Chapter 14

-Gaara's POV-

Sasuke was coming out of his bedroom when I entered our dorm and proceeded to fall lifelessly onto the sofa, where he rubbed his temples with an annoyed expression. He didn't say anything to me right away, which didn't come as a surprise. We aren't really big on talking. He does his whole cocky routine when we're out and about, but is silent as a mouse whenever it's just us two.

We've been roommates for about a month and a half now. Tenten chose me as the first member of Prestige, Sakura being scouted second, then Sasuke, and finally Hinata.

I remember the day he stepped through the door, accompanied by Kakashi. The only thing he had was a backpack and a look on his face that made it seem like he'd arrived at a psych ward rather than a talent agency. Tenten told me that Kakashi told her that his audition was scheduled by a third party, but the Uchiha had shown up to it alone and even told them he hadn't known about it until a few days prior. Other than that, the man's an enigma.

We lived together for nearly a week before he spoke a single word to me and even then he was just shouting at me through my door because my music was too loud when he was trying to sleep. It was another two weeks before he finally changed his facial expression from the somber one he'd arrived sporting. I wondered both then and now what caused him to become so closed off. Regardless, over the following month we bonded by playing video games, working out, and attending training together. It became easy for us to read one another's facial expressions, so our dorm's silent most of the time.

As I surveyed his obviously stressed body language, I couldn't tell what his problem was for once. I tossed my shoes by the door loudly enough that it caused him to lower his hands and look over at me. A glare was tossed lazily in my direction in response. His eyes were dark as though he hadn't slept a wink the night before.

Am I the only one that slept well? I feel perfectly fine. In fact, I feel better than usual. Sakura's soft skin under my hands first thing in the morning proved to be a morale booster.

The skin around my torso tingled where her arm had rested. She cuddled me all night. The hand that had held hers flinched unconsciously. Neither of us had let go until morning. I knew that things would go back to normal come tomorrow when we have to get back to preparing for the debut, but just for today I'll let myself relish in the memory of each touch she'd granted me.

"Sorry, man. I slept in your room," Sasuke's irritated voice pulled me from my reminiscing.

His glare hardened when I gave him a confused look, "Well, you weren't here. Why the fuck would I sleep on the couch when there's a perfectly good bed not being used?"

I put my hands up, silently gesturing that he should calm down, and he rolled his eyes. When he gets like this, it's best not to feed into his argumentative mood. I inferred from his lack of explanation that he couldn't sleep in his bed, meaning Hinata most likely stayed over since she was coming home when Sakura and I awoke. The fact that he hadn't stayed in the room with her was both odd and understandable.

It was odd because Sasuke's quite the ladies man and it'd normally thoroughly surprise me to learn if he turned down the opportunity to sleep in the same bed as a woman. It was especially surprising because Hinata's an incredibly attractive girl who seemed to have warmed up to him at least slightly at the club last night. Sure, it'd be stupid for them to hook up since we've all only known each other for a short while, but there's no harm in sleeping in the same bed.

On the other end of things, however, I completely understood why he chose to keep his distance. Hinata just went through an incredibly scary situation where a man attacked her. Even if she was relaxed whilst drinking last night, she'd surely wake up and freak out if she immediately saw a man in bed next to her.

I wordlessly walked into the kitchen and poured myself a cup of coffee. Things are weird between him and Hinata, just like they sometimes are between me and Sakura. He insults and teases her all the time, but sometimes it seems more like he's legitimately flirting with her instead of joking. The man in question rose to his feet and retreated to his room to do god knows what.

I stood at the island and sipped my coffee, ignoring his attitude as I pulled my phone out of my pocket. Over twenty unread text messages awaited me, most from Tenten when she couldn't find us at the club and started freaking out. There was one from my roommate, though, and I clicked it first.

A sigh slid past my lips and I took another sip of my drink. It was him trying to warn me that Hinata had been roofied and he thought Sakura had, as well.

Ah, that explains it. He didn't sleep in the same bed as her because she probably came onto him like Sakura had to me and he didn't trust himself enough to stay.

