrong, and wallowed into his own drink, hoping Ino would get through to Sakura.
Maybe, possibly... he had overreacted, sure, he would admit it. But the sight of Suigetsu checking out his innocent Sakura unchaperoned made his blood boil!
Getting heated all over again, he mentally shook his head and inhaled deeply, holding it for a moment, than exhaling. He needed to get it together.
And so him and the dark brooding boy beside him drank, and drank... Until the blonde's mind became hazy and he forgot what he was angry about.
. . .
. .
.
-TBC-
Hmm someones moody. Jealous possibly? ;)
Oh Sasuke is such a tease sometimes, I cant even stand it... Poor Sakura ;))
And Yes, they haven't beat Suigetsu to a bloody pulp yet but patience my friends, the scene I am holding off on is actually one of my main and most exciting idea's for this story, so you will know it when it happens(not anytime soon sorry)And I know I said this chapter would be full of Sasusaku but adding the scene with Suigetsu(upon request) changed some things(Since the chapter became way to long, I had to split it) But do not fret, PART TWO will be all Sasusaku as promised.
I am seriously having soo much fun with the whole yacht scene and all their interactions I may even have PART TWO up by the end of the week.(I will try)
Things to consider,
'She blinked back her eyes, and found them blurry,' Again, Sakura cannot distinguish that she is crying, but Naruto easily saw through her on the dock before hopping on the boat, and was the ultimate cheer-up party.
'A frustrated Tenten, walked away from Neji,' Ayame, Hana and Ami, flirting and sitting so close to Neji, had not escaped Tenten's notice. Keep this in mind for the next chapter ;)
Any Questions?