A/N: Aahh I know I know I'm so super late. College is just kicking my ass. It really is. Good thing is spring break is next week and I'll finally be able to finish the second chapter to the new story I started over a month ago. -_- enjoy!

CHAPTER 6

The next few weeks passed without event. Sasuke spent every waking moment with his girlfriend, while I did everything I could to not think about it or him. He really did act like that kiss never happened. If only I could do the same. I thought about it at least three times a day, which I know is pretty pathetic but… even now I had a problem admitting it. I punched my locker, sighing. Not only am I upset about that, today is my mother's birthday. Two months have passed since the night I moved out and I haven't spoken with her once. She didn't try to contact me nor I her. I missed her though. Everyone was doing their best to give me space; except Sasuke of course. He didn't even acknowledge me today or ask if I was okay. I gritted my teeth together, scowling at the chipping blue paint on my locker. Oh why should I care about my best friend Sakura? I mean we never kissed and it's not like she's living with me. Oh let's not forget about my stuck up girlfriend Ino who I'm completely and hopelessly in love with. That's just how it was now and I had to accept it. I sighed, walking to lunch with my head held high.

"Hey Sakura, saved you a seat." Naruto said softly, smiling at me.

"Thanks." I said, doing my best to smile back. Everyone talked awkwardly about anything but today which I was thankful for. I picked at my lunch, not hungry enough to eat it. They all knew what today was. We use to be so close and we'd chip in to get her a fancy lunch. Just the memory brought tears to my eyes.

"Have you tried talking to her?" Naruto said quietly. I shook my head, feeling the pain tearing at my heart. He put a comforting arm around me, letting me rest my head on his shoulder. Sometimes Naruto could be such a sweetheart.

"I don't know how…" I said after a few minutes.

"Just text her, let her know you're thinking about her and you miss her." He gave my arm a squeeze. I looked at him and he smiled encouragingly at me. I took a deep breath. Oh what the hell, he's right. Nodding, I pulled out my phone.

Me: Hey momma. I just wanted
to say happy birthday and that
I love you and miss you so much.
I hope everything is going okay.
Sent: 11:01 AM

When I looked up, Sasuke was sitting across from me, his girlfriend in tow. I scowled, suddenly pissed off just by looking at them. I kept my eyes carefully on the table, not daring to look at them. It would only blow my fuse. I continued to rest my head on Naruto's arm, resting in his comforting embrace.

"Hey guys." Sasuke said, arm around Ino. Everyone excluding myself said hi back. Of course, Ino being the bitch she was and me being in a foul mood, had to jump start my day.

"Hi Sakura." She said pointedly. I smiled one hell of a forced smile without looking at her. My phone vibrated in my hand.

Mom: You have the audacity to
text me after just leaving! Not
once did you call or stop by to
make sure me and your father
were okay. Not once did you
even tell us you were safe.
You're a selfish bitch Sakura
and I'm ashamed to even call
you my daughter. Don't fuck-
ing text me again. Don't drop
by this damn house because
it's no longer your home. You
had to ruin everything here!
It's your fault you're in the
mess you're in. You're a piece
of shit. Quite frankly I don't even
care what happens to you. Shack
up with your little boyfriend. I
hope you catch an STD and die.
I mean it, don't contact me again.
I don't want to associate with a
piece of trash like you.
Received 11:05 AM

I literally could not breathe. I just sat there, stunned. I can't believe she even said that. My heart stopped beating, I swear it did. Because when I sucked in a breath there was pain everywhere. I was shaking it hurt so much. Oh mom… I couldn't even process her words. I couldn't process what was even going on around me. No family, no Sasuke…what else can go wrong.

"Oh my god Sakura I'm so-" Naruto started, but was cut off.

"You know what Sakura? I'm getting tired of this bullshit. You've been pouting all day. If you're going to be in a bad mood then why don't you sit somewhere else?" Sasuke said harshly. It got quiet real fast. I slowly looked up, knowing my eyes betrayed my pain. I felt the tears spill down my face. Naruto was about to say something but I stood so quickly he shut his mouth. He looked slightly taken aback.

I stared at him, not even having the energy. I just grabbed my stuff and stood there for one moment longer before walking away with another word.

Four sets of eyes were on me as I watched her walk away. I was angry that she was completely ignoring Ino. If you're mad then you're mad but don't take it out on my girlfriend.

"You mother fucker…" Naruto said, his angry eyes set upon me. He was getting more furious by the second.

"What the hell are you all staring at me like that for? She was being rude and I was getting sick of it." I unleashed my gaze on all of them, equally as pissed.

"Do you even realize what you've just done?" Tenten said icily.

"What? Since all of you know what the hell is going on with her. Please, enlighten me." I grabbed Ino's hand. There was no way I was backing down from them. I don't even understand why they were all defending her.

"If you weren't stuck up Ino's ass like the god damn mother fucker you are you'd know why she's upset. And you call yourself her best friend." Naruto spat. I have never in all my 17 years heard him ever sound as pissed off and disgusted as he was. He got up, fists balled so hard his knuckles were white. I honestly thought he was going to punch me but he ran off the next second, after Sakura I assumed.

"WHAT!" I yelled at the rest of them, still looking as if they'd murder me.

"You still don't even get it?" Neji hissed, getting up as well. Tenten huffed and followed him as they walked out the door. I looked at Hinata whose normally delicate face was washed red with fury. That was a very shocking first. She stood and turned to follow before stopping.

"Today is Sakura's mother's birthday." And with that she walked away. My anger dissipated as soon as she said that. Shit…I could hardly stand the guilt that engulfed me. I did forget…I didn't even realize. What did I just do…?

*That was the last thought he had before running after her, Ino left sitting angrily alone.*

I ran to the stairs, nearly tripping because I couldn't see over the flood of tears pouring down my face at a rate I couldn't keep up with. But I didn't want to stop. I kept running, feeling as if nothing mattered, not even myself. I didn't know where I was going but I didn't care. I did not care. I just ran as if my life depended on it.

I kept checking my phone, looking at the time and to stupidly see if she texted me. School was nearly over and it's been three hours since I last saw her. As soon as I left the cafeteria I stopped, figuring she didn't want to see me. So I decided to go to my classes. But I've sent her over a dozen text messages none to which she responded too. I contemplated texting Naruto but I knew he wouldn't respond either. I sighed, feeling the pain rip at my chest. I haven't been paying her much attention lately…and I can't believe I just forgot like it was nothing. I felt terrible. Their honestly were no words as to how sorry and guilty I felt. As soon as the bell rang I ran to the front of the building, waiting for Naruto to come out. When he saw me, he scowled and walked the other way.

"Wait! WAIT!" I yelled, running for him. He continued to keep walking, as if I wasn't there. I roughly grabbed his shoulder and spun him around.

"You stupid prick, get your hands off me." He said, looking dangerous. I backed away, my hands up.

"I just want to know if she's okay. She isn't answering any of my texts and I-" He scoffed and spat on the ground in front of me.

"I wouldn't either you son of a bitch. You didn't even see what her mom texted her. She was devastated." His hands were balled into fists again and this time I was sure he was about to punch me.

"What did it say?" I said quietly.

"…"

"DOBE ANSWER ME!" When he didn't reply I huffed, my patience wearing thin. "At least tell me what she said after you followed her." The way Naruto looked at me gave me a very bad feeling.

"I never followed her Sasuke…"He said calmly. No…No No No!

"Don't say that. Naruto who went after her then?" I didn't give him a chance to answer. I ran down the steps as quickly as I could, like I was possessed. I had to find her. I had to.

"No one did. We thought giving her space was the best thing! And we all figured you'd have the decency to go…" His voice was fierce as he struggled to keep up. "Sasuke hold on! SASUKE TELL ME WH-" I whipped around, stopping abruptly.

"You IDIOT! I didn't think she would even want to see me. I thought YOU went after her. I know Sakura, she could be ANYWHERE by now. When she is as upset as she was she flees. Do you realize what you've done!" He was instantly in my face, murderously glaring at me.

"Don't you dare fucking put this on me. If you had paid her any attention to her you'd know yourself what was going on. She fucking lives with you and you didn't even remember. This is YOUR fault." He pulled out his phone and called everyone, a mini search party set out to find her. We split up, running everywhere in town. Ino texted me and called nonstop, and if it weren't for the fact that I needed my phone to stay in touch with the others, I would have shut it off. I blocked her completely, pushing her to the furthest depths of my mind. And suddenly, I stopped, remembering. I sprinted to my left, pulling my phone out of my pocket. He picked up on the first ring.

"I know where she is." I said into the receiver.

In the end, I ended up going to the deserted park that was a couple miles from my house. No one ever came anymore seeing as it was falling apart and just a rusted metal display. My favorite tree- a cherry blossom- grew here. It was the only one in the area which no one except Sasuke knew about. Sasuke…I could feel the fresh tears start again. He was the last person I wanted to think about. I was exhausted, having ran for 3 hours straight now. I tried to jump up into the branch, but having so little energy I slipped and fell face first into the tree. My right cheek slide down the bark roughly. I could feel the skin split numerous times, could feel the blood immediately rushing down my skin. I just lied there, not wanting to get up. I closed my eyes, not being able to even feel my body.

"SAKURA!" I heard from a distance. I hated myself, because of course despite everything just the sound of his voice gave me butterflies. But today's memories resurfaced, and I immediately pushed those feelings away. Just leave me alone. I can't face you. He kept yelling my name, getting closer and closer. I heard his footsteps as the recognition sounded in his voice. What happened next I was not expecting. He fell to his knees, putting my hands in his. "What have I done? WHAT HAVE I DONE?" He cried, pulling me into his lap. I heard him suck in a breath as he saw my face. He began to tremble and for a second I almost felt bad but I was not the one at fault here. One hand left the side of my face as he cradled me in his arms. I heard Naruto and the others running and screaming.

"Oh my god." Hinata.

"No no no...Neji!" Tenten.

"Sakura…" I could feel Naruto next to me, his voice pained.

"She's still breathing." Neji.

"Should we take her to the hospital?" Hinata.

"Yeah let's-"Neji.

"No. I'm taking her home." There was no room for argument in his voice and before anyone could utter a word he was carrying me back, like my weight was nothing.

"Sasuke wait just a damn-" Naruto suddenly shut up, the only thing heard was the wind. I could no longer stay awake letting the darkness in my mind engulf me.

I slowly came to, slow to recognize what was going on. I stretched my muscles, not bothering to open my eyes. I didn't let the memories resurface, just snuggled into whatever I was laying on. It felt a little weird but I didn't pay it any mind. I tried I stretching my legs further into may bearings as they were the most sore. I let a small whimper escape, feeling the tears well again. There was no stopping it. My life felt like it was tattered in pieces. But in an instant, it was gone. I was surrounding by warmth, feeling myself being pulled further into it…into him. I opened my eyes slowly, letting his onyx eyes meet mine.

"Hey beautiful." I looked down, not knowing what to make of this.

"Hey…" I said gently. I let my head rest on his chest, feeling his arms tighten even more. This wasn't right... at least, that's what I kept telling myself. He shouldn't have his arms around me, I shouldn't be laying on top on him, and I shouldn't want to be in this position with him. After everything, I should be packing my shit and leaving. But, all the same, I was laying on top of him, and he did have his arms around me. And I wanted to stay like this.

"Look...Sakura..." He began, shifting uncomfortably under me. I placed my finger against his lips, quieting him.

"It's ok. Don't bring it up." Consider the moment dampened now.

"But, I want to make it up to you. I feel horrible." As you should. You completely ignore me...you don't even know how I feel. But, I just couldn't find it in my heart to be mad at him. I looked up at his face, his obsidian eyes sparkling as they gazed down into my own. His pure face- his kind heart. I couldn't be mad at him. It was just too hard.

"Don't worry about it. It's fine." I will be upset for a while, but mad…no.

"Sakura…we have to talk about this at some point. I can't live with that fact that I forgot…that I've been ignoring you. I'm so so sorry. I truly am." I could hear the sincerity in his tone. But I just couldn't deal with that pain right now.

"I don't want to talk about it right now."

"Alright." It was quiet for a while. I almost fell asleep before feeling him shift underneath me. I had stretched again, kneeing him somewhere I shouldn't of by accident.

"Sorry." I said. He laughed this time. I tried to move my leg, but he was holding me too tight against his body.

"Don't YOU worry about it. Besides, I deserve it." It was nice to hear his laugh. It made me happy.

"What time is? What day is it?" I asked curiously. I took in my surroundings, trying to find a clock. We were on the soft plush couch out in his living room.

"Its Wednesday. 5:58 in the afternoon." Geez. This...I was out for a day?

"Oh..." I said stiffly. I needed to go to the bathroom, but I didn't want to move from this spot. Soon silence over took us again and I couldn't stand it."Ok, this is just weird." My voice was muffled from being in his chest.

"What are you talking about? Us?" He asked, cocking his head to the side. He gripped my body even tighter against his. My blush darkened a bit, and I was beginning to feel something stir inside me. I was entirely too close to his body.

"No...I meant the house. It's too quiet." I whispered. I knew if I looked at him I would kiss him.

"Oh…So you don't mind that your laying on top of me?" I giggled at that.

"Not really. But there is the matter of your girlfriend..." The reason we're in the mess that were in. That lovely thing you call your girlfriend. I scoffed at the sound of his laugh. He chuckled. But, it sounded off. "What? Having a lovers spat?" I questioned, watching his smile.

"No..." The word hung in the air, waiting for others to follow. When none came, I gazed up at him curiously. He was looking away, his expression unreadable.

"Sasuke?" I asked delicately. His attention turned to me and when his coal black eyes stared into mine directly, I literally forgot to breathe.

"Sakura...Sakura...you're turning blue...are…you.. ARE YOU BREATHING?" He asked, panicking. I snapped out of it, inhaling sharply. The sudden intake of air into my oxygen depleted lungs was painful, but I've had worse. "What is the matter with you?" He asked, horror struck. I laughed, lifting myself up. His arms constricted before loosening.

"Well…I don't know." I turned back around to see him laying there in all his glory. I exhaled in a huff, stomping to my room. I heard him call my name but I needed the space. Suddenly everything was suffocating to me

I turned on my stereo, letting the music comfort my lost soul. As I stood there, I noticed how my clothes felt as stiff as my limbs. Gazing at myself in the mirror, I saw that they were the same clothes from 2 days ago. Ew...I need a shower. I began to take the clothes off, leaving myself in a matching black lace undergarment set. It was cold, so I hurried to find some clean clothes for after my shower. "Where...Where?" I said out loud. All my clothes are dirty...Great... "Ok Sakura, you're going to have to make a run for it. The bathroom is straight ahead, so no worries. I just have to run and not be seen. Ok...I can do this…" I inhaled a deep breath, preparing myself. My toiletries in one hand, my other hand on the door. I peeked out, no Sasuke. I quickly turned around, to check one more time for clothes. I growled, kicking my desk. "One...Two...THREE!" I said, dashing out the door. I flew out of my room…IM GOING TO MAKE IT! I thought...too soon. As soon as I thought that, I slammed face first into Sasuke's chest. I plunked down with a thud, my stuff dropping everywhere. Sasuke fell right on top of me.. "Oof! Sasuke...get off..." I grunted, pushing him weakly. As the air was fading from my lungs, I began to get frantic. I couldn't keep losing oxygen like this. It was beginning to really do some damage. I shoved him forward by accident, causing his arm to slip from under him. He couldn't catch himself, forcing his lips to meet mine. I was stunned. It was heaven and hell all at once. He pulled away after 5 seconds, a bit longer than most people would do.

"What the heck are you doing?" He asked in a surprised tone, slightly frazzled. I chuckled once, before looking into his eyes. Those gentle dark eyes pierced right through me. He shifted so he was directly over me, my back pressed against the floor. I stared at his face before I noticed that my hand rested on his stomach…his bare stomach. He had no shirt on. And my hand was caressing his abs. They felt good. Nice and hard, constricting over my fingers. It was like I had no control over hands. What the hell? This is what I wake up to? When my eyes traveled up to his, I watched as he stared down, his cheeks a dusty pink. I didn't understand it at first, until I remembered that I had no clothes on...Oh god!

"You know…you're a pervert." I stated it simply, not letting any part of it be questioned. Unfortunately for me, I liked the way his eyes travelled down my body. I graveled under his gaze.

"Not my fault. You wear only lace around a guy and he's bound to stare. I'm no exception." He said, licking his lips. No...ugh! He was driving me wild. I was half crazy to just kiss the boy again. I needed to shower and sleep more. This was ridiculous.

"I..um...have...no...c-clothes." My thoughts were tangled as he moved a little closer. He was inches from my face before I shoved him away...with excessive force.

"What the hell!" He yelled, slamming into a wall. I hugged my body, not letting myself get hurt again.

"I'm not going to be another mistake. You want to try something, do it on Ino...your girlfriend." I hissed. He looked angry at first, until his eyes saddened.

"I...I wasn't...it wasn't...like that." He said at last, struggling for words. We looked away from each other, complete awkwardness surrounding us. I was not going to break this silence. "Well...anyways why are you in only...that?" He gestured to my undergarments.

"I already told you. I have no clean clothes. You wanna explain yourself?"

"Like what you see?" He said seductively. I immediately turned red and made a be line for the bathroom. "I'm just kidding. Chill." He laughed.

"I have to shower."

"Oh…me too..." He smirked devilishly. I knew what he was saying regardless of if he said it or not. Just the sight of him made me want to slap him. He was not doing anything good for my emotions right now.

"I don't think so..."I quickly slammed the door on his face as he raced to get in. "Sorry." He chuckled. My heart was pounding in my chest. What in the world is going on? It's like...he doesn't even care for Ino anymore.