'How could you think I don't want you?'

The grip on my phone tightened as I recalled the sensation of Sakura's body pressing against mine. Shaking my head of the intrusive memory, I quickly tried to distract myself by clicking through Tenten's messages.

'I want you so bad, Gaara.'

With a little too much force, I sat my phone and coffee mug on the counter, squeezing my eyes shut as I tried to calm myself. I knew the risks when I decided to take care of her last night. I made my decision and this is the consequence of my actions. A familiar sensation rose within my body and I ran a shaky hand through my hair as I sighed and walked quickly into the bathroom so I could take a cold shower.

-Hinata's POV-

After a thorough interrogation, Tenten finally left the dorm. She told me her date with my cousin had gone terribly. They were already kind of on the rocks because she'd shown up late, but she was also a bit upset at him for how passive he'd been at the hospital in front of my father. After being left alone a few times throughout the night since Tenten kept sneaking off to check on us, he'd had enough.

My cousin had apparently still been a gentleman and explained why he thought they should call it off and even left more than enough money to cover the expenses of their drinks before excusing himself. The pop star looked so guilty and disappointed as she explained. It was obvious she understood his reasons and felt bad for letting herself be so distracted, but I wasn't upset with her. The young woman obviously has some pretty strong interest in Neji and had simply gotten in over her head with all of us being at Masquerade with her.

I know my cousin better than almost anyone and he's a total pushover for anyone who can be sincere with him. He's surrounded constantly by business-oriented people who put up fronts that they think will help them further their careers, so when he encounters someone with no hidden agenda he doesn't have the heart to stay upset. All she needs is a good chance to apologize and redeem herself. She'd hugged me tightly and thanked me probably a hundred times when I explained this to her, before eventually leaving.

I couldn't tell her, or anyone for that matter, about the very inappropriate dream I had last night. If I did, that'd mean it really happened and I'd have to admit that I both liked it and hoped to have another one like it.

Honestly, it was hard not to look at Sasuke with fresh eyes after something like that. The memory of his body moving against mine in the moonlight made my brow furrow and the butterflies in my stomach to flutter restlessly.

It's not like I'm suddenly in love with him and want to marry him, I was just forced to see him in a sexual way, which is something I told myself I couldn't ever do the moment I realized I was in a co-ed group. Not only that, but after the whole thing with Suigetsu, Sasuke started being more sincere when it's just the two of us. It was only a small bit, but it still happened.

He really wasn't the cocky jerk he tried to come off as. If he really was an asshole, he'd have let fate decide what happened to me last night. Instead, he made sure I got home safe and even let me sleep in his bed.

A smile rose to my lips for a moment, but I quickly removed it when Sakura's bedroom door opened. After showering, she'd run in there and pretended to go back to sleep so she wouldn't have to deal with our overbearing mentor. The moment the older girl vacated the vicinity, my roommate cautiously came out of her bedroom, "Is she finally gone?"

I nodded, stifling an amused grin, and the girl came out in a pair of jean shorts and a red hoodie with the agency's logo on the front. Before she could even plop down on the couch, there was a frantic knock on the door.

We glanced at each other before Sakura rushed over to answer it, "Tenten, we told you-" Her words cut off in shock.

I looked over to see what was happening only to see she'd frozen up in the doorway. I heard her shoot off in an angry voice, "What do you want?"

I was on my feet and at her side in an instant. To my confusion, Karin stood in the hall with tears in her eyes. Conflicting emotions swirled around in my chest. Part of me was concerned since something serious had to have happened for her to show up in tears on our doorstep, but the other part wanted to slam the door in her face for what she and her acquaintances have done to both Sakura and I.

Sakura seemed to have more courage than me and repeated herself, more blunt this time around, "I said what the fuck do you want, Karin?"

The girl took her glasses off and cleaned them with her shirt, "I need to talk to both of you."

For some unknown reason, we ended up sitting at the dining table with cups of coffee as if this were just another visit between friends. Sakura and I sat waiting for the teary-eyed girl to explain what was going on. She eventually did, staring down into her mug instead of looking either of us in the eye.

