A/N: Another long and intense chapter. Hope you like it!
CHAPTER 8
I couldn't help but smile at him. Gaara had a mysterious face, and something about it pulled me in. He was smiling back at me, and it was as if nothing else really mattered, just like with Sasuke.
"Sakura...SAKURA!" Neji yelled in my ear. I had completely zoned out. I whipped my head to the side, almost falling. A blush embraced my cheeks as I averted my eyes to the tiled floors of the hallway. I can't seriously be making a fool of myself already.
"Y-Yeah?" I mumbled before lifting my eyes to look into his. He had a smirk on his face, and I grimaced.
"Are you coming tonight? To perform?" He asked. I didn't know what he was talking about.
"What..." I began...before it popped into my mind. Karaoke Night. "You can't seriously expect me to sing..." I said skeptically, my eyes looking back at Gaara. His face was amused, sending a chill up my spine.
"Yeah we do. We want to hear you sing, and you promised that you weren't backing out this time." Neji said. I looked at Tenten, and then at Naruto. They were both eagerly nodding their heads. Damnit!
"Sai? Kotetsu? Even you Kimimaro?" Ugh! Devilish smiles were set firmly on all of their faces. I wasn't getting out of this one. I grumbled "fine" before walking away, thinking about what to sing. What would I sing? What would I wear? Who's even going to be there? I wasn't paying attention, so of course I tripped over my own feet.
"Careful!" A voice said, catching my arm and pulling me up. I looked up at my savior, smiling from ear to ear.
"Thanks Gaara." I said, a light blush reappearing on my cheeks. I don't even know this guy and I'm already acting like I like him.
"You're welcome." He chuckled and it was a beautiful laugh. It sounded like deep bells. "Can I walk you to class?" He offered. I had to admit, I was very pleased. Sasuke never offered to walk me to class. That's only because he always just did it, he never had to ask. I scorned myself internally, like it mattered.
"Do you know where Pre-calculus is?" I challenged him.
"Seems like you'll be walking me then. I have it next...with...Kurenai." He was reading off a class sheet.
"Really? I do too. Lemme see your schedule." I took it right out of his hands, smirking. He had Precalc first, health with Tsunade after that with me, chemistry with Iruka (also with me), and then applied nutrition with me! What a coincidence. "Wow, we have all the same classes. Are you stalking me?" I playfully punched his arm, giggling like an idiot and shoving the paper back in his hands. He laughed at me, and I about fell to the ground. His laugh! I couldn't get enough of it.
"How could I not? Just look at you." I gazed up at him curiously. I could tell he was being sincere and honest. My stomach did little frightening flips, and I was becoming flustered. No guy can do this. I, Sakura Haruno, becoming some giddy girl over some guy I have known for no more than 10 minutes. This only happens with Sasuke…"I'm kidding. Well about the stalking part at least." He smiled at me, really smiled, and I could only blink. "Are you ok? You zone out a lot." I laughed at that, staring at him with a peculiar gaze.
"I'm...perfect." I said. His smile was so magnetic. I couldn't look away. People were starting to yell at us for just standing in the hallway, so I began to walk again, giggling like a two year old. "Anyways, precalc is this way, Gaara." My mouth tingled as I said his name. My mouth never tingled when I said Sasuke's name. Stop comparing them! Maybe everything isn't as hopeless as I thought it would be. We were turning a corner when I suddenly walked right into something hard. "Damn locker." I mumbled, feeling myself falling to the ground. Strong arms caught me just in time. I looked up apologetically to Gaara but a different voice caught my attention.
"I'm a locker?" It was impossible not to know who this voice belonged too. I looked up, smiling sheepishly at Sasuke. His lips twitched as his eyes left mine for the arms that held me. His eyebrows furrowed in disapproval, and I snorted. His attention came back to me, until I noticed that he was holding Ino's hand. She was staring up at Gaara, an unmistakable lust in her eyes. Oh no you are not looking at Gaara like that. You don't get Sasuke AND Gaara. He's mine.
"You should apologize." Gaara said huskily. I didn't notice until right this moment how hostile the atmosphere felt. What I did notice, however was how sexy I thought Gaara's voice was.
