A/N: I about cried when I checked to see how many reviews I got. You literally made my day. I really really appreciate it! Here's the next one. Review for me ok? Story is now moving along.
CHAPTER 7
My shower lasted 40 minutes. I did not waste any time, letting the hot water soothe my aching muscles. I knew I was in for a long night tonight so I wanted to be as relaxed as possible. Once I got out, I stared at myself in the mirror. Even though it was probably the thousandth time I've seen myself, it was different this time. It was as if I was really seeing myself for the first time. My green misty eyes looked sad, my face a little gaunt. My lean body was skinny looking, not scary skinny but skinny enough. Clear, creamy white skin and pink gleaming hair that was long and wavy. I actually thought I looked pretty, which was saying something. I wrapped myself tightly into the towel, one hand on the door knob, hesitating.
"I'll just have to wear this around then I guess." I said out loud.
"Sakura! Hurry up." Sasuke called from the other side of the door. I opened the door up to his surprised face. His eyes travelled down my body, and I smiled against my will as his cheeks tinted pink.
"Like what you see?" I asked, immediately regretting opening my mouth. He smirked at me, about to answer. "Save it." I hissed, flying past him. He chuckled before grabbing my hand and leading me into his room. My heart beat quickened. My god, what's he doing? Adrenaline pulsed through my veins. His parents aren't here, and I'm only in a towel. And he's... I looked down to see him wearing only boxers, no shirt. I could see the defined muscles of his back moving as we walked. I bit my lip, trying to stay calm. Once in his room, he pushed me down onto his bed. I couldn't even think, watching him rummage through his drawers, looking for something. Is he looking for what I think he's looking for! He's going to seduce me! I knew my face resembled a cherry. This just was not real. He stopped searching, standing up straight.
"Now, I know this might be a little weird, and it might be big..." He began. Did he really make a reference to his size! When he turned around I felt like I was in a daze. He was holding clothes in his hand.
"Um...what?" I asked, completely losing it.
"I thought you might want these. I know you have nothing to wear so I want you to wear these until you have clean clothes." He said, throwing them at me. The bundle consisted of plaid boxers and a plain black tee. Bless his heart.
"Thanks..." I said offhand. I began to giggle until it turned into a laughing fit. I'm such an idiot. It was just too much for me. I knew that he was giving me a weird look but I lost it. I completely fell off the deep end. I thought we were about to have! And what's more pathetic is that I was getting excited about it.
"Um...Sakura.." He was getting nervous and that made me laugh harder. I fell onto his bed, still laughing. After what seemed like forever passed and I finally calmed down, sitting up. My ribs protested painfully at my episode, but I managed. When my eyes fell on Sasuke, I noticed how he was pointedly looking away, his face bloody red.
"Why is your face so red Sasuke?" He grunted before mumbling to get dressed, leaving me in his room. He shut the door on his way out and I sat there, puzzled. I stared at the clothes in my hands, smiling at his kindness. That's when I noticed that my towel was sitting loosely around my hips. I let out a soft shriek, understanding fully why he was so damn red! "SASUKE YOU PERVERT!" I screamed. I heard his shaky laugh but ignored it. I grabbed 2 loads of my clothes, taking it downstairs to wash It was simple enough to work, surprisingly. I washed everything together, never one to follow that 'don't wash your lights with your darks' rule. When I picked up my favorite pair of jeans, I noticed a lump in the pocket. My phone! Woah...16 new text messages. I went to the game room right around the corner after I finished, sitting the couch. There was a big flat screen TV on the wall, arcade games and all the game systems ever made in the world, old and new, down here. Not to mention a KILLER stereo system. None of it held my attention however. I sighed and prepared myself for these messages, already guessing who most of them came from.
Neji Hyuuga: Sakura, are you ok?
PLEASE! PLEASE! COME BACK!
Tuesday 3/12/12 12:14
Sasuke Uchiha: Sakura! Please!
I'm so sorry! You know
how I don't think right. Please.
You don't know how bad I feel right
now. I'm so sorry.
Tuesday 3/12/12 12:21
Neji Hyuuga: SAKURA! PLEASE!
AT LEAST TELL ME WHERE YOU ARE.
FORGET THAT SHIT HEAD
SASUKE. HE'S SUCH A DUSH.
Tuesday 3/12/12 12:26
Sasuke Uchiha: Sakura HARUNO!
You better be ok! I will stay out all
night if I have to find you.
Tuesday 3/12/12 12:28
Hinata Hyuuga: Sakura. Please call.
Tell me you're okay. What Sasuke did
was wrong and we'll never forgive his
selfishness. Everything will be okay.
