Gods, I have no excuse for not finishing this chapter sooner! Although I am currently jobhunting... whilst still working... and making a fool of myself at job interviews... oh joy!

There are not enough words to say thank you to all my lovely reviewers who inspire me so much by giving me awesome feedback. Special shoutout to yattsy who left many detailed reviews and gave me awesome tips! You rock :)

As is tradition this chapter is dedicated to Black snake eyes my 80th reviewer!

Enjoy!

Chapter 9

..~**~..

"Alright girls, gather around," Yuugao-sensei shouted as soon as everyone was in the dojo. "I have a few announcements to make. First of all, as you already know there's no practice tomorrow, which doesn't mean you get to slack off, but instead that you have three days until Monday to practice the dance routine to the chosen music."

Sakura noticed all the girls suddenly listening closely to their coach.

"That's right, I've chosen the music for the first performance next Friday," their sensei confirmed, waving about a small CD case. "It's a Black Eyed Peas song, you guys will love it."

"Wow, how am I not surprised?" Tenten teased glancing sideways at Sakura, who hid her smile. Yuugao-sensei's love for the hip pop group had become somewhat obvious over the week.

"So, today we will continue to practice the first part of the routine with the song and add some tumbling and stunts to it as well," their coach continued, clapping her hands in excitement. "Oh and we'll hold the election for squad captain on Monday so those of you who are interested, please be ready to address your teammates after practice."

At once, Ino's hand shot up.

"Sorry, Ino," the coach spoke up again, noticing her hand. "I've decided only seniors are eligible for team captain."

"WHAT?" Ino and Karin shouts were immediately heard.

Yuugao-sensei seemed unphased by their reaction. "The captain has to be someone who will lead the group, someone mature and level-headed, who has enough motivation and determination to lead our squad to win the cheer competition. I think a senior is better suited. You guys can try your luck next year. Now let's go warm up!"

Sakura gave Ino a sympathetic look before taking off around the dojo along the other girls in a jog. After a few minutes, Tenten caught up beside her.

"Hey, how's your hand?" she inquired.

"It's fine," Sakura reassured her, lifting up the bandaged hand. "The school nurse said to take off the bandage tonight and reapply more cream after I shower. It should be fine by tomorrow."

"Good to know," Tenten said between deep breaths. "Although I hope you'll eventually get that bitch back for what she did."

Sakura turned her head towards her brunette friend. "You know?"

"I head Fuki mentioning it in Maths earlier," Tenten admitted. "Don't worry I didn't tell anyone else, I figured you didn't want them to know."

Sakura nodded, unsure how to answer. She was glad Tenten had kept her secret as it was probably better if her new friends didn't get involved.

"However since I know now," the brunette continued with an evil glint in her eye. "I'd be more than happy to help you put Ami and her friends back in their places. Just say the word and I'll have your back."

Sakura felt stunned as she heard Tenten's words. Her girl friends back in Suna had never stood up for her before or even helped her at all when she was in trouble. They'd all preferred to lose her as a friend and ignore her pain rather than be seen helping her and commit social suicide.

And now in Konoha, her new friends, which she'd barely known for a week, were already offering their help.

Yes, but people haven't been spreading nasty rumours about your break-up here, her Inner self reminded her sadly.

Sakura ignored her and gave Tenten a bright smile instead. "Thanks."

They continued huffing and puffing as they jogged around the dojo and eventually joined Ino and Hinata for the rest of the warm-up.

It turned out their crazy-for-Black Eyed Peas coach had chosen Pump It for the first routine.

As they practiced the dance routine over and over, Yuugao-sensei pulled out a few girls at a time to do various stunts such as tumbling diagonally in front of the main dancing group. Sakura was put with Ino at the start to do a round off, a series of backflips and then finish with a full twist. Across the dojo Kaori and Okyo did the same tumble, crossing paths with Sakura and Ino merely seconds later before all four girls joined the main group again.