"I didn't do anything." Sasuke replied in an equally sexy voice. His was soft, and smooth, the exact opposite of Gaara's.
"You made her fall." Gaara's was frowning, his eye brows coming together.
"She ran into me." Sasuke took a step forward, his chest pressed against my right arm. Ino yanked him back the same exact time Gaara pulled me away. She was glaring hatefully at me. I just rolled my eyes, ignoring her existence. Sasuke looked menacing, ready to pounce on his prey. Interesting morning, right?
"Only because you were in the way." He replied back, his grip on my arm tightening. It began to throb where he held me.
"What are you? Her boyfriend?" He asked. Gaara smirked at him, and I knew this wasn't going to go anywhere good.
"Okay, okay. I'm sorry. I ran into Sasuke, Gaara. All my fault. Let's go to class now, okay?" I said quickly, grabbing his hand and making him walk with me.
"Sakura!" Sasuke called, his voice stern. I stopped walking, turning my head slightly to see his and Ino's face equally matched in anger. I was about to answer when the warning bell sounded.
"Come on! Or else we'll be late!" I said quickly, jogging lightly to class. I felt Gaara's hand clasp mine, and I sighed slightly. His hands were so warm. We made it just in time, the late bell sounding and ringing through the halls as we crossed the threshold.
"Ah, so good to see you walking a new student to class Sakura. But you know, you have a lot of work to make up. Take a seat in the back. Since your late, you can explain to Gaara…" And I tuned her out after that, walking to the back and taking out my workbook. I gave him a new one, and just flipped open to a page. Sitting down, I noticed that Gaara moved his desk directly next to mine. I smiled at him, knowing that there wasn't much else I could do.
"So, where do you want to begin?" I whispered, looking into my backpack for a pencil, paper and my notes.
"Let's start with you." I stopped rummaging through my backpack, sitting up slowly. After about a second or two I turned my head slowly to the side. He was smiling genuinely at me.
"What do you mean?" I asked, cocking my head to the side.
"Tell me about yourself." I stared at him until a soft smile played at my lips.
"What do you want to know?" I asked, placing my hands on my desk. The whole period we talked about everything; what music we liked, our friends, likes and dislikes. We had quite a few things in common but we did have differences as well. After precalc, we walked to the health room. I didn't like how many of the snobby girls were gossiping about us. Maybe I could make some of those rumors true. I laughed at my dirty thought, until blushing as it set in.
"What?" Gaara asked, sitting at the desk beside me.
"Nothing. Nothing at all." I flashed an innocent smile at him, earning one back. The day seemed to pass by quickly after that. Chemistry was a blur like normal, only this time I didn't sleep in the class. I was too busy passing notes with Gaara, flirting a bit, and staring into his eyes. It's such a girly thing, but I know why they do it now. It's fun to get lost in their depths. His smiles caused my skin to tingle, and when he walked near me my heart raced. It was as if...Do not finish that thought Sakura. Once the bell rung, we went to our last class.
"Does school always pass by like this? It feels like I've only been here for 5 minutes." Gaara whispered in my ear. We were standing right outside of Anko's classroom, my head titled to the side, resting on the lockers while looking up at him. He was leaning forward, inclined to me.
"No. It's rare actually, at least for me. Unless I'm having fun it moves at a snail's pace." A grin appeared on his face.
"So...did it go by fast for you?" He asked me, pushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I nodded my head, looking away from him. So, he's incredibly sweet too. Of all the things I've learned about Gaara, his inner strength amazed me the most. He's been through a lot in his life, losing his mother when he was born, and his family hating him for it. But he was nice to people, so they didn't have to feel hated like he was. "Did I have anything to do with that?" He asked.
"I suppose you did." I laughed at him, my eyes looking around the hall now. Sasuke was walking towards us, hand in hand with Ino, smirking at her and watching her. A quick and sharp pain pierced through my chest, threatening to rip me apart... I want these feelings gone. It's not fair to me. I thought, my eyes watching them.
"Sakura?" I turned my heated attention towards Gaara, and just by looking at his face, the anger melted away. I smiled at him, and his face smoothed out from its concerned state.
"ALRIGHT YOU PESKY COUPLES. GET IN CLASS OR I'LL HAVE YOU SUSPENDED!" Anko yelled at all of us, looking directly at me and Gaara. I blushed slightly, scurrying into class. I took my normal seat, Gaara sat behind me. Sasuke isn't going to like that.
"Gaara...um...that's-" I stopped short when Anko started yelling again.
"UCHIHA! STOP SUCKING FACE WITH YOUR GIRLFRIEND AND GET IN HERE! NOW!" I quickly turned around, seeing an annoyed vein sticking out on her neck.
"That's what Sakura?" I turned back around, looking at the floor. Fine then. Go ahead and kiss your girlfriend. I mean, she is your girlfriend, that's what couples do. No reason to be feeling this annoying pain in my chest. I thought bitterly, cracking a smile as best I could at Gaara. I took a deep breath, letting my eyes trail slowly up to his face.
"That's-" I began until being interrupted again.
"That's my seat, so get the hell out of it." Sasuke said in an annoyed voice. We both smirked at him, and I was surprised at that.
"You snooze you lose kid...or rather, you KISS you miss!" I closed my eyes and began laughing at my stupidity, until I was yanked up from my seat. I stopped laughing, my eyes flying open.
"What.." I tried, until I was yanked the other way.
"Get off of Sakura!" Gaara said dangerously. The room got silent, all eyes looking over here. I could feel their stares boring holes at us. Both had death grips on my forearm, and I could feel the blood flow slowing considerably.
"You let go!" Sasuke said in a voice not quite matching Gaara's.
"Guys...come on…what is this.." I tried to say but was cut off. This was starting to make me angry.
"Shut up! Just shut up Sakura. I can handle this." Sasuke's eyes were staring into mine, and he was looking at me in a way I couldn't understand...I've seen this look before, but I couldn't put a name on it.
"Don't talk to her like that." Gaara pulled me more towards him, causing Sasuke to jerk me back the other way.
"I can talk to her however the hell I want. Not get off of my girl." I stopped breathing. His...He called me his? But...that doesn't...I can't...I'm... My thoughts became incoherent; jumbled. I didn't understand. I stared up at his face, wary, watching his lips tremble angrily.
"You're girl?" Gaara laughed in a mocking way. I snapped out of my daze, paying attention again. "You think you can have someone like Sakura?" His voice definitely had mockery in it. "She's not your girl."
"Guys, come on. Let go of me! You're HURTING my arms!" I said loud enough for them to shut up and listen. They didn't let go though, just stared each other down. After a minute, Gaara was big enough to let go first, but Sasuke didn't let go at all, not at first. Once Gaara's grip was gone Sasuke yanked me to him. The tip of my foot collided with his, making me fall forward. Sasuke wasn't prepared for that, and he knew that if he held on he was going down with me. So that's when he let go, letting me fall to the ground. The class gasped. I was literally dumbfounded. I wasn't expecting that.
"You idiot!" Gaara said, taking a few steps towards me. Sasuke's fist clenched dangerously.
"Stay away from my.." Gaara cut him off.
"Still playing that line? After doing that?" I could feel the tears slipping down my face. You asshole…
"Says who?" I watched them in amazement, my hormones going out of control. I was feeling angry, loved, happy, important and...I couldn't name the last one. But hearing Sasuke call me his girl, that made me tingle all over. However that was forgotten momentarily, as I stared at the floor.
"Well, how about your girlfriend? The one who you were just playing tonsel hockey with, and apparently the one standing right at the door." The whole class turned to the door, watching Ino glare balefully at me, her eyes blood shot and rimmed with tears. She had that look. The one that said, choose now; me or her.
