So I am happy to announce, there have been some -CHANGES-! I have gone into each chapter, adding/adjusting/editing. Nothing major has changed just a bit more detail and a few nip-tucks here and there. Ive added 'Notes/Things to consider' at the bottom of every chapter, pin-pointing the main questions and characters and shining some light on the situations and identities of the characters. So, if you were ever confused about anything, feel free to go back through the chapters! Might I say, with everything Ive done, almost all the chapters are over 5000 words now, Lol. I wanted to do more, but felt what was done is good enough.
Anywho, HI FRIENDS! Chapter Eleven is here, and I will drag this out no further(That is of course, if any of you actually read these notes before/after/at all)
Special thanks to those who reviewed: mannuj, Ili, Tami Kang, SilverSwagxX, sakuraseeker2792, Missdaydreamer143, xoxo, trueblue51, Elodia9000-I'm thrilled that your enjoying their interactions and how the story is coming along, thank you for all your kind words and support!
alexisanitatran-I'm soo grateful for your constructive input and even more stoked that you like the plot! I know you were a little confused in the beginning but I'm glad everything seemed to smooth out as you continued to read, and we are both NaruSakuBestBud-Fans, so that was a plus! Lol, Thank you for taking the time to read this fic, it is very appreciated, I look forward to reading one of yours in the future. Thank you friend.
MissKonoha-! Oh goodness, Hello Dear! Sorry it's been a while. I feel like you are the only one that gets as excited as I do about all the interactions and events in this fic. Eeeeeeep! We're Fanfic-SasuSaku-SOUL SISTERS! I love that you enjoy the funny remarks and interactions between the gang, you always manage to affirm me that they are in character and thats ALWAYS my number one concern. The ping-pong ordeal was a MUST, I could totally see those two doing the same. And your praise on the steamy SasuSaku scene had me squealing like seal! (Do seals squeal?) Anyhow, I re-read your Review like Fifty times. Seriously. Thank you doll!
Disclaimer:I do not own Naruto.
On with the story... :)
The door pushed open, its hard edges rustling against the fabric of the carpet, and a second later, a soft hum rang throughout the dark room,"Sakura honey... you cant stay in here forever."
She sniffled beneath her covers,"...Yes-yes I can."
The mattress sank with the additional weight, and the covers she had secured around her frame so tightly slipped away without her consent.
She quickly clasped her small hands over her face, hiding its redness from her mother.
A gentle hand encased her tiny ones, pulling them down to reveal a puffy tear-stained Sakura.
A warm expression adorned her mothers face, as she held her rosey cheeks and wiped the tear's still overlapping from her eyes,"Shhhh, come here."
Her bottom lip quivered and without the slightest hesitation she sat up, and fell into her mothers awaiting arms, letting the suppressed dam spring free as wails wracked her small body.
A soft chuckle left her lips, although it was more remorseful than anything else. She held the little one, stroking her pink locks before rubbing her back in circles, she began in a soothing voice,"...You know what I did once when I got teased about my hair around your age?"
Sakura merely shook her head against her waist, her small frame shaking with the force of her sobs. Her chin was promptly tilted up, meeting her mothers warm mid-night blue irises.
"... I yelled; 'I feel sorry for your mama's!'"
An unsuppressed giggle escaped the rosette, and her mother smiled in satisfaction, before taking on a serious tone,"But promise me you wont do that... it could get you into more trouble."
She grinned but heeded her words,"I wont."
Leaning down she pressed her lips against her forehead,"You are so beautiful my love, I fear the attention you get will only increase as you grow older, and it will be anything but the bullying you get now... I'll be chasing the boys away with a broom before your fifteen."
The little rosette smiled, distractedly playing with the strands of her mothers darker shade of pink, naive to the foretellings spoken. Her mother pulled her close once more, speaking over the crown of her head, her soft breaths played against her hair,"I'll always be there for you..." Sakura nodded her head against her mothers comforting embrace.
"I love you baby girl."
'Sakura,'
She held onto her tighter, a few tears that had yet to escape, slid over her rosey cheeks,"I-I love you mama..."
"Sakura."
