Aftereffect Chapter 15: Affected, a naruto fanfic

CHAPTER FIFTEEN IS HERE, AND I CANT BELIEVE IT CAME SO FAST!

I give you my Nearly 10,500 words. I didn't want to split it cause I wanted you guys to read all the good stuff I have going on here now!

This story has literally been my baby, and though I am stoked for the progression I'm also having some pre-separation anxiety for when it will be over... But enough of that, that isn't going to happen anytime soon!

AND, O.M.G I had finished this and was getting ready to save it, until FF logged me out! All my vigorous writing GONE! I was so frustrated I ate like a depressed divorcee. Just the thought makes me mad all over again :( ...I stayed up the same night to retrieve the memory of how I had written each scene because I didn't trust myself to remember the next day... It was insane.

Special thanks to all my patient readers & to those SWEET SOULS that reviewed!

KHautumn21597, JakuraAngel, Guest, Ili, randilynnbaby18, ILoveSxS, SilverSwagxX, LivingInSymphony, sakuracute13, Sarriko-chan723, sakuraseeker2792,Takadoshika, sweetangelicprincess, Guest-GREAT GUESSES! AND I'M SORRY IT WAS SUCH A HEAVY CHAPTER, THOUGH I'M GRATEFUL THAT THE EMOTION TRANSFERRED OVER TO YOU, THE READER. I LOVE WHEN I READ SOMETHING, OR WHEN SOMEONE READS SOMETHING OF MINE THAT THEY CAN RELATE TO THE CHARACTERS, IT GRATIFIES ME. I ADORE YOU ALL, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Guest-Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU! You are too kind, though I try to update as soon as I can, I wish it would work out sooner, I hate leaving you guys hanging. Your perspective and summary of the story were my goals and really made me smile, thank you.

Misskonoha-The Cliffy is NO MORE! I CANNOT wait til you are through with this chapter. I was giddy writing it! Thank you for your ever-detailed reviews dearie, they always manage to make my day. I still laugh when I re-read your reaction to her father LOL! I love it. And nothing makes me happier than to know that you felt the emotion through the characters! HELL YES.

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spec05-Thank you so much! I have every intention of finishing this story but my updates vary due to work and school, so it may take some time but I will finish this!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, but this is my plot/story.

Read on, and enjoy ;)))

Chapter Fifteen: Affected.

When you feel your hearts guarded,
and when you see the brakes started,
and when the clouds above Departed,
I'll be right there with you...

-Right here departed.

A cool whistling wind caressed her features, causing the soft hairs around her face to flail playfully. Stirring her to waken, she felt her foggy mind coming to, but found it difficult to crack her heavy eye-lids open. That is, until her left arm seemed to wiggle mid-air.

Her eyes snapped open, their protesting gone, now replaced with inquiry. It was dark, her blurry eyes had to blink several times to adjust before her attention was drawn to the small light shining from the roof of what she could now distinguish as the back-seat of a car. She found her pale arm out-stretched toward Sasuke, his obsidian gaze down-cast, and engrossed with his working hands. He was wrapping white-gauze around the broken skin of her knuckles.

Sasuke.

Alertness came back full-force, along with an uncontrollably quickened heart-rate.

As if he could feel the rapid pulsing in the wrist within his grasp, his eyes shifted toward her.

She reflexively licked at her dry lips under the weight of his open assessments.

How long had she knocked out?

She fought the urge to turn away from him. She must look horrible... but instead of the disgust she was expecting, and wouldn't blame him for - his features were tight, as though he was suppressing anger... Was he mad at her too?

Shifting(or squirming) she sat forward from her leaned back position. The curious warmth that had kept her unknowingly cozy slid down from her chest, and into her lap. Her free hand studied the material to find that it was a dark jacket... Sasuke's jacket.

"How are you feeling?" He asked in a low tenor, as he finished bandaging her hand. She brought both hands to rest on her lap, and thought over his question... How was she feeling? ...Numb. Sickeningly so, but she wasn't about to confess that.

"I'm okay... Where are we?"

She took in the night-lights of the city below where they were parked. The sky was dark, with deep colors of black and purple. The stars were bright and twinkling, scattered around the glowing moon. It was serene, quite the contrast to what she was feeling. Her eyes shifted to the back to confirm that they were indeed parked on a small hill, before facing Sasuke once more.

There was a thin veil drawn over his his handsome face, barely concealing the affliction in his gaze. Her heart clenched at the sight.

Sakura glanced down at her fisted hands, biting down on her lip hard enough to draw blood.

"Are you disappointed in me too..?" Her voice involuntarily broke before she could utter the last word. She knew it wasn't reasonable - logical, but his expression had the crippling sensation of having failed her mother, and father to resurface.

Sakura clenched her stinging eyes shut, feeling helplessly lost.

'You've shamed me...'

'Reputation is all you have, and your fucking both of ours up...'

'Good for nothing Haruno's...'

Her lungs felt as though they were being compressed all over again. Tears over-lapped her eyes, running down her face and she hunched forward, only to gasp at the pain that tore through her abdomen. Her arms hugged at her aching torso - it only assisted in replenishing her streaming eyes, as she tried to fight the sob at her throat.

He reached for her, connecting with her shoulder and she flinched, leaning away from his touch.

He shouldn't see her like this... So consumed with her internal war, so vulnerable. Shooting her shaking hands to the handle of the door, she pulled it open, preparing to dash out. She had her foot out the car door when she heard him curse, his hands were on her a second later, yanking her back hard. The door slammed shut as her unbalanced figure fell toward him.

His grasp on her arms was tight and she struggled in vain against him, "L-let me go Sas-"

"Listen to me-"

"Let - let go!" She knew she sounded pitiful, sobbing - and crumbling. The faster she got away from him, the less damage to reverse.

His hand was on her bruised face, jerking it up to meet his twin ebony peeks,"What poison did he fill you with?"

She flinched,"Please - pleaseee, I cant-"

"Dammit Sakura, stop fighting me!" He shouted, shaking her once.

She ceased immediately, almost going limp in his arms. His features softened a little then but the anger was still present, just underneath. All he had to do was tug at her and she met him the rest of the way. Leaning into him, she pressed her face into his chest.

Soft cries shook her body as he held her to him.

She couldn't deny that she wanted to be held, more than anything... But this was Sasuke, the one person whom she never wanted to see her so broken, for many obvious reasons... Yet he was the one who always seemed to, and instead of the pity or withdrawal she had always expected, his reactions continued to surprise her... Quiet, attentive, even curious on occasion, but most of all he seemed knowing... Sakura's seen it in his eyes when his indifferent masks slipped. She pushed aside her wariness and pressed her full weight into him, she couldn't help it, she needed him. It felt like he was holding her together, keeping her from crumbling to pieces.

"You've done nothing wrong..."

His voice was low and resolute at the crown of her head. She gripped at his shirt in response, shaking her head in disagreement.

Sasuke's grip tightened around her.

"You had no choice but to defend yourself, you were outnumbered and they were gonna get Hinata Hyuuga involved."

Her hazy mind cleared a little at his words, but her fathers voice was still loud in her head...

'Tsunade, you have my consent to give her whatever punishment you deem fitting.'

He didn't know the truth and was more than ready to have her punished without allowing her to explain. It hurt... So much. He'd rather believe Karin's word over his own daughters? She felt ice freeze over her heart at the thought... How was that fair? What kind of father did that?

"I put a dent in his reputation and he wouldn't even hear me out... He was ashamed of me." She confessed without the hiccup in her voice,"I shouldn't even care... He's never been much of a father... But his words hurt... A lot." Her voice cracked at the end, as more tears sprung from her eyes... When would this suffocating weight leave her? She couldn't take it anymore.

"You've been subconsciously seeking his approval... There's nothing wrong with that, though people like him aren't worth the effort."

She solemnly nodded her head against his shoulder, debating if she should reveal whats really been eating at her. She never spoke to anyone besides Ino about her mother, but she felt the need to pour out her swelling emotions. Only then would the compression lift off of her, and she didn't know why but she wanted to tell Sasuke... Even if she regretted it tomorrow.

"He - He brought my m-mom into it, saying horrible things... How w-worthless all the Haruno's are... He spoke so lowly of h-her, when all he did was hurt h-her."

She was panting hard now, pausing to catch her breath. She wouldn't look up to gauge his reaction, too afraid of what she would find. It was already hard enough confessing... Would there be pity in his gaze? Was this a topic he would have rather avoided?

No. He was here, he was listening and he was holding her... That was more than enough incentive. Though she still couldn't face him.

"Your parents divorced." He stated more than questioned.

She nodded against him,"O-Over ten years ago."

"Infidelity?"

She stiffened in his arms,"How did you know..?"

There was no immediate response, curious beyond her fear of meeting his intense gaze, she looked up. His brows were dipped and he was focused on something passed her shoulder... Sakura wasn't sure if it was remorse or anger that had overcome his features.

"Kizashi Tanaka, whether he's aware of it - is known as the wolf' by everyone in our line of business. His greed excels him, whether to surpass his peers or womanize them."

She wanted to say she wasn't surprised, but she was... Sakura uttered no response, completely numb to the news.

'In our line of business,' Her suspicion of them meeting through work was affirmed. Though the fury on her fathers face when he saw Sasuke had not been missed, she'd keep that in mind... Ask Sasuke later, when the thought of her father didn't make her sick.

All was silent for some time, except for her sniffles and heavy breaths... She wasn't sure how long they stayed like that, but she considered the fact that she felt complete comfort against him. Safe, somehow... and despite his usually cool demeanor, he was warm. She hadn't opened up to a boy like this since Sai, and that backfired pitifully. Suddenly feeling her embarrassment and shame surface, she inhaled deeply, then exhaled. The last of her shuddering leaving her body with that breath, she slowly retreated from him, not meeting his gaze.

"Better?"

She nodded numbly,"Much... Sasuke, I'm sorry you had to-"

"Stop."

"But you didn't have to be here, let alone bandage me up-"

"Sakura."

Her voice was breaking again,"But I cried all over your shirt and confessed things you didn't ask about and-"

His hand was strong on her chin, jerking it up to meet the black-fire within his eyes.

"You endured hell today and your apologizing to me?" His voice was gruff and disbelieving before taking on a darker tone,"I caused this."

Her eyes fluttered in shock, Sakura shook her head in disagreement at his words as more tears slid down her face. His expression turned cold as ice, and she sucked in a sharp breath,"No Sasuke, you didn't make my father say those cruel things or make those girls-"

"You don't get it - I know where it went wrong - I fucked up, but I'll fix it!" He was furious, and her words weren't reaching him. Her hands moved to clasp around his own against her face, and she squeezed her eyes shut. She wanted to tell him 'no,' and yell at him for thinking such a thing, but there was something deeper going on here with Sasuke... She could see the storm in his eyes.

His thumbs swiped her tears away in one quick motion,"I swear Haruno, if you shed another tear on my account I'll burn the fucking city down."

Sakura gasped at his words, her eyes shot open and she nearly flinched at the unadulterated anger of his features. She was aware of how tense his frame had been as she cried against him but didn't think it had bothered him so immensely. His expression was etched with guilt, as though he had been tortured for days on end and she wanted nothing more than to take it all away.

She took a deep breath and nodded, regaining control over her emotions once more, and his hands released her.

"Let's get you something to eat."

She wanted to object but his rigid form was already out and opening the drivers-side door. Sakura hesitantly followed suit, hopping out and opening the passengers side before sliding into the seat.

It wasn't til they hit the road that she noticed the time. The red numbers on the dark screen of the dash board read 10:45 pm. Sakura probably should have worried about her father coming up to her room to check on her but knew him well enough to know that he wasn't even home. Angry with her or not, he always left by ten, to where - she now had an idea, thanks to Sasuke's reluctant revelation. Though she wished she had remained ignorant of it all.

She sighed, her burden had definitely lightened, but she knew it would take some time to recover from all that happened today. Sakura had exhausted herself to the max from crying but couldn't deny the fact that she hadn't felt so weightless in a long - long time.

Her green eyes peered at him, unable to stray away for too long. He was still tense she could see, from the grip on the steering wheel, to the strain of his jaw. She knew he would only get angrier if she apologized again but she couldn't stand to see him so affected by her circumstance. The guilt had the reigns once more and she entertained a thought that both terrified and warmed her. She wanted to express her gratitude without him thinking she was beating herself up again, and a mere 'thank you' didn't feel like it measured up to all he had done for her. So, she would do it before she changed her mind.

Swallowing down her buzzing nerves, her left hand gripped her seat as her weight shifted, and she quickly leaned toward him, pressing a chaste kiss against his smooth cheek.

Shifting back to her seat, Sakura felt all the blood in her body rushing to the most naked part of her that couldn't be covered. Why did the blush have to go to the face? Seriously. She turned her scarlet face away from him and was tempted to glue her eyes shut to save her the embarrassment of witnessing his confusion at her actions.

"Sakura."

His voice was smooth as silk once more, lacking the edge it carried moments before, and her name had never sounded so good. She willed her thumping heart to slow and flashed her eyes toward him before quickly averting them again,"Yes..?"

"How do you drink your coffee?"

She faced him then, and the amusement playing in his eyes made her light-headed. Any other circumstance and she would have been indignant at his teasing, but she was relieved - excited even... He wasn't as tense anymore.

When he raised a dark brow at her, she knew he was still waiting for a response... What had he asked her again? Oh, coffee.

He ordered two coffee's, her's sweetened with some cream and his black. He also ordered a panini without her affirmation and she didn't protest. She loved Starbucks' panini's. And when the sandwich was hot in her hand she became giddy.

The rosette chewed thoughtfully as he drove around, to where, she didn't know, and it didn't matter either. She was content right where they were.

Half way through with her food, his phone buzzed. Without even checking who was calling him, he clicked the side button to decline the call from where it sat in one of the cup holders. Was she keeping him from being somewhere..? Maybe Naruto was calling him about a party..? Or - Oh, no.

Her eyes widened with recollection of Tenten's words from earlier in the day,"Sasuke... You had a - race today, didn't you?"

He sipped his coffee, his features were relaxed,"I did."

'Did,' as in past-tense..?

She raised a pink brow, hoping he would elaborate but he said nothing else. She began hesitantly,"Did you - miss it? ... Because of - everything that happened today?" She didn't want to say 'because of me?' It sounded wrong, too personal.

His phone went off again and she quietly wondered if it had gone off several times without her paying any attention until now. He looked at the screen this time, pausing as he debated, before bringing the phone to his ear. The voice at the other end was quick to speak even without Sasuke's address, she watched him quietly. His sculpted features remained unaffected at the other persons endless rant, could it be Naruto?

"Zaku can say whatever he wants, I'm still not coming."

Zaku? The name didn't ring a bell, though she knew now that the exchange was about his race... So it hadn't happened yet? Considering the fact that, the person on the other end of the phone was still trying to get Sasuke to go. He said nothing else before eventually hanging up, whether the other person had finished speaking or not was unknown to Sakura. Setting her mostly eaten food aside, she took a few sips from her coffee, hoping he would say something so she wouldn't have to.

But he didn't, and so she cleared her throat and decided to approach the topic from another angle.

"So... What time is your race..?"

He ran a hand through his ebony locks,"Midnight."

His answer surprised her, though she tried not to show it. Sakura looked at the time once more and found that it was 11:30pm... Was the race back in Konoha? They were in Suna, there was no way he could make it... Was that why he said no?

"Stop stressing Haruno."

Ignoring the fact that he could read her so well, she sighed,"Why not? Everyone was expecting you... Haven't you been waiting for a challenge?"

He snorted,"Hardly a challenge."

She rolled her eyes, turning away from him,"...Your conceited... Uchiha." Now the bickering was familiar, she dared to admit she missed it.

"This is his third try." He stated, not in an arrogant way, but factual.

She glanced over at him once more, disbelief etched on her brow,"That Zaku guy? Really?"

He nodded.

Sakura took another sip from her coffee,"Your really not gonna go..? Is it because your so far from Konoha?"

He was growing irritable, she could tell but chose to ignore it.

"Its in a neighbor city, under an hour away."

She chewed on her bottom lip anxiously,"So, then... Let's go?"

The raven-haired boy looked at her as though she had grown a third eye,"You, want to go?"

Sakura began playing with the sleeve of her coffee cup in apprehension,"Well, I know the girls were really excited about you racing and I cant help but feel that if you hadn't been here with me, then you would have gone."

He came to a stop at the red light and ran his hands through his dark locks again,"When will you stop with the guilt?"

"When will you?" She countered softly, facing him head-on.

His features darkened again,"Its just a hobby Sakura... They'll find someone else to race him."

Though she was aware that he changed the subject, she overlooked it since she hadn't answered him either.

"Just a hobby..? You do know that they call you the Alpha... right?"

He leaned back in his seat, giving no response. She should just give up on it... Maybe he really didn't want to go? She saw him reach for his phone again to read some texts that kept going off. He did well to mask his annoyance, though it still reached his eyes. Who was texting him, and what were they saying? It had to be about the race. Maybe he did want to go but didn't know how to break it to her?

Sakura sighed, she would ask him one more time, if he said no, she would drop it.

"Sasuke, please just tell me why you don't want to go and I'll drop it..." She held her breath waiting for his response.

His expression was conflicted, and a few heavy seconds passed before he answered slightly unwillingly,"The only way I'm going is if your coming with me... I'm not taking you back home, and I cant leave you with the others either when we get there, because its no safer than sitting in this car with me."

Whatever explanation she had been waiting for, it hadn't been that. Not even close. Her pounding heart was in her head again.

Though she secretly admitted envying his ability to analyze and dissect every option.

She exhaled softly, coming to an inner agreement. She wouldn't back out.

"I don't want to go home, or be with the others - not yet at least... And, I'm willing to take the risk with you." Only after she said the words did she realize that they had a second depth to them. She wouldn't take them back though, she meant them. She had never wanted to be closer to someone, like she did Sasuke. Tonight, tomorrow, and the day after... To say it was terrifying was an understatement, but she couldn't deny it.

There was a gravitational force beginning here and she wouldn't be able to fight the pull. Not that she wanted to.

Fighting the urge to hide from his piercing gaze, she saw a devilish smirk tug at his lips and thought she might swallow her tongue. He never answered her but when she heard him shift gears, and the roar of the engine ignited she knew he had come to a decision.

Though Sakura prayed she hadn't signed off her death just yet. Hobby or not, he was still the king of the alley.

There were thousands of people, all shapes and sizes, covering every inch of the 'deserted' airport runway. Sakura's vision hazed-over from the overwhelming sight. Some were leaning against their many lined-up colorful car's with music blazing. Many had already taken their seats at the arena... and majority, were standing near the road-route, getting a good spot for themselves before the race would begin.

She stole a glance at the boy beside her.

It was a wonder Sasuke could maneuver through the crazy crowds without running someone over, especially since they had spotted him.

They had gone mad.

Sakura was certain that his windows were heavily tinted and that the people couldn't see them. So, it had to be his very distinct - recognizable car, that had the people going wild, she guessed. They waved and screamed deafeningly loud, honking their horns or blowing whistles that Sakura couldn't see. Trying to take it all in, she further picked up on the people whistling and soon realized that they, were actually howling. Like wolves - for the Alpha.

A tickling laugh escaped her before she could stop it, she had never seen anything like this.

"Sasuke."

She was drawn to the new voice near the raven-haired boy and found Sasuke's eyes averting from her instead of focusing on who she could now see as Neji. She felt heat envelope her cheeks and turned away from them.

"We thought you were gonna no-show."

Sasuke brought the window down a little further before answering,"I was." As he said the words, the young Hyuuga's eyes traveled toward the second body in the passenger seat.

His amethyst eyes widened as he took her in,"Sakura..?"

Her blush had mostly subsided and she glanced at him,"Hi, Neji." The rosette crossed her arms over her chest reflexively under his gaze, beyond self-conscious about her appearance and the fact that she was in Sasuke's car... Just the two of them.

She saw Neji's expression morph from apologetic to regret,"I'm sorry Sakura... How are you feeling?"

The rosette offered him a small smile,"I'm... A lot better." She said as her eyes flashed fleetingly over to the raven-haired boy, that didn't go unnoticed by either men.

The brunette nodded, suppressing a forming smirk, before facing the two. He sighed with emotion, glancing at Sasuke before focusing on her again, he leaned in closer,"I cannot express my gratitude to you enough for getting Hinata out of there." He reached his hand out to her and after a moments hesitancy, she took it. Smiling genuinely, she answered honestly,"I was worried for her more than I was myself... It wasn't even a second thought." He nodded, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before releasing it.

"Pop the hood, I'll check the tank." Neji addressed Sasuke before stepping away and over to the front of the car. The raven haired boy silently complied before grabbing his phone once more. She saw his jaw clench as he brought the phone to his ear,"What do you want?"

She watched in confusion until understanding overcame her... That, must be Naruto. A fond grin tugged at her lips, as she listened to Sasuke answer his onslaught of questions.

"Yes, I'm here."

"She's with me and she's fine."

"No, you cant talk to her."

She chuckled, and he shot her a half-hearted glare. She only laughed harder. Sakura made a mental note to call the relentless blonde later, since now was not the best time. It had only been a few hours but she couldn't deny that she already missed his sun-kissed face and infectious smile.

Sasuke hung-up soon after, just as Neji closed the hood. The brunette gave a meaningful nod and they took off, a little further down to where a bronze colored car was parked beside who Sakura recognized as the 'guy on the mic.' Sasuke pulled up to the other side and the rosette studied the car beside them. What was it, a Maserati? She wasn't sure but as the 'mic-guy' stepped away, she could make-out the drivers face. His eyes were a bit smaller and face seemed naturally hard. His hair was long and almost looked as though it had been blow-dried to the side of his head in a spikey fashion. And when his eyes landed on Sasuke's car, he grinned widely and Sakura thought it was one of the most sinister she had ever seen.

"Zaku's been talking mad-shit."

