Ashalita Phoenix
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Chapter Five: Sasuke's Wish
“You finally decided to join us.” Kakashi said, staring at them. Hmm… Blood… “Care to explain what happened.”
“Ah…we were at the Principle Office.” Naruto said. “Something came up…”
“Yeah, nothing bad though…” Ashley added.
“I see well take your seats.” Kakashi said. They walked to their seats, avoiding eye contact. “Let’s get on to today’s lesson shall we.”
“Good morning…” Gaara whispered.
“Good morning.” Ashley whispered back.
She has blood on her uniform… Did something happen? Gaara thought, turning his gaze to Sasuke. Sasuke also has blood on his uniform…“Ashley, did something happen this morning? You have blood on your uniform.”
“Don’t worry about it Gaara. Everything is okay.” Ashley said, letting out a smile.
“Okay…” He said. She is hiding something… “So, may I ask you some questions? It’s my turn.”
“Yeah, you may…” She said.
“I will start easy for you.” Gaara said. “Tell me about your family…”
“Well, that does sound easy…” She said. “I have two older sisters that are twins. They are both 25 and will be 26 within three days.”
“Really?” Gaara said. “That is good to hear.”
“Yeah, Alexia is a doctor in the Konoha Infirmary and is dating Itachi Uchiha. She is optimistic, always seeing the good in everyone and you hardly see her mad. You will always see a smile on her face.” Ashley explained. “Aleria, is the oldest and we both know that she is the pianist in the Akatsuki. She is very short temper and well...” She paused and let out a frown. That’s all I know about her… “Music helps her control her temper.” Well, I really don’t know about that but it’s good.
“And your parents…”
“I…” She said then she turned silent.
“Oh, you don’t need to…” Gaara swiftly said. “This was a bad idea.”
“Oh, it’s okay. It wasn’t a bad idea. I was just shock.” She replied. “When I came to this world, my mother died giving birth to me. I don’t know anything about my mom only my sisters. All I know is that the twins look just like her. My father was in grieved for a while but he didn’t let that stop him from loving his girls. He raised me without another woman in his life. Also I was raised by other men.”
“What???”
“I mean is that my father used to work in the Police Force so he brought me along every time he goes to work while my sister goes to school. The Police Officers there were friendly and taught me stuff and that is where I met Sasuke. His father was working there as well. Then one rainy day, my father and I were on our way home. Then the car went out of control and we crashed. My father died and I was barely alive. Tsunade was my doctor.”
“I’m sorry…” He said. Everything was silent. “Is that how you got your eyes?”
“Yes, it is… You see, I have two choices to be blind or have weird looking eyes.” Ashley said. “You know my decision.”
“You made the right choice because I like your eyes.” Gaara said.
“Why?” She asked.
“Well, they are different, yet unique. A very rare quality…” Gaara answered. “They’re not plain… They’re something that you want to see every day.”
“Thank you…” Ashley said. “I like my eyes too.”
“So what is your favorite place in the whole world?” Gaara asked.
“Well, I don’t have a favorite place but I always dreamt of a place that I always wanted to go to. Someplace high but has natural beauty. Where there are a lot of trees and flowers.” Ashley explained. “But I never found a place like that yet.”
“Hmmm….” Gaara said. “One more question and we will save the rest for later…”
“Okay…” Ashley said.
“Do you like pizza?” He asked. She then let out a giggle.
“Yup, I love pizza.” She said. “Especially when its cold pizza but I don’t mind warm pizza too so yeah I love pizza.”
“Good, because I am treating…” Gaara said.
“But…”
“No buts…” Gaara said. “I am going to give you a good day today. Sasuke said that you never go out very often and I don’t know that is true because of your little secret. But I just want you to know that I am not going to betray your trust.”
“I know… I can see it in your eyes.” Ashley said. “Eyes can tell a lot about a person.”
“Really… So what do you know about me just by staring into my eyes?” Gaara asked. She cupped his cheek. He blushed when he felt her fingers, smoothing his skin.
“You suffered a lot of pain in your childhood.” Ashley said, staring at him. “You were always alone and you tried to prove to the world that your life is important. If it wasn’t for a certain person, you will be swallowed by darkness.” She smoothed his forehead. “That mark reminds you of the pain you suffered but it also gives you an opportunity to make new memories.” She then let out a small grin. “And you are now living a good life. Was I wrong?”
“No, you were right in all points.” Gaara said, grabbing her hand. “You’re very good.”
“Thank you…” She replied. “But there is something I want to tell you Gaara.”
“What is it?”
“Thank you for not judging me. You were the first person that ever liked my eyes. Well Naruto, Sasuke, Chouji, and Shikamaru know about my eyes but you were the first person in a long time that ever likes them and I’m thankful for that.” She said.
“Don’t mention it.” Gaara said.
“So are you really okay of the pizza thing?” Ashley said. “It sounds like a date than a study session.”
“Good food and books are perfect together.” Gaara said, blushing. “Don’t you think?”
“I guess you are right about that.” Ashley said. “Well I have never gone on a date or study session so I don’t know what to expect. So pizza and books sounds good to me…”
“You never went on a date before?” Gaara asked.
“Yup, I was never very popular.” Ashley said. “Well, that doesn’t matter anyway.”
“Ashley, meet me at the hallway during lunch time.” Naruto whispered.
“Okay…” Ashley whispered back.
“ASHLEY HISATAKE…” Kakashi yelled. “Can you explain to the whole class of what is Anti-Social?”
“Oh… Okay…” She said, staring at him. Everyone was staring at her. Stay calm… Don’t let them think you are stupid. Relax and answer the question. “Anti- Social is when a person doesn’t know how to interact with others. It may seem that they don’t like people, it’s just they don’t know how to deal with people. It’s their greatest fear, to be near others. They are afraid of what people might think of them and as a result, they avoid people leaving them in loneliness.” Like I was… I am not going back there again… “However, people can overcome that fear. You just need to believe in yourself.”
“Excellent…” Kakashi said, smiling. Her answer sound familiar…
“Kakashi, thank you for coming to the funeral yesterday…” Alexia said.
“Your father was a great man, I have to come.” I replied. We were at the park, watching the kids play in the playground. Ashley however was sitting under a tree. “So how is she?”
“She is still sulking.” Alexia said, looking worried. “She hasn’t eaten and even reveals emotions. She doesn’t even smile or laugh anymore like she use to. I am so worried about her. Especially with her friends, they all left her because of her eyes.”
“I am sure things will go well.” Kakashi said.
Turns out that she’s been like this for years and now when she finally came back home, she is starting to feel again. I wonder what the reason for her sudden change is.
Thank god he took that answer… I just made that up… Ashley thought, looking down on her fingers. She then spotted the blood on her uniform. However, I wish I had more time to live…
“Ashley, are you okay?” Gaara asked.
“Yes, I am fine…” Ashley said.
It hit lunchtime and Ashley was waiting in the hallway for Naruto. She then found him with a box. “Naruto, is there something you want to tell me?”
“Ashley, do you remember this?” Naruto said, showing her a box. It had funny drawings on it.
“It’s our dream box when we were kids.” Ashley said, holding it. “You, Sasuke, Shikamaru, Chouji, and I put all of our dreams in that box. I thought it was long gone.”
