a/n: I want to apologize for the very long update. I was really really busy and I had little time to do this. I'll make sure to put more effort next time although I won't promise that I'll update soon already because I still have school. Anyway, here's the fourth chapter. Enjoy!
The thousands of twinkling stars swallowed by the night sky,
I hope that one day, I will be able to give it to you.
--
Robot Love
Chapter four- Gone under the darkness
I curled up in my bed while I hugged my pillow. I didn't even bother to close the lights. I was too lazy to do that, but honestly, I was more dazed and surprised than lazy.
I tried to replay the things that happened only this night in my head. Every second was fast. Everything was fast. Just a while ago, I wasn't thinking about any of this, but apparently, now I am.
Sasuke's in Kakashi's 'laboratory' right now. Well, I wouldn't really call it laboratory but anyway, Kakashi(who isn't as surprised as I am by the way) is currently doing some research on Sasuke. How he does that? I do not really know but I'd like to see it someday, when my head isn't as messed up as now.
I sat up, looked at the door, lied down, covered my eyes, sighed and sat up again. I don't know what wa happening to me! Everything was just hard to take in. I mean, everybody gets a boyfriend after the getting-to-know stage, courting and lots of stuff right? But me? Just one kiss, I instantly had a boyfriend. And who wouldn't have their minds messed up if their boyfriend is someone like Sasuke? A flaming hot, gorgeous robot.
I guess I'll never be normal too.
Of course I don't dislike Sasuke. I just said he's hot. But somehow, the thought that we live under the same roof is a little bit… disturbing and awkward (and tempting) especially after what happened a while ago. You know? The… uhm, short make-out session? I mean, of course we know way better than that but still, I can't stop thinking about it. And there's this feeling inside of me that something's wrong. I don't know what it is and more importantly, I do not know if there really is something wrong. I just feel it, for some weird reason.
My nonstop thinking was disturbed when my cellphone rang. It was Shikamaru. He probably wanted to inform me about what happened in the party.
Then a thought came to me. I didn't leave any money, and it was supposed to be my treat. Also, I left my gifts and other things there. I slapped myself mentally but still didn't answer.
When Shikamaru finally gave up, I saw in my cellphone that it was his 9th missed call. Still, nothing could change my mind. I am still not capable of thinking straight tonight so his news will have to wait for tomorrow. And besides, it's not that I will forget about the bill.
Just when I thought that he finally gave up, I received a message from him. I sighed, it wasn't like Shikamaru to be annoying so I picked up my phone with all my strength on my bedside table.
To: Sakura
From: Shikamaru
Oi, Ino doesn't want to stop telling me to call you. Neji and Tenten said that you looked really surprised and bothered when you were about to leave. Is everything fine? By the way, Shino had taken care of Naruto and Kiba while I bring Ino home. They're fine but really drunk. Idiots.
P.S. You forgot that it was your treat.
So this guy has concern too. I have to give him credit for that so I lazily replied.
To: Shikamaru
From: Sakura
Everything's fine. We can talk tomorrow, you can tell that Ino (if she can still understand you). Just not now, but thanks anyway. Oh, and DO NOT take advantage of Ino!
P.S. Don't worry, I'll pay for the bill. Also, I still owe Naruto some ramen. You can come if you want.
I smiled at my reply. Surely, I know that Shikamaru has the hots for Ino but is currently confused because of Temari. I also know that he finds himself troublesome for liking two girls. Yeah, I know all of that because believe it or not, Shikamaru was my first ever friend here. Somehow, we just fit together and I believe that it's because we're both smart, stubborn and we share a lot of things in common. It's just that even though Ino likes him back (Yup, I know that too), sometimes it's hard to figure her out because it seems like she likes all the hot guys, but not in a slutty-karin way.
And I won't tell Shikamaru that she likes him, because that's not my way of helping. It's their problem.
To: Sakura
From: Shikamaru
Whatever. You're a troublesome woman.
I smiled for a bit then threw my cellphone somewhere in the bed. Well, I have to thank Shikamaru for shifting my attention to something else even for just a bit.
I stared in space for a while before I actually realized that someone was knocking at my door. Shit!
Should I pretend that I have fallen asleep? What should I do? I don't know how to face Sasuke yet! Oh my gosh.