Come on baby just

Pump it (louder)

Pump it (louder)

Pump it (louder) -

For the first chorus, Yuugao-sensei decided to alternate the girls between doing various jumps and back flips. Sakura had trouble keeping up as she was given toe touches whilst Ino and Hinata beside her alternated between back flips and walk overs.

"I think our coach is trying to kill us," Sakura finally let out after repeating the routine for the sixth time.

"If you have enough energy to talk, then you have enough energy to do this one more time," Yuugao-sensei shouted in return causing all the girls to turn and glare at Sakura as they prepared the first chorus once more.

During the last half hour, Sakura practiced stunts with her foursome, perfecting her full ups and liberties.

By the time they were done, Sakura was aching all over and silently cursing the gorgeous purple-haired woman that made them work so damn hard.

"I know you're all tired," Yuugao-sensei announced reading their inner thoughts, "but since there's no practice tomorrow, I need to push you guys today so you can be ready for next Friday. You know the first half of the routine now and the second half, which we will learn on Monday is pretty much to same except we'll add in harder stunts. I want to see high kicks, heel stretches, arabesques and scorpions so be sure to practice those this weekend. Also remember to practice the routine to counts and to the music so you keep in sync with the rest of the group. And now the moment you've all been waiting for."

Sakura felt excitement bubble among her teammates. She didn't really care either way who became captain. She didn't know her senior teammates much except for Okyo, Kaori and of course Kagura, who was part of her foursome. It was hard to choose who would be the most responsible to fill the position when she barely knew the other girls. If Sakura were to choose, she'd vote for Ino. Her blonde friend seemed completely dedicated to cheerleading and the squad.

"So who feels they have what it takes to become this year's captain?" Yuugao finally asked and ordered the three candidates, who had stepped forward, to face the rest of their team. "Great so, Nanako, Chiaki and Okyo, you have about ten minutes to convince your fellow teammates why they should vote for you."

The girls all sat down waiting for the first senior, Nanako, to give a little speech. Sakura plopped down between Ino and Hinata, stretching her legs out in front of her and barely listening as a tanned girl with straight chocolate-coloured hair that grazed her shoulders stepped forward and began to address them. Sakura had only seen the girl once or twice at school other than at cheer practice. She seemed friendly but seemed to lack confidence as she spoke. Her speech turned out to be rather short in the end and after a brief clap, the next senior, stepped up.

Sakura recognised Chiaki as one of the girls who based for Ino. Again since she was a senior, Sakura had had very little interaction with her, but she'd seen her hang among the popular crowd of seniors at school and hang around the guys' table at lunchtime. Chiaki was incredibly beautiful with long wavy black hair and bright sparkling blue eyes. Unlike Nanako, she seemed to know exactly what she was doing and approached her teammates fully confident. Sakura immediately noticed the same arrogant air about her as she had seen from Sasuke or Neji and guessed she was probably from a prestigious clan. Her voice was sultry and her smiles enchanting but her ideas for the squad didn't suit Sakura at all. She seemed rather keen on the basketball and soccer teams, suggesting pairing up players from each team with a cheerleader so the girls could see to the guys every need.

Sakura didn't fail to notice the sly wink Chiaki sent their way while Yuugao-sensei wasn't looking.

Urgh, she just wants an excuse to hook up with guys!

Sakura quickly noticed the scowl on Tenten and Ino's faces as Chiaki spoke and was relieved to see her friends react in the same way.

Finally it was Okyo's turn and the last senior had more sensible ideas for the squad suggesting fund-raising events for charities amongst other things.

"I also realise that we don't actually know each other that well," Okyo admitted, turning to the juniors of the group, "and since the vote is only on Monday, I thought maybe we could all get together tomorrow night and have a girl's night. Just the cheer squad."

Her suggestion was met with many nods and murmured agreements.

