The Car Junkie

Smile. Be neighborly.

Buzz

"Grr, damn it who is calling me this early." I growled to myself and grabbed my phone from the nightstand next to me before I reluctantly answered it. "Hello?"

"Sakura?"

"What do you want Ino?" I muttered.

"Get your ass downstairs and to your front door, I've been ringing the doorbell for the past ten minutes." She stated angrily.

I sighed and got out of bed and changed into a pair of blue jeans and a long sleeved shirt that was a very light pink. I don't know, it could be mistaken for white too. My hair at least wasn't a total mess but I still needed to fix it up, that is after I answer the door so my best friend doesn't kill me.

Once I managed to make it downstairs I unlocked the door and opened it as my blond haired friend Ino stepped inside.. Her clothes consisted of a designer purple blouse and a pair of designer jeans. The fashion queen lives on.

"Come on forehead, Naruto told the guys, you, Tenten, Hinata and I to meet them at the race track, remember?" Ino stated as she tapped my forehead.

"Tell me why we have to meet them down there?" I asked still slightly tired.

"Naruto wants us to meet his friend, he just moved here yesterday because of his job or something, in fact Naruto said he moved in next to you."

"What?" I thought for a second. "So it must have been this new guys truck that I heard last night."

"Maybe, but hurry up will ya?" She pushed me up the stairs and I almost smacked her but I restrained myself.

We stood at the race track and watched several cars drive speedily down the track. Naruto came running over to us with a grin on his face and I could only smile back at his cheerful mood and attitude.

"Hey guys," He greeted us.

"So Naruto where's this friend of yours?" Shikamaru asked with a tired yawn.

"Over this way." He gestured. "He doesn't know we're here, this is a surprise really, I was supposed to meet him later but I didn't want to wait."

He led us over to a racecar of some sort and there was somebody underneath it lying on one of those flat things that allow someone to roll under a car to check out the underside. I don't know what the hell I'm talking about, I'm not exactly car oriented.

I saw Naruto grin and he grabbed the person's legs and pulled him out, causing the male to yell.

"What the hell?!"

Once he sat up from the object he was laying on, I had to blush. He was well...hot? I shouldn't be thinking like this, I have a boyfriend who I am happy with.

"Naruto," The male growled, "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted you to meet my friends here." He pointed to us.

The new guy looked at us as Naruto said each of our names.

"Guys this is Sasuke."

The guy named Sasuke, gave us a small wave as a hello and I smiled at him. His clothes were a pair of black jeans that were dirty and torn and his shirt was a white sleeveless top. I noticed he wore converse and smiled at the fact that they matched my own. His ears were pierced and just had silver earrings in them. There was a tattoo on his arm that was a tribal tattoo, it trailed from his shoulder down to his wrist, it was a pretty neat design.

This guy looked like he was really into cars, stupid, of course he is, he's covered in oil stains and is working on a car. I shook my head at my own stupidity and I was grateful that I hadn't said that out loud.

I smiled at him as he turned his attention to each of us before looking at Naruto.

"So dude how's the fixing of cars going for ya?" Naruto grinned.

"Its going fine, I guess, why?" Sasuke replied as he stood up. He is tall, just a little taller than Naruto but it wasn't by much.

Naruto shrugged. "Just asking you know, I haven't seen you in freakin' eight months! Jeez can't I ask my best friend how he's been doing?" Naruto crossed his arms and I just shook my head at him.

"I didn't say I had a problem with you being here," Sasuke muttered as he set the tool he was holding on top of the car.

When he glanced briefly at me, my heart started racing. I shouldn't be feeling this way, but I am. I think I'm blushing and when Sasuke smirked I turned away completely embarrassed. Shit, why do I have this feeling that...I like him? I heard Sasuke say something to Naruto that seemed like it was an answer to what my blond haired friend had asked.

"I guess so."

"Great, we'll have fun, just you wait." Naruto grinned as Sasuke shook his head.