"Sakura, it's me." I nearly laughed at myself. Stupid. Of course Sasuke isn't the only one here in the house. Have I forgotten that I have a dad? Damn, I feel really stupid and paranoid for not realizing that. "Are you awake?" He asked, loud enough for me to hear from the other side of the wall.
"Yup, come in," I answered and he went inside. Kakashi didn't speak at first. He just went to me and sat on my bed. "What's wrong?" I aksed and he smiled warmly, which is a bit weird.
"Nothing. I just figured out that you're a bit confused right now," he said. I realized that he was just being a dad to me and I know that that's what I need right now, sort of, because he's the only one who knows about Sasuke.
"Well, yeah I am," I sighed and sat up. "Where's Sasuke?" I asked.
"He's asleep. He needs it because his system is a bit tired after what happened tonight and after I did a little study on him."
"What did you find out?" I shifted my weight to get a better view of Kakashi because it's quite hard to see his facial expressions when you're not facing him you know.
"Nothing much. He's doing perfectly well and I was right… When you kiss him, he'll think of you as his girlfriend." I frowned at that. So if a girl kisses him then he'll forget about me immediately? Just like that? "I'll see what I can do," he said, answering my silent question. Was I that obvious that he easily read me?
"Uhm, Kakashi. Sasuke and I live together and we're…. uhm, together, at least that's what he thinks. Isn't that weird? And he'll already go to school on Monday." I frowned again. What will other people say?
"I've already talked to Sasuke about that, actually. Don't worry, he knows his place and besides, he's just like any other human, just a bit different." He gave me a reassuring smile and that was all it took for me to be okay, although I wasn't that sure if I understood what he meant by what he said. Anyway…
"Thanks," I said and Kakashi stood up.
"Goodnight," he said and kissed me in the forehead.
"Goodnight." I replied back as I watched him leave the room. He closed the lights for me before completely disappearing.
I gave out a sigh again and laid my back completely on the bed. After a lot of thinking, I fell asleep immediately.
I woke up from another dreamless night. The sun shone brighter compared to any other day and it was perfect for a Saturday morning, although I still prefer rain or snow. Well, I can't decide because if there is rain, there will be no stars at night and yet, rain is so inspiring but anyway…
I yawned after the little pointless argument inside my head. I decided that I like them all. Period.
I got up immediately and went straight to the shower to take a bath. When I was done, I went out of the room and nearly screamed when I saw Sasuke preparing the dining table. Oh yeah, Sasuke lives with me. I have to get used to that.
"Hey," he greeted when he saw me and I stared stupidly at him first before I finally got the courage to say "good morning".
Sasuke nodded in response.
I shook my head and tried to remove all my uneasy thoughts. When I went to sit at the dining table, Sasuke pulled the chair for me with the tiniest hint of smile on his face. Gosh, I think I'm blushing.
"Thanks," I told him and he sat down at the opposite end of the table, right in front of me.
The table was only good for four people, and I could almost feel our knees touching under the table. I'm feeling a little tensed. I knew Kakashi should have chosen the table for six people, but then again, why would we need it if we're only two?.... Three now.
I cleared my throat and hesitantly took a piece of egg roll in front of me. I ate it, feeling a little awkward because Sasuke was watching me. "Did you make this?" I asked, almost disbelieving. God, this is delicious! How could a very simple dish become delicious?
"Yeah, do you like it?" he asked, unlike me, he was perfectly calm. I wonder how he does that?
"Totally," I said and that made him smile and for some reason, I felt everything inside me go warm. I made Sasuke smile, and I was really happy.
Surely, the Sasuke now wasn't any close to the stranger that he was when Hinata kissed him. He's so warm and caring right now, although he still isn't much to talking. Oh, and just to make sure, I don't hate Hinata for last night. Never.
"Last night," Sasuke started and I eyed him intently. Last night. Last night, I was crazy. "About what happened, I'm sorry." He looked at me in the eyes and I could suddenly feel electricity run through my spine, although I was a bit confused.
"What are you sorry for? Nothing really bad happened. You didn't hurt me or anybody Sasuke. Really," I assured him but he shook his head.