"That's actually a great idea," Tenten approved as they all moved out towards the locker rooms as the speech was over. "Apart from Okyo, Kaori and Kagura, we've never really hung out with any other seniors before."

"As long as we don't have to hang out with Chiaki," Ino argued angrily. She was in a particular bad mood ever since Yuugao-sensei had declared only a senior could be captain. "God, if she ever makes captain, she's going to turn us all into sluts."

Hinata's eyes went wide at Ino's words as Sakura shook her head in amusement.

As they entered the locker rooms, they noticed the rest of the squad in a tight group talking excitedly amongst themselves.

"Ino," Okyo called out to her, approaching them. "We were just deciding what to do for tomorrow night. We were thinking about going to a club."

"Sounds awesome," Ino told her, finally smiling again. "I'll ask my cousin Dei if he can take care of it."

"I was hoping you'd say that," Okyo admitted before turning to the others with a cheerful smile. "What about you guys? You in?"

Unfortunately, Sakura could already picture the look on her mom's face and what she would say. Unless Naruto or another boy her mom trusted was with her, then there was no way in hell she'd agree.

If Sakura decided to go clubbing, she'd have to lie… and she really hated lying to her mom.

Hinata look worried too. "I can't go with you," she spoke up in a small voice. "My father would never allow it, even if Neji onii-san was there."

"Don't worry, Hinata," Ino told her with a wicked glint to her eye. "There is no way we're going clubbing without you. We'll pretend to have a girl's night at my place – or better yet, we'll all meet up at my place beforehand to get ready and you guys can sleep over at my place after the club. How does that sound?"

Hinata shook her head. "The guys will find out. Someone is bound to tell them once we're at the club."

"Screw the guys!" Tenten said rather loudly, obviously frustrated. "We already went clubbing together this summer and they never found out! We'll just keep it quiet and pretend we're simply spending the night at Ino's again. Everything will work out fine, right, Okyo?"

Okyo looked rather stunned at Tenten's outburst but agreed nonetheless. "Sure, it's best to keep quiet anyway since I want the night to be just between us cheerleaders. It'll be fun and don't worry Hinata, I'll make sure someone's with you at all times and that several of us, including myself, stay sober so that things don't get out of control."

Sakura listened on confused as to why Hinata going out was such a big deal. They continued discussing the minor details of their common lie for a few more minutes until Okyo left and the girls headed for their lockers to change.

Making sure Ino and Hinata were out of earshot, Sakura turned to face Tenten.

"I get that Hinata's a Hyuuga and that her dad is really strict and all, but why all the fuss?" she asked out of curiosity. "Surely telling everyone that we're staying at Ino's is enough, right?"

Tenten stared back at her in surprise. "Oh my God, you don't know."

Sakura was even more confused. "What? What don't I know?"

"I can't believe no one mentioned this before," Tenten muttered to herself before continuing. "Sakura, Hinata isn't just a Hyuuga, she's the heiress."

Sakura took in her friend's words and snorted. "Hinata, the Hyuuga heiress? Puh-lease, there's no way the Hyuuga heiress would come to this school. There'd be a ton of bodyguards and she'd have a driver to school or something."

"She does have a driver," Tenten deadpanned, before smiling at Sakura's shocked face. "And Neji acts as her bodyguard while in school."

"WHAT?"

"Sakura, this school isn't the most expensive in the country for nothing," Tenten quickly explained reaching her locker. "Clan heirs come here not only for the school's excellent academics and sports but because the school also provides security. I mean, you've seen the security at the front gates. Didn't that seem strange to you?"

Sakura looked even more confused. Why the hell hasn't Naruto told me this before?

"There was even a rumour going around last year that Kakashi-sensei was actually in the Uchiha's employment to protect Sasuke," Tenten continued changing T-shirts.

Sakura felt her head swirling. "Bloody hell, so Hinata's father is that business CEO they talk about on the news, Hyuuga Hiashi?"

