Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ New Beginnings ❯ A Shell ( Chapter 2 )

Thoughts

 

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

 

 

Chapter 2: A Shell

 

 

It was Thursday afternoon during fifth period when four girls were chatting quietly in the back of a classroom. “Ahem, girls, if you don't stop talking I'll have to separate you.” Temari smiled waving both her hands at her teacher.

 

“Heh heh, no need to do that Kurenai, we'll be quiet!” Kurenai gave one last disapproving look at Temari before returning to the board. “Hah, that was close” she whispered as the other three girls laughed a long. Sakura turned to Temari.

 

“So, what were you saying about Halloween?”

 

“Well, as you know Halloween is only a few weeks away and well every Halloween we throw a huge bash at my house because my parents are always away on business. When we first started the tradition it was just our group of friends but over the years the whole school has taken the liberty to use it as their party so it gets pretty crazy. It's just a bunch of music, drunken high school kids and of course, costumes!” At this before Hinata could stop herself she said rather loudly.

 

“Naruto was a fox last year!” As soon as she heard the words escape she quickly slapped her hands to her mouth, turning into a deep crimson red. Sakura, Temari and Tenten all stared at her and then exchanged looks before bursting out into laughter but it was stopped shortly after by glares they received from Kurenai. After the girls calmed down and Hinata's face lightened to a soft shade of pink, Temari continued on.

 

“So, now that we all know Naruto was a fox last year I can continue on” Hinata whose light shade of pink burst into crimson red once again quickly laid her head on the table letting the three girls continue their talking while she calmed down. The three girls giggled. “It is of course on Halloween night. As tradition about a week before the party we go shopping for our costumes together.”

 

“This is great! Normally I just spend Halloween in my room reading scary stories.” After Sakura had said this she looked up to see all three girls gaping at her. “What?”

 

Tenten was the first that was able to speak up. “Don't tell me that's true…not even trick or treating when you were young?”

 

“Oh, well I did go once, but I only went out 20 minutes before returning.” Sakura looked at them and couldn't help but laugh at how seriously they were taking this. “…Well guys, it's just when you don't have anyone to go with nor do something with the whole thing sort of loses its appeal” The three girls stared at Sakura with sad eyes, but Hinata spoke up.

 

“That's horrible! Well, we will just make this the best Halloween you've ever had! Won't we?” Hinata was now looking determinedly over at Tenten and Temari.

 

“Yeah!” They said together loudly. Apparently they had said it too loud because for the remainder of the class the girls spent it on four separate corners of the classroom all glaring at Kurenai as she smiled to herself while writing on the board.

 

At the end of the class the four girls waited for each other before making their way to the exit. As Sakura was heading out the door she saw Gaara walking down the hallway in his normal composure. “Hey Temari”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Does your brother always act like that?” Temari walked up beside Sakura to see Gaara going down the hallway.

 

“Oh, you mean a complete anti-social, natural glare, hates everyone kind of thing?” Sakura nodded. “Yeah, pretty much. But, he's always acted that way, you'll get used to it.”

 

“Oh, okay”

 

“But hey, don't get me wrong. He can be a jerk yes, but he's a good friend, and in time you'll get to see how.” On that note Temari turned to walk down the hallway towards her class while Sakura took the opposite way to her sixth period which was gym. I wonder what she meant by that? Sakura shrugged it off as she entered the gym doors. She walked into the locker rooms to change into her uniform which consisted of black shorts and a white shirt. When she walked into the gym she noticed that there wasn't anyone there, she looked around confused and decided to check outside to see if they had decided to go out there. When she got outside she saw her gym teacher Gai walking away from the gym. She quickly ran to catch up to him.

 

“Um, Gai, where is everyone?”

 

“Ah, Sakura! Yes, I guess I forgot to mention, every Thursday we join together gym class A and gym class B, just so the teachers can compare their teaching techniques and share in the knowledge!”

 

“Oh, so is that where you are going?”

 

“Sure is! I'll talk to Anko for you so you won't be counted as late, but from now on you know to go with the other gym class instead of the gym.” Sakura nodded her head and followed Gai until they reached a football field where about sixty students were lined up on the grass in different rows. Once Gai had told her where to stand in line she quickly ran and mimicked what the others were doing and just stood there looking forward. She noticed after a while that the teacher named Anko was taking attendance and that they were all lined up in alphabetical order. Sakura realized she would be coming up soon seeing as Anko was already up in the R's. A few moments after her thought ended she heard her name.

 

“Sakura Haruno?”

 

“Here”

 

“Sasuke Uchiha?”

 

“Yeah” When Sakura had heard his name being called she remembered what Temari had said about him earlier that week. She looked over at him only to see him looking at her with a smirk and a gleam of want in his eyes. Sakura's eyes widened but sent him a glare and continued to look strait. I have a feeling Temari wasn't kidding

 

After Anko had finished calling out the names she instructed them to spread out and stretch to get ready for running around the field. Sakura waited a few moments until she saw an empty spot where she could stretch by the side of the field. First she put her arms over head stretching each arm for ten seconds, and then she moved to her legs, she pulled each leg individually up to her chest while balancing on the other, again, each for ten seconds. Then, with both feet on the ground she separated them a tad and bent down to touch her toes. …5 6 7 8-What the fuck?! Sakura's eyes widened for at that moment she felt a hand caress her backside. She shot up and went to turn to take a look at who had touched her but before she could even see who it was she heard a loud *smack* and a *thump*. When she looked around she saw Sasuke on the ground holding his gut, while Naruto burst into ecstatic laughter, but what surprised her most was Gaara standing over Sasuke with his fist outstretched from his body, still maintaining his usual look in his eyes and face.

 

“Gaara?” Gaara just looked her way with out saying anything. Naruto how ever once his laughter ceased started shouting enthusiastically.

 

“Ha-Ha! Yeah, don't mess with our friend! Nice one Gaara! Hey Sakura, you alright?” Sakura smiled and nodded.

 

“Uh, thanks…Gaara. This must be what Temari was talking about, wow. Gaara who seemed bored just let out an “Hn” and started to walk away. Naruto motioned for Sakura to come with them.

 

“So Sakura, I didn't see you in the beginning of class, when you'd come in?”

 

“Oh, I was la-“But at that moment they heard screaming from behind.

 

“Yeah she may be your friend now but she'll be screaming my name later!” Sakura, Naruto and Gaara all froze in their tracks. This time it was Sakura's turn to have fun. Before anyone knew what was happening Sakura was running towards Sasuke with a balled fist. She swung at his face but he quickly dodged it, smirking. But that wasn't her plan. Right after she swung her fist she lifted her knee slamming it into his gut, wiping the smirk off his face. After he fell to the ground Naruto came jumping up beside Sakura smiling cheerfully.

 

“Hah! Alright Sakura! Take that ass-hole! Gaara appeared by Sakura smirking at the fallen Sasuke. What?! An emotion, yeah, finally! Sasuke was sprawled out on the ground screaming.

 

“Agh, you bitch! I will get you for this!” Sakura just laughed. Suddenly a squeaky voice came out from the newly formed crowd which was watching the fight.

 

“Sasuke! My poor Sasuke! The person belonging to the voice was a blonde haired girl who had a high pony tail and side swept bangs. And this must be Ino, fun. “How dare you, you filthy bitch! You're not even worthy to lay a hand on him!” Ino screamed while she lay over his body.

 

“Man, get off me woman!” Sasuke was now pushing himself up from the ground glaring at Gaara. “This is not over” He walked away with Ino swaying on his arm, Naruto spoke up.

 

“Well, this was the best P.E. class I've had all year, yep!” Gaara just looked at Naruto and then started to walk away, Sakura rolled her eyes while laughing and continued after Gaara, Naruto just smiled and walked with them.

 

“So Sakura, where'd you learn to fight like that?”

 

“Why, want some fighting tips Naruto?” Sakura sang sarcastically.

 

“Hah, no you're just good is all.”

 

“Oh, well thanks, but it just built up over the years, I sort of learned to fend myself.” When Sakura said this she shifted her eyes towards the ground feeling the same coldness gripping at her, trying to take her as she constantly fought. She looked back up from her mental battle to see Gaara staring at her from the corner of his eye but quickly looked away. What?