"I wanted to make sure both of you were safe."

Instantly, I knew she had something to do with us being drugged last night, but chose not to interrupt.

The girl continued, her voice wavering a bit as she confessed, "My parents made me go last night and I was pissed because I didn't want to so I got really drunk and bitched about you guys to some hot guy at the bar before you all arrived."

I thought back to seeing her last night. Her face had looked a bit red, but I didn't realize she'd been drunk.

She finally met our eyes, "He told me later that night that he sent you drinks with ecstasy in them and that his friends were going to take care of you for me."

Sakura shot to her feet, "What the hell is wrong with you!" Her face was bright red with anger. I could tell she was doing all she could not to tackle the redhead to the floor and beat her senseless.

Karin rose to meet her level, but her stance was more defensive, "I didn't know until it was too late, I swear! I even had Naruto try to get you guys out before anything happened. He told me Gaara had taken you home, Sakura, but we couldn't find Hinata so I had to make sure."

Anger seeped through me and I found myself shooting questions out at her, "Since when do you care about our wellbeing? Your boyfriend tried to rape me and your family still bailed him out. You used to beat me to a pulp. Are you trying to play a game with us? I want no part of it."

Karin's face turned red and she started crying again, her voice raising as she tried to explain herself, "I don't know what my problem is, okay?! Suigetsu's family set up a deal with my parents behind my back. I don't know the details. I dumped him as soon as I found out, Hinata! I'm...I'm sorry, okay!"

My anger disappeared instantly and I found myself frozen in shock.

She was sobbing, but that didn't stop her from pushing on, "I'm sorry I cut your hair and bullied you into switching schools, Sakura, and I'm sorry for everything I've done to you, Hinata. I...I didn't realize how horrible of a person I've been until I heard the news about what Suigetsu did. I want to be better, I do! I know that the first thing I have to do is admit that I've been wrong and apologize."

Sakura and I were silent. This was very much not what we expected to happen today. Karin's crying was the only sound for a few awkward moments before Sakura sat her hands on the table lightly and sank back down to sit in her chair.

She spoke with a much calmer voice than I expected, "You can't possibly expect us to believe you, much less actually forgive you just because you're crying."

The girl's shoulders shook as she continued to do just that. Even if it's terrible, I felt a bit pleased that she had such an ugly crying face. It made her seem less untouchable and more human. "I don't expect you to forgive me, but I'll do what I can to prove to both of you I'm telling the truth."

Sakura and I glanced at each other. We'd be hypocrites if we didn't give her at least one chance to redeem herself. We'd be exactly the type of girl she's always been.

Sakura spoke cautiously, "What did you have in mind?"

The sobbing redhead perked up, "Well, the first thing I thought about was setting Hinata up on a date with Naruto."

Embarrassed fire flushed through my body. She glanced at me and shrugged, "Sorry, but like literally everyone can tell you like him."

I tried not to show that the idea piqued my interest, instead holding my head high and replying coolly, "What about Sakura?"

Karin refocused on the pinkette, "Well...I could pay for you to get a makeover? Since I cut your hair and all, it seems like the right thing to do."

Sakura stiffened at the mention of her hair, "Oh, uh, we're actually already scheduled for makeovers this week for our debut." All thoughts of Naruto were pushed aside for a moment. What? She looked over at me and mouthed an apology. She must've forgotten to mention it amidst our busy schedules and the drama with Suigetsu.

Karin spoke up again, "Okay so maybe I have no idea what to do."

All was silent for a moment before Sakura threw her hands out in disregard, "We have too much else to worry about right now. Schedule this date for tonight and we'll think of something else later."

Karin opened her mouth to complain, most likely because it seemed way too soon to put that plan in action, but Sakura held up a finger to silence her, "If you're serious about your apology, you'll make it happen."

She was being so harsh, but Karin deserved it. Besides, I was more worried that Naruto would refuse or that this was all just another elaborate setup by Karin. The girl in question's mouth clamped shut into an annoyed grimace, but she agreed nonetheless. After exchanging numbers with Sakura and me, the redhead vacated our room to try and plan the date she'd proposed.

