Really quick update for this, suprisingly. I haven't uploaded for a while on some stories, finished two, and I might delete Shades of Black and and one other one. Also, Don't Lose It! and Before He Cheats might have a few bonus cahppies, so don't lose it if I change my mind. Deleting a few things will free up the update schedule, meaning more updates!

Soundtrack:

When You're Gone by Avril Lavigne

Almost Lover by A Fine Frenzy

Disclaimer: GAASAKU 4 EVAH!!! (waves huge-ass GaaSaku flag, starts parade.)

Gaara: I believe she is referring to us.

Sakura: She's insane...

Gaara: Remember, she did have an abnormal amount of sugar this morning...

Sakura and Gaara: She doesn't own us, nor does she own the show Naruto.

Sasuke: (poofs from nowhere) Thank you, god...

Me: Hey Sasuke, nice skankygaypirate suit...

Sasuke: (sniffle) That was uncalled for... (sniff)

Everyone: WE'RE PERFECTLY JUSTIFIED!!!

Sakura: Damn ass, leaving me on a bench...

It was the day. Sakura couldn't believe how easy it was to dispel the genjustu on the second floor, but that weird guy with the green jumpsuit kind of freaked her out when he asked her to be his girlfriend. Watching him kick Sasuke's ass made her shake her head in disbelief. But what confused her was when Sasuke brushed her off moodily. A side of her dispaired, wondering what she did wrong, while another side let loose a sigh of relief. As the team wandered off to the third floor, she barely registered her hand wrapping around the silver locket.

What if he's here?

What then?

It never really occured to Gaara just how insanely boring waiting could be. As he sat silently between his siblings, he had to distract himself from thinking about her.

Really, kid, it's for the best.

"But why does it feel so wrong?"

It'll stop soon. Just stick with the plan.

He shook the tanuki to the back of his head, and thought about the idiotic plan. He had to admit, it hurt a lot less to think about that then remember her. His mind barely registered the swift open and shut of the door, instead absorbed with the study of the back of his right hand. Hearing the newcomers babbling incoherantly, he focused on shutting out the noise. That's when his ears picked up the sound of her laugh. His head shot up just in time to catch her eyes as she scanned the room.

Her breath caught in her throat as their eyes met for the briefest of instants. Even though her fellow Genin rookies babbled around her, she stood stock-still and silent, refusing to believe it. He was there. And he could see her.

Well, it's not like it's hard or anything, you have pink hair, for god's sake...

Quiet, you...

You told yourself to be quiet...you know, the first sign of insanity is talking to yourself...

She mentally blocked her Inner, fingering her locket as she watched him. She didn't quite know why, but each time she happened to look at him, she felt like she was being stabbed repeatedly with a sharp katana. (remind you of something familiar?)

Why does it hurt so bad when I think about him?

You can't be together, that's why. He can't be weak, remember?

You again...

You're holding him back, and that's weakening him.

Stop it! I don't want to think about that.

She blocked her Inner once again, and sighed, not noticing the babbling stop as the proctor appeared.

Just my luck, I have to sit just four or five feet away from him...

As the proctor explained the rules, she gazed about, trying not to look at him.

Why does my heart ache when I see him?

I felt like I should just stop procrastinating and get on with the freaking exams already, so here it is. Tis chappie was very satisfying, because I like the question Sakura asks. It reminds me of the question Gaara asked Yashamaru when he was six. Also, like Sakura, I too have a question: Why is it every time we see an Akatsuki member with no jacket, they DIE?! (starts ranting)

Gaara: (with popcorn and two sodas) Should I remind her to start begging yet?

Sakura: (takes a soda) Nah, let her rant for a while...

(Both watch Panda continue ranting, occasionally squabbling over popcorn bowl)

Me: Also, DEIDARA YOU FKTARD! GAARA'S BODY IS NOT A CHAIR!!! (if you don't get it, there's a pic on my faves on DA of a screenshot where Deidara appears to be sitting on Gaara's dead body.)

Okay, I'm done ranting. (does Good Guy pose) Review! YOSH!!!