 

“That's cool” Naruto cheered and Sakura gave him a smile.

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

After gym class Sakura made her way back to the locker rooms to shower and get dressed. She removed her gym clothes and found an available shower. She turned the water on, letting it hit her head slowly leaning in further to let it go against her face with her eyes closed. She stood like that for a few minutes thinking back on her day making herself smile. Realizing it was the end of the day she quickly washed her hair and rinsed off. She grabbed her clothes and dried off, as she got dressed. She was wearing a burgundy red long sleeve shirt which clung to her body, black cargo pants, black converse and 20 bracelets going up each arm. She quickly towel dried her hair and ran a brush through it, grabbing her bag she went to ran through the locker room doors. Before she got completely out of the room she was shoved back in. “What the-“

 

“Shut up!” Sakura caught her balance to see Ino standing, glaring at Sakura. “You hurt Sasuke. You, a pathetic freak who found her home with the other freaks.” Ino started walking towards Sakura, a smirk forming on her lips. “What? You aren't going to show me how tough you are? Not gonna try and beat me?” Sakura smirked and started towards Ino, whose smirk faded, taking a step back.

 

“No” Ino looked at her and smiled in a way that would say “I knew it”. That was until Sakura spoke again. “But my friends will” Ino turned on the spot to receive a sharp blow to her left cheek and fell revealing a smiling Temari.

 

“Naruto told us what happened so we figured she'd come after you. You did after all hurt her precious Sasuke. Nice one by the way!” Tenten stepped out from behind Temari.

 

“Oh, man Temari, nice one! That's going to leave a mark.” She said hi-fiving Temari who laughed at the pissed Ino on the floor. Hinata spoke up quietly.

 

“Um, we should probably get out of here you guys.” Temari sighed.

 

“Yeah, I know. Come on Sakura I'll give you a ride home.”

 

“Cool.” Sakura said cheerfully stepping over Ino who just groaned and cursed after them. They walked the halls cheerfully; the happiest one of all was Sakura who was lost in thought. Wow, I had friends come and defend me. Never in my life has that happened…man Sakura sighed. She of course was referring to the countless times in elementary and middle school when she would get cornered by the school bullies who would beat her to a pulp while everyone just watched. But she grew stronger and was able to use those times as motivation to be who she was today.

 

“So Sakura, you've officially gotten your self on both Ino and Sasuke's hit list. Not to mention their cronies.” Tenten said smiling at Sakura. “Good job”

 

“Aaw, we're so proud of you!” Chimed in Temari, pinching Sakura's Cheeks. Sakura replied sarcastically.

 

“Ha-ha, very nice” They all laughed as Hinata spoke up.

 

“I'm glad you're okay Sakura.” Sakura looked up and couldn't help but smile at Hinata who looked worried for Sakura.

 

“Thanks Hinata” They had reached outside the school and were standing by the flagpole.

 

“Hinata! Time to go.” The four girls turned around to see Neji standing waiting for Hinata. Hinata gave a small wave good bye and ran to catch up with Neji who waved to the group of girls, looking at the three while taking his time to look at Tenten who blushed as she waved. Tenten gave a deep sigh.

 

“Doesn't he take such good care of Hinata? It's just so sweet!” The other two girls agreed. Sakura had found out the day before that they were cousin and that Neji treated Hinata as his own little sister. “Well, I guess I'll see you guys tomorrow!” She said waving as she went to her car.

 

“We should probably get going as well. Gaara and Kankuro get cranky when I make them wait too long, and then I have to deal with their shit the rest of the day”

 

“Okay” They both walked towards the car to see Kankuro sprawled out on top of the car being dramatic as Gaara stood beside the car with his arms crossed glaring forward.

 

“Hey guys, sorry I'm late, we ran into Ino.” Kankuro slid off the car as Gaara grabbed the keys from Temari to unlock the door and threw them back to her. “Hey Kankuro! Get your ass out of the front seat! We're giving Sakura a ride home.” When he didn't move, Temari started to fume, Sakura who saw this was going to be a problem spoke up.