Tenten nodded. "Didn't Naruto tell you?"

No, and I am going to kill him, Sakura thought angrily, remembering all the times she'd opened her potty mouth in front of the Hyuuga heiress.

And then it hit her.

"Oh my God and you guys want to take Hinata clubbing without her father or Neji knowing?" Sakura squeaked realising her voice had suddenly come out incredibly high-pitched, making her sound like a mouse. "Are you insane?"

Tenten laughed at her reaction. "Relax, we did it over the summer already and we had an awesome night. Besides, if anything goes wrong we'll just blame it all on Ino. Her parents are friends with the Hyuugas."

Sakura stared back at Tenten, speechless. How the hell could she relax when their plan clearly spelled out disaster?

..~**~..

The following day, Sakura was glad the week was finally coming to an end. The last cheer practice had worn her out and no amount of coffee had helped her concentrate in her morning classes. Her hand had healed fine and she'd made sure to stay well away from Ami and her friends until she figured out what to do about them.

She also successfully managed to avoid Naruto, who seemed to take the hint and stopped trying to talk to her. She felt incredibly guilty about her childish attitude every time she saw him, but since she hadn't figured out how she felt or what to say to him yet, she preferred to keep away. She had, however, decided to speak with him over the weekend in private instead of in school, which was full of nosy teenagers.

Her morning classes had been rather dull except for Maths with Kiba, who wouldn't shut up about the open basketball practice Gai-sensei was holding that afternoon. Apparently it was tradition for the team to demonstrate their skills to the public and local press before the season started and this year, they attracted even more attention since the team had made it to the championship finals.

"Seriously, the whole school's gonna be there," Kiba told her excitedly as the bell rang. "You have to come!"

Sakura tried not to make a face in response as she stuffed her notebook in her bag. "And watch you guys play basketball for an hour? Isn't that pretty boring?"

He shook his head with amusement as he grabbed his letterman jacket from the back of his chair. "You know, most girls get pretty excited about watching the best-looking guys of Konoha High running around in jerseys and shorts."

"Right, just what you guys need," Sakura teased, getting to her feet. "Another excuse to boost your already over-inflated egos."

"Exactly," Kiba answered with a wink. "So will you come by and cheer me on then?"

He flashed her his best smile as he slipped his jacket on and Sakura could feel the heat rise to her face as she picked up her shoulder bag.

"Fine, I'll be there," she finally relented, following him into the junior hallway. "Besides I have a feeling Ino will make me go in any case."

It seemed the whole school was buzzing about the open basketball practice by lunchtime. All the students seemed excited, especially with the amount of press setting up camp around the school. The basketball team was easier to spot that day since they all wore their white, red and black letterman jackets and flocks of girls seemed to follow their every step between classes. It annoyed Ino and Tenten to no end, but Sakura ignored it all, although seeing the permanent scowl set on Sasuke's face made her smile. At the cafeteria, however, the basketball practice was the last thing on the girls' minds as they prepared for their night out.

"So I talked to Dei and he agreed to arrange everything for us," Ino explained to Okyo, who had joined them for lunch along with half the squad.

The blonde seemed to pause as if for effect, before finally announcing. "You better get ready girls, cause we're going to Amnesia!"

"No freaking way!" Kaori immediately exclaimed, as a couple of girls gasped.

Ino nodded, obviously pleased by her teammates' reaction.

"Are you serious?" Okyo asked excitedly. "Ino, that's awesome!"

"Yep, Dei's getting us all in, free of charge, and all the drinks are on him," she continued and this time, Sakura's ears picked up. She didn't know what kind of club Amnesia was but if Ino's cousin was paying for their drinks then it was definitely going to be a good night.

A few girls squealed at the news and Kaori even pulled Ino into a hug, causing the blonde to laugh.