"Ino, babe, you know what I meant. Like my girl as in my best friend." He hesitated a second too long before replying. She just stared at him, waiting. Sasuke turned back to look at Gaara, before he turned to me. My emerald eyes were waiting on him, seeing what he was going to do. His face softened and he stopped trembling. He began to bend his knees, before freezing and standing up. His eyes said it all' I'm sorry but it's not you. I watched him step over me; I watched him walk over to her; I watched him embrace her in a loving way; I watched him smile apologetically at her, cupping her chin and kissing her in a soft passionate way. It stung. My heart, well it felt dead. I felt so betrayed, so…insignificant. For goodness sake, I've been his best friend for 2 years! Yet he chooses her. I thought...And that's when I realized what feeling I've been living off the most. Hope. I was hoping and wishing that he would come to me. But it was apparent that that wasn't ever going to happen. Gaara walked over to me, and I turned, seeing enough of Sasuke. I looked up at him, his face was welcoming. He knew that I was feeling betrayed. He got down on his knees in front of me, gently pulling me up into an embrace. And it was as if my hormones became in order then. He was coaxing everything away, making me calm. The sting in my chest was significantly less painful and I was feeling important...to some extent.
"Thank you." I whispered in his ear.
"You're more than welcome." He whispered back. He pulled me up, a hand at my elbow to steady me. We sat back down, but this time, for arguments sake, he sat in the seat beside mine.
"Sakura?" Neji said from across the room. His fists were shaking...hell he was shaking.
"Go get it off your chest Neji." I said wholeheartedly. Neji got up, walked calmly over to Sasuke.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU? SHE JUST FORGAVE YOU FOR THE STUNT YOU PULLED TWO DAYS AGO AND NOW YOU ACT LIKE THIS?" Neji yelled. Sasuke pulled Ino behind him, protecting her. I snorted. Everyone looked at me and I ducked my head, embarrassed.
"Neji, calm down. This doesn't-"He cut him off.
"DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME TO CALM DOWN! IT DOES CONCERN ME. SHE'S MY FRIEND. YOU WILL NOT HURT HER AGAIN BECAUSE YOU ARE NEVER TO SPEAK TO HER AGAIN."
"I can talk to her whenever I want." Sasuke countered. Don't even bother... I thought, though I pathetically wanted him to anyways. A part of me was still holding onto him against my will, doesn't mean I couldn't fight it.
"Don't try it...I am done with you. Sakura means a lot to me and when you hurt her, you're hurting me. Go play house with your slut of a girlfriend." Neji said turning his back to Sasuke.
"Don't call her that." Sasuke said sharply, shoving Neji away. Bad choice. Don't mess with Neji when he's mad. I knew then what he was going to do next so I quickly got up and ran for Neji. He turned around, snapping his arm forward. I jumped right in time for his fist to connect with my stomach. I hit the ground with a thud, holding my stomach and twitching. Man he's got one heck one hell of a punch. I heard many "Sakura's" all around me, but the only one that mattered was the husky one right by my side, trying to straighten me out. But I wasn't having any of that.
"Sshh Sssh, it's ok Sakura. I'm here." Gaara said soothingly to me. He tried again and I opened my eyes frantically at him. His face was composed and welcoming but his eyes were horrified. I trusted him. He tried for a third time and I let him. He moved my head to his lap and started rubbing my stomach. He didn't go under my shirt, just placed his hand onto of my stomach and soothed it. The pain was dulling out, and I was becoming relaxed. Several things happened after that. Anko was yelling the same time Sasuke was and then Neji was at my side, his face stuck in pain.
"OKAY OKAY! This has gotten way out of hand. You, miss blond, get the hell out of my hall and to class. Your 5 minutes late." Anko boomed. All this happened in only 5 minutes? "Uchiha and Hyuuga, to the back of the room now! Go settle things like men! Gaara, you uh, just keep doing that until she's fine and then go sit down. Everyone else...GET TO WORK!" The rest of the class went to work, though their eyes glanced at us every few seconds. Neji and Sasuke stomped their way to the back of class, sitting at the circular tables. They glared at each other, not saying a word. I suddenly wondered why Anko never said anything at first to begin with. When I glanced over at her, she was smirking and mumbling about how exciting this all was. Dumb ass! What kind of teacher is she?
"Are you okay now?" Gaara asked me quietly, after a few minutes. I nodded and he helped me up. We went to the back tables, about to figure everything out.
"Hyuuga. Get to your seat and work." Anko yelled back to him. He sighed, throwing a sorry look at me before getting up. He patted his pocket, and I knew what he meant. His phone was there so he was going to text me. I took a deep breath, readying myself for this next conversation.