 

“It's okay Temari, I don't mind.” She smiled and slid into the back seat with Gaara. She smiled towards him but didn't expect anything back as she had gotten used to him, but she would always know that he cared for his friends. Just the fact that he had accepted Sakura as one of his friends made her happy, in a slightly strange way. The car ride was mostly quiet, well; not really, it was more like Kankuro giving cat calls to the rich old ladies who were walking on the side walk who in return glared at him as if he were the scum of the earth which he thoroughly enjoyed. It was only a five minute car drive but Sakura enjoyed every second of it. Once they pulled near Sakura's house Temari told her to stop. “Thanks for the ride, I'll see you tomorrow!” She stepped out of the car grabbing her back pack.

 

“Alright, see ya, and don't forget extra clothes for the sleep over tomorrow!” Temari yelled out of her car as she drove away while Kankuro gave one last call out of the car. Sakura turned to walk up the path towards her house. She went to open the door but before twisting the knob she took in a deep breath releasing it when she got in. She quietly slid her shoes off trying not to make any noise. She slowly crept up the stairs trying to get to her room. Sakura was on the last stair when she heard her name being called from behind her.

 

“Sakura, don't you want to say hello to your dear mother?” Sakura looked back at her mother staring strait forward.

 

“Hi Mother” Sakura said through gritted teeth.

 

“Who was that that just dropped you off?” Sakura's mother's voice was like ice.

 

“Just a friend” Sakura continued walking up the stairs when she heard her mother come up the stairs. Sakura froze; her mother had grabbed a chunk of her hair and pulled back on it making Sakura tilt her head back.

 

“Don't walk away when I'm talking to you!” Sakura winced in pain.

 

“Mom, stop, please, that hurts.”

 

“You think this hurts? Just wait until your father gets home.” She shoved Sakura forward releasing her hair as she fell to the ground. Her mother looked at her in disgust and pushed past her daughter. “You're pathetic”.

 

Sakura stayed on her hands and knees as she breathed heavy staring at the ground. She heard her mother shut her bedroom door. Sakura slowly got up and grabbed her bag as she headed for her own bedroom shutting the door quietly behind her. Sakura dropped her bag and walked over to her bed which was covered in grey sheets and covers. She sat there as she looked at the opposite wall, feeling the empty cold grow deeper inside of her. The truth was, ever since that cold had crept inside of her she couldn't cry. It was as if it fed on her emotion leaving her to over time become more and more of an empty shell. But recently she felt the cold leave her; she felt a twinge inside of her, an old friend to her body which was glad to have back. Her friends at school were to thank for that, each one, they cared for her and treated her like a person, and she could feel and actually care for them back. But everyday her parents would make the cold return to her; they were selfish and fed on her misery. Sakura put her head into her hands, wondering if the battle would ever end. Her friends were what made Sakura fight the cold; she laid her head on her pillow as she drifted away from the real world, into her own. While Sakura slept she had a dream, she was walking towards her friends who were waiting for her in the clearing behind the bush where they normally ate lunch. She smiled and waved to them as she walked, she then looked down to see the ground crumble beneath her, she started to fall into darkness, she looked up to scream for help but it was as if they couldn't hear her. She looked back down to see a rocky ravine below her getting closer by the second, right before she was about to hit the bottom she woke up. She sat up strait breathing hard, she could feel cool liquid running down from her head. At first Sakura thought she might still be dreaming, until she looked to the side of her bed to see a figure of a man. She screamed.

 

“Dad!”

 

“Get the fuck up!...NOW!” He was holding a bucket and Sakura realized he had poured water on her. Sakura quickly got out of bed to stand in front of him. Sakura glanced at the clock; it read 3:03 AM. “How are your mother and I supposed to have a good night sleep if your in here screaming?!” Sakura didn't answer, she couldn't, she was frozen. “Yeah I didn't think an idiot like you could answer that, Listen, if you wake us up one more time I'll make you sure you won't be able to move for a month! Am I understood?”

 

“Yes sir!” Sakura couldn't get anything more out. Her dad walked out of her room slamming the door behind him. Sakura slid down beside her soaked bed, not moving, not sleeping.

 

 

I hope you liked the 2nd chapter! I'm sorry if it's a bit short.

Please R&R!