“No, I kept it because well… I kind a miss you…” Naruto said, scratching his head. “We all did but I kept it just in case you might return to us.” He then hugged her. “I still feel guilty of what I did this morning.”
“Naruto, you are still the same knucklehead.” Ashley said, hugging back. “I told you it was an accident. You don’t need to blame yourself.”
“Naruto…” Hinata said lowly, staring at them secretly. He is hugging her… She is hugging back.. Is she… She can’t be. She just came here.
“I love you so much Ashley. I am so sorry that I hurt you.” Naruto said. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“I love you too Naruto.” She replied. “I already forgave you and it was an accident.” She pulled back and smile. “So what are we going to do with this box?”
“Well, I wanted you to update your dreams. We already did so it’s your turn.” Naruto replied, smiling.
“Alright…” Ashley said. “Come on… I don’t want that loser to be worried about me.”
“Yeah, let’s go.” Naruto said.
“Naruto…” Hinata said, looking sad. He loves her… And she loves him back…
“WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?” Sasuke screamed.
“I was talking to Naruto about something.” Ashley said. “Why were you worried?”
“WHAT DO YOU THINK LOSER?” Sasuke screamed again. He then stared at the blood stains on her uniform. I was worried about you when you were bleeding idiot… I don’t like seeing you hurt.
“Ashley, is that the box?” Chouji asked.
“Yup, I heard you guys updated your dreams so it’s my turn.” Ashley said.
“What do you mean by that?” Sakura asked.
“When we were kids, I had this idea of putting our dreams in a box.” Naruto explained. “And when we accomplished it, we burn it.”
“Yeah, it was funny because the one with the most dreams was Shikamaru.” Chouji said. “Right Shikamaru…”
“What a drag…” Shikamaru said.
“So give me one dream Shikamaru?” Temari whispered in his ear. He blushed, feeling her lips on his ear.
“Well, I wanted a normal life but that didn’t work out.” Shikamaru said, letting out a sigh. “I guess having a normal life is never possible when you have a troublesome woman in your life.”
“And do you have anything regrets?” She asked.
“Never…” Shikamaru said. “I destroy my old dream and replace it with a new one.” He grabbed her hand. “To have an abnormal life with the most troublesome woman in the world, that’s my new dream.”
“So did that come true?” She asked, blushing.
“Yeah and I burned it when it did.” Shikamaru said, kissing her hand.
“So Naruto, what was one of your dreams?” Kiba asked. “To get a girlfriend…”
“Shut it Kiba…” Naruto snapped. “Actually, one of them was for Ashley to come back.”
“Hmmm…Really…” Ashley said, blushing.
“Yup, you were one of my dreams…” Naruto said. “Believe it or not that Sasuke had the same dream…”
“NO I DIDN’T…” Sasuke snapped.
“He’s lying…” Naruto said. “He had the same dream. We burnt it together yesterday night.”
“Ah, you do care about me after all.” Ashley teased. “I am so touched.”
“Sometimes I want to strangle you.” Sasuke said, glaring at her.
“So Ashley, what was your dream?” Ino asked.
“Well, I have to burn mines tonight.” Ashley said, smiling. A dream that I thought it will never come true… I am happy it did before I… “Because one of them came true…”
“What was that?” Tenten asked.
“That I make real friends.” Ashley said. “Well, having these eyes didn’t make me popular.”
“Well, your eyes are cool.” Kiba said, blushing.
“Thank you Kiba…” Ashley said. “Oh, I almost forgot. Aleria and Alexia’s birthday is coming up and they all invited you to a beach party. Aleria is coming down today.”
“REALLY… ALERIA IS REALLY COMING TO KONOHA…” Ino screamed. “She is so my idol.”
“Sorry, Ino is a big fan of Akatsuki especially towards your sister.” Sakura explained.
“There is more news… Deidara and Sasori are coming also.” Sasuke added.
“Oh, I didn’t get that information last night.” Ashley said. “Well, I have no problems with that.”
“You got to be kidding me…” Sasuke said. This girl… She can’t read any clues. She doesn’t know anything about Deidara obsession with her. Pointless… I wonder if she figures out that Kiba has a puppy crush on her.
“Really, wow you know those two.” Neji asked.
“There are normal people… They are not superheroes.” Ashley replied. “I know them because my sister works with them.”
“So that makes you a celebrity.” Shino said.
“Nah, I rather be a normal person.” Ashley said. “Money and Fame doesn’t interest me much.” Why do I have to be the one with pain? Why me??? She gripped her arm. My life is starting to be good and now…
[I]“Ashley, I stopped the bleeding but…” Tsunade said, frowning. “You’re going to…”
“I am going to die am I?” I asked, frowning also. “I knew something like this will happen to me. Tsunade, how much time do I have left?”
“You only have a week to live my dear.” Tsunade said.
I am going to die… And I didn’t… Why???I only have a week to live… I can’t…
[/I]
“Blue, is there something wrong?” Naruto asked.
“No, I am fine…” Ashley said. Well, the best thing to do is enjoy life… And have no regrets… “I am happy to be here that’s all.”
After school, Ashley and Sasuke walked home. “You are not going to tell her aren’t you?” Sasuke asked, walking beside her. “She needs to know.”
“I will but not yet. It’s almost her birthday and I don’t want my medical condition to ruin her happy day.” Ashley said. “Sasuke, there is something I have to tell you but you have to swear that you won’t tell anyone especially Itachi.”
“Alright…” Sasuke said, letting out a sigh. “What is it?”
“I am dying…” Ashley said. Sasuke stopped walking and glared at her. He was shocked. “Sasuke…”
“You can’t…” Sasuke said, grabbing her hand. “Why aren’t you doing anything about it?”
“To buy a mechanical lung requires a lot of money, money that Alexia can’t afford. And asking Aleria is not a position I want to go to.” Ashley explained, looking down. “Sasuke, I think it is best for me to leave this place.”
“NO… YOU ARE NOT LEAVING US…” Sasuke snapped. “Damn you Ashley… We are not going to give up so easily.” He pulled her into his embrace. “I promised to protect you loser and I meant it. Does it mean anything to you?”
“It does Sasuke…” Ashley said. “Please…I don’t want anyone to pity me. “
“I don’t care…” Sasuke said. “I love you loser… I may treat you like dirt but you are my little sister and I love you. I don’t want you to leave me, Itachi, and Alexia. Please stay… We will figure things out…”
“Sasuke…” Ashley said, hugging back. “I love you too big brother.” She leaked tears. “I really don’t want to die.”
“And you won’t… I promise.” Sasuke said, pulling back. “Well, let’s go home. You have to get ready for Gaara right?”
“Okay…” Ashley said, smiling. He wiped her tears. “So you really do love me?”
“Yeah… You have a problem… Just don’t take it the wrong way loser.” Sasuke said, smiling.
“Of course because I wouldn’t date you too. You are such a damn loser.” Ashley teased. “But having you as a big brother is good enough for me…”
“Very Funny Ashley…” Sasuke said, walking. When they made it to house, a surprise was waiting for them in the living room. “Aleria…”
“Guess who is finally here…” Alexia said, grinning. She was standing beside her twin sister.