Once the door was shut firmly behind her, Sakura and I sat back down at the table for a good old fashioned debrief session about last night. I went first since I didn't have much to say. I couldn't bring myself to tell Sakura about my fantasy involving Sasuke last night. She'd start shipping us in her head and most likely try to trick us into getting together.

"I just remember dancing with you and Ino and then waking up in Sasuke's bed." Undoubtedly she'd find out about me sleeping over, so it was best to be honest about at least that much.

Her mouth dropped open as she no doubt assumed what I knew she would. I cut her off before she could conjure the excited squeal that was bound to come, "We didn't do anything, I think...I'm pretty sure."

Her smile dropped into a disappointed frown before she shook her head and relayed her part, "Yeah, I remember dancing with you and then all of us sitting back down with the guys and then I woke up in my room. I don't know how I got home."

That was odd.

"Gaara wasn't in his room when I was leaving their room. Maybe he brought you back?"

She quickly shrugged away the suggestion, but didn't offer any other sort of reply. She was obviously uncomfortable with Gaara as the subject, so I hurried to steer it in another direction, "So did the waiter point out who sent the drinks?"

Sakura seemed to be trying to picture it for a moment before releasing a shocked gasp and gripping my hand, green eyes wide with realization, "Yes he did! It was this tan guy with super light blonde hair."

Her face fell a bit as her gaze zoned out on the table in concentration, "I don't remember his face, but I remember that I thought he was hot."

That wasn't much to go on: an attractive blonde guy.

Regardless, I excused myself to take a shower. If there's even a slight chance of me going on a date this evening, I want to be prepared. To think I'd actually be going on a date with Naruto was astounding. I've spent all of these years pining after him and now I may finally have the chance to make him notice me.

I remember when we first met. It was first or second grade in elementary school and he was the new boy being introduced to the class. Everyone got to choose their seats even back then so I'd been seated alone in the back because I hadn't been able to make any friends. He'd immediately chosen my table when instructed to find a seat.

Ever since that day I've admired him, mostly from afar. It'd been hard to approach him once we moved up to middle school because he started to get popular and his friends would bully me. He's never witnessed it, I think, but I knew that his popularity might suffer if his friends knew he'd been kind to me so I left him alone.

Sakura opening the door to the bathroom pulled me from my train of thought, "He'll be here at six to pick you up!" There was an excited squeal before she slammed the door closed again. I laughed at her and rested my head against the steamy shower wall. I couldn't get the smile off my lips. Thank goodness he didn't outright refuse! My hangover could now do very little to damper my delight.

Once I was done showering, I wrapped myself in a big fluffy towel and stepped out of the bathroom with the intent to agonize with Sakura over what to wear to my date. I glanced at the chipped nail polish on my toes as I walked. Hopefully mani-pedis would be a part of this makeover we were to receive.

A stifled laugh drew my attention away from my worn toes. Gaara, Sasuke, and Sakura were all sitting in front of the television with a variety of expressions as they stared at me. Gaara, being the most respectful of the group, averted his eyes to his lap with a red face. Sasuke, having already seen me in a towel once before, did nothing to hide his wandering gaze with an amused smirk on his face. Sakura had her eyes squeezed shut with a hand over her mouth as she giggled uncontrollably at my no-doubt aghast face.

Gaara was my new favorite person in the room.

Sakura finally removed her hand after a moment of silence and burst out with laughter. Gaara had a small smile on his face in reaction to her giggles and Sasuke spoke up, "I'm starting to think you do this on purpose, Hyuga." He waggled his eyebrows and I rolled my eyes before stomping into my room and shutting the door behind me.

I'd just have to decide by myself what to wear. I pulled open my closet and stared at the variety of clothing that it held, only to fall onto my knees on the floor in defeat almost immediately. There were dozens of outfits in there, but I still had nothing to wear to this date.

Sakura's still humored voice called from the living room, "Get dressed! We're going shopping!"