Don't give up.
Tuesday 3/12/12 12:228
Neji Hyuuga: Sakura, I'm coming
for you okay? Please be okay.
I love you. You can't just leave.
Be safe.
Tuesday 3/12/12 12:29
Sasuke Uchiha: (1/2) Sakura, please.
I messed up, I know I did. I should
have been paying attention to you. I wasn't
thinking when I said what I said.
I just...it was selfish. I know.
But come on. Please don't do this to me.
Sakura, we need to know you're okay.
I need you in my life. You're so important
to me...you are. Sakura, come on. I LOVE YOU!
I LOVE YOU! You're my best friend. I can't trust
anyone like I can trust you. Sakura HARUNO!
Come back...be okay...at least text me that
your okay...if you mad, that's fine. If you cuss
me out that's okay too...Just call please. If
(2/2) anything happens you, I'll never forgive
myself. Please Sakura...I'm desperate for an
answer. I'm afraid...I'm terrified right now.
You happy now that your finally scaring me...
cause I'm afraid...I can't lose you. I'm so sorry.
Just come back sweetie..come back.
Tuesday 3/12/12 12:35
Hinata Hyuuga: OMG! This is for real? SAKURA
HARUNO! YOU BETTER AT LEAST CALL ME.
Please, you're like my sister. You can't just run
away because of that stupid Sasuke. He's a boy
anyways. Boy's don't know how to act. Please
Sakura...Please...come back..you have me!
Tuesday 3/12/12 12:36
Neji Hyuuga: Im going to kick his a**. I swear,
you wait till tomorrow. Wait, can you even come
tomorrow? Im so glad we found you. I will beat
him up for this. Just you wait. Never scare us like
this again. At least come to my house next time.
I wont let that bastard know. God, im glad your
ok. Love you girl. See you soon.
Tuesday 3/12/12 1:23
Hinata Hyuuga: GOD SAKURA! Just give me a scare
why don't you. I know I know. It's all that Uchiha's
fault. Just...uh! Please call me or something. Please.
I swear im going to go off on Uchiha…or ill just get
Neji too. You know hes mad as heck right now. Sasuke
is in for it tomorrow. Love you girl. Glad your
safe. Come to my house next time, ok. I wont
say anything to Uchiha either. Teach him right.
Tuesday 3/12/12 1:35
Naruto Uzumaki: IM GOING TO BEAT THAT MOTHER
FUCKER SENSELESS. I SWEAR TO
GOD HES DEAD MEAT 2MORROW. I WILL
KILL HIM TWICE OVER AND SEND HIM TO
HELL. SAKURA IM SO GLAD YOUR OK. I
WILL NEVER FORGIVE HIM. NEVER. IF
YOU EVEN HAVE A SCRATCH HIS ASS IS NO
LONGER WELCOME IN OUR GROUP.
IM DEAD SERIOUS SAKURA. I love you.
Come to me next time. You have me.
Talk to you later.
Tuesday 3/12/12 1:35
Tenten:I can't believe Sasuke. He's so dense.
Idk what's going to happen now…All I know
is that I'm glad you're okay and that we
found you. I know today was rough but we all
love you. We will get through this together.
Stay strong!
Tuesday 3/12/12 1:41
Shikamaru Nara
Douche Uchiha. Im nver tlkin 2 him agin.
I cnt belve he did this 2 u. Im sry.
I dnt lke txtin. So im gona go. Ttyl.
Glad ur safe. U have my house 2 cme
2 nxt time, bter not be a nxt time tho.
Tuesday 3/12/12 1:55
Kotetsu H: I swear to god Im killing Uchiha.
I cant believe my ears! He really ignored you?
For that hag Ino? And why her? Shes a little
slut! I cant wait to kick his ass
tomorrow. Sakura, your ok, right?
If you need me, im here. Just come
over. Anything you need, Ill do it.
I still cant believe he's going out with her.
He needs to go out with you. Ive been trying
to hook you guys up for 2 years now.
I dont approve now of course.. Text me later
babe. Love you.
Tuesday 3/12/12 1:55
Kimimaro: Im killing him tomorrow. Sry about
what happened. Kotetsu told me about it. Uchiha
is in for it tomorrow.I hope your ok. Text
back whenever you can.
Tuesday 3/12/12 1:57
Wow. I briefly sat there, stunned. My eyes stung with tears, happy one, but tears at that. I held them in like a big girl though. It filled my heart with joy to know I had such great friends that cared. And, I wasn't expecting half of them to say what they did. All those "I Love you's". They were great. It made me feel so needed, so wanted, so...I didn't even know what to say. I expected all those texts from Neji, but the "I love you" made me feel uncomfortable. It felt really cold all of a sudden, as I thought of him. I sighed, smiling. How Tenten can like him is so out of this world. I silently giggled to myself. I felt blessed and that was more than enough for me. I sighed, realizing that I have to text them back. I didn't have to worry about Kimimaro, Kotetsu or Shikamaru. They were all working at Ninja Blast, a paint ball palace. Naruto worked at the zoo, so I didn't want to bother him touring people. I got him in trouble once. I texted him something surprising and he yelled. A lady thought he was talking to her and wouldn't let him explain, just demanded to see the manager. I felt so bad, but I laugh each time it comes up. I got them all in trouble too many times. I even got Kotetsu fired once, though they rehired him because a lot of the people stopped coming after that. Tenten was most likely doing homework but it was still worth a try. Same goes for Hinata. And Sasuke was upstairs…
New Message to Neji Hyuuga:
Hey there. Sorry I haven't texted back. I'm
fine though. Thanks for worrying about
me. Please tell me you didn't give Sasuke
a hard time today at school. I'm over the
whole situation now. I just...don't want to
think about it.
New Message to Hinata Hyuuga:
Hey girl. Thanks for worrying about me.
I'm back I'm back! lol I know, boys don't
know how to act…or think for that
matter unless it involves sex.
I blushed at that, thinking about Sasuke. It was ridiculous. FOCUS Sakura!
New Message to Sasuke Uchiha
Yo playa playa. What's good? lol jk.
So, was it ruff today at school? I
just got my texts from yesterday.
Pretty good and bad..well good for
me but bad for you. Everyone
seems to hate you now. I'm sorry.
I dont hate you.
New Message to Tenten.
Hey. Thanks for checking in on me.
I'm ok. So how was school today with
Sasuke? He doesn't have any
bruises or anything does he? Could they
handle him?
Neji Hyuuga: GOD! Took you long enough
to answer back. Im glad your ok. I was so
worried, even after we found you. I didnt give
him a hard time...only cause he WASNT EVEN
there. TOO scared to come and face the music.
I dont see how your over it. wait...dont tell
me...YOU FORGAVE HIS SORRY ASS?
Wednesday 3/13/12 6:32
New Message to Neji H.
Sorry about that. Just woke not too long ago. I
actually slept a WHOLE day. lol
just like old times. Yes, I
did forgive him.
Hinata Hyuuga
HEY! I'm so glad you're ok. I hear Neji
'wooting' from his room. He's such a loser!
And an embarrassment. I don't even
want to think about boys right now. I
have a test to study for so I have to cut this
short. So true about...the...sex thing. Any
ways...gtg. Ttys. Bye love you. DONT
LEAVE AGAIN!
Wednesday 3/13/12 6:33
Sasuke Uchiha
Yo gangsta lol. Why are you texting
me when we live together? Where are
you? What are you talking about
with the good and bad? Why me?
And...yeah. I know. Everyone flipped
out on me. Don't feel sorry or bad,
it's my own fault. And, that's good to
hear.
Wednesday 3/13/12 6:33
New Message to Sasuke Uchiha:
Idk...your upstairs. I'm downstairs doing
clothes. Idiot, use your ears. Your washer
may be fancy but it isn't quiet. I'm talking
about the whole situation. Everyone
really showed how important I was to them.
And how much they really hate you atm. It
must've been rough school…oh wait, that's right.
I hear you SKIPPED. Tf? You can't skip because
you're scared.
Tenten: Ugh. Hinata won't let me talk to you.
Study! Study! Broken record much?
So I'm glad you're ok. I wish we could talk
more. You're more important but you know
how her family is with grades. -_-
Sasuke didn't even come to school!
Probably scared. Hell, I know I would
be. Text you later ok?
Wednesday 3/13/12 6:37
Neji Hyuuga: Woah...a whole day. Lol
does sound like you. It was his fault.
Dont say it wasn't when you know
perfectly well that it was. And I wouldn't
forgive him over something like this. Not
in a million years. It's serious Sakura. It's
not like he forgot your birthday. This was
important.
Wednesday 3/13/12 6:37
New Message to Neji Hyuuga:
Yea, I miss the old days. Everything was
simple then. And I was carefree…Well I
still am now lol W/e. I don't want to talk
about it. What's up with you?
Sasuke Uchiha
I am using my ears. And I dont hear anything.
Oh. Well w/e. Idec anymore. its in the past now.
Everyone can go suck it. You are important,
you know. Idk why you dont think that. It
would have been rough too, but I didnt go.
I dont feel like texting, so ill come downstairs.
Wednesday 3/13/12 6:37
Sure enough I heard Sasuke come running down the stairs. The stairs creaked a little, from being so old. And I didn't feel quite as cold anymore, knowing that he was with me now.
"Hey..." He said quietly. He plopped down next to me, sending me flying an inch in the air. I giggled at that.
"Hey yourself. Thanks for the clothes again. So we were scared, huh?" I asked, repositioning myself on my back. He picked up the stereo remote control, playing Suna as background music.
"You're assuming." He lifted my legs up, spreading them across his own so he could scoot closer to me. I smiled at him, my body tingling with an electric shock. I was lucky he didn't notice the goosebumps.
"Well…based off of what everyone told me. I can only imagine how hard it must have been on you." He gently stroked my legs, keeping quiet for some time.
"They can say what they want. Besides, you couldn't take care of yourself all alone in this house..." He said thoughtfully. I looked away, suddenly embarrassed. He stayed home to take care of me...that's so sweet. My mind embraced those words, making them into more than their worth but I didn't care. It made me elated. I had to frequently remind myself that he had a girlfriend, so I needed to watch what I was doing.
Neji Hyuuga: Nothing really. Just talking
to you. You? If I asked you something,
you would answer honestly no matter what,
right?
Wednesday 3/13/12 6:39
"Why? You didn't have to do that." I said, while texting my reply to Neji.
New Message to Neji Hyuuga:
Of course I would. What's up? And I'm just
talking with Sasuke.
"Why wouldn't I? I wanted to make sure my good ole pal was alright." His voice was playful but I could hear the tenseness in it. He was trying to be strong.
"Hey, can I ask you something?" I asked, stealing Neji's line. His coal black eyes shined with patience, as he looked into mine. He smiled at me, nodding. "Did you mean all those things you said to me? In the texts I mean?" I hesitated slightly, looking everywhere but him. I could see the way his face twisted as different emotions overtook him. Before I knew what I was doing, I sat up, wrapping my arms around him. His arms shot around me in return, holding me tightly against his chest.
"I meant every word. You don't know how scared I was. I honestly thought you left for good. It was...It was..." I listened patiently for his reply. It made my heart fill with love and joy, hearing how much he cared about me. The pain was hard to coop with, but the fact that my disappearance made him upset to the point where he was crying made a difference. A big one. I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket, but I didn't dare take it out to ruin a moment like this. "I was so scared…I mean I know I messed up, but I didn't think you would leave. Not right away at first. I thought one of the others went after you. And when I found out they didn't…I went crazy. I was scared out of my mind. I mean what if something happened to you? That would be my fault too. You don't know how sorry I am. You mean a lot to me Sakura, and I'm not just saying that. I love you." He finished, the truth ringing deep with each and every word. My eyes stung again, tears threatening to fall. I smiled gently, trying to ignore how I was feeling. If only you knew how much I loved you…
"It's okay. I know that...you had other things to occupy you. I can't be the center of attention all the time. Best friend or not. You have a life of your own. I had Naruto and the others anyways…I can't always run to you. So it's okay. Thank you for caring so much." I whispered in his ear, soothing his pain. He relaxed a bit.
"But I hurt you. And I want you to come to me. That's what I'm here for…that's who I am as your best friend. Sakura I-" He whispered back urgently.
"It's ok. I healed under your very special care." And at that he laughed. "That's my boy." I kissed his cheek, laying my head against his shoulder. A content silence overtook us for the next few minutes until my phone vibrated again, reminding me of its existence.
Neji Hyuuga: Tell him to get out and
to never come near you again. :(
Do you like…him?
Wednesday 3/13/12 6:41
I was NOT expecting that. I felt my body go stiff. I mean…of course not. We're just friends. And it's not like it matters now.
New Message to Neji Hyuuga:
I...it doesn't matter. He has a gf
and he's my best friend.
"What?" Sasuke asked curiously, back to his old self.
"Neji...He told me to tell you to get out of the house. And to never come near me again" He started chuckling before shaking his head. I couldn't help but laugh with him. I checked the time, it was a little past 7 now. And, surprisingly, I WAS tired. I yawned and he did the same thing.
"Tired?" He asked, patting my leg.
"Yeah. You?" He nodded. I was debating on whether or not to get my clothes, but I really wanted to sleep.
"I'll stay up to get your clothes if you want so you can sleep." He offered, yawning again. It was like he read my mind.
"Aw...well aren't we helpful tonight?" I teased. He grimaced at me, pinching my cheeks."Thats quite all right. I'll get it myself." I looked down at my phone, noticing that I had a message. Neji never failed to text back quickly.
Neji Hyuuga: Ugh whatever...dude,
you coming to school tomorrow?
I want you to meet someone.
Wednesday 3/13/12 7:06
New Message to Neji Hyuuga:
Yeah….who?
Neji Hyuuga: He's new. You'll like him. :)
Wednesday 3/13/12 7:07
New Message to Neji Hyuuga:
If you say so. haha
"Look's like we've got a new fellow in school. Neji wants us to meet him tomorrow." I said casually, gazing up at a tired Sasuke. He didn't say anything for a minute, before his head turned towards me slowly, his eyes closed.
"Is that so? Us? Or you?" He asked, his head turning back to its original position.
"Well, he said me, but you'll meet him too of course. You'll be with me tomorrow, right?" I asked, covering the hope in my voice. He chuckled lazily.
"Yeah...but I'll be walking with...Ino." He said between a yawn.
"Oh go to bed already. You can barely stay awake." Oh I'll be with Ino! Golly whiz! I put you through hell but I'm still with a girl I barely like.
"Your fault. You kept me up all night with your fevers and screaming." His voice was barely higher than a whisper, pain seeping through every word.
"Oh...I'm sorry. I'll return the favor?" He smiled that beautiful smile, his black eyes opening to rest on mine.
"I'll hold you to that." I laughed, glancing down at my phone. It was amazing how I never notice anything when I'm with Sasuke. It's simply impossible to pay attention to the outside world.
Neji Hyuuga: Whatever yourself.
I gtg. Dad wants to quiz me for
the stupid test. Like ill fail. Ttyt.
Wednesday 3/13/12 7:14
New Message to Neji Hyuuga:
Bye. Good luck.
When I glanced over at Sasuke, his eyes were closed and he was snoring lightly. I smiled, running a finger down his cheek. I stiffly got up, my body still sore, to put my clothes in the dryer. I ran upstairs to get 2 blankets and pillows before running back downstairs. I made a little bed for me on the floor, and stood over Sasuke. He looked so peaceful. The curve of his lip was cute and his hair fell across his face gracefully. I lifted his head up, placing the pillow under it, and holding my hand there for a few moments. I stroked his hair, feeling its soft texture fall through my fingers. It felt like heaven. And then, I stepped back before letting out a breath. I need a boyfriend. I draped the blanket over his body before laying down on my bed and falling asleep.
"Sakura...wake up. School time." I heard someone croon in my ear. I groaned loudly, before stretching. I heard him chuckle, opening my eyes to glare balefully at him. "20 minutes."
"Ugh!" I rushed to get ready. I put on a pair of skinny jeans, a black tee, black vans and my put my hair up into a messy bun.
"Thanks by the way for the covers and pillow!" I heard him yell from the kitchen. I cracked my back before applying some light make up and heading to the kitchen.
"No problem." I walked past him to grab a granola bar and a bottle of water. "Ready?"
It took us 10 minutes to get to school and I nearly fell asleep again. Car rides always make me sleepy. When we pulled up, all my friends were waiting in the parking lot, waving at us. Well, at me. They glared hatefully at Sasuke, and I was about to fix that. I got out and stomped over to them, a smile playing at my lips.
"Guys quit it, okay. It's done and over with. Grow up." I said sternly. They all took a step back, before looking from me to Sasuke.
"Alright. As long as you forgive him, I guess I forgive him too." Tenten said, while most of the others agreed. Naruto scuffed before walking away, Hinata and Neji following after him. He'll get over it eventually. We walked to our usual spot, Sasuke departing. Going to meet the lovely Ino. I couldn't stop myself from glaring, just the thought of her made me feel nauseated.
"Hey Neji. Sorry guys but who did you want me to meet?" I spoke too soon. He opened his mouth before a deep voice sounded from behind me. It gave me goosebumps.
"Neji." He said.
"Ahh...Gaara, right on time. Sakura, meet Gaara. He's from Suna! Can you believe that? Hot as hell down there." Neji laughed, pounding fists with Gaara. He has amazing red hair, that looked silky to touch. He had amazing foam green-turquoise eyes. He was incredibly hot...almost as hot as Sasuke.
"Hello." I said, holding out my hand. He took it, a smirk on his face.
"Hi." He replied. He held on for a second longer than normal, not that I minded, before letting go. My hand tingled as it dropped to my side. I smiled sweetly at him and he smiled back. Gaara, huh? Just my type.
A/N: Woah...now that was a long chapter. Hope you liked it!