“Sasuke, you look so handsome.” Aleria said, hugging him. She had long light orange hair not has dark as Alexia and had the same golden eyes. She pulled back and glare at Ashley. “Ashley, it’s good to see you.”
“Yeah…” Ashley replied. Why does she always hug him instead of me? She gave her a fake smile. Remember Ashley, you promised Alexia that you will be good while she is here. She then felt warm arms around her waist. “Hmmm…” She turned and found Deidara. “Deidara…”
“Hey Blueberry…” Deidara said, smiling. He moved towards her ear. “I missed you.”
“The name is Ashley loser…” Sasuke snapped. “And let go of her you pervert.”
“Sasuke, I forgot you are here too.” Deidara said, sniffing her hair. I was waiting for this day for a long time now. I was dreaming to see you again Ashley. “Blueberry, you smell beautiful.”
“Can you let go off me now? I have to get ready.” Ashley said, turning to him. “I am meeting someone and I can do that if you are locking me up in your arms Deidara.”
“Hmmm… You are meeting someone.” Deidara said. “Who?”
“Someone that knows my real name…” Ashley said, pulling away. Then Sasori walked towards them. “Sasori…”
“Ashley, you’ve grown.” Sasori said, smiling. “I brought you a puppet.” He pulled out a puppet that looked just like her. “I hope you like it.”
“It’s a mini me… It’s so cool.” Ashley said, grabbing it. “I like it Sasori, thank you very much.”
“I see you all are getting along.” A voice said, they turned and found Itachi. “I thought I heard familiar voices.”
“Itachi, it’s good to see you‘re not dead.” Deidara teased.
“I see that your mouth is bigger as usual Deidara.” Itachi replied.
“NO IT’S NOT…” Deidara screamed.
“Well, if you all will excuse me I have to get ready.” Ashley said, bowing down. “It is good to see you all.”
“Ashley, we are having a dinner tonight. Please don’t be late.” Alexia said. “It will be at the Toad Stool…”
“WHAT…” Ashley screamed. Everyone stared at her. “I mean… I can’t wait… But can we pick someplace else.”
“Yeah Alexia…” Sasuke agreed. “Someplace better…”
“But…”
“Darling, I will think of something.” Itachi said, kissing his girlfriend cheek. “They kids are right for once. Your sister is here so she deserves the best.” He stared at Ashley. She is hiding something… I guess I should talk to her… Ashley walked up to her room. “Ashley…”
“Yes Itachi…” Ashley replied.
“I sense that you are hiding something my dear sister.” Itachi said. “Is there something wrong? You overreacted when you heard the word Toad Stool.”
“Itachi…” Ashley said.
“You’re hiding something Ashley. “Itachi said, pinning her to the wall. “Look, I am worried just like Alexia and Sasuke is worried about you. Please tell me.”
“Itachi, I sing there secretly… I don’t want anyone to know about it because well… I don’t want any drama.” Ashley replied, looking away. “Please, don’t tell Alexia and Aleria.”
“So you are a singer.” Itachi said. “And here I thought you were dealing drugs.”
“No Itachi, I wasn’t. I will never do such thing. Honest…” Ashley said. “You see yesterday, I was performing so that is the reason why I wore a dress and Sasuke found out but he was in disguise with my other friends.”
“I see… Ashley, I hope I didn’t…”
“No Itachi, your intentions were good.” Ashley said, smiling. “I know you are just looking after me.”
“Well, I guess I can leave you now, knowing that you are not doing anything dangerous.” Itachi said, letting go of her. “Ashley, have fun today and stay out of trouble. And I really do care for you not because I am dating your sister. I really do care.”
“Thank you Itachi…” Ashley said, walking in her room. It was empty. I forgot, I took all my clothes in Sasuke room last night and put all my belonging in the closet… She walked out the door and walked towards Sasuke’s room. Sasuke, is still downstairs so he wouldn’t mind if I used his shower. She walked to the door and there was a lock. What is wrong with this guy? Having a password lock system on his bedroom door… She typed in something and the door was open. “That was easy.” She walked in and found her things. “I guess I have to get ready.” She took off her uniform and headed to the shower.
Meanwhile…
“Stupid Deidara… All he talks about is her…” Sasuke said, walking upstairs. Yeah, Ashley is cute and all but all the things he said about her was beyond wrong. She likes pink… As if… Ashley hates it. She likes fish… What an idiot… She is allergic to seafood. Ashley loves to swim… WRONG… She doesn’t know how to swim. Things he say was not even true. He doesn’t know a thing about her… He walked to his door and found it opened. “WHAT…” He stormed in and heard his shower on. He walked in and found someone in the shower. “WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?”
“Sasuke…” Ashley said, moving the curtains. She was naked in front of him. “What are you doing?”
“ASHLEY… COVER YOUSELF…” Sasuke snapped, covering his eyes but he was looking through the gaps on his fingers. His nose was squirting out blood. “HURRY UP LOSER…”
“I’m sorry…” She said, walking out and grabbing a towel. “I’ve forgotten that you are still new in naked women.”
“Shut it Ashley…” Sasuke snapped. “Anyway, how did you know my password?”
“It’s simple… I know you big brother. You wouldn’t have a password that resembles something that everyone knows you like. I found out on my first day on school, when you were staring at something that you secretly love dearly.” Ashley explained, walking pass him to get her clothes. “So you love Sakura… How ironic? She loved you when we were kids but you avoided her and now the tables have turn. It’s weird how life works. ”
“It was that obvious…” Sasuke said, sitting on his bed. “She doesn’t feel the same for me anymore. She likes this guy name Sai.”
“What made you conclude that?” Ashley asked, walking back to the bathroom.
“Well…”
I was walking in the hallway. I was looking for her and when I did, she was with him.
“Sakura, I really love the way you smile.” Sai said, smiling. “You look very cute.”
“Thank you Sai.” She said, blushing. “That was very sweet of you.” She was blushing in front of him. She used to do it to me.
“May I interest you for a night out?” Sai asked.
“Sai, I have to think about it.” Sakura said, smiling.
“She still loves you loser.” Ashley said.
“What???” Sasuke asked. “How can you possible know that?”
“I know… You see, Sakura thought she was a fool because she had loved a boy for a very long time and he hasn’t returned her feelings to her. So she is struggling to give up on you.” Ashley explained. “You in the other hand are afraid that she might turn you down like you did to her. But she won’t. I guarantee that.”
“You sound like an expert.” Sasuke replied.
“Well, it is what you get when you read a lot.” Ashley replied, walking out the bathroom. She was wearing baggy army green jeans and a white tank top that reach below her breast. “Look, do you really love this girl?”
“Yeah…”
“Then I have a plan…” Ashley said, smiling. She sat beside him. “And I guarantee it will work.”
“Alright… I am in.” Sasuke said. “But I…I don’t know if she…”
“Don’t worry I got this…” She said.
“ASHLEY, YOUR FRIEND IS HERE…” Alexia called.
“COMING…” Ashley replied. “We can do it today.”
“WHAT???” Sasuke snapped. “Are you crazy?”
“Insanity runs in the family…” Ashley said, giggling. “Well, I have to get downstairs… We will wait for you. I promise to make your dreams come true.”