Sakura peeked over to find the 'mic man,' now at Sasuke's side. The raven-haired boy wasn't bothered by the mans news in the slightest.

The shaggy brunette leaned in further,"Since he got that new whip," he said cocking his head over to the bronze car,"He says its good enough to take your Lambo."

"It's not about the cars Atsuo, you know that." Sasuke deadpanned.

Atsuo, so that's his name? Aside from learning the 'mic-mans name, Sasuke's words surprised her, she listened intently.

The guy grinned with pride,"It's about the driver... I wont go into any other details about what else he's said cause' I don't want your wrath on me... but do us all a favor and send that son of a bitch back to Sound for good."

Atsuo's grey eyes were on her for a moment but he said nothing, and she almost wondered why, but figured now was not the time for casualties or greetings. Just as he stepped away and began his enthusiastic announcements - on his ever-present microphone, Sasuke's hands were on her.

Unprepared for his swift advances, she tried to keep her breathing even as he un-clicked the strap of her seat-belt before reaching over on either side of her, bringing forth another seat-belt. It was the ones you would see the professionals wearing in the drag-races... But, his proximity was turning her brain to mush and all she could do was watch the work of his hands as he slipped her arms through the sleeves and clasped the belt-buckle together at her waist.

His body - his face was so close, she could feel the warmth radiating off of him,"You still want to do this?"

It was hard to focus on his words when his intoxicating musk was wafting the air around her. She nodded numbly and regretted it right after. Her response didn't assure him and he frowned at something passed her shoulder. She bravely reached out to him, caressing his neck and resting her hand on his shoulder.

"I'm here because I want to be... with you."

He was silently scrutinizing her, before leaning in further,"This isn't a joy-ride Sakura."

"I know... and I don't care."

She silently praised herself for finding her tongue to answer him with how impossible his nearness was making it for her. He was watching her, waiting for a slip in her declared resolution... If the circumstances weren't so crazy she'd kiss him... Woah girl, too soon. Mentally scolding herself, Sakura couldn't understand what was happening to her or where these once, non-existent urges were coming from.

No, she knew where... They were coming from continuously repressing them since the moment she laid eyes on him...

She wanted to kiss him, so much so that, being this near him was causing a deep frustration from within her.

Then she felt his thumb brush over her bottom lip, her eyes shot up to his at the notion - meeting his dark-abyss. She shivered at their intensity but had no time to react because he was in his seat, and his hand was on the gear a second later.

It was difficult to process at first. Almost like, she was in a dream that only showed scenes and clips in fast-forward. The crowd was unfathomably loud, even in the confines of the car, the light hit green, and the roar of the engine was all that registered at that point.

Was it scientifically possible for a car to go this fast..? She vaguely wondered as gravity jerked her back against the seat with such force that she remained adhered to it, never to sit freely again. She closed her eyes until the initial shock wore off, and then she heard him calling her name with urgency. Turning toward him, she waited, afraid to stress him out, or cause him to lose focus if she spoke. His right hand remained on the gear, while the left gripped at the wheel, every time he shifted the gear, their bodies would jerk forward before being pulled back against the seats again.

And then she noticed something that caused her heart to palpitate,"Why aren't you wearing your seat-belt?"

His eyes shifted toward her when she spoke, and she was surprised to find relief there... He was stressing because she had been mute the first two minutes of the race, she realized.

"It's constricting."

Her jaw nearly dropped,"That's the point! It's too dangerous not to wear one!"

He didn't answer her and she faced forward, instantly regretting it. They were zooming by so fast, her eyes were permanently wide and unblinking, too afraid that she would miss something life-threatening if they closed for a moment. The route was extremely narrow and she knew only the truly skilled would be able to drive as fast as they were and not slam into each other. The bronze car was two-or so feet in front of them and it was a wonder either knew where they were going, it was pitch-black on the deserted run-way. If not for the small blew lights littered before them to direct the route, she figured they'd both easily crash into the barely visible barriers on either side of the route.. Her hands automatically moved to grip the handles at the door when Sasuke slowed abruptly. She gasped when they made a sharp right, close enough to rear-end Zaku before they both righted themselves, flying down a steep hill and into a wide building... Was this part of the route? The littered blue lights had come to an end before the building and she studied Sasuke anxiously.

His expression was unreadable, along with his body-language. Sakura found it maddening to be so calm in such an intense situation, she was nearly hyper-ventilating all over again for crying out loud. He continued to amaze and confuse her.

"Hold on."

His voice caught her off guard. She obeyed, grabbing onto the handles once more, and faced the empty, dimly-lit walls of the building they were passing. The bronze Maserati was nowhere in sight, and she was just about to ask him if they were in the lead when the car materialized beside them, nearly ramming into them. Sasuke was quick to dodge the collision, maintaining his hustle as he did.

They now remained side-by-side, their speed matching the other.

"Hn."

She found a smirk playing at his lips, and knew it meant trouble... He was thoroughly enjoying himself, she surmised with a curious brow and made a mental note never to challenge him in anything. Sasuke took to the pillars at the right, and Zaku jerked for the left, and her assumption was confirmed, though she still had no clue what game they were playing. Dread was slowly crawling up her skin. Sasuke was accelerating scarcely fast again and she reflexively brought her legs up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them tightly. She needed to hold onto something. He was dodging between and through the broad pillars with such grace Sakura was mesmerized as much as she was terrified... One slip up and they would smash into a pillar, with no doubt in her mind that the deserted building would come down on them.

Why was this place deserted anyway? What if the building had some technical issues..? What if it was unstable?

She clenched her jaw, ceasing her trace of thought at once... She would not go there.