"Sasuke, what happened back there?" He shrugged it off, annoying me. "Gaara, do you mind giving us a minute to ourselves?" I asked him in a kind voice. His brow shot up. "I'll be okay." He nodded and went to the other table, staring intently at us. "Answer me." I demanded.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Sasuke wouldn't look at me. And it made my chest sting.
"You do. I can understand that you wanted him out of your seat but you didn't need to argue over it. There are plenty of other seats. Why did you yank me out of my chair? Better yet, why the hell are you being a sadistic asshole? You've been rude all day. Neji is right. You have no right to be rude after what we just got over. Who gives you the fucking right to act like you own me? I can't even believe you…I can't believe you would do this to me. Why? Why are you being like this?" My voice was pleading yet hard at the same time. He didn't answer me and I threw my fist down on the table. It made an audible thud. "My god Sasuke, grow the fuck up." I stood up but Sasuke sighed, grabbing my arm and gently pulling me back down.
"Fine. God I'm sorry! I'm sorry I'm not a good enough friend for you anymore these days. I didn't want you sitting near him, okay? It bothered me. I don't like him." His head jerked to the side towards Gaara. "IS he your boyfriend?" His voice was demanding this time.
"No, he's not. For god's sake I just met the kid today! I don't see you objecting to me sitting near Neji." But then I remembered how he was always staring me down when I did.
"Because, I'm cool with Neji. Not him." His eyes flicked over to Gaara, glaring.
"You sure as hell are not cool with me." Neji said loudly, the class giggled.
"Enough with that language. If I hear another curse word, you're all suspended." The class shut up and got back to work, talking quietly amongst themselves.
"Sasuke, whatever. What's wrong with Gaara?" He gave me that look, his lips tightening into a straight line. That meant he wasn't going to tell me for anything. "Oh do NOT give me that look. You owe me an explanation." His face was set, and I sighed, slumping back into my chair.
"Why did you save me from Neji's punch?" His voice was now soft and curious, causing my pain and anger to dissolve. I didn't like the effects he had on me.
"I…I don't know." And I really didn't. "It's just...my legs moved on their own. I guess I didn't want you to get hit..." I agonized over it, how painstakingly true it was. I dropped my head so he couldn't see my face.
"So…you protected me…" His voice was strained, and I wasn't comfortable at the way this conversation was going. This means I'm going to forgive him…after everything he's done and confirmed for me. I knew I would.
"I did." I said after a while.
"And I...I chose..." He struggled with himself. I sighed.
"You chose Ino over me. It's whatever Sasuke. I'm over it." But the way I said it, it was apparent that it hurt me. "Don't think badly of yourself. She's your girlfriend."
"But you've been my best friend for 2 years… and...I let you fall." His eyes widened before darkening in hate. You know what? Not this time kid.
"Hey it is what it is. Apparently, my friendship doesn't mean as much as I thought it did. "I said. He sighed, his face smoothing into a blank expression.
"I'm sorry Sakura."
"I know you are. But I don't forgive you. You've been different ever since Ino's been a part of the picture. You've changed and I'm not the only one who's noticed. You've made it very clear who you want to be with and who is more important. So live with it, asshole. I'm done." I got up, leaving him speechless. He was expecting us to be okay. But I'm done. I can't live like this anymore.
"I'm sorry..." He said through clenched teeth. I didn't bother to look back at him, just sat down in my seat. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket, and scowled. I didn't feel like being here right now.
Neji Hyuuga: Im sorry. I didn't mean
to hit you. I don't understand why
you protected that leech though.
Thursday 3/14/12 1:45
Me: It's fine. I didn't want him to
get hurt. Forgive and move
forward my friend. It is what it is.
Thursday 3/14/12 1:46
"You don't accept?" Sasuke asked, his voice rising. It was sinking in finally.
"Sasuke!" I hissed. "Stop it...This is what got us into this mess in the first place! For once just shut the hell up." My pocket vibrated again. I took it out, but I didn't read it right away. I was watching Sasuke to make sure he wouldn't say anything else. The expression on his face was enough for me to almost tell him I was sorry. Almost.
Neji Hyuuga: No. I will not forgive
him for this. You can forget it.
Thursday 3/14/12 1:46
Me: Well join the team.