“Since when you want to promise me something?” He asked.
“When you became my big brother…” Ashley replied. “Hurry up okay…”
“Okay…” Sasuke said, watching her leave. Ashley, thank you… I guess you finally opened up. She walked downstairs and found Gaara in the living room.
“Gaara, you’re here…” She said, smiling. “We have to wait for Sasuke…”
“Hmmm…” Gaara said, staring at her. He doesn’t even trust me to be alone with her… I am not going to rape her even though she is so… DAMN IT… SHUT IT…
“My Blueberry, you look so cute…” Deidara praised, hugging her from behind. Ashley didn’t say a word. She pulled away from him and walked towards Gaara and grabbed his hand. She chooses him over me… He doesn’t even have eyebrows…
“Come on… I have something to show you…” Ashley said, pulling him away.
“She is in a cheerful mood.” Aleria said, staring at her little sister.
“She is opening up and it’s obvious why.” Alexia said, giggling. “Young Love…”
“It’s good that she is opening up.” Sasori said. “I was worried about her. I heard that she wasn’t very social.”
“Don’t worry Sasori, she made a lot of friends in school. Itachi and I visited her on her first day and she had more friends than usual.” Alexia said. “So she is perfectly fine and I am so happy.”
“Ashley, where are we going?” Gaara asked. She didn’t reply. They walked into a room and she went into a closet. “Ashley…” She came out with red guitar. “Wow, she is a beauty.”
“I want you to have it.” Ashley said, smiling. “It needs a master that can play her every day. She has been hiding in the closet like forever so I want you to have it.”
“Really…” Gaara said, smiling.
“Yeah, I told you I love red…” Ashley said. I know that it will be to a better owner… Before I… “Gaara, I know you will take good care of it.”
“Thank you.” He said, grabbing it.
“Also, I wanted to ask you a favor.” Ashley said. “It’s involving Sasuke and Sakura… Can you help me?”
“Sure…” Gaara said. “What is it?”
A few minutes pass and Sasuke got done getting ready. He walked outside his door and found Ashley and Gaara in her room, chattering and laughing. Gaara and Ashley… I guess you found your match Ashley Hisatake. He let out a smile. “Hey, you guys… So where are we going?”
“You will see…” Ashley said. “Come on…” She was walking ahead of them.
“Is she really this cheerful?” Gaara asked.
“Yeah… When she lost her father, she wasn’t the same.” Sasuke answered. “She hardly smiles or laughs… She just walks around like a zombie. Her sister Alexia said that she was always into fights in her old school because of her eyes and blue hair. Not a lot of people like her so Alexia transfer her job here.”
“So is that the real reason for the move.” Gaara asked.
“Yeah, she doesn’t like reflecting on the past but somehow it always haunts her mind.” Sasuke said. “I guess coming back here made her happy and having friends that accepted her also made her happy.”
“Sister, we will back and Sasuke will be with me so don’t worry.” Ashley said, bowing to her sisters.
“Have fun…” Alexia said, giving her a wink.
“Okay…” Ashley said. “Come on Sasuke…Gaara… We are going to be late…”
“Late for what???” Sasuke asked.
“You’ll see…” Gaara said, following her. They were at the Toad Stool and Gaara and Ashley disappeared.
“Where are they?” Sasuke asked, looking around. There were no signs of them anywhere. “I am going to kill that girl.”
“Sasuke…” A voice said. He turned and found Sakura in a red dress. Her hair was in a bun and decorated with roses. “Hello, I didn’t know you will be here.”
“Sakura…” Sasuke said, blushing. Ashley, how did you? She is so beautiful… “Wow…”
“Ashley told me that she needs my help.” Sakura said, blushing. He is so cute… Sakura, please stop… You are not going to be an idiot anymore. “Where is she?”
“I was looking for her.” Sasuke said. “Sakura, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you Sasuke…” Sakura said, blushing. He called me beautiful… Is this a dream?
“Alright everyone, how is everyone today.” Ashley said, standing up on stage with Gaara. Everyone replied with cheering. “We have a special treat for you all today. My partner Gaara and I will do a duet.” I know this is going to work. “So please grab a lover and head down to the dance floor. Then the piano started playing. People started walking to the dance floor.
“Heartbeat… Heartbeat… Heartbeat…” Gaara sang.
“Heartbeat…” Ashley sang.
“I saw you talking on the phone; I know that you are not alone.” Gaara said, staring at Ashley. “But you’re stealing my heart away. Yah, you’re stealing my heart away.”
“Sakura, do you want to dance?” Sasuke said, offering his hand in front of her. He was blushing.
“I will love to.” Sakura said, grabbing it and following him to the dance floor.
“You’re acting like you’re on your own.” Ashley sang. “But I saw staying with a girl uh…” She walked towards Gaara. “Stop trying to steal my heart away. Stop trying to steal my heart away.”
“I don’t know where we’re going. I don’t know who we are.” They sang.
“But I can feel your heartbeat. I can feel your heartbeat.” Gaara sang, grabbing her hand.
“You say to me…” She sang in reply.
“I can feel your heartbeat…”
“Running through me… “
“Feel your heartbeat… She said…”
“I can feel your heartbeat.” Ashley sang, pushing him away. He fell of stage and landed on his feet. He then started kneeling.
“You say to me…” He sang in reply.
“I can feel your heartbeat…”
“Running through me…” He said. She jumped and he caught her.
“They look cute.” Sakura said, smiling. “They are the perfect duet.”
“You look even cuter.” Sasuke replied. She blushed when she heard that. Here it goes… Ashley, I hope you are right about this. “Sakura, there is something that I am meaning to tell you.”
“What is it Sasuke…” Sakura asked. Is he really going to say what I think he is going to say? He led her in a slow dance.
“Maybe is the way you move. You got me dreaming like a fool.” Gaara sang, watching Ashley swag her body around the floor. I CAN’T BE IN LOVE… I CAN’T… “That I can steal your heart away… I can steal your heart away…” This girl can’t take my heart so easily. Can she?
“No matter what it is you think, I am not the kind of girl to blink.” Ashley sang. I… Oh no… On no… I can’t be in love… “And give my heart away. Stop trying to steal my heart away.”
“I don’t know where we’re going. I don’t know who we are.” They sang.
“But I can feel your heartbeat. I can feel your heartbeat.” Gaara sang, grabbing her hand. They were waltzing on the dance floor.
“You say to me…” She sang in reply. He grabbed her waist and led her around.
“I can feel your heartbeat…”
“Running through me… “
“Feel your heartbeat… She said…”
“I can feel your heartbeat.” Ashley sang.
“You say to me…” He sang in reply.
“I can feel your heartbeat…”
“Running through me…” He said.
“Sakura, I love you…” Sasuke said, looking away. “If you don’t feel the same way then I understand…”
“Sasuke, I love you too.” Sakura said, smiling. “I always did.” He bends down and kissed her.
“We did it…” Ashley said, watching them. Sasuke, you owe me big time. I am going to force you to take me to the library and buy me lunch after this. “Thank you Gaara…”
“You’re welcome.” Gaara said, smiling. If I am really in love with this girl, does she feel the same? “So are we still up for pizza?” Or she still thinks of me as a friend?