Her eyes took in all the scenes before her, tracing over every wall they passed until they were faced with a dead-end.

"Sas - Sasuke!" She barely choked out, just as he swerved to the opening on the right that she had failed to notice. Sucking in a breath, she held a hand to her heart, willing it calm. They were spiraling down levels of empty parking lots, and it dawned on her that they had been at the top floors of the building... and they needed to come down. She silently cursed the maniac who deemed this a safe racing-route... But then again, there was nothing safe about what they were doing.

It wasn't until they passed through the next lot when the bronze Maserati shot forth. Something between a gasp and scream tore through her throat, she was completely unprepared for the incoming and clenched her eyes shut. The shriek of their tires resounded throughout the building as Sasuke swerved to avoid the collision, resulting in the car's rear facing the narrow entry to the next spiraling lot.

The boy beside her wasn't daunted in the least, his competitive-nature had fully consumed him. He outstretched his right hand to grip the shoulder of her seat, while the other remained loose on the steering-wheel. Angling his neck back he stepped on the gas, and her whole body swayed to the right, the gravity even stronger now that they were backwards. She grew dizzy with each bob of her head but couldn't shut her eyes for a second, completely awe-struck that they hadn't even grazed the narrow walls yet with how fast he was going.

Her eyes flashed toward his body. His hand, outstretched and gripping the shoulder of her seat. His chest - lean, and defined, and definitely not tense. Unlike the swaying and bobbing her own body was experiencing down the spiraling lot. He was completely undisturbed.

Sakura envied his confident demeanor... She was a total mess.

She watched the stone walls pass by in a trance, transfixed that their protruding stones were leaving them unscathed. And then they were back in another dimly-lit lot, swerving wildly until the front was facing forward once more. Her breathing was becoming ragged with each passing second.

And there in the distance, just at the end of the lot, Sakura saw the opening to Exit the building and felt it down in her very bones that Zaku was gonna meet them there.

She was downright panting as they neared, though it couldn't be heard with the growl of the engine filling the air. She breathed harder, as though she had been running miles on end. They neared the Exit, and just as she had suspected, Zaku came careening toward the open-wall from their right.

"Oh shit!" She cried, clenching her eyes shut and hugging her body close as she waited for the Maserati to inevitably ram into their side. She even flinched, as though he had hit them - but nothing came...? She heard metal beat against something from behind them along with, laughter.

Her green eyes shot open at the uncustomary sound and toward a chuckling Sasuke. She felt heat envelope her face and heart. The sound was full of mirth and genuine... and made her feel as though she was walking on the clouds. Sure, he was laughing at her shameful outburst, but she didn't care. More curses had left her lips this single day than she was proud to admit. She'd do it again though, if it would make him grin at her the way he was now. It was a sight she would maintain in her memory, to re-picture again and again, because he was even more devastatingly handsome with that light in his eyes.

They were under the night sky once again, the blue lights dotting their path as they sped through. The wild crowd was just in the distance, and evidently louder when they came into view.

Sakura chanced a glance behind her to find no bronze Maserati in sight. Apprehension settled in the pit of her stomach again.

"Where's Zaku? Is he gonna pull another sneaky stunt?"

"Back in the building."

Her brows shot up with recollection of the crash she heard when she thought they were gonna get hit,"He crashed?"

Sasuke nodded,"He lost control before the Exit, didn't brake enough for that narrow turn."

"Is he... gonna be alright?"

The raven-haired boy didn't answer, merely shooting her an impenetrable gaze, that didn't assure her in the least.

'Send him back to Sound for good.'

Recalling Atsuo's plea to Sasuke, Sakura mused if the young Uchiha had known all along what that bad-mouthing Zaku had been planning and was not only prepared but bluffed until the final round... The outcome seemed sort of, set-up or planned... The raven-haired was known for being a few steps ahead against the opposing, so she wouldn't doubt it.

But, if that was true she had to make sure to never play poker with Sasuke either.

They were closing the distance and it was obvious that Sasuke had won, since there was no sign of the second challenger, yet the people were hysterical. Screaming and thrashing as they neared, and Sakura sat rigidly at the craziness of it all. How did Sasuke handle such attention..? She knew the people couldn't see inside of the car because the windows were tinted, and that fact should have given her some peace of mind but she was utterly unnerved. He slowed down just as they swept through the incoming crowd and Atsuo, only to resume his speed once they were out of the arena. Sakura automatically turned in her seat to see that neither the crowd nor Atsuo were dissuade by Sasuke's early departure. Their enthusiasm was still resounding through the lot, and Atsuo was hollering into his microphone excitedly.

She turned in her seat, slouching as the tension gradually left her, and placed a hand to her pounding heart,"That was - your insane."

"Regretting your words?"

"Never." She answered without the slightest hesitation. Though she'd probably never do this again. Ever.

Their eyes met then and she smiled, laughed even, now that her muscles had loosened she was giddy... Or lost her mind somewhere back in the spiraling route of that deserted building. She wasn't sure.

Sakura silently declared to never doubt this mans abilities with a vehicle.

She deemed he was every definition of his title - Alpha.

The rosette's body trembled against the second-story wall before her, she leaned into it as if trying to mold herself inside the strong make-shift fortress. She made sure to keep her eyes leveled and not low. Sakura wasn't sure how Sasuke would handle her passing out a second time, only to tumble down from her roof and fall to her death.

They had driven back to Suna after the race, arriving back by 2:30am and just as she had suspected, her fathers car was nowhere in sight. Repulsion settled in her throat, she didn't want to assume he was with a woman every night but where else could he be? ...And was it a different woman every night?