Her body reflexively jerked at the urging call of her name, and the strong nudge to her shoulder had her eyes snapping open. Feeling moisture on her face, her eyes immediately landed upon her blonde friend hovering closely over her laid body, distress evident on his brow. She swallowed the lump in her throat and found herself unable to speak with the constriction clasped around her chest. Sitting beside her, he leaned away as she sat forward, silently handing her a water bottle. It's coolness in her warm hands seemed to chase away the numb sensation that had swept over her since waking up from the vivid memory of a dream. She merely nodded her 'thanks' before uncapping it, and bringing it up to her lips, only then catching sight of the dark figure, leaning against the wall in the corner of the room. Unprepared to see Sasuke Uchiha so soon, she unintentionally sputtered on the water cascading down her throat. Red in the face, she turned away from the eyes of both boys, coughing as she did. Naruto quickly grasped the bottle from her hands and pat her back, attempting to ease her choking.
She nodded her head rigidly as the cough died down and muttered,"I'm fine Naruto..." He ceased his patting and resumed sitting back.
She faced both boys again, still noting the worry on the blondes face, although he looked scarcely pale... and the usual emotionless expression the raven haired boy was wearing. He looked... fresh.(The complete opposite of what she was currently feeling.)His pale face was tinged with some color from the obvious heat of a shower he must have just taken and his usually wild hair was slightly humbled, weighed down by the heavy wet locks. He wore a plain grey v-neck with a pair of dark pants... and as casual attire as it was, he made it look formal.
All was silent, and she willed her thumping heart to steady, drawing in a small breath.
Disoriented, she vaguely wondered where she was and how she got here.
"Sak... you were crying in your sleep."
Her breath hitched and eyes drew downcast at his words, and she began playing with the beaded bracelet around her wrist to keep herself occupied, voicing no response. He continued to watch her critically, "What happened-"
"Kiba's back with that aspirin."
Both eyes flew up at the sound of Sasuke's interjecting voice. He was addressing the blonde and Naruto nodded at him in response, gratitude and relief obvious on his tired face. He looked back at Sakura as he stood, giving her that same uneasy look, he grasped and squeezed her wrist,"There's breakfast on the deck." Eyes widening with some remembrance as to where she was at his words, she met his blue gaze and nodded. He turned away with that, walking past Sasuke and exiting the small room. She bravely met his hooded obsidian gaze before he too, fell into step after the blonde, clicking the door shut after.
She sighed heavily, leaning back against the headboard of the bed, and mentally making note to 'Thank' the attentive Uchiha for his distracting insertion to the blonde later...
Her mother... She had almost forgotten how beautiful she was, having refused to look at any pictures since the death... Her smell, her embrace, her eyes... It was as though she could still feel her arms wrapped around her... and it was in quite contrast compared to the nightmares she usually had of her. Her throat tightened on all sides, threatening to close-in. Helplessly, she fought against the thudding ache in her heart slowly spreading throughout her entire being, threatening to paralyze her in agony where she sat. This was dangerous ground.
Hearing someone hum within the room, she only then spotted her best friend buried beneath the covers to her left, along with Tenten and Shikamaru sprawled over the floor... How had she not noticed them before? Silently thankful for the dispelling of her mental state, she quickly threw the thick covers off of her, and stood, suddenly feeling vile in her throat. Grabbing the water Naruto had placed on the small dresser, she swayed her way over to the bathroom. Locking the door behind her, and slid against the door down to the floor. She took small sips of the water, knowing the nausea was due to the alcohol dehydrating her system. Eventually downing every last drop, she sat still, waiting for her strength to return... Looking down at the black shirt currently reaching passed her bikini bottom, she vaguely recalled Tenten pushing her arms through its sleeves but not much else. She began silently musing over the current circumstance... So they had stayed the night on the yacht? Figures, they were all pretty wasted... Although last night was way too hazy for her liking. Her brows drew together in concentration as she tried to remember any little details. She began from the beginning, recalling when they first arrived. Naruto helped them loosen up, they danced, drank, and swam... Oh, she had nearly drowned, that's right... Until her dark prince decided to show up with impeccable timing and a scolding brow. She felt heat rise on her cheeks and neck at the memory and then most of the details from last night came flooding back to her with jarring force. Naruto getting riled up over Suigetsu, their retaliation tactic against the boys, Neji knocking that random guy out and-and... Sasuke.
The memory of his hands on her warm skin caused her heart to skip a beat... She inhaled sharply, feeling the oxygen in the room suddenly evaporating. How had she let it get so far? He could have... what if he-kissed her? Nearly shuddering with the realization, she reasoned inwardly 'Don't be dramatic, he doesn't look at you that way.'
Well, aside from the too intimate exchange between them and her freaking out over his closeness when she was trying to escape him... He had been sort of sweet... right? Even now, she hadn't asked him to but he had got Naruto off her case about her dream.