“You bet… Come on…” Ashley said. “They need some time alone.”
“You finally decided to join us.” Kakashi said, staring at them. Hmm… Blood… “Care to explain what happened.”
“Ah…we were at the Principle Office.” Naruto said. “Something came up…”
“Yeah, nothing bad though…” Ashley added.
“I see well take your seats.” Kakashi said. They walked to their seats, avoiding eye contact. “Let’s get on to today’s lesson shall we.”
“Good morning…” Gaara whispered.
“Good morning.” Ashley whispered back.
She has blood on her uniform… Did something happen? Gaara thought, turning his gaze to Sasuke. Sasuke also has blood on his uniform…“Ashley, did something happen this morning? You have blood on your uniform.”
“Don’t worry about it Gaara. Everything is okay.” Ashley said, letting out a smile.
“Okay…” He said. She is hiding something… “So, may I ask you some questions? It’s my turn.”
“Yeah, you may…” She said.
“I will start easy for you.” Gaara said. “Tell me about your family…”
“Well, that does sound easy…” She said. “I have two older sisters that are twins. They are both 25 and will be 26 within three days.”
“Really?” Gaara said. “That is good to hear.”
“Yeah, Alexia is a doctor in the Konoha Infirmary and is dating Itachi Uchiha. She is optimistic, always seeing the good in everyone and you hardly see her mad. You will always see a smile on her face.” Ashley explained. “Aleria, is the oldest and we both know that she is the pianist in the Akatsuki. She is very short temper and well...” She paused and let out a frown. That’s all I know about her… “Music helps her control her temper.” Well, I really don’t know about that but it’s good.
“And your parents…”
“I…” She said then she turned silent.
“Oh, you don’t need to…” Gaara swiftly said. “This was a bad idea.”
“Oh, it’s okay. It wasn’t a bad idea. I was just shock.” She replied. “When I came to this world, my mother died giving birth to me. I don’t know anything about my mom only my sisters. All I know is that the twins look just like her. My father was in grieved for a while but he didn’t let that stop him from loving his girls. He raised me without another woman in his life. Also I was raised by other men.”
“What???”
“I mean is that my father used to work in the Police Force so he brought me along every time he goes to work while my sister goes to school. The Police Officers there were friendly and taught me stuff and that is where I met Sasuke. His father was working there as well. Then one rainy day, my father and I were on our way home. Then the car went out of control and we crashed. My father died and I was barely alive. Tsunade was my doctor.”
“I’m sorry…” He said. Everything was silent. “Is that how you got your eyes?”
“Yes, it is… You see, I have two choices to be blind or have weird looking eyes.” Ashley said. “You know my decision.”
“You made the right choice because I like your eyes.” Gaara said.
“Why?” She asked.
“Well, they are different, yet unique. A very rare quality…” Gaara answered. “They’re not plain… They’re something that you want to see every day.”
“Thank you…” Ashley said. “I like my eyes too.”
“So what is your favorite place in the whole world?” Gaara asked.
“Well, I don’t have a favorite place but I always dreamt of a place that I always wanted to go to. Someplace high but has natural beauty. Where there are a lot of trees and flowers.” Ashley explained. “But I never found a place like that yet.”
“Hmmm….” Gaara said. “One more question and we will save the rest for later…”
“Okay…” Ashley said.
“Do you like pizza?” He asked. She then let out a giggle.
“Yup, I love pizza.” She said. “Especially when its cold pizza but I don’t mind warm pizza too so yeah I love pizza.”
“Good, because I am treating…” Gaara said.
“But…”
“No buts…” Gaara said. “I am going to give you a good day today. Sasuke said that you never go out very often and I don’t know that is true because of your little secret. But I just want you to know that I am not going to betray your trust.”
“I know… I can see it in your eyes.” Ashley said. “Eyes can tell a lot about a person.”
“Really… So what do you know about me just by staring into my eyes?” Gaara asked. She cupped his cheek. He blushed when he felt her fingers, smoothing his skin.
“You suffered a lot of pain in your childhood.” Ashley said, staring at him. “You were always alone and you tried to prove to the world that your life is important. If it wasn’t for a certain person, you will be swallowed by darkness.” She smoothed his forehead. “That mark reminds you of the pain you suffered but it also gives you an opportunity to make new memories.” She then let out a small grin. “And you are now living a good life. Was I wrong?”
“No, you were right in all points.” Gaara said, grabbing her hand. “You’re very good.”
“Thank you…” She replied. “But there is something I want to tell you Gaara.”
“What is it?”
“Thank you for not judging me. You were the first person that ever liked my eyes. Well Naruto, Sasuke, Chouji, and Shikamaru know about my eyes but you were the first person in a long time that ever likes them and I’m thankful for that.” She said.
“Don’t mention it.” Gaara said.
“So are you really okay of the pizza thing?” Ashley said. “It sounds like a date than a study session.”
“Good food and books are perfect together.” Gaara said, blushing. “Don’t you think?”
“I guess you are right about that.” Ashley said. “Well I have never gone on a date or study session so I don’t know what to expect. So pizza and books sounds good to me…”
“You never went on a date before?” Gaara asked.
“Yup, I was never very popular.” Ashley said. “Well, that doesn’t matter anyway.”
“Ashley, meet me at the hallway during lunch time.” Naruto whispered.
“Okay…” Ashley whispered back.
“ASHLEY HISATAKE…” Kakashi yelled. “Can you explain to the whole class of what is Anti-Social?”
“Oh… Okay…” She said, staring at him. Everyone was staring at her. Stay calm… Don’t let them think you are stupid. Relax and answer the question. “Anti- Social is when a person doesn’t know how to interact with others. It may seem that they don’t like people, it’s just they don’t know how to deal with people. It’s their greatest fear, to be near others. They are afraid of what people might think of them and as a result, they avoid people leaving them in loneliness.” Like I was… I am not going back there again… “However, people can overcome that fear. You just need to believe in yourself.”
“Excellent…” Kakashi said, smiling. Her answer sound familiar…
“Kakashi, thank you for coming to the funeral yesterday…” Alexia said.
“Your father was a great man, I have to come.” I replied. We were at the park, watching the kids play in the playground. Ashley however was sitting under a tree. “So how is she?”
“She is still sulking.” Alexia said, looking worried. “She hasn’t eaten and even reveals emotions. She doesn’t even smile or laugh anymore like she use to. I am so worried about her. Especially with her friends, they all left her because of her eyes.”
“I am sure things will go well.” Kakashi said.
Turns out that she’s been like this for years and now when she finally came back home, she is starting to feel again. I wonder what the reason for her sudden change is.
Thank god he took that answer… I just made that up… Ashley thought, looking down on her fingers. She then spotted the blood on her uniform. However, I wish I had more time to live…
“Ashley, are you okay?” Gaara asked.
“Yes, I am fine…” Ashley said.
It hit lunchtime and Ashley was waiting in the hallway for Naruto. She then found him with a box. “Naruto, is there something you want to tell me?”
“Ashley, do you remember this?” Naruto said, showing her a box. It had funny drawings on it.
“It’s our dream box when we were kids.” Ashley said, holding it. “You, Sasuke, Shikamaru, Chouji, and I put all of our dreams in that box. I thought it was long gone.”
“No, I kept it because well… I kind a miss you…” Naruto said, scratching his head. “We all did but I kept it just in case you might return to us.” He then hugged her. “I still feel guilty of what I did this morning.”
“Naruto, you are still the same knucklehead.” Ashley said, hugging back. “I told you it was an accident. You don’t need to blame yourself.”
“Naruto…” Hinata said lowly, staring at them secretly. He is hugging her… She is hugging back.. Is she… She can’t be. She just came here.
“I love you so much Ashley. I am so sorry that I hurt you.” Naruto said. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“I love you too Naruto.” She replied. “I already forgave you and it was an accident.” She pulled back and smile. “So what are we going to do with this box?”
“Well, I wanted you to update your dreams. We already did so it’s your turn.” Naruto replied, smiling.
“Alright…” Ashley said. “Come on… I don’t want that loser to be worried about me.”
“Yeah, let’s go.” Naruto said.
“Naruto…” Hinata said, looking sad. He loves her… And she loves him back…
“WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?” Sasuke screamed.
“I was talking to Naruto about something.” Ashley said. “Why were you worried?”
“WHAT DO YOU THINK LOSER?” Sasuke screamed again. He then stared at the blood stains on her uniform. I was worried about you when you were bleeding idiot… I don’t like seeing you hurt.
“Ashley, is that the box?” Chouji asked.
“Yup, I heard you guys updated your dreams so it’s my turn.” Ashley said.
“What do you mean by that?” Sakura asked.
“When we were kids, I had this idea of putting our dreams in a box.” Naruto explained. “And when we accomplished it, we burn it.”
“Yeah, it was funny because the one with the most dreams was Shikamaru.” Chouji said. “Right Shikamaru…”
“What a drag…” Shikamaru said.
“So give me one dream Shikamaru?” Temari whispered in his ear. He blushed, feeling her lips on his ear.
“Well, I wanted a normal life but that didn’t work out.” Shikamaru said, letting out a sigh. “I guess having a normal life is never possible when you have a troublesome woman in your life.”
“And do you have anything regrets?” She asked.
“Never…” Shikamaru said. “I destroy my old dream and replace it with a new one.” He grabbed her hand. “To have an abnormal life with the most troublesome woman in the world, that’s my new dream.”
“So did that come true?” She asked, blushing.
“Yeah and I burned it when it did.” Shikamaru said, kissing her hand.
“So Naruto, what was one of your dreams?” Kiba asked. “To get a girlfriend…”
“Shut it Kiba…” Naruto snapped. “Actually, one of them was for Ashley to come back.”
“Hmmm…Really…” Ashley said, blushing.
“Yup, you were one of my dreams…” Naruto said. “Believe it or not that Sasuke had the same dream…”
“NO I DIDN’T…” Sasuke snapped.
“He’s lying…” Naruto said. “He had the same dream. We burnt it together yesterday night.”
“Ah, you do care about me after all.” Ashley teased. “I am so touched.”
“Sometimes I want to strangle you.” Sasuke said, glaring at her.
“So Ashley, what was your dream?” Ino asked.
“Well, I have to burn mines tonight.” Ashley said, smiling. A dream that I thought it will never come true… I am happy it did before I… “Because one of them came true…”
“What was that?” Tenten asked.
“That I make real friends.” Ashley said. “Well, having these eyes didn’t make me popular.”
“Well, your eyes are cool.” Kiba said, blushing.
“Thank you Kiba…” Ashley said. “Oh, I almost forgot. Aleria and Alexia’s birthday is coming up and they all invited you to a beach party. Aleria is coming down today.”
“REALLY… ALERIA IS REALLY COMING TO KONOHA…” Ino screamed. “She is so my idol.”
“Sorry, Ino is a big fan of Akatsuki especially towards your sister.” Sakura explained.
“There is more news… Deidara and Sasori are coming also.” Sasuke added.
“Oh, I didn’t get that information last night.” Ashley said. “Well, I have no problems with that.”
“You got to be kidding me…” Sasuke said. This girl… She can’t read any clues. She doesn’t know anything about Deidara obsession with her. Pointless… I wonder if she figures out that Kiba has a puppy crush on her.
“Really, wow you know those two.” Neji asked.
“There are normal people… They are not superheroes.” Ashley replied. “I know them because my sister works with them.”
“So that makes you a celebrity.” Shino said.
“Nah, I rather be a normal person.” Ashley said. “Money and Fame doesn’t interest me much.” Why do I have to be the one with pain? Why me??? She gripped her arm. My life is starting to be good and now…
[I]“Ashley, I stopped the bleeding but…” Tsunade said, frowning. “You’re going to…”
“I am going to die am I?” I asked, frowning also. “I knew something like this will happen to me. Tsunade, how much time do I have left?”
“You only have a week to live my dear.” Tsunade said.
I am going to die… And I didn’t… Why???I only have a week to live… I can’t…
[/I]
“Blue, is there something wrong?” Naruto asked.
“No, I am fine…” Ashley said. Well, the best thing to do is enjoy life… And have no regrets… “I am happy to be here that’s all.”
After school, Ashley and Sasuke walked home. “You are not going to tell her aren’t you?” Sasuke asked, walking beside her. “She needs to know.”
“I will but not yet. It’s almost her birthday and I don’t want my medical condition to ruin her happy day.” Ashley said. “Sasuke, there is something I have to tell you but you have to swear that you won’t tell anyone especially Itachi.”
“Alright…” Sasuke said, letting out a sigh. “What is it?”
“I am dying…” Ashley said. Sasuke stopped walking and glared at her. He was shocked. “Sasuke…”
“You can’t…” Sasuke said, grabbing her hand. “Why aren’t you doing anything about it?”
“To buy a mechanical lung requires a lot of money, money that Alexia can’t afford. And asking Aleria is not a position I want to go to.” Ashley explained, looking down. “Sasuke, I think it is best for me to leave this place.”
“NO… YOU ARE NOT LEAVING US…” Sasuke snapped. “Damn you Ashley… We are not going to give up so easily.” He pulled her into his embrace. “I promised to protect you loser and I meant it. Does it mean anything to you?”
“It does Sasuke…” Ashley said. “Please…I don’t want anyone to pity me. “
“I don’t care…” Sasuke said. “I love you loser… I may treat you like dirt but you are my little sister and I love you. I don’t want you to leave me, Itachi, and Alexia. Please stay… We will figure things out…”
“Sasuke…” Ashley said, hugging back. “I love you too big brother.” She leaked tears. “I really don’t want to die.”
“And you won’t… I promise.” Sasuke said, pulling back. “Well, let’s go home. You have to get ready for Gaara right?”
“Okay…” Ashley said, smiling. He wiped her tears. “So you really do love me?”
“Yeah… You have a problem… Just don’t take it the wrong way loser.” Sasuke said, smiling.
“Of course because I wouldn’t date you too. You are such a damn loser.” Ashley teased. “But having you as a big brother is good enough for me…”
“Very Funny Ashley…” Sasuke said, walking. When they made it to house, a surprise was waiting for them in the living room. “Aleria…”
“Guess who is finally here…” Alexia said, grinning. She was standing beside her twin sister.