She cringed at the thought but ceased the vile scenario's as Sasuke pulled in a few houses down from her own.

Since there was no key for an easy entry, the only way to get in was the same way they had come out. Sasuke had sensed her anxiety in having to climb up to her room and led the way without any exchange of words. He was really good at reading her... Or she was an open book. Either way a shy smile tugged at her lips.

He had directed and hefted her up along the tree and roof, and now she stood still as a statue, hugging the wall, waiting for him to open her window.

She heard the squeak of the small glass doors unlatch and opened her eyes to find his hand out-stretched toward her. Steeling herself, Sakura quickly reached out to him before she could psych herself out and remain where she was. He tugged her to him and she was sitting on the sill a second later, relief flooded her system like a cool rushing water throughout her veins. She maneuvered her legs inside the room and hopped down onto the cushioned bench, only to quickly turn and face him.

Now that her focus wasn't on getting into the room safely, an ache settled into her chest... Their night together was coming to an end.

"Sasuke, I - Uh, thank you... For everything."

He nodded, his hand hesitantly reached toward her, brushing over her bruised jaw. She watched as an unnameable emotion crossed over his features, his jaw flexed and he withdrew his hand, along with his gaze,"Get some sleep."

The ache increased from within her, the night was over and he was still afflicted. It hurt to see him so affected, especially when he was blaming himself and wouldn't listen to her. She didn't want him to go like this... She didn't want the night to end just yet, not when her guard might be up tomorrow... and not while his was up now.

Sakura reached toward his retreating form before he could take another step,"Wait, don't go!"

He halted, turning his head just enough for half his features to be visible to her and waited. She licked at her dry lips, hastily releasing the hold she had on his arm before she started stuttering.

Trying to formulate a logical exposition for him to stay she began hesitantly,"It's late, and I'll..."

"You'll what?"

She didn't have to face him to know he was onto her, she continued determinedly,"I'll worry! ...What if you fall asleep on the road? You should... Stay."

His expression was masked once more, the night casting shadows over his profile as he turned away from her. He paused before answering lowly,"That's not a good idea Haruno."

Her brows creased in question,"My dad wont be home til the morning... Is that why your worried?"

"It's not him I'm worried about." He uttered below a whisper, ensuring Sakura didn't hear a word.

She grew desperate at his lack of response,"Please Sasuke, just - sleep with me!" Just as the words came tumbling out, her eyes widened painfully, and she began stammering,"I mean, not like that - not in the way it sounded! That came out wrong, I meant for you to-"

His index finger was on her lips, silencing her irreparable onslaught and amusement played in his eyes.

"Okay."

She nodded dumbly, stepping down from the cushioned bench and a few steps back to give him room to enter. Once he slid inside - the moon illuminating the side of his features and casting a dark shadow over his already dark attire, her heart skipped a beat.

Panic shot forth and she stepped back until she was near the door,"Would you drink some tea..? I usually drink some before bed, Its soothing." She was stalling, she knew and he knew. He nodded and she was out the door, racing down the steps and pacing into the kitchen.

Had she completely lost her mind? Sasuke Uchiha was in her room! In HER ROOM! And she was the one who persuaded him, what the hell was wrong with her? Filling the tea-kettle with water, she set it on the stove and began pacing across the kitchen.

She was such a hypocrite, just a few hours ago she was ready to kiss him before the race, and now she was freaking out over something she talked him into..? She ran a shaky hand through her hair, trying to make sense of it all... She wasn't sure what was happening to her, but tonight, being so close to him, all hesitation and doubt had become non-existent. Her guards had come down, when she opened up to him, she recognized that much... And it was both exhilarating and alarming. Was she ready to put herself out there..? Her heart out there?

'I'm willing to take the risk,' She had been sure when she spoke those words.

He had literally shown up tonight, when no one else would have dared to. Comforting her, both emotionally and physically... Meeting all her needs, without her having to ask, not to mention going on the ride of her life, and cherishing every second of it... Could she do this? She hunched over the counter, absentmindedly watching the steam rise from the brewing pot of tea.

She trusted him, more than she had any man in her life... because he was always saving her. He had made her feel safe physically, but now, she was beginning to feel safe with him, emotionally too.

She could do this.

And they were just sharing a bed together, there was no harm in it - need to freak out... He'd be gone in the morning.

The rosette sighed in reprieve, shaking off her jumbling emotions, she poured the steaming water into the cups and headed for the stairs, calm and collected.

Entering the room, disappointment swept over her when she found it empty. Setting the tray down, she caught the light on in her bathroom and smiled to herself. Sakura watched as his hands cupped under the streaming water faucet, bringing it up to his face several times, before turning the knob off. He grabbed the towel on the counter, pressing it to his face and Sakura felt her face flush again. Who knew something as trivial as watching him be comfortable in her room could get such a warm reaction out of her..? He stepped out, coming toward her and she wordlessly handed him his tea before grabbing her own along with a change of clothing, she headed for the bathroom.

She closed it shut, and stood still for a moment, trying to maintain her whirling nerves. Taking a sip from her tea, she decided another shower was in order, especially after all she endured in the locker room today, but it would be a quick one. Turning on the spray of the shower-head, she set her things on the counter, and undressed before stepping under the cascading heat. Her aches and muscles loosened under the warmth and she took a moment to enjoy it before cleaning herself off. She washed her hair and body thoroughly in record time before stepping out. Yes, twelve minutes was definitely remarkable since she tended to take her sweet - sweet time in the shower.

Drying herself off, she sported purple boy-shorts before sliding on her black cotton pajama pants. Then slipped her hands through a white padded tank-top, because anything else would ensure she remained under the covers in mortifying fear of exposing her blossoms. And that simply, would not do.