Thursday 3/14/12 1:47
"Can I come tonight to hear you sing?" Gaara asked, changing the subject to a lighter topic.
"Neji! PHONE!" Anko yelled. I turned around to see her standing over him, her hand out. He reluctantly gave it to her, turning to nod at me.
"Of course." I smiled at him, my nerves jump starting. He smiled at me and Sasuke made a noise. I turned to look at him sharply but his eyes were closed. The rest of the day went by with no problems. Gaara walked me home, after an agitated Sasuke protested to drive me instead. We walked and talked. He even bought me ice cream on the way there. I laughed most of the time, grateful for the way the rest of the day was going. Once we got to the house, he asked for my number. I gladly gave it to him. We hugged for about a minute and then he left. Sasuke was sulking on the couch and I just walked past him, flipping through the songs on my MP3 player. The perfect song came on and I knew that I was going to sing it. I looked into my closet for an outfit. I had something in mind but I didn't know if I had the right things. I was ecstatic when I found all that I wanted. After 2 hours of quietly practicing my singing, I put my outfit on and did my makeup. I walked out, seeing Sasuke watching TV. That is until his dulls eyes landed on me and brightened with intensity. I shuddered as his eyes trailed up and down my body repeatedly, a smirk playing on his lips.
"You look...ready." He said. I ignored him and walked into the kitchen, getting some water to calm my nerves.
"Come on Sakura, don't be like that. I know you must be nervous." I again stayed silent. I felt his arms around my waist in the next second, his face burrowing into my neck. "Please…I can't take this." I sighed, turning around to face him. My eyes narrowed, but he smiled encouragingly nonetheless.
"You like it?" I asked. He nodded, standing up. I was wearing tight black leather pants that showed every curve of my lower body, red closed toe pumps, a black tank top that stopped right above my naval and a black vest of soft material. My lips were painted red, with heavy liner for my eyes and silver sparkle around them. I look good!
"You...ready?" Sasuke stumbled over his words, walking towards the door.
"Yup." I walked past him to the door. "Don't get the wrong idea either. I still don't forgive you." We drove to the place in silence. I was beginning to get even more nervous. Once we got there I saw all my friends sitting at the tables. The place we went to was like a club. It had a big stage, and booths lining the walls. It had a huge dance floor and multicolored lights shining around. Music was playing loudly, while some people danced. My heart raced as Gaara came into view. His eyes widened when he saw me. A blush covered my cheeks as his gaze lingered on my body before they hit my face. He broke into a smile, motioning me to come over. I began walking, my heels clinking against the floor. "Hey guys!" I loudly yelled to them. All of their mouths dropped when they saw me, which made my blush deepen.
"Hot damn, Sakura! Who are you trying to get?" Naruto joked, causing everyone to laugh. I shook my head, waving a goodbye to them and walking over to the stage. The DJ had glasses on, but once I got there, he slid them off checking me out. I blushed but smiled all the same at him.
"I want to sing tonight. Do you know anyone who can sing with me?" He nodded, not even asking for the song. I told him what it was and he said he could definitely do the song. I smiled up at him.
"Okay everyone better get to the dance floor, this next song is going to make those hips swerve! I did it For Love by BoA." The lights hit the stage, and I was nervous. As soon as the song came on, I was confident. I knew I could do this. I danced around, my hips moving right on time with the beat.
Once I was done, the crowd cheered, boys were whistling, earning death glares from my guy friends and I was smiling like crazy. I laughed at it all, finally feeling content after today's crazy events. Another fast paced song came on so we all danced with each other. I felt someone snake their arm around my waist, resting there hand on the bare skin of my belly. I turned around, meeting Gaara's warm green eyes.
"You were amazing." He smiled that alluring smile, and I just wanted to kiss him.
"Thank you." When I tried to move away to dance again, he held fast. I gazed curiously at him, while he hesitated. Then, with determination in his eyes, he leaned forward and pressed his hungry lips on mine. What did I do? I didn't protest, that's for sure.
A/N: Well thats the end of this chapter! I especially loved it. Woot Woot for Gaara. Haha. Review for me and chapter 9 will be coming your way. No reviews, no updates.