“Sasuke, you look so handsome.” Aleria said, hugging him. She had long light orange hair not has dark as Alexia and had the same golden eyes. She pulled back and glare at Ashley. “Ashley, it’s good to see you.”
“Yeah…” Ashley replied. Why does she always hug him instead of me? She gave her a fake smile. Remember Ashley, you promised Alexia that you will be good while she is here. She then felt warm arms around her waist. “Hmmm…” She turned and found Deidara. “Deidara…”
“Hey Blueberry…” Deidara said, smiling. He moved towards her ear. “I missed you.”
“The name is Ashley loser…” Sasuke snapped. “And let go of her you pervert.”
“Sasuke, I forgot you are here too.” Deidara said, sniffing her hair. I was waiting for this day for a long time now. I was dreaming to see you again Ashley. “Blueberry, you smell beautiful.”
“Can you let go off me now? I have to get ready.” Ashley said, turning to him. “I am meeting someone and I can do that if you are locking me up in your arms Deidara.”
“Hmmm… You are meeting someone.” Deidara said. “Who?”
“Someone that knows my real name…” Ashley said, pulling away. Then Sasori walked towards them. “Sasori…”
“Ashley, you’ve grown.” Sasori said, smiling. “I brought you a puppet.” He pulled out a puppet that looked just like her. “I hope you like it.”
“It’s a mini me… It’s so cool.” Ashley said, grabbing it. “I like it Sasori, thank you very much.”
“I see you all are getting along.” A voice said, they turned and found Itachi. “I thought I heard familiar voices.”
“Itachi, it’s good to see you‘re not dead.” Deidara teased.
“I see that your mouth is bigger as usual Deidara.” Itachi replied.
“NO IT’S NOT…” Deidara screamed.
“Well, if you all will excuse me I have to get ready.” Ashley said, bowing down. “It is good to see you all.”
“Ashley, we are having a dinner tonight. Please don’t be late.” Alexia said. “It will be at the Toad Stool…”
“WHAT…” Ashley screamed. Everyone stared at her. “I mean… I can’t wait… But can we pick someplace else.”
“Yeah Alexia…” Sasuke agreed. “Someplace better…”
“But…”
“Darling, I will think of something.” Itachi said, kissing his girlfriend cheek. “They kids are right for once. Your sister is here so she deserves the best.” He stared at Ashley. She is hiding something… I guess I should talk to her… Ashley walked up to her room. “Ashley…”
“Yes Itachi…” Ashley replied.
“I sense that you are hiding something my dear sister.” Itachi said. “Is there something wrong? You overreacted when you heard the word Toad Stool.”
“Itachi…” Ashley said.
“You’re hiding something Ashley. “Itachi said, pinning her to the wall. “Look, I am worried just like Alexia and Sasuke is worried about you. Please tell me.”
“Itachi, I sing there secretly… I don’t want anyone to know about it because well… I don’t want any drama.” Ashley replied, looking away. “Please, don’t tell Alexia and Aleria.”
“So you are a singer.” Itachi said. “And here I thought you were dealing drugs.”
“No Itachi, I wasn’t. I will never do such thing. Honest…” Ashley said. “You see yesterday, I was performing so that is the reason why I wore a dress and Sasuke found out but he was in disguise with my other friends.”
“I see… Ashley, I hope I didn’t…”
“No Itachi, your intentions were good.” Ashley said, smiling. “I know you are just looking after me.”
“Well, I guess I can leave you now, knowing that you are not doing anything dangerous.” Itachi said, letting go of her. “Ashley, have fun today and stay out of trouble. And I really do care for you not because I am dating your sister. I really do care.”
“Thank you Itachi…” Ashley said, walking in her room. It was empty. I forgot, I took all my clothes in Sasuke room last night and put all my belonging in the closet… She walked out the door and walked towards Sasuke’s room. Sasuke, is still downstairs so he wouldn’t mind if I used his shower. She walked to the door and there was a lock. What is wrong with this guy? Having a password lock system on his bedroom door… She typed in something and the door was open. “That was easy.” She walked in and found her things. “I guess I have to get ready.” She took off her uniform and headed to the shower.
Meanwhile…
“Stupid Deidara… All he talks about is her…” Sasuke said, walking upstairs. Yeah, Ashley is cute and all but all the things he said about her was beyond wrong. She likes pink… As if… Ashley hates it. She likes fish… What an idiot… She is allergic to seafood. Ashley loves to swim… WRONG… She doesn’t know how to swim. Things he say was not even true. He doesn’t know a thing about her… He walked to his door and found it opened. “WHAT…” He stormed in and heard his shower on. He walked in and found someone in the shower. “WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?”
“Sasuke…” Ashley said, moving the curtains. She was naked in front of him. “What are you doing?”
“ASHLEY… COVER YOUSELF…” Sasuke snapped, covering his eyes but he was looking through the gaps on his fingers. His nose was squirting out blood. “HURRY UP LOSER…”
“I’m sorry…” She said, walking out and grabbing a towel. “I’ve forgotten that you are still new in naked women.”
“Shut it Ashley…” Sasuke snapped. “Anyway, how did you know my password?”
“It’s simple… I know you big brother. You wouldn’t have a password that resembles something that everyone knows you like. I found out on my first day on school, when you were staring at something that you secretly love dearly.” Ashley explained, walking pass him to get her clothes. “So you love Sakura… How ironic? She loved you when we were kids but you avoided her and now the tables have turn. It’s weird how life works. ”
“It was that obvious…” Sasuke said, sitting on his bed. “She doesn’t feel the same for me anymore. She likes this guy name Sai.”
“What made you conclude that?” Ashley asked, walking back to the bathroom.
“Well…”
I was walking in the hallway. I was looking for her and when I did, she was with him.
“Sakura, I really love the way you smile.” Sai said, smiling. “You look very cute.”
“Thank you Sai.” She said, blushing. “That was very sweet of you.” She was blushing in front of him. She used to do it to me.
“May I interest you for a night out?” Sai asked.
“Sai, I have to think about it.” Sakura said, smiling.
“She still loves you loser.” Ashley said.
“What???” Sasuke asked. “How can you possible know that?”
“I know… You see, Sakura thought she was a fool because she had loved a boy for a very long time and he hasn’t returned her feelings to her. So she is struggling to give up on you.” Ashley explained. “You in the other hand are afraid that she might turn you down like you did to her. But she won’t. I guarantee that.”
“You sound like an expert.” Sasuke replied.
“Well, it is what you get when you read a lot.” Ashley replied, walking out the bathroom. She was wearing baggy army green jeans and a white tank top that reach below her breast. “Look, do you really love this girl?”
“Yeah…”
“Then I have a plan…” Ashley said, smiling. She sat beside him. “And I guarantee it will work.”
“Alright… I am in.” Sasuke said. “But I…I don’t know if she…”
“Don’t worry I got this…” She said.
“ASHLEY, YOUR FRIEND IS HERE…” Alexia called.
“COMING…” Ashley replied. “We can do it today.”
“WHAT???” Sasuke snapped. “Are you crazy?”
“Insanity runs in the family…” Ashley said, giggling. “Well, I have to get downstairs… We will wait for you. I promise to make your dreams come true.”
“Since when you want to promise me something?” He asked.