Silently, she was grateful she woke up with the hazy memory when he was present a few minutes ago, she wasn't sure how she would have reacted seeing him while remembering everything now.
Hugging her knee's to her chest, she leaned her head back and sighed tiredly. Sakura couldn't shake the dread that somehow, last night changed things... How was she supposed to act around him now? As if it already wasn't hard enough keeping a cool exterior around him already! What was his deal anyhow? Doing what he did... Letting his mask slip in front of her? ...Or did she imagine the honest expression on his face last night?
Mentally berating herself for her train of thought she decided she was over-thinking it. Last night probably wasn't a big deal to him. Him being as in demand as he was, nothing as silly as their interactions on the beach could shake him. They had both been-not themselves was all...
That is the only explanation that she could half-accept.
She sighed, fighting against the uneasiness in the pit of her stomach... they had made it back in one piece and that was all that mattered. She pushed off the floor and undressed, almost giddy to be under the soothing spray of the water. Sliding the shower door shut, she hummed in bliss as it streamed down her temple, and face, in a soothing motion.
All cares forgotten for the time being.
Monday came around before she knew it, and she was dragging her tired legs to the first class of the day. Aside from the major hangover they all experienced Saturday, the rest of the weekend had been mostly uneventful. Well, at least for her, she hadn't left her dorm room, and felt that party was enough to last her for the rest of her freshmen year. She wasn't even sure how she managed to throw on her dark skinny jeans and blue t-shirt this morning, since it felt as though she was still recovering...
Her mind drifted back to that day as she took unhurried steps.
When Sakura had showered and come down for breakfast that Saturday morning, it had been just her, Hinata, Naruto, Kiba and Neji. Naruto was still wearing the puppy-dog face, and not wasting a second, he had gotten on his knee's before her, begging for forgiveness for hurting her feelings. Unable to stay mad at the blonde, and since he still looked so frail and sickly from being more hungover than anyone else, she forgave him. In which he jumped for joy, grabbing her by the waist and swinging her around until they were both unbearably dizzy.
She smiled at the memory, he was such a goof... Everyone else had been either sleeping or already left. Sasuke being amongst the departed. She had caught a glimpse of him when first surfacing from the lower deck. Someone had come to pick him up in a red and black speed-boat of sorts, and she watched them go. Both relieved and a little of something else she wouldn't name... When the others eventually awoke from their slumber and came up to join them for food, she found Ino and Shikamaru inseperable... Neji and Tenten still trying to work things through. They openly argued in-front of them, making it breakfast and a show for all. Tenten defended that she reacted and did what she did because he was all over that 'slut' Megumi, while Neji declared it was harmless' and that she crossed the line at the restaurant, cozying up to Hisoka. It was evident that both parties had been jealous, and reacted off of their misleading emotions. It was entertaining to say the least, but everyone wailed in relief once they finally came to an agreement and made-up.
Sakura snorted aloud, completely lost in her thoughts as she walked, until she was abruptly bumped... Or shoved. Causing the books and papers wrapped in her arms to tumble and fly upon impact. Watching her papers float to the ground in slight shock, Sakura heard a snicker from behind. Turning to face the person, she was met with a smirking Ayame, uttering a small 'oops.' Before turning away from the rosette and erupting in full-blown laughter with her side companion 'Ami.' Sakura sighed dejectedly, she honestly should have expected such... They had stolen those Jet-Ski's in-front of everyone after all, causing quite the scene. She should have anticipated this. Bending low, she began gathering her papers, all the while debating if she should just go back to her dorm and sleep the day off... way more enticing than having to deal with these immature girls for the rest of the day. Another pair of assisting hands came into her line of view then. She found Suigetsu quickly dusting off her papers, and piling them onto one another in a neat stack. She stood and he followed suit, coming to stand before her with an apologetic smile.
"You okay?" He asked, handing over her papers.
Watching him curiously she took them and nodded,"I'm fine... you didn't have to-"
"I wanted to."
Before she could respond, she felt a hand on her shoulder. Turning to its owner, she met concerned blue eyes. Naruto. His gaze flashed over to the silver-haired boy before them and she began mentally preparing herself for what he would say to him.
"Thank you... Suigestu."
She unconsciously held her breath at Naruto's words, astonished at his sincerity. She had not expected that.