Tenten immediately hushed them. "The guys are looking our way," she warned them, keeping an eye on the table where the basketball team sat. Sakura noticed Naruto and his friends had been joined by a bunch of seniors, who she hadn't met yet but noticed were also on the team judging by their jackets. "Remember we don't want anyone else to find out about tonight so keep quiet."

Okyo nodded and after deciding at what time to meet up at Ino's, the girls all went their separate ways.

Sakura remained with Ino, Tenten and Hinata to finish her lunch. She quickly realised Tenten's eyes were still narrowed at the boys' table - more specifically the numerous girls flocking around it.

"It's starting again," she spoke up quietly.

"Ten, let it go," Ino told her, biting into her sandwich. "It's going to be like this all year once the season starts. Besides, Neji's captain and it's only his junior year so of course he wants to make the most of it."

"It's like they forgot all about us," Tenten said bitterly.

"Don't forget you're the one who wouldn't sit with them anymore," Ino pointed out, although Sakura noticed her baby blue eyes were riveted on Chiaki, from the cheer squad, who was shamelessly flirting with Shikamaru.

"It's the letterman jacket effect," Sakura spoke up, looking away from the table just as Naruto caught her eye. "Makes them look even more hotter than usual. I could barely say no to Kiba earlier when he asked me to cheer for him at the open practice."

Ino raised an eyebrow at her in response.

"It's true. When I saw Kiba-kun this morning I could barely say two words to him without stuttering," Hinata admitted, a light blush to her cheeks.

"God, I wish I hadn't promised Neji I'd go and watch their stupid practice," Tenten added with a groan. "All his fangirls will be there."

"Quit worrying about them," Sakura reassured her, a sly smile playing on her lips. "This time next week we'll be performing Yuugao-sensei's routine in our skimpy cheer outfits in front of the whole school. After that I can guarantee our table will always be crowded with guys during lunchtime and then who do you think is going to make the most out of it?"

Ino laughed as Hinata blushed.

"Come on, forget Neji," Sakura continued in a softer tone, looking straight at Tenten. "Tonight, we're going clubbing and we're going to have fun! I promise you."

And for the first time that day, Sakura finally saw her brunette friend smile.

..~**~..

As the final bell of the day rang, Sakura had no idea what to expect as she slowly made her way to the school's main gymnasium, dedicated to the school's basketball team. She had walked past the doors many times that week but had never been through them before. As she walked inside along with Tenten, her mouth dropped open in shock.

Basketball had been a rather big deal in Suna High, but in Konoha it was crazy!

The large gymnasium was decorated from floor to ceiling in red, black and white. Cameras and journalists flooded the sidelines, anxiously awaiting the start of the practice as the bleachers were packed with students and adults. Loud music was blasting from the speakers and a giant electronic scoreboard hung on the opposite wall scrolling the name of the players in red.

A huge red banner was sprawled across one of the walls behind the bleachers with the image of a deadly looking ninja with the Konoha leaf symbol on his mask, posing with a katana. Underneath it proclaimed: Konoha High School, home to the Konoha Shinobi.

Of course, Sakura thought to herself. I guess that explains the kunoichi thing…

Tenten noticed her expression and laughed. "Insane, huh?"

Hinata appeared behind them and the three of them made their way to the bleachers to find a space to sit. Sakura couldn't believe how many people had even turned up.

It's like half of Konoha is here and yet this isn't even a game, it's just a freaking practice!

As she followed her friends, she was suddenly surprised to spot Jiraiya's long white mane in the crowd.

She stopped before him and noticed Iruka, Naruto's legal guardian, sitting next to him.

"Hey!" she called out and they greeted her in return with a smile.

"Sakura-hime!" Jiraiya cried out, pulling her into a tight hug. "Come to cheer on Naruto I suppose?"

"Um… yeah, I guess," she answered weakly, keeping an eye on her friends to see where they had sat down. "I wasn't expecting so many people to be here just for a practice session."