“When you became my big brother…” Ashley replied. “Hurry up okay…”
“Okay…” Sasuke said, watching her leave. Ashley, thank you… I guess you finally opened up. She walked downstairs and found Gaara in the living room.
“Gaara, you’re here…” She said, smiling. “We have to wait for Sasuke…”
“Hmmm…” Gaara said, staring at her. He doesn’t even trust me to be alone with her… I am not going to rape her even though she is so… DAMN IT… SHUT IT…
“My Blueberry, you look so cute…” Deidara praised, hugging her from behind. Ashley didn’t say a word. She pulled away from him and walked towards Gaara and grabbed his hand. She chooses him over me… He doesn’t even have eyebrows…
“Come on… I have something to show you…” Ashley said, pulling him away.
“She is in a cheerful mood.” Aleria said, staring at her little sister.
“She is opening up and it’s obvious why.” Alexia said, giggling. “Young Love…”
“It’s good that she is opening up.” Sasori said. “I was worried about her. I heard that she wasn’t very social.”
“Don’t worry Sasori, she made a lot of friends in school. Itachi and I visited her on her first day and she had more friends than usual.” Alexia said. “So she is perfectly fine and I am so happy.”
“Ashley, where are we going?” Gaara asked. She didn’t reply. They walked into a room and she went into a closet. “Ashley…” She came out with red guitar. “Wow, she is a beauty.”
“I want you to have it.” Ashley said, smiling. “It needs a master that can play her every day. She has been hiding in the closet like forever so I want you to have it.”
“Really…” Gaara said, smiling.
“Yeah, I told you I love red…” Ashley said. I know that it will be to a better owner… Before I… “Gaara, I know you will take good care of it.”
“Thank you.” He said, grabbing it.
“Also, I wanted to ask you a favor.” Ashley said. “It’s involving Sasuke and Sakura… Can you help me?”
“Sure…” Gaara said. “What is it?”
A few minutes pass and Sasuke got done getting ready. He walked outside his door and found Ashley and Gaara in her room, chattering and laughing. Gaara and Ashley… I guess you found your match Ashley Hisatake. He let out a smile. “Hey, you guys… So where are we going?”
“You will see…” Ashley said. “Come on…” She was walking ahead of them.
“Is she really this cheerful?” Gaara asked.
“Yeah… When she lost her father, she wasn’t the same.” Sasuke answered. “She hardly smiles or laughs… She just walks around like a zombie. Her sister Alexia said that she was always into fights in her old school because of her eyes and blue hair. Not a lot of people like her so Alexia transfer her job here.”
“So is that the real reason for the move.” Gaara asked.
“Yeah, she doesn’t like reflecting on the past but somehow it always haunts her mind.” Sasuke said. “I guess coming back here made her happy and having friends that accepted her also made her happy.”
“Sister, we will back and Sasuke will be with me so don’t worry.” Ashley said, bowing to her sisters.
“Have fun…” Alexia said, giving her a wink.
“Okay…” Ashley said. “Come on Sasuke…Gaara… We are going to be late…”
“Late for what???” Sasuke asked.
“You’ll see…” Gaara said, following her. They were at the Toad Stool and Gaara and Ashley disappeared.
“Where are they?” Sasuke asked, looking around. There were no signs of them anywhere. “I am going to kill that girl.”
“Sasuke…” A voice said. He turned and found Sakura in a red dress. Her hair was in a bun and decorated with roses. “Hello, I didn’t know you will be here.”
“Sakura…” Sasuke said, blushing. Ashley, how did you? She is so beautiful… “Wow…”
“Ashley told me that she needs my help.” Sakura said, blushing. He is so cute… Sakura, please stop… You are not going to be an idiot anymore. “Where is she?”
“I was looking for her.” Sasuke said. “Sakura, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you Sasuke…” Sakura said, blushing. He called me beautiful… Is this a dream?
“Alright everyone, how is everyone today.” Ashley said, standing up on stage with Gaara. Everyone replied with cheering. “We have a special treat for you all today. My partner Gaara and I will do a duet.” I know this is going to work. “So please grab a lover and head down to the dance floor. Then the piano started playing. People started walking to the dance floor.
“Heartbeat… Heartbeat… Heartbeat…” Gaara sang.
“Heartbeat…” Ashley sang.
“I saw you talking on the phone; I know that you are not alone.” Gaara said, staring at Ashley. “But you’re stealing my heart away. Yah, you’re stealing my heart away.”
“Sakura, do you want to dance?” Sasuke said, offering his hand in front of her. He was blushing.
“I will love to.” Sakura said, grabbing it and following him to the dance floor.
“You’re acting like you’re on your own.” Ashley sang. “But I saw staying with a girl uh…” She walked towards Gaara. “Stop trying to steal my heart away. Stop trying to steal my heart away.”
“I don’t know where we’re going. I don’t know who we are.” They sang.
“But I can feel your heartbeat. I can feel your heartbeat.” Gaara sang, grabbing her hand.
“You say to me…” She sang in reply.
“I can feel your heartbeat…”
“Running through me… “
“Feel your heartbeat… She said…”
“I can feel your heartbeat.” Ashley sang, pushing him away. He fell of stage and landed on his feet. He then started kneeling.
“You say to me…” He sang in reply.
“I can feel your heartbeat…”
“Running through me…” He said. She jumped and he caught her.
“They look cute.” Sakura said, smiling. “They are the perfect duet.”
“You look even cuter.” Sasuke replied. She blushed when she heard that. Here it goes… Ashley, I hope you are right about this. “Sakura, there is something that I am meaning to tell you.”
“What is it Sasuke…” Sakura asked. Is he really going to say what I think he is going to say? He led her in a slow dance.
“Maybe is the way you move. You got me dreaming like a fool.” Gaara sang, watching Ashley swag her body around the floor. I CAN’T BE IN LOVE… I CAN’T… “That I can steal your heart away… I can steal your heart away…” This girl can’t take my heart so easily. Can she?
“No matter what it is you think, I am not the kind of girl to blink.” Ashley sang. I… Oh no… On no… I can’t be in love… “And give my heart away. Stop trying to steal my heart away.”
“I don’t know where we’re going. I don’t know who we are.” They sang.
“But I can feel your heartbeat. I can feel your heartbeat.” Gaara sang, grabbing her hand. They were waltzing on the dance floor.
“You say to me…” She sang in reply. He grabbed her waist and led her around.
“I can feel your heartbeat…”
“Running through me… “
“Feel your heartbeat… She said…”
“I can feel your heartbeat.” Ashley sang.
“You say to me…” He sang in reply.
“I can feel your heartbeat…”
“Running through me…” He said.
“Sakura, I love you…” Sasuke said, looking away. “If you don’t feel the same way then I understand…”
“Sasuke, I love you too.” Sakura said, smiling. “I always did.” He bends down and kissed her.
“We did it…” Ashley said, watching them. Sasuke, you owe me big time. I am going to force you to take me to the library and buy me lunch after this. “Thank you Gaara…”
“You’re welcome.” Gaara said, smiling. If I am really in love with this girl, does she feel the same? “So are we still up for pizza?” Or she still thinks of me as a friend?
“You bet… Come on…” Ashley said. “They need some time alone.”