"I said awful things and although it wasn't something I could control completely, I still hurt your feelings. Sorry. I'll definitely not let that happen again," he told me. His face was cold, no doubt, but his eyes were very sincere. I could tell that much.
I smiled at him and grabbed an egg roll and put it in front of his mouth. "Silly. I don't care about that anymore. You're here, that's all that matters. Now eat this, so you could get those silly things out of your head." For a moment, I was surprised at my words. It felt…natural. Like instinct, it just comes.
Sasuke obeyed and ate the [delicious] egg roll he made. He had nodded and we fell silent for a while.
"Oh, where's Kakashi?" I asked and scanned the house. It wasn't like him to leave without telling me. Not that I care at this moment.
"He said he'll go out for a while," he said then shrugged. I nodded and he faced me again, then I got a good look at his face. God, he's so handsome.
All of a sudden, I felt nervous again. Geez Sasuke, what are you doing to me?
Then the events last night had a fast run-through inside my head. Really, what's the point of all my uneasiness about Sasuke being my boyfriend? Well… not officially my boyfriend because I haven't confirmed it yet although he thinks he loves me or whatever. Anyway, Sasuke's a gentleman and I know that he just doesn't look real, but he is. More importantly, he's here with me now.
I smiled again but I felt his eyes on me, and then I suddenly thought that maybe I should get used to Sasuke staring too. His stare. There will never be one person in the world who could look at me with such warmth and emotion. Not even Kakashi.
"Sasuke," I said, my voice almost a whisper.
"What?"
"Do you still remember the place that I was talking about? The secret place?" He nodded slowly at my question. "Well, if it's ok with you, I'd like to take you there tonight."
"Here," I handed him the blanket after taking it out from the car's trunk. He carried pillows with him while I carried the small basket. He promised me that he would let me take over the whole night.
A while ago, I met with Shikamaru and Ino. As promised, I paid the bill and even met with Naruto and Hinata at Ichiraku. Hinata never stopped apologizing to Sasuke and to me, while the two of us assured her that it was no big deal. Lucky enough, she didn't remember any of the weird actions of Sasuke that night.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know what I was doing! Sorry!," Hinata had said, and no one could resist her loveliness, even me, that I easily forgot everything.
Sasuke and I walked for about 10 minutes before we reached the end of the narrow road. There, a building I knew very well stood unchanged. It wasn't a tall one, and it looked old, but believe me, there's magic inside.
Sasuke remained silent and just stared at the old building and finally, he looked at me with a confused expression. I smiled at him.
"Just wait," I said, and he nodded. I led the way inside the building, and when we finally reached the inside, it was pitch black, you literally wouldn't see anything. "Follow me," I told Sasuke and grabbed his right while he carried our other things effortlessly with his left.
"Now I realize that I hate surprises." He said with humor in his voice. I giggled before I finally pulled him to somewhere.
"Sorry," I giggled again. I walked and pulled Sasuke with me in the dark without hesitating, for I know too well this place. I've memorized every step, every corner and I will never get lost even in this darkness.
"Can you see where we're going?" He asked as he followed.
"You can say that."
"Well, I can't," he said and I laughed at him.
"Aren't you supposed to have a night vision or something?" I asked, half-jokingly.
"I don't know. Maybe I could tell that to Kakashi."
"Hmm, I don't know. I actually prefer it this way."
"Yeah."
After a few more steps, we finally reached the center of this spacious room. I was sure where the center was of course. "We're here."
I finally let go of Sasuke's hand and got the blanket and things from him to arrange it on the floor. "Sakura, I don't suppose you see anything."
"I don't see anything at all. Sorry Sasuke, just wait a little longer." Now I know one more thing about Sasuke. He doesn't want to feel helpless, and it's kinda cute, the way he gets annoyed by this suspense but doesn't say anything about it. For some reason, I think he couldn't say no to me.
I fixed the small pillows next and straightened the blanket again. I smiled to myself.
"Now," I started but wasn't able to say more. I was excited but felt a little nervous for some unknown reason. Right, excited.
I put out a small remote from my pocket and pressed a button in it. Nothing changed at first, but suddenly, we were under everything. The complete darkness was lost already; we were being swallowed by the sky.