"They made quite a big deal out of it on local tv," Iruka explained, giving her a warm smile. "And Naruto wouldn't stop talking about it all week so we thought we'd surprise him. How are you, Sakura? Are you enjoying Konoha High?"

The threesome continued to chat for several minutes until Gai suddenly arrived on the basketball court and the music stopped signalling the start of the practice.

Sakura went to join her friends further up the bleachers as the players arrived on the court and everyone broke into shouts and applause. Watching the crazy fans around her, she suddenly thought about next week when she'd have to perform with the cheer squad and felt the colour drain from her face.

It's going to be torture…

She sat down next to Ino, who was cheering loudly for Shikamaru as he appeared on the court. The players began to spread out and warm up in small groups with Gai and his assistants.

Sakura smiled as she watched Naruto and Kiba goofing around with the basketballs trying to impress the crowd until Gai told them off.

"Do you know anything about basketball, Sakura?" Hinata asked her, appearing from behind Ino.

"A little," Sakura admitted, turning to face her. "Mostly because of Naruto. He's been obsessed with the game ever since my dad -"

She paused suddenly. She never liked talking about her father. Ino and Hinata stared back at her with concern.

"- taught him to play," she finished quietly. She then turned to face the court again, hoping her new friends wouldn't ask any questions. Fortunately, they didn't.

Eventually the team was split up in two and a friendly game started. Naruto and Sasuke were on the same side and together, Sakura noticed, they seemed pretty unstoppable. The crowd was wild throughout the whole game and Sakura cheered for Kiba as promised as he joined the game.

However, the more she watched the game, the more she found her eyes glued to Sasuke. He was dominant throughout the game, dribbling past his opponents before jumping in the air and slamming the ball through the basket effortlessly.

He made basketball look like child's play although Sakura knew how hard and tiresome the game actually was. She was definitely impressed and her eyes remained fixed on the dark and brooding Uchiha until she realised that most of the female population present in the gym was watching him as well.

Damn, no wonder he's so arrogant, Sakura thought watching as a bunch of sophomore girls screamed, cheering him on. He's got the looks and the skills. Every girl wants to screw him and every guy wants to be him. What could possibly be wrong in his life?

..~**~..

After the game ended, Sakura left and followed Jiraiya, who promised to drop her home, along with Iruka to wait for Naruto outside the locker rooms.

A couple of journalists had stayed behind as well and were currently interviewing Gai, who was the first one out. Iruka had wandered off to greet several acquaintances as a few players eventually appeared, including Kiba, who walked over to Sakura as soon as he spotted her. Sakura was surprised to see Sasuke follow him.

"Jiraiya-sama," the boys greeted Sakura's uncle politely, shaking his hand.

"Kiba-kun, Sasuke-kun, you boys played well," Jiraiya congratulated them. "I can't wait until your first game next week."

They continued to talk about the upcoming match until Kiba turned to face Sakura.

"Hey, you came!"

"Yeah and I guess you guys don't suck as bad as I thought," she teased, trying to ignore the butterflies inside her stomach as the Inuzuka heir flashed her a brilliant smile.

"We're going out tonight to celebrate with the team," he informed her in a low voice. "Wanna come?"

"Sorry, can't do," she answered, wondering what the hell her uncle and Sasuke could be talking about. "We've got a girl's night planned with the squad."

"You girls going out?" Kiba asked, eyebrow raised in surprise.

"No, we're just going to chill at Ino's, you know, sleepover-type thing," she replied casually, hoping he wouldn't detect her lie.

"Really?" Kiba questioned, a hint of disbelief in his voice. "Sounds like a pretty sensible thing for the cheer squad to do on a Friday night."

"Er…"

Fortunately, Jiraiya turned to clasp a hand on Kiba's shoulder and squeeze tightly.

"Kiba-kun, I hope you know better than to try and corrupt my Sakura-hime," he warned the Inuzuka heir, causing Sakura to roll her eyes.