She grabbed her tea, opening the door quietly she slid out, her feet padded across the carpet. She neared the bed to find Sasuke asleep, both content and disheartened with the fact. Taking a few sips of her rapidly cooling tea, she crawled into bed, making sure to limit the movements so as to not stir his slumber. Sakura lay on her side toward Sasuke, about three feet away from his peaceful form. He was lying on his back, one arm tucked beneath his head and the other resting against his abdomen. His jacket and shoes, discarded on the cushioned bench beneath the window.

Sakura was inching closer without realizing, the temptation of studying him without being caught was too enticing.

The rosette settled into the cushions, watching the steady rise and fall of his chest. Never had she seen him so unguarded, relaxed - lucid, it pleased her immensely. Her eyes roamed over him of their own accord. First traveling up his toned chest, and arms, the material of his shirt bunching in places from his lean muscles. She swallowed at her quickly parching throat. Her eyes swept up the column of his neck and over the jaw that she was growing accustomed to seeing clenched, though she wasn't the least bit complaining.

She pressed in even closer, as her gaze landed on the sculpted features of his face. Sakura unconsciously held her breath as her eyes moved along his pale lips, up to his aristocratic nose, and over his thick ebony lashes. She sighed dreamily - like the fan-girl's she had silently vowed to never resemble... She couldn't help it. Was it humanly possible for someone to be so flawless..? His eyes were closed, yet they remained her favorite feature, there was something haunting about them. Their wide, sharp structure, almost feminine with their beauty... She couldn't put a justifiable name on the them - Just breath-taking... Her hand itched to sweep away the dark locks that had fallen over his face. And she succumbed to the itch, her hand hovered over the strays before slowly brushing her hands through them, and just as she did, he stirred. She froze, dropping her hand quickly as his hand slid out from supporting his neck. He shifted to his side, coming to face her.

Sakura held her breath. Even though he was still asleep, his close proximity still managed to get her heart racing. She waited until she was sure he wasn't about to wake up before resuming her assessments, and that's when it caught her eye.

A long, black chain had slipped out of his v-neck shirt, the piece hanging off of it gleaming and drawing her in like a cave-miner finding a precious jewel. She carefully picked up the piece, laying it flat against her palm and studied its black structure. It appeared to be a fan, made of several black gems, and she was transfixed. Sakura was sure it held a meaning, was completely confident in the fact...

Her fingers traced the intricate design when his hand slid over her neck, brushing down to the bare skin of her arm. He was awake... and had no doubt seen her hand close over the piece around his neck, yet he surprised her with no reaction. She had been afraid of being caught in the act, but the only thing she was hyper-aware of right now was the feel of his skin on her own. His hand over her arm, curving around the small of her back and slowly - ever so slowly, pulled her closer to him.

Her head tucked in the crook of his neck, and he continued to pull until her chest was pressed against his. She had long ago released his neck-piece, her hand now gripping the material at his chest. Slightly breathless, a small smile tugged at her lips, she could feel the steady thud of his heart under her palm. Sakura sighed, unconsciously nuzzling his neck as his scent drew her in with a hypnotizing lull.

She felt his lips press against her temple and closed her eyes. Suddenly remembering how they had felt against her lips... Suddenly wanting to feel them again. All restrain and doubt was non-existent in his arms... She wanted to kiss him - for him to kiss her, badly... Hell, she had wanted to kiss him all night.

Sakura angled her head back, meeting his half-lidded gaze and waited. He was studying her, assessing her motive, and she silently prayed he could read her now, just like he always did. She pressed in, just a little closer, hoping he would meet her the rest of the way... And he did, good God, he did.

His lips were tentative against her own, and she fought against the chaos of her churning emotions, trying very hard not to ruin this moment. As if he could sense what was going on within her, Sasuke's hand was at her neck, and the pressure on her mouth heightened. Just the notion had her light-headed, and her nerves numbing. Her lips parted with the increasing compression and he deepened the kiss, coaxing her to open wider. All coherent thoughts and cares immediately evaporated. There was only Sasuke... And when his mouth moved against her own, she was lost in the sensations.

Sakura timidly began following his rhythm, until they were both moving in sync with the the other... It was slow, curious and undeniably hungry. Electric jolts shot through her abdomen, as she began losing herself in it. She thought her heart would burst at any given moment.

Sasuke nipped at her bottom lip as he released his assault on her lips and she whimpered. His eyes were the darkest she had ever seen them and her body shivered, before closing her eyes shut. Sakura was completely overwhelmed with the tingling her entire being was experiencing, taking in much needed breaths to bring her back down again, he pulled her to him once more. Exhaling a breath she peeked her eyes open just as he pressed a chaste kiss against the corner of her mouth, she clenched at his shirt in response before resuming resting her head in the crook of his neck.

His breathing eventually evened out but hers was another story. She wasn't breathing as hard, but it still wasn't steady, and she didn't want it to be. Because that would mean coming down from cloud nine, and she wasn't ready, not yet. She had never felt anything like it before, hell - she had never been kissed like that before. Her lips were still tingling with the sensations that had yet to dull. His arms tightened around her and she smirked, nuzzling his neck as she pressed closer. She was content - more than content, she was in bliss.

It surprised her how easily she was adjusting to it, her fears were forgotten and had yet to resurface... Her fingers traced mindless patterns against his throat and she pressed a soft kiss against the crook of his neck, unable to stop herself. Sakura rested her head against him, and her eye-lids eventually began to grow heavy, as the events of the day finally caught up with her. She fell into a deep sleep against him.