Suigestu grinned broadly, as if he were on top of the world. He nodded at the blonde, then flashed her another rueful smile before side-stepping them and continuing his journey down the hall. Sakura faced the boy beside her, he was still watching Suigetsu's disappearing form, and although she knew he didn't trust him, he hadn't reacted the way she half-expected... because Suigetsu had helped her... and because he promised to never cross the line like that again.(That Saturday morning he apologized.)
Smile in place, she nudged his side. He met her warm gaze with a furrowed brow and sighed before stating,"I saw what happened... Those bitches need a new hobby." He sneered, referring to Ayame and Ami... Despite the situation, Sakura managed a chuckle, falling into step beside him,"It's okay Naruto, I'm not that offended..."
He stopped in his tracks, immediately tensing up and fixed her with a heated glower. Her eyes widened, completely taken aback, and confused by the anger he was suddenly directing at her.
Why was he-?
"That's your problem right there!" He all but growled, taking a step closer, "...How long are you gonna bottle everything up Sakura!?" Her breath hitched, and eyes shot across the halls, examining them and finding them mostly empty, thankfully. She unconsciously took a step back from him, knowing full well where this was going, and she was not ready to do this.
He advanced toward her, anger only intensifying at her silence, he grasped her shoulders in a painful lock and seethed,"What if they do something worse next time?" She gripped the books in her hands and squeezed her eyes shut, unable to look at his furious expression for another second.
"...Are you just gonna sit back and take it?"
Eyes still clenched tightly, she shook her head, letting out a shaky breath,"W-what am I supposed to do..?"
"Fight back."
Her eyes shot open at his words. His countenance was determined and almost pleading... She realized from the very beginning that he wasn't only referring to the girls bullying... but to her emotional state. Her inner demons. Tears in-admissibly escaped the rims of her eyes and his expression softened. He pulled her to him a second later. She initially stood frozen, but gradually she wrapped the arm not carrying her books around his waist, leaning her head on his chest... and it was as though her suppressed emotions from all that happened over the weekend, her bittersweet dream of her mother, and the girls being so cruel manifested over one another and a choked sob suddenly wracked her body. Unrestrained for reasons unknown to her she confessed,"I-I'm so tired."
"I know." He breathed, rubbing her back in soothing circles. Now regretting being so harsh with her, he pleaded guiltily,"Please-please don't cry Sak..."
"... I-It's your fault," she clenched at his shirt as another sob shook her form.
A humorless chuckle rumbled through his chest as he held her tighter against him,"I know..."
The strawberry-blonde sighed, entering the last class of the day, she was more than ready for the day to be over.
Sakura slid into the seat behind Naruto like she always did in Chem and pulled out her notebook, preparing to take notes on the upcoming quiz. Leaning back in her seat, she eyed the blonde before her wearily... Shame had swept over her after openly crying on his shoulder ...but he seemed to sense her withdrawal and got even more frustrated with her, stressing that she should open up to him more. She had merely nodded to ease his burden. Her burden... What happened that morning was a one time thing she told herself. He had seen her in a moment of weakness, and it wouldn't happen again... although the shame continued to resurface throughout the day. As if he could sense the recurrence and her obvious need to be alone, he had purposely stuck by her. In-class, at lunch, or in the halls... It was smothering to say the least. Although she didn't have it in her to dismiss him... She also knew he stayed close because he didn't want her alone after the incident with Ayame and Ami... During lunch he disregarded her warning of telling the others what Ayame and Ami did... and Ino instantly fumed. The rosette could feel the burning fire of pure hatred radiating off her. It took both Shikamaru and Naruto to restrain her violent, screeching form. Sakura had shook her head at Naruto in disapproval with the 'I-told-you-so' expression in place on her face... he only smiled sheepishly in return.
Despite all of it though, a smile graced her lips... he meant well, she knew... He always meant well.
The blonde was currently leaning over to the right of his seat, conversing with Kimimaro who sat across from him, going over party-planning. Of course. She openly rolled her eyes, having no clue how these people mustered up the energy to both party and pass all their classes at the same time. It was quite the feat.
The class quickly filled up, and all students were present. Well, all except for a certain brooding male she couldn't help but notice... which she had sort of expected, since he never showed-up before last Friday...
Once everyone was situated, Professor Orochimaru began his small-talk and shuffling about, filling the quiet void of the room. Instead of going over their pre-quiz's they took last Friday, he revealed a large stack of papers, dropping them onto his desk with a resounding smack. If he didn't have everyone's attention before, he definitely had it now.
"Here, I have packets for your new project... You will be in groups of three, which I will allow you to choose now. Once that has been established, a single member from your group will come and grab a packet, then-"
The turn of the clicking door knob caused the Professor to pause. Orochimaru's eyes narrowed at the door, evidently angry at the disruption, only for the door to fully open and reveal-
"OH-OH! I call dibs on the sexy Uchiha being in my group!" Naruto hollered toward said boy who just stepped inside the room, causing nearly all the girls in the class to 'ahh' in disappointment at the blondes claim, visibly deflating in their seats.
Professor Orochimaru's expression did a total one-eighty. Grinning from ear to ear in fondness at the young Uchiha heir,"Sasuke, I'm pleased you could join us. If you do plan on joining your obnoxious blonde friend for the group-project, you may take the seat behind Ms. Haruno to get started."
She almost forgot how to breathe at the professors words, and when Sasuke's dark gaze flashed over to where she sat, she felt physically ill... Faint even. Naruto puffed loudly before her, distracting her. He was clearly offended, cocking his head to the side toward Sakura, ignoring the stoic Uchiha sliding passed them to take his seat behind her, he vented in a low tone, "What a snake... I'm not obnoxious right Sak? ...I'd tell him off but it doesn't help that he creeps me the hell out." The students surrounding them snickered at his words and Orochimaru shot him a venomous glare.
Sakura gulped,"I think he heard you..."
"Tch, Idiot." Sasuke's deep voice inserted from behind her.
Blue eyes widened with panic, as he turned in his seat to face his best friend, "Oh shit Teme, I-!"
"If your finished disrupting my class Uzumaki..." Orochimaru intoned lowly, dangerously, leaving it up in the air, waiting for the pale blonde to nod his head in agreement. A smile graced his lips,"Then I would like you all to begin... Now."
Chills prickled over Sakura's arms at the sinister smile, his order left no room for argument and she quickly searched for her three group members. As did everyone else in the class. Juugo, who sat to her right cleared his throat, earning her attention.
"Sakura, would you like to join-"
"Woah-Woah Juugo, hold on there buddy-did you just assume my Sakura wasn't in my group?"
Juugo fell silent, unsure of how to respond, the gentleman that he was, and timidly looked away from them. Sakura crossed her arms over her chest, turning a green-eyed glare on the ill-mannered blonde before her,"What makes you think I want to be in your group?"
"Everyone wants to be in my group Sak," he challenged cheekily, leaning in to irk her further. Her hand itched to slap him across the face and it took all her will power not to succumb to the need.
Still watching him with narrowed eyes she addressed the orange-haired boy to her right,"Juugo, I'd be honored-"
A tan hand clamped against her mouth, sealing it shut and he spoke before she could pry it off completely,"Juugo, my man! No hard feelings right?" His voice, unusually high, causing the rosette to smirk in satisfaction. Juugo shook his head, answering 'no,' with a small smile spreading over his face, before continuing to speak with Kimimaro.
The blonde exhaled in relief,"Happy now?" He shot Sakura an exasperated look and she laughed in response, causing him to sulk further.
"If you girls are done?" Sasuke stated more than questioned from over her shoulder as he slid out of his seat to go and grab the packet on Orochimaru's desk. She wasn't really offended by his words because she was in fact a girl, unlike Naruto who was muttering curses after the young Uchiha... but she couldn't help but get an agitated vibe from the usually collected raven-haired boy. The rosette watched several girls jump from their seats to fall into line after him and sighed. She would gladly switch places with any of the fan-girls to avoid being the hate-target she currently was... and to avoid Sasuke Uchiha all together. Everyone eventually made it back to their seats, and Orochimaru began reading off the list, reciting the groups of three that the students had written down on the lined-form on his desk, before taking a packet. The air in the room seemed to change after he read their names aloud and Sakura already knew it was going to be very long, hard project.
"Now, in this packet, depending on which one you chose, you will already have an experiment picked out for you. I did it this way so everyone would have a different topic." He smiled that mischievous smile, enjoying the panic now enveloping all the students faces, before continuing in his raspy voice,"Everything you need to know is in the packet, that is your bible for the time being. I want you to do the lab here on campus but the questions, and essay that follows, I would suggest meeting with your groups outside of class to discuss and go over the answers together." Just when she thought the torture was over, he smirked and added," And this will be due Friday... The day of your quiz."
The class seemed to wilt away with every word spoken and Sakura debated committing suicide... because what he was saying was suicide. The quiz itself was One-hundred questions... and now with the project and their already, everyday chapter assignments, the stress level shot through the roof... Naruto groaned before her, leaning his head against the wall to their left for additional support.
"You may now discuss how to proceed with your group members... and are allowed to leave once you've come to an agreement."
The blonde turned in his seat, leaning an elbow on her desk, he glanced passed her shoulder,"What's our experiment?"
Sakura turned in her seat too, taking in Sasuke's laid back form, arms loosely crossed over his chest and the bored expression adorning his face,"Heats of reaction." He finished while shifting his eyes over to her for a fleeting moment, and not missing the fractional widening of her eyes or the redness that bloomed over her cheeks. He smirked.
"Ah shit, he's setting us up! There's no way we'll have all this done and be ready for the test by FRIDAY!" He finished hysterically, drawing the attention from the people still remaining in the class.
Sakura sighed, she couldn't agree more but refused to cry about it,"Easy now," she hushed, placing her hand on the shoulder of his panting form,"We just gotta hustle is all."
"Hustle... Your right Sak," He nodded his head repeating the words again and again like a mantra, his haggard breathing still persistent... She watched him with a furrowed brow, secretly waiting for him to snap completely... and then he stood abruptly, causing her to flinch back, he exclaimed," I say we get this shit done fast, my house?" He looked almost deranged, completely confirming her earlier suspicions, flashing his eyes back to back between herself and the boy seated behind her. Sasuke merely shrugged and Sakura remained hesitant. She knew girls weren't allowed in the dorms and vice versa, that's why he had suggested going to his home... but the library on campus wasn't a bad option either..? Feeling Naruto's anxious eyes still on her she sighed dejectedly and gave in,"Okay."
"I'll go get the car!" He jumped out of his seat before another word could be exchanged, and flew through the door.
She heaved a sigh, his panic was starting to get to her too... but for whole other reasons. The boy behind her shifted, causing the knots in her stomach to swell and expand through her abdomen, she quickly began gathering her things. His chair grinding against the tiled floor almost had her flinching again, she hastily threw the strap of her bag over her shoulder and pushed out of her seat. Conveniently bumping into his frame, and gracefully falling back into her chair. He had blocked her path.
His countenance was both inquiring and intimidating as he looked down at her shocked form. And then he shifted on his feet, leaning in, his hands moved on either side of her desk, caging her in. Eyes painfully wide, she could feel the pounding of her heart reverberating in her ear drums. Unable to find her voice she merely watched him with open confusion and anxiety. His ebony locks fell over his hooded gaze, seeming to be scrutinizing her... as though he could see right through her.
His nearness had her lightheaded and swaying in her seat, she impulsively gripped her desk for extra leverage. What was he thinking? ...Why was he looking at her like that?
Unable to stand the heavy weight of his obsidian depths on her any longer she gathered whatever was left of her sanity, and uttered lowly,"Sasuke..?"
Just barely catching the flexing of his jaw, the desks on either side of her shook as his knuckles turned white from his tight grip... and just as quickly as he had cornered her, he withdrew, walking away without a second glance and out of sight.
Nearly slumping in her seat, her hand pressed against her wild heart-beat willing it slow...
Inwardly hating herself for being so affected by him... and unable to make any sense of his actions she remained rooted to the seat... What the hell was she thinking agreeing to go to the blondes house?
She had just agreed to her doom...
...
..
.
Did this Chapter flow alright for you guys? Lol, I'm losing my jelly beans... Anyways, I must confess (Dont judge me) I was very emotional the first half of this Chapter, while writing Sakura's dream and interaction with Naruto after she got shoved by the girls... I was definitely relating to her character, and wish I had a Naruto to motivate/cheer me up. Lol So, forgive the angsty Chap... Its all part of the flow of the story anyhow.
Things To Consider:
'An unsuppressed sob escaped her and she fell into her mothers awaiting arms," I'm sure many of you caught on that her dream was almost identically enacted out by Naruto after she broke down in the hall. Her crying against him without any restraint was due to the same encouragement and ushering her mother had done for her in the dream when she was just a child. Her growing feelings for Sasuke, unstable emotional state, and interactions with the jealous girls had her completely overwhelmed...
'Shame swept over her throughout the day,' Although she hadnt poured her heart out to him and wasnt planning to, the feelings of looking weak/broken are like a crutch for the rosette and she reacts off of those defensive emotions...
'She couldn't help but feel his agitation,' Obviously our favorite Uchiha wasnt in the best of moods, why could that be? ;)
I'd love to hear your thoughts :))