Kiba paled visibly at the hidden threat behind Jiraiya's actions and cleared his throat before speaking again. "No, of course not, Jiraiya-sama."

"Jiraiya," Sakura growled at her uncle, hitting his arm lightly as a warning. "Leave him alone."

Jiraiya let go of Kiba and grinned widely at her. "But Sakura-hime, I'm only looking out for you," he exclaimed in an eccentric fashion whilst suddenly striking one of his famous kabuki poses. "You have no idea how dangerous high school can be for such a young attractive woman as yourself!"

Sakura groaned in embarrassment at his antics. Oh God, and I thought he would try to embarrass Naruto…

"Boys in high school are merely perverts and voyeurs. They may seem nice and charming at first, but do not be fooled! The only thing on their mind is sex," he continued dramatically, pointing at Kiba, who looked just as mortified as Sakura. Sasuke, on the other hand, looked rather amused as his dark eyes stared at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Please stop talking," Sakura ordered the older man, but he took no notice of her.

"We thought we might have lost you in Suna while you were dating that good-for-nothing Sabaku heir, but at least now in Konoha I can keep an eye on you. I feel like it's my duty since your father died and -"

"Ero-sennin!" Naruto exclaimed, interrupting his godfather. "Stop bothering Sakura-chan or I'll tell Tsunade what really happened that time we got kicked out of the onsen."

Jiraiya immediately shut up and Sakura shot Naruto a grateful look. He nodded at her in return.

"Right well I'll meet up with you kids in the carpark," Jiraiya informed, rubbing the back of his head in a very Naruto-like manner before slipping away down the corridor. "Nice seeing you, Sasuke-kun, Kiba-kun."

"It'd better get going myself," Kiba spoke up, before turning to face Sakura. "Have fun tonight with the girls and take pictures for me!"

He winked suggestively and she rolled her eyes in return. "Yeah, you wish!"

He left quickly and Sakura suddenly felt Sasuke's cold eyes on her.

"Where is Ino taking you tonight?" he asked, his voice stern. "I know you were lying earlier."

Sakura blinked back in surprise. "Nowhere, we're staying at hers. Besides, even if we were going out I don't see how that's any of your business."

Sasuke didn't respond but his dark eyes quickly narrowed into a glare.

"What's he talking about?" Naruto piped up, clearly confused.

"Nothing important," Sakura said hastily, turning to her best friend. "Come on, we'd better catch up to Jiraiya. Bye, Sasuke!"

She shot the Uchiha a smirk before dragging Naruto along with her down the corridor. When they slowed down to a walk, she glanced up at him nervously.

"You did really well out there, Naruto," she praised him, smiling. "You've improved a lot."

"Thanks," he answered, grinning in return. "I'm sorry about Ero-sennin earlier. I knew I shouldn't have kept you guys waiting."

Sakura groaned as she thought of her uncle's eccentric attitude. "God, why did Tsunade oba-san have to marry an idiot like him?"

A hand suddenly caught her wrist, causing Sakura to stop and look up in surprise.

"Sakura, we need to talk," Naruto told her bluntly. "You can't keep ignoring me forever."

"Naruto..."

"I can't stand not being able to talk to you."

"I know, its the same for me," Sakura told him with a sigh. "God Naruto, I'm sorry, I just -"

She stopped, unsure how to justify her behaviour for the past couple of days and quickly shook her head.

"Look we're both busy tonight so how about we hang out tomorrow and talk then?"

Naruto nodded in agreement, looking relieved before a large grin split his face.

"So what exactly are you planning at Ino's place tonight?"

..~**~..

Haha, who thinks the guys won't find out about the girls going clubbing...? I was hoping to write the club scene earlier but it seemed a few things needed to be developed first. Again I actually know very little about cheerleading and basketball so if anything sounds wrong to you, do point it out!

I like to think of these 9 first chapters as introductory and things will probably speed up from now on.

Reviews are more than welcome :)