The stars and the moon were never this close. A shining light shone above us and I couldn't say anything more. It's as if this was my first time to be here. Like Sasuke, the stars never fail to dazzle me.
"You know, Kakashi aside, you're the first person I brought here, and you're probably the only one whom I will bring here." I wasn't embarrassed when I said that. It was true.
Sasuke didn't say something at first. He just grabbed my hand and intertwined it with his smooth ones, and I didn't object. I wonder why?
"This…" Sasuke muttered, looking really amused. "We're in an observatory." I saw him smile a little and honestly, I've never seen him this beautiful. I mean, he is always gorgeous, but not this gorgeous when he's under the stars and moon. Now I've decided that no star or moon can be compared to Sasuke. The word beautiful is not appropriate, not when he is around to be compared to.
"Yes. Kakashi built this for me, and it's not like any other. This place is really special," I said as I watched the stars hovering above us.
"It's really beautiful."
"Yeah, but not that beautiful when you're around," I laughed a little at my cheesy words, and he laughed with me.
"You're unbelievable, Sakura. You don't know how you look right now."
"Whatever," and I laughed again and sat down. He followed, and our long night began.
We didn't do anything else but talk. It was like when we were at the park, it seemed like we will never run out of questions. I was really glad actually, I finally got to know more and more about him although most of the time, it was about me since everything in him was programmed already.
"So, do you have a favorite color, food or something?" I asked, quite interested and curious. I don't think Kakashi put something like that in his program.
Sasuke thought for a while, looking like he was searching somewhere in his mind. "Hmm," he started. "Color? I don't really like anything in particular and food…" He stopped again, and he looked really cute every time he doesn't know what to say. "I haven't tasted a lot of food yet, but I really like the taste of tomatoes."
What? Tomatoes? Of all the food that he tasted in his, uhm, almost one week of being alive? I laughed really hard and he just stared at me pouting. I didn't even know if he realizes that he was pouting, because he never does that. But who cares? He gets even cuter.
"Is that a bad thing?" He asked me, looking really confused as ever. "I still don't know a lot of stuff about humans, but I like it, for some reason."
"No, no, no!" I wiped my tears and tried my best to stop laughing. "It's not a bad thing Sasuke, it's not! It's just that…" I stopped, thinking of what to say next. "It's… unusual. Of course, people have different say about things," I smiled.
"Oh…."
I lied down and stared at the near sky again. Now was just the time when I noticed the smaller details of the place that I wasn't able to see awhile ago. This observatory hasn't changed at all, of course.
It was a small building, but wide and spacious with nothing else but cold marble floors that looked a little odd compared to the old look of the building outside. It was a little tall too, like the boundaries between the first to third floors had been removed.
"Sasuke," I said in almost a whisper, and he looked at me, as if telling me to continue. "Do you like being human?" I asked, out of nowhere.
"Technically, I'm not human," he answered. Oh yeah, he isn't. "…but I like being one. You can do a lot of things that I can't."
I frowned at that. I wanted to object, but there was really nothing I could do.
"You shouldn't have asked it," he said and I was surprised at that comment.
"What do you mean?"
"You don't like to talk about what I really am," he smiled at me but I frowned again. He was right, I think, but I just don't want to admit it. Maybe I was just afraid, maybe. Afraid of… afraid of the future.
"I just want to get to know you," I said and sat up again. I brought my legs up and wrapped my arms around it. "It's unfair if you know much about me and I don't know much about you."
"Sorry," he said. "I'm still new Sakura. Like a newborn. I still don't know a lot of things about where I live in and about myself," he placed his hand on my head with a smile again.
I didn't want to talk more about robot stuff. It makes everything seem like fiction. I saw him looking at me again, but I ignored it this time. Maybe he was just trying to figure out what I was thinking.
When I looked at somewhere else, I saw the basket that I brought and laughed at myself inwardly when I realized that no one had noticed it until now. "You want some?" I picked out a box of dark chocolates. It was my favorite and Naruto gave it to me along with some ramen stabs for my birthday.
Sasuke politely refused and I learned that he isn't really a fan of sweet things, unlike me.
He was staring at me again. "Stop that," I told him and he raised his brows in question. "Stop staring at me," I said with a sigh and I didn't know but Sasuke smirked at my remark.
"Would you like to lie down?" I patted my lap and offered it as a pillow for him. I knew that he was unsure at first. "Looking at the stars is better when you are lying down. Trust me." I smiled at him.
"Don't you want to lie down too?" He asked before he finally rested his head on my lap. I shook my head. I was tired of lying down and besides, I didn't want to be put into an awkward situation when we both lie down.
"You're right," Sasuke said. "The stars look more beautiful and I get to look at you too." He was half-smirking when he said that because he knows what makes me feel embarrassed.
I cleared my throat. I placed my two arms on the floor at the back part of my body and looked up just like Sasuke. I wonder if we are looking at the same star right now…
"You know, if there is one thing I wish to see, it would be a dream," I muttered out of nowhere when I remembered again the past nights. "I read that you see some kind of pictures in your head while you're sleeping and those dreams seem really true. I think it's magical and awesome." I babbled again without thinking of what I was saying.
"…??? Aren't humans suppose to have dreams? I mean, it's normal, right?" Sasuke asked me and he looked at me as if he was doubting his knowledge again.
I looked down at him and when I stared at his eyes, amidst the darkness, I knew that I was drowning. It was just like the first time. "Yes, we are suppose to dream, but it seems like after the accident that happened to me, I stopped dreaming. Kakashi told me that but he doesn't answer me why."
"Is it trauma or something else?"
"I don't really know. Well, it doesn't really matter now because I feel like I'm already living in a dream. There are really no differences. " I smiled. Sasuke is my dream.
"Well, I don't dream too," he said.
"Oh yeah. At least we have something in common." I giggled and grabbed chocolates from the box again.
We grew silent after a while. We were both watching the stars and probably, like me, Sasuke was trying to form shapes out of the stars too.
"You know Sasuke," I looked down at him again and we stared at each other for a while. I unintentionally placed my hand on his forehead and put his bangs away from his face. Gosh, Sasuke is so close… which made me think that he hadn't done anything physical to me since the day started. Physical would mean that he hadn't kissed me nor hug me. He held my hand and didn't let go of it, that was the only thing he did.
I kind of preferred it that way for now. I mean, like I said, for me, we're not yet officially together. But why am I thinking about that?
Sasuke patiently waited for me.
"Sorry, nothing."
Sasuke nodded and continued to stare at me. I looked up at the stars and closed my eyes while my brows twitched all of a sudden. I didn't like the feeling that I was having.
And there's this feeling inside of me that something's wrong. I don't know what it is and more importantly, I do not know if there really is something wrong. I just feel it, for some weird reason.
I remembered thinking about that, but now I understand. I really do understand.
There wasn't really anything wrong about Sasuke. He was keeping his boundaries between us and he makes effort to get to know me. He makes me happy. He's a good person, and I could continue to rattle all day just saying how good Sasuke is.
But now I know that I am the one who is wrong. I don't recognize my feelings and I definitely don't think things through. I keep on saying that Sasuke is gorgeous, that he is perfect, yet I'm confused with what I really feel.
But now, I think that things are clearer to me already.
I knew that the first time I saw Sasuke was pure attraction that led to a lot of crazy things. Maybe I wasn't sure at first, but now I think that I'm finally sure to myself. Maybe I am really starting to fall deep…
"Nothing," I said again in a whisper, and Sasuke just nodded.
I sighed, followed by a laugh when I saw how irritated Sasuke is with all the people surrounding him. It was his first day in school and yet, he already captured the hearts of all the people and now he is probably thinking of a way to get out of the chaos around him.
"Excuse me people! Naruto coming through… whew! Gosh, what's with you guys?" I heard Naruto mumble on his own as he passed through the crowd inside our classroom.
"Hey Naruto!" I waved and he immediately went to me with Hinata and Ino following. I greeted both the girls and wished that they heard me, since it was really noisy inside.
" Sakura, aren't you going to help Sasuke?" Hinata asked.
"Yeah, it's his first day and he is already in hell," Ino agreed.
"Geez, that's every man's dream! You don't understand." Naruto shook his head and I just laughed at them.
"No," I said while laughing.
"No?" Ino asked.
