Disclaimer: Naruto is Masashi Kishimoto's. I'm just doing this for the sake of procrastinating, because there is nothing better than that.

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Keeping the Moon

Sometimes, there's not enough room for two.

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ONE;
(because beginnings aren't that simple)

………………………

Haruno Sakura was back in Konoha High.

She was like how Hinata remembered her, except better. Her hair was longer, silkier. Her emerald eyes sparkled even more brightly. When she smiled, she smiled with an air of confidence no one could mimic. She was a little taller, a little thinner, her face more angular. And when she walked, all eyes turned to her.

It had been three years.

Sakura approached them, smiling radiantly. She stopped in front of Hinata and offered her hand, "Hi."

(It had been three years, but she remembered it like it was just yesterday.)

A soft, wan smile appeared on her face as she took the hand, "Hi."

The handshake was firm, warm, and they were smiling at each other, but something was wrong about it. Something was wrong about it, only Hinata couldn't seem to put her finger on it. That, and she really,really didn't want to know.

Next to her, Sasuke shifted uncomfortably, withdrawing his hand from her waist.

She flinched.

(Oh, god.)

"Sasuke-kun," Sakura released her hand and turned to him, still beaming.

"Sakura," the reply was quiet, solemn, controlled, but one look at his face, and Hinata knew. She knew.

The laughter in Sakura's eyes faded, but she kept her smile as she whispered, "I missed you."

"Sakura—"

"I heard about you and Hinata, by the way," she interrupted him, not allowing him to speak. She turned to smile at Hinata and suddenly leaned forward to give Hinata a kiss on the cheek, whispering, "Congratulations, sweetheart. I'm happy for you," she released her, but pulled her in for another hug, "Really."

"Thank you." Hinata replied uncertainly, offering another weak smile.

An uncomfortable silence.

It was Sasuke who broke it. "How... how long are you staying here for?"

Sakura's face lightened up, and suddenly it was that painfully familiar, painfully beautiful, secretive smile of hers. Her eyes sparkled. "A while," she answered, "Quite a while."

"I see," Sasuke nodded indifferently, "Where at?"

"I'll tell you later," Sakura laughed cheerfully, as if this were something funny, and Hinata forced herself to join in, too. Realizing what she said, Sakura quickly amended, "I mean, I'm not sure yet. I'll tell you guys later." Her eyes sparkled again, "Where are the others? I haven't seen them. Are they in class?"

Hinata nodded, "They are."

"And are you two skipping class?" Sakura asked playfully.

It was this time that Sasuke suddenly realized that they were you two. Carefully, he placed his hand on Hinata's waist once more, pulling her a little closer to him. "Something like that," he smirked, so close she could feel his breath on her ear.

Sakura's face didn't betray anything as she smiled again. "Well, I better get going, then," her phone suddenly beeped, and she laughed, "See, that's my call." She reached into her handbag and retrieved her phone, switching it off without even glancing at the screen. Keeping her eyes trained on both Sasuke and Hinata, she smiled, "I'll see you guys soon, okay?"

Hinata nodded. "I-it was great seeing you again, Sakura," her throat constricted, but she didn't let it stop her, "Really."

"Don't tell the others you've met me!" Sakura giggled heartily, "I didn't tell anyone I'm coming back, so let it be a surprise."

"We won't," Sasuke promised.

"Thank you," her reply was quiet, her gaze trailing on his face as he stared back, and all of a sudden, Hinata felt out of place.

(Like she wasn't meant to be here.)

Sakura snapped out of it, returning to her cheerful, happy self, "See you later, then!"

"O-of course, Sakura..."

Her eyes turned meaningful all of a sudden as she gazed for a while at her, but then the smile came back. "I'll talk to you later, Hinata."

It sounded much like a promise, something Hinata would rather not do, but she kept her smile anyway, "Call me."

"I will."

Sakura turned around and walked down the hallway, her hair dancing behind her, her heels making soft taps against the carpet. Not looking back once, she turned to the stairs and disappeared from view.

"Sasuke—" she stopped herself from adding the suffix, just because.

"Hmm?" he looked at her, and he was so close, she could see her reflection dancing in his eyes.

"I just…" she paused, "Never mind."

His eyes trailed the lines of her face, and then he pulled her closer into a tight embrace. She could feel his lips moving against her ear, almost whispering—she could almost, almost hear it, and suddenly she did—"Don't worry."

She didn't respond, staring right ahead. His hand was still on her waist, and she could feel his breath on her neck, but for some reason…

For some reason, it didn't feel quite right.

…………………

to be continued

…………………

Notes:

Title is inspired by Sarah Dessen, and the beginning of the story is sort of inspired by Gossip Girl, but everything from then on would be mine.

Short, but I just wanted to try this writing style out. Suggestions, constructive criticism, comments, whatever—just tell me about it, okay? (: