Hello all, here with Chapter Thirteen! :)

Much Appreciation to all who fav/follow'd and of course, Special thanks to those who reviewed!

ILoveSxS, EmaRoise, Guest, Mannuj, sakuraseeker2792, Cami-chan23, JakuraAngel-THANK YOU. :)) So glad you enjoyed the chapter and the chemistry between the two. But I don't want you guys to worry, Sakura is coping, although it isn't the most healthiest way, things are definitely going to start looking up.

UchihaBabe- Love the enthusiasm! Lol, I'm so glad their relationship isn't coming off rushed but I also hope it isn't coming off too slow. That's also one of my fears, hoping I deliver! Your great at reading between the lines too, keep it up your onto something ;)

LLuNarEcliPsE-Thanks soo much! That was a goal, Lol. Thank you for the support!

TheKnight000-Oh My Gosh. THANK YOU, I'm sooo flattered. I feel like my writing isn't really anything special, let alone my style... So I'm kinda stunned. And YES, I wanted him to be the one doing the work to get her without him being OOC, hopefully that's been working out. Thank you so much :))

himeko63-OH JOY. Thank you for your kind words, I re-read your review several times because it is the second time someone is commenting on my writing style that I still need a lot of work on. I'm soo flattered, Thank you. One of my biggest fears and what held me back from writing was that the characters wouldn't have the same qualities/characteristics that they do in the manga and I love it when the readers affirm me that they are definitely in-character. So that's just Awesome! Aside from that I'm soo glad you've been enjoying the story and al their interactions so far, I've had a blast writing it out. Thank you again! :))

sweetangelicprincess-Awww Thank you, i had this fic in mind for sometime... Really glad I got around to typing it. Thanks :))

MissKonoha- Hello Dear, I posted the chapter at 3:00am secretly hoping to wake up and read your review! Lol, I cant wait to hear your thoughts on this one and as we discussed the 'inevitable closeness' is coming real soon! I just loved your reaction on Chapter Twelve. You summed it all up perfectly and I found myself re-reading the line where you mentioned 'both boys being whipped' LOL I seriously laughed so hard. How true is that..? And I just LOVED that you really understood Sakura's words towards Sasuke about 'always being the hero' You always manage to connect this AU fic to the manga sooo well. They share the same traits and issues and I try my best to portray that in small ways. You always catch on! I really shouldn't be surprised anymore, we are SasuSaku-Soul-Sisters afterall... Anyhow I will drag this out no further and wait til you read this chapter :))

Btw did anyone catch that the scenarios in this fic resemble 'Road To Ninja' quite a bit..? I only just realized this after writing out this chapter... As everyone's families are alive and Sakura is basically an orphan... See? They are similar. Not my intention though. Lol Carry on.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, simply the plot and my thoughts.

Read on!

Chapter Thirteen: Heated Reactions.

You make me feel out of my element
Like I'm drifting out to the sea
Like the tides pullin' me in deeper
Makin' it harder to breathe

"Juugo, Kimimaro, and Karin, you will be the first group, please come up and begin your presentation."

The strawberry blonde pulled her long locks over a shoulder and leaned back into her seat, arms resting loosely on her abdomen. She, along with the class silently waited for the first group to assemble at the professors lab station and start with their packet of choice. Naruto, sat in the same fashion before her, his pearly-white teeth evidently chewing on his lower lip in apprehension.

Friday had come around in no time.

The past few days had been rather hazy for the rosette, aside from studying for the quiz and meeting up with the blonde-haired boy to finish their packet and lab. She had convinced him to go the library rather than his house on one occasion and as soon as they got there he changed his mind, literally throwing her over his shoulder when she wouldn't budge and raced to the Uzumaki residence. All the while expressing his deep - deep hurt at the fact that she didn't feel comfortable enough with him to go to his house. Of course she knew he was partially guilt-tripping her but it definitely worked. She caved, and in those passed few days of studying and preparing for their project, she had inevitably met his lovely - yet, spunky red-headed mother. Kushina was so kind and hospitable to her, Sakura had been a little overwhelmed. Continuously checking in on them, bringing in snacks and gallons of fresh ramen for Naruto and herself, even when she had kindly declined. It was also extremely remarkable how young and fresh the woman remained, even for her late thirties... but when she met Naruto's father, a betraying blush dusted her cheeks permanently throughout his stay. Naruto was a spitting image with rounder cheeks and shorter blonde locks. Minato was impossibly handsome, with his defined, sharper features. But when he assumed Naruto and her dating, and her blonde friend smiled sheepishly in agreement, she nearly flew out the window in utter mortification. Of course when his father departed she held no restraint in strangling the boy until he cried mercy.

And of course, there had been the event of their volleyball game Wednesday, that had been a very difficult feat. The female team from Kumo' known as the 'lightnings,' truly lived up to their names. Kana, who stood behind Sakura in formation during the intense game, ate one in the face so hard, her nose broke in several places, she was immediately out of the game and rushed over to the infirmary to get it reset. Karin, and Ayame had been quick to set aside their distaste toward the rosette in order to win the impossible game that day. And their teamwork paid off, just barely.

Sakura hadn't done anything significant besides sleep and work on the project since then. Her lack of appetite severing by the day.

The third party of their group, whom she wouldn't even allow herself to name mentally, was nowhere to be found. Ever since that irreversible day, that still had her heart palpitating just thinking about it. She had been relieved - grateful for his absence, as it gave her time to focus on the tasks at hand and allowed her not to question her sanity for the time being. Although, Naruto had been quick to throw a tantrum, stating that the raven-haired boy had deserted them for the project and his betrayal was unforgivable... Punishable by sudden and swift death for his works, he declared.

Yeah, she could totally count on the shaggy blonde to throw in some dramatics to pass the time. He whined everyday... until he finally got a call back from the boy' she wouldn't name. In which he explained to Naruto that he was out of town for his company and hung up the phone before the blonde could begin his ranting. He whined some more, but Sakura could only be so patient. She was quick to give him some work to do, since she definitely needed his help now that it was just the two of them with such short time left. He had surprisingly done his part well. They wrote out their essay's together, questioned each other for the results they got on the lab and finished the packet, all in three days time. Now, all that was left was their presentation which was a big part of their final grade for the project and eventually, the quiz that followed.

"Kiba, Ami, Rei, your up next."

The professor's voice brought her out of her musings, she wasn't sure how many groups had gone up already but was certain their turn was nearing. She eyed the blonde before her once more, noting the tension in his shoulders that had yet to loosen. Sakura knew he was nervous, as much as he goofed off in class, one thing Sakura learned over the last few days was that he was terrified of his mother. (Sakura herself was a bit freaked out by the woman especially when witnessing the pure rage radiating off the beautiful red-head when Naruto spilled a little ramen on the freshly cleaned carpet... It was a frightening sight indeed) He needed a good grade as much as she did... and of course, she wouldn't deny that she was battling against her own nerves... but they both just needed to get it together for a short time, and it would be over before they knew it, she affirmed herself.

The rosette brought her attention back to the three that were giggling and flirting more than presenting their project. Kiba was pouring over a blue liquid into a small flask with his eyes glued to a smiling Rei, twirling a lock of her gold hair playfully, causing the quickly filling tube to foam up and overflow. They yelped, scrambling to clean it up, only to make a bigger mess and the quiet room boomed with obnoxious laughter from the students, earning a crimson blush out of the three failing at their presentation. Kiba's head remained low in shame and embarrassment.

Sakura cracked a half-smile of her own. Poor Kiba, his womanizing would forever be his downfall.

Orochimaru's beady eyes were not amused, on the contrary they were offended.

"That would be all from you three, thank you for taking this seriously. Do take your seats."

The class sang gloomy, 'Oooh's' as the three did as they were told, walking back to their desks with their faces downcast (Although, Sakura didn't miss questionable expression Ami shot her before seating) Afraid to retort back to the professor or attempt to redeem themselves. Orochimaru was not one to test, nor negotiate with.

"Naruto, Sakura and - Sasuke is not here..? Then I guess you two will have to make the most of it."

Sakura gulped at her dry throat reflexively, sliding out of her seat with the packet and notes in hand.

"Ah, shit." Naruto moaned, earning snickers from the surrounding students, he pushed out of his seat following after the rosette with dread etched on his brow.

The class was eerily quiet, as they reached their lab station. Sakura, intimidated by the unadulterated attention they were receiving from everyone, couldn't find her voice. Her green eyes frantically searched Naruto, hoping he would cut-in or say something, only to find him muttering words off the packet his eyes were scanning over. He would be no help, she was alone for the time being.

Clearing her dry throat she began,"Umm, so our Subject was on-"

"Louder Ms. Haruno, I can barely hear you and I'm merely four feet away." Her eyes traced back to the where the professor sat at his desk, half-expecting a smirk for making her squirm further but found his countenance to be one of patience and nodded at him. Steeling herself and ignoring the girls that had began speaking in hushed tones she repeated once more, "Our subject was 'Heats of reaction,' we have prepared one of several examples for this reaction and will first show you how it works before we go into depth with its formula."

She heaved a sigh, before her slightly shaking hands went to work, gathering the beaker and placing it in a calorimeter to prevent the loss of heat. She recited inwardly like a mantra. Naruto, finally taking some action, placed the thermometer inside the empty beaker as Sakura gathered the acid and the base. Feeling a little more confident with Naruto taking on his part, she began again more firmly,"Our Acid and Base are currently at room temperature, as they should be so as to not throw off our reaction. First we will pour the Acid - Hydrochloric, into the beaker currently holding a thermometer," she did just that, pouring the clear liquid into the beaker Naruto had steadied in his grasp,"Then we will pour the Base - Sodium Hydroxide, in with the acid. Stir with the thermometer until the temperature comes to a permanent halt, as it is currently jumping from the reaction of both chemicals mixing together."

She sighed, This isn't so bad.

Sakura watched as Naruto obediently stirred the liquids and found herself smirking, she had never seen him so willing and especially without his insistent babbles. It was kinda adorable. Leaning in to inspect the thermometer, all the while knowing its going to land on twenty-four, her eyes squinted with confusion at what she saw. The red marker had stopped at thirty-eight, which was not at all what she and Naruto had gotten having done the lab several times together to come out with the same formula. Her lips drew a thin line as her brows creased with concentration, what went wrong? She had seen her blonde haired partner weigh the sodium hydroxide to the correct amount before pouring it into the water. So if that wasn't the issue..? She directed her attention back to the hydrochloric acid, and eyed it peculiarly. She noted that it seemed to be clouded rather than a clear liquid, so she opened the cap and took a whiff of its usually pungent smell. She detected some sweetness wafting from the bottle instead and her eyes widened in understanding.

All the while Naruto had been whispering her name in question.

"Sak?"

She met his royal-blue eyes with anxious jade,"Naruto, is there another bottle of Hydrochloric acid?"

His own brows creased,"Your holding the only one... Why did the thermometer stop at 38?"

Had it been another circumstance she would praise him for paying attention when they did the lab together but right now, something was very wrong. She found her eyes traveling amongst the students to land on a smirking Ami and grinning Karin. Of course. How had she not anticipated this?

"Because... I think this is sugar water." She whispered in response to his hanging question, he muttered a curse and she silently began formulating a plan to save their asses. She would not admit defeat.

"How is it coming?" Orochimaru shifted in his seat and Sakura held her breath. The last thing they needed was for him to come and see that the temperature was incorrect for the liquids they named and mixed together. This was bad. They couldn't lie because he would eventually come and see their work up-close.

Think Sakura, Think!

"Umm, it's - it's -"

"Yes..?" The professor questioned as though speaking to a toddler, and the class snickered.

Anxiety pooled into her belly, as she continued to come up blank. She was choking, in front of everyone.

Focus! Come on there were more examples for this, think damn you! Mentally berating herself, she began remembering the other heat reactions with..?

As her eyes hazed over toward the students she found that the class no longer had their attention. Their eyes were on the dark figure she only just noticed near the door. Following suit, her green eyes traveled to take in -

"Sasuke, glad you could join us." Orochimaru smiled fondly,"And perfect timing, it appears your group could use some help," he finished with a chuckle.

Her heart palpitated painfully and she involuntarily sucked in a sharp breath (that thankfully no one heard or noticed) Or so she thought, completely missing the peculiar glance Naruto shifted at her before resuming them on the raven-haired boy.

Sakura hadn't even heard the turning of the door knob and had been so caught off guard by the sight of him she didn't process Orochimaru's degrading words or the cackling laughter of the students until now.

Taking in a deep breath, she silently seethed, trying not to glare at the professor for his lack of faith in them. Sure, they had a slight predicament causing them to pause in the middle of their presentation but it wasn't there fault! They had been duped. She couldn't help but shoot daggers at the two girls who (were oblivious or uncaring, she wasn't sure) now looked remorseful as they watched Sasuke walk over to the group that was bound to fail because of them.

His dark slacks and white button-up explained his tardiness for the class of course, he was caught up at Uchiha Corp... Possibly even just flew in from his trip, she didn't know... Or care. Seriously.

Tuning out all thoughts of how he looked impossibly gorgeous in his sophisticated attire, she channeled the anger boiling within her. She was so done with today. Disregarding his presence as he came to a stop at her left, she turned toward Naruto to her right, preparing to explain the new experiment, to find him walking around her to the object of her displeasure.

"Yeah, glad you could join us you jerk-face!" Naruto growled lowly at the young Uchiha from behind her.

"How old are you..?"

The sound of his deep - smooth voice beside her standing frame nearly had her shuddering, it didn't even matter that he was questioning Naruto's intelligence. What the hell is wrong with me..? Her anger only simmered.

"Don't you turn this around on me! You left me... to DIE! You know how I get in these situations - how could YOU?"

Sasuke's handsome face was utterly emotionless, waiting for the panicked blonde-haired boy to finish. The class erupted in laughter at Naruto's dramatic display. Sakura didn't blame the students for laughing, the two honestly sounded like an old married couple reuniting after the war. She fought the urge to slam her head against the desk to be done with it all.

"Uzumaki." Orochimaru didn't need to say much else besides his surname, his tone was one of warning' and Naruto got the hint.

He sighed in dejection before speaking in a tone only Sasuke could hear,"I'm not done with you but we've got a problem... The hydrochloric acid has been replaced with - what was it Sak..?"

"Sugar water." She answered not meeting either of their eyes.

Naruto nodded, turning back to Sasuke,"Yeah, sugar water... What - why are you looking at me like that? I know Chem-terminology..."

A dry snort escaped Sasuke and Naruto's indignation grew further but before he could utter a retort Sasuke interjected,"Replaced how?"

She felt his eyes on her but refused to meet his gaze. Sensing that he was silently guessing as to how it got 'replaced' ... or switched.

Thankfully Naruto answered,"Don't know... but I have another experiment in mind!" He was moving before either of them could stop him, walking to the corner and immediately bending over to reach for his toes in stretch.

"Wait Naruto!" She rasped, gritting her teeth in exasperation. There goes her grade for this project from hell. Naruto stretched thoroughly, preparing to present there second scenario of how exercise gives a reaction to the body. Though he had no clue as to which exercises were most effective. The boy didn't cease until their third party unexpectedly spoke up.

"Professor, if you wouldn't mind I'd like to demonstrate 'The Heats of Reaction' by physical contact as my group initially planned until my absence."

Eyes wide as saucers she could only watch as the Orochimaru nodded in agreement without the slightest hesitance. Sakura, although relieved beyond belief, found herself disliking the perfect young Uchiha heir more and more by the second... Did he always have to get his way? And what was he planning anyway? They hadn't discussed any other experiments with him, in-case he forgot, he had been MIA.(Missing In Action)

Before she could question his motives, she felt a strong hand clasp around her forearm. Examining its paleness she visibly flinched, forcefully meeting the face of its owner. Sasuke looked annoyed, more so than she was, which was quite a bit because she was seriously pissed off.

"What are you doing." She questioned between her clenched jaw, tugging the wrist within his tight grasp.

"Just trust me."

Although now was definitely not the time she couldn't help but feel there was a double meaning to his words. She wouldn't dwell on it now. Trying very hard not to wrench her arm out of the grasp that was currently causing tingles to ghost up her arms and over her neck. She took a small breath to calm herself, remaining still as a statue as he slid a wrist-thermometer over her hand and up her ivory forearm.

Her breathing pattern, now irregular.

"One sign that a chemical reaction is taking place is the observation of a temperature change."

He definitely knew what he was doing, she silently commended despite the circumstances. Extremely factual and the very manner of his speaking drew ears, all silently waiting to hear what he would say next. Sakura guessed he nailed all the meetings at Uchiha corp... Damn him. She found Naruto had stopped, and had come to stand beside them once more, also watching curiously.

Her wrist beeped then and she looked down to read her temperature, 97.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

"Healthy," he says with a slight smirk and she fought the heat of a blush threatening to envelope her cheeks.

Sakura avoided his dark eyes at all costs.

But then, she felt his hands on her wrist again, watching them slide the wrist-thermometer down the length of her arm and off her hand. Slightly confused as to where this was going she could only watch as he then began unbuttoning the sleeve of his shirt, revealing his defined forearm. He folded back the sleeve once - twice and before she could even question him, his hand moved over hers, interlocking their fingers and pressing their bare forearms snugly together.

Her heart was in her throat,"Sas-"

"The body mainly generates heat from Exothermic reactions..." His obsidian gaze caught sight of her panicked face, and he squeezed her hand within his own, as though silently willing her to let him do this,"This heat is distributed throughout the body by blood."

She just couldn't wrap her brain around the fact that this was actually happening. His hand was wrapped around her own, in front of the whole class to see... and he was explaining the reaction of kinetic energy which occurs during exercise or body heat... Oh God. She wondered if he could feel her heartbeat pulsating within the wrist pressed against his own.

This was not how she imagined today would go. Not even close.

"An increase in Exothermic reactions results in an increase in body temperature." He recites perfectly, as though straight from a textbook, raising up their linked hands to display the 'increase in body temperature.'

Sakura studied him, as that was the only thing she could currently do. Why was he doing this? ...Well, that wasn't the right question, they were obviously in this project together but... Why did he choose this example..? There were several less - intimate reactions they could have done. She couldn't handle this right now. Especially after what happened just days ago... Especially under her circumstances with Karin and Ami - Oh. Her eyes widened fractionally with understanding.

He was doing it on purpose.

She nearly swayed on her feet at the epiphany.

He was sending out a message... What that was exactly, she wasn't sure, the thought itself caused her buzzing nerves to increase tenfold. But she had no doubts that things were about to reach a climax. She never asked him to do this, hell she wanted to get away from him more than anything... but the unnameable emotion that swept over her, rocking her on her feet felt good. Sakura wouldn't deny that, it was exhilarating.

The Sasuke Uchiha didn't care who was watching, there was a distinct purpose for this exhibition.

She dared not look over at Karin or Ami for their reactions, refusing to play their game. Even if she'd receive immense satisfaction at their faces due to the object of their hate towards her currently having his arm wrapped over her own for all to see. If they hadn't messed with their initial experiment in the first place this would have never happened. They had no one to blame but themselves.

Sakura sighed, shifting her eyes toward Sasuke to find him watching her, or studying her before they shifted down to their interlocked arms. She was sure it had only been minutes... but it felt like hours. And was it her or was the classroom getting increasingly hotter..?

He broke her out of her thoughts, speaking again in his smooth tenor,"An increase or decrease in reactions within a region of the body results in a corresponding change in heat produced in that region."

All this talk of heat, their intertwined hands and arms - his nearness was becoming too much. She wasn't sure how much longer she could take it.

And as if he could read her mind, he released her then but not completely. Holding her wrist, he motioned with his other hand for Naruto to clasp the wrist-thermometer over her arm once more and she held her breath as he did just that, praying this worked to be done with it once and for all.

After a few seconds it beeped and three sets of eyes leaned in to read the tiny screen.

"100.3 Degrees Fahrenheit." Naruto read aloud, sounding awe-struck.

Sakura could no longer fight her blush. Although it was a natural outcome, she was completely embarrassed, avoiding all eye contact. As though Sasuke could sense her mortification, he slipped the thermometer off and snapped it on his own wrist.

The rosette could only watch, the anticipation bubbling within her was unbearable.

What if it didn't work on him? It would look as though his nearness was the cause of her feverish state and not the body heat itself... Oh no. That wouldn't do, she would have to commit suicide... Because that's what this was, suicide.

Obviously her train of thought wasn't logical and a bit dramatic. Of course body heat worked both ways, it wasn't a one-sided reaction but all rational thoughts were non-existent as she waited for his result.

It beeped, she leaned in slightly so as to not come off too eager.

"100.2 Degrees Fahrenheit," he read aloud before catching her gaze.

Her heart was pounding against her rib-cage and she bit down on her bottom lip, helpless against the small smile spreading over.

He didn't have to do it, she was the guinea-pig for this experiment but she was so relieved to witness that his energy had reacted the same way her own had to his that she didn't care if her guarded mask faltered for a moment.

"Very good example, Sasuke. I'm impressed, especially with you coming in unprepared to be thrown into the project presentation right away."

The raven-haired boy turned at the waist, nodding at Professor Orochimaru.

"You may now be seated."

Sakura was the first to gather their packet and notes after the dismissal, nearly racing over to her seat. About to breathe her first unrestricted breath without the anxiety causing her lungs to close in since he showed up, her breathing instead, hitches all at once when she finds Sasuke sliding into the desk behind her own again.

Ah, crap.

Sakura was aware that he had been assigned to sit there when the project was first discussed but hoped he would resume sitting in his old seat. Her eyes traveled over to where he sat before to find it taken by Aiko, the boy with teal-colored locks who had a bigger reputation of being a major flirt than Kiba himself.

Figures.

Naruto turned bodily toward her, uncaring of the new group making their way up in front of the class to begin their presentation.

"We were totally bad-ass up there," he exclaims as his eyes switch between a notably drained Sakura, with her arms folded on the desk and hands massaging her temples and an aloof Sasuke, laid back in his seat comfortably.

He eyes them both suspiciously for their lack of enthusiasm. Suddenly remembering Sakura's reaction when first seeing Sasuke... Something was off, and when neither speak after he continues to watch them he voices his thoughts,"You two are acting strange."

"Really tired..."

"Pay attention dobe."

His eyes narrow further at their responses but he complies, silently turning around.

Oh this conversation was far from over... he'd get to the bottom of their 'out-of-character-ness.'

Later, when they were... Themselves.

The spray of the scorching hot water beating against her was heavenly, yet numbing. The events from earlier were momentarily forgotten under the caress of the water running over her face and down her body.

As soon as the presentations were over, Professor Orochimaru had passed out the Quiz - the second form of torture on paper. As soon as she had received hers, she had decided to be quick to get it done. The sooner she was out of there, the easier it would be to avoid Sasuke. And she had finished early, the first one actually and so she had been free to go. Not sparing a second glance at the boys she exited the classroom with her bag in tow, taking in much needed deep - deep breaths as she did.

She raced over to her dorm, gathering her practice uniform and change of clothing before heading over to the gym to meet her girls.

Practice had gone smoothly, well mostly, if you disregard coach Anko grilling them more than ever at the fact that they almost lost this weeks game due to being intimidated by the bulkier, more powerful girls of Kumo. It was true, they allowed them to get into their heads, especially after 'Kana getting hurt. It had been a rather rough practice session but Sakura enjoyed it - needed it to relieve her of her distress from earlier.

Sasuke.

His name alone had her clenching her eyes and jaw shut tighter under the spray of the shower. What was she going to do..? Would he try to talk to her about what happened Monday?

In many ways, though she was reluctant to admit it, even in her mind, she was finding it more and more impossible to resist him with every encounter.

His crafty come-backs, saving her butt on more than one occasion, not exposing her inner demons to anyone even though she hadn't asked him to... The feel of his lips pressed against her own, his anger and declaration, his actions just a few hours prior.

She quickly turned off the water, grabbing at the tiled walls to steady her swaying form.

What did she have to do to get him out of her mind..?

Get him out of your heart, She inwardly answered her own question.

Sakura wasn't even sure how or when he got there but she couldn't deny it anymore... and it terrified her.

The rosette made out Tenten's curvy frame wrapped in a white towel standing before her from the other side of blurred glass separating the shower stalls.

"Sakura are you in there? Come by my locker when your out, I have news." She says in a low tone, not waiting for an answer and walks out of the shower chamber toward her locker.

The rosette opened her door just enough to squeeze her hand through to grab her towel hanging on the hook adjacent to the door. Wrapping it around herself firmly, she exited the stall and treaded over to Tenten, both curious and anxious as to what the 'news' could be about.

Only in her under-wear and jeans, the brunette stops her dressing and turns toward Sakura with an excited twinkle in her eyes.

"There's going to be a race tonight!" She came right out with it wearing a broad grin, although taking in Sakura's lack of enthusiasm caused her own to diminish,"Sakura..?"

The strawberry-blonde mustered up a small smile,"Great... What time?" She had no intention of going, she would only pretend to be interested for the sake of Tenten not deflating further.

"Starts at 9:00pm... Sasuke's been challenged," She says with absolute giddiness,"And I'm so stoked for you girls to get the full experience, now that he's going to be racing," Sakura had her mouth open, ready to interject but Tenten only continued,"I mean, if you thought the crowd was wild last time, you better get ready to wake up deaf tomorrow," she finishes with a confident smirk.

Ignoring the flourishing curiosity at every word the brunette spoke in regards to actually witnessing the 'Alpha' in his element, Sakura didn't respond right away. The rosette sighed, it was passed 6 pm now, that didn't leave a lot of time to come up with a good enough excuse to get out of it.

"We'll talk more, I'm gonna get going, Neji's waiting for me." She slips on a red hoodie over her tank-top before flashing Sakura another excited smile,"I'll see you later," she gives her shoulder a squeeze as she brushes passed her and out the double-doors.

Inhaling a deep breath, her eyes remain where Tenten stood seconds ago before exhaling deeply.

This was just perfect. (Sarcasm intended)

What she needed to do right now was get dressed, she'd worry about the rest later. Adjusting her grip on the towel resolutely, she walked over to her locker, finding Hinata slipping on a dark long-sleeve.

The rosette bunched up her towel at her shoulders, making sure it remained long enough to cover her back-side and began dressing too. Lathering on some of her favorite skin-moisturizer, she spread it over her ivory skin quickly, then slipped her under-garments on before allowing the towel to drop away.

"Did you h-hear about the r-race..?" Hinata asked, her lavender eyes searched Sakura's.

She managed to crack a smile, buttoning up her grey skinny-jeans,"Yeah... Tenten just told me."

Fully dressed now, the young Hyuuga sat on the bench at the center of their narrow locker row,"Are you o-okay..? You've b-been down lately..."

As humble and quiet as the girl before her was Sakura was aware of just how attentive she could be too.

"I'm okay Hinata... Don't worry, okay..?" The rosette says with a fond smile, and Hinata manages a smile too, even though she is more than right to worry.

"So t-then the race t-tonight-"

"You speak as though you are actually going Hyuuga."

Sakura's eyes travel toward the disturbance to fall upon all three of the ridiculous girls that had been playing high-school games with her this past week. They were visibly fuming, no doubt due to Sasuke's earlier actions. She silently cursed him, unfair as it was... He should have just let her handle it! Sakura really wasn't in the mood to argue with them but Karin's tone was taunting. And their very stance was predatory.

She had been surprised the girls hadn't spoken a word to her or displayed any hatred toward her during practice but now she understood as to why that was. They wanted her away from coach Anko's eyes.

But no way in hell were they going to drag Hinata into this. Not under any circumstance.

The rosette finishes sliding down her white t-shirt and pulls her damp hair free from under the light material before stating coldly,"Don't talk to Hinata in that manner. Not only is she going to go, she'll also have the best seat in the house." Sakura finished facing all three girls with a heated glare of her own. Two could play this game.

Karin smirked, although it was more of a sneer than anything else as they began to take calculated steps closer to herself and Hinata,"I warned you Sakura." Karin speaks her name as though it is vile on her tongue,"You have no idea who your dealing with."

Sakura wanted to laugh at the empty threat, they had her where they wanted her. What other tricks could the red-head throw at her now..?

And then everything seemed to move in slow-motion.

Ami shoved an unprepared Hinata from behind and Sakura, also unaware due to keeping her eye on Hinata didn't anticipate Ayame before her in an instant, restraining her. Green eyes widened in horror, her body completely locked in place as she witnessed Ami straddle a defenseless Hinata sprawled on the floor and raise her hand high, preparing to slap her.

When the slap resounded throughout the locker room - Sakura had reached her very limit - she saw red.

...

..

-TBC-

What a cliffy this is... Forgive me.

I really hadn't planned to stop it here but the chapter became too long and so I had to split it. But I am so eager for the upcoming Chapter and what I have planned Ive already started it. Stay Tuned :)

Oh And your all very welcome for the Chemistry lesson/facts I displayed out for you this chapter, I just know you guys loved them. Lol

'Just trust me,' There was actually a triple-meaning to his words if there is such thing..? Lol, aside from saving the day yet again, he's aware of the damage he's done. (more like damage-control, am I right? Lol)

'She saw red,' I feel the need to clarify, Hinata is not bleeding. Sakura seeing 'red' is losing all self-control and she is literally about to go 'ham' on the evil witches.

So... What are your thoughts? A lot to take in this chapter.