"No, let him be. It's alright." I looked at Sasuke who was staring at me with pleading eyes as if telling me to rescue him. I smiled at him and pulled my tongue out to tease him. Well, as if I could do anything.
Hours passed…
When the bell rang for dismissal, I saw Sasuke sigh in relief. I noticed the other girls eyeing Sasuke as if they were targeting him so I rushed to him before anyone could.
"Let's go, fast." I told him and signaled Ino that we will be going. She seemed to understand because she nodded with a smile and raised her thumb at me.
I didn't care whether the girls were mad at me for doing that. Sasuke and I just went out as fast as we could. I was giggling nonstop because of the people who were looking at Sasuke with very surprised faces. It was funny. I think I can foresee what will happen tomorrow. Peoplewill crowd outside our room… funny! Especially the seniors who were already targeting Sasuke. In your dreams, girls.
"Hey, where are we going?" Sasuke asked.
"To the rooftop."
"Huh? Aren't we going to go home?"
"Are you silly? A lot of people are about to go home. Do you want to be ambushed?" I laughed again when I saw Sasuke's annoyed face again.
When we reached the door of the rooftop, I saw Gaara. He went out and passed by me but didn't greet me. It was weird, but I shook it off me.
There were no people there and I thanked god for that. Sasuke and I sat on the floor.
"You know, if they knew that we live together, they will kill me!" I said, and Sasuke twitched his brows which made me laugh. Again.
"What?" He said.
"You're so funny when you're pissed off!"
"What's funny about that?"
"Your face! You're so cute!" I giggled and pinched his cheeks.
"Hn."
"Well, mr. robot," I joked but he suddenly looked at me with serious eyes. "There's no one here Sasuke-kun, it's ok." I giggled. "Anyway, I'm gonna get some drinks. There is a vending machine near here. Want anything?" I asked.
"I'll come with you," he said but I refused since I know that it will be troublesome if a lot of people will see him. He was stubborn at first, but I insisted that nothing bad will happen to me. We were in school, what's so dangerous about that?
Sasuke finally gave up and allowed me to go alone. When I went out, I saw Gaara pass by again but this time, I know that he didn't see me. He was acting weird, what's wrong with him?
I shook the thought away and just went to get some drinks. I bought juice for me and rootbeer for Sasuke, and it took me only 3 minutes to do that.
I was humming a tune when I went back to the rooftop, but I nearly dropped the cans on my hands when I saw the Sasuke was not there but his bag was.
"Sasuke, don't joke with me." I half-yelled. There was no answer. "Hey!"
No answer.
"This isn't funny!"
No answer.
Then a note flew right in front of me. I picked it up and I had a feeling that something wasn't right.
Say goodbye to prince charming.
It was a note in a messy handwriting and it was definitely not Sasuke's. How could everything happen that fast?
As soon as I read the note, I got all our things and ran all the way to the house. When I rushed inside and saw that, Itachi, Kakashi, Kisame, Sasori and all other old friends of Kakashi were there, I knew something was wrong.
"How?" I asked and dropped all my things to rush to Kakashi.
"It must be one of Orochimaru's people," Kakashi said and showed me a text message with a different note than the one given to me. It says:
I'll borrow your wonderful creation for a while…
That sonofabitch rival of Kakashi!
"Sakura," Itachi muttered, and I nearly thought that he was Sasuke.
And I suddenly remembered… Gaara was the only one there.
Tears suddenly came out from my eyes. I was not moving because shock and fear took over me. How could that happen when I was only gone for only 3 minutes?
"How?" I repeated.
"Calm down Sakura," Kakashi's soothing voice came but that couldn't change anything. "We'll do our best to try to find him," he said.
..and I wasn't able to tell him how I feel.
to be continued...
--
Break through the lonely night
Dark would turn into light
a/n: Well, that came out a lot different than what I expected, but I still hope that you liked it. Chapter clarifications anyone? Just ask me. And if you're puzzled by what Sakura's real feelings are, yes, she fell into infatuation at first but that last statement says otherwise so you can say that she finally realized that she loves him. Next chapter, Sasuke will be gone for a short while so I'm planning to insert other pairings. Any suggestions?
Btw, thank you guys for the reviews!