Sasuke sighed and went around to the front of the car to look at the engine since the hood was popped open. He fumbled with a few things before walking around to the driver's side and reaching into the window to turn the ignition. The engine suddenly started and a few men ran over with looks of relief on their faces.

"You fixed it!" The first of the men said, his clothing was what a racer wore when driving around the track.

"Yeah," Sasuke replied, "Just a few issues, but nothing major."

"Thank god," The second of the men said.

"I have to get going," Sasuke stated as he brushed his hands together to rid some of the dirt that lingered on them before grabbing his tool from the top of the car.

"Alright, we'll have your paycheck mailed to you tomorrow."

Sasuke nodded as the man got into the car and drove it over to get the tires changed, most likely for their next race. Sasuke walked over to grab a toolbox which I assume is his before coming back to stand next to Naruto. When Naruto placed his arm around Sasuke's shoulder causing him to glare slightly, I couldn't help but smile.

"Okay Sasuke, we'll meet at the arcade in an hour," Naruto stated.

"Fine, can you let me go now? I have to get back home to shower and change." Sasuke raised his brow.

"Alright, alright." Naruto dropped his arm.

I decided to speak up as well. "I have to go get Hideo, I'll meet up with you guys later."

"Go get your man Sakura," Ino grinned.

"Will do, see ya."

I chose to walk, Hideo liked to walk for some reason I don't know why. I walked towards his place and I noticed there was another car outside his home, it wasn't his, so who did it belong to. Stepping up to the front door, I knocked on it but there wasn't an answer. I turned the knob and found that the door was unlocked. That's strange, he never leaves it unlocked.

Walking inside I glanced around before stepping farther into his home. I heard a noise come from his room so I headed up the stairs and as I got closer that noise became more disturbing and made my stomach churn. Reaching for the knob of his door I shook any thoughts from my head and opened the door.

"Hey Hideo I-" I stopped in my tracks at what I saw.

My eyes widened at what I saw as tears came to blur my vision. Hideo sat up quickly and turned towards me with wide eyes as I looked away. There in his bed was a woman who was no older than me; she wrapped her naked body in the sheet to prevent herself from being seen. I turned to look him in the eye and he was just as naked as she is, his dark brown hair stuck to his face from the sweat that came from his head.

"You asshole!" I shouted and turned to run.

"Sakura wait," He called for me but I just ran down the stairs and left his home.

Running down the street I didn't stop, I just wanted to get home and never leave it. I can't believe he would do this to me, after these two years we've been together he cheated on me. How could I have been so stupid?

Making it home I ran into my home and threw my purse onto the floor before going into the kitchen. That's when my tears really started to fall, I couldn't hold them back, they just kept coming. I headed towards the back door and decided to sit out on the steps that led up to the porch.

Once I sat down I brought my legs up so I could rest my arms on them to bury my head and hide my tear-stained face. Two fucking years Hideo and I have been together and he went and cheated on me with some whore. I shouldn't have expected too much, all the guys I dated cheated on me sooner or later, why would this one guy be any different?

"Hey."

I jumped when someone said that, glanced up, afraid that he would be Hideo, but I was relieved when I saw Sasuke standing next to the waist high fence that separated our yards. He had taken a shower, his new attire told me that. He wore a pair of black jeans and a black t-shirt that had a motorcycle design on it. His raven-hair was still spiked up in the back like before.

"You okay?" He asked, with I would guess, concern.

"Yeah I'm fine," I said but I knew my voice betrayed me.

"No you're not," He jumped over the fence and came over to me, "You're crying."

I reached up to wipe my eyes and looked away from him. He was right about his accusation, but I didn't want to look like a baby in front of him, but I can't help it, the tears came to my eyes again as I looked to the ground at his feet since he was standing in front of me. I was shocked when I felt something touch my cheek and I glanced up, it was Sasuke.

He wiped the tears from my face with his hand and knelt down in front of me so he could be at eye-level with my position. He dropped his hand and looked me in the eye, his onyx orbs instantly had me captured, and I almost wanted to drown in them. I was shaken from my thoughts when he decided to speak.

"Why are you crying?" He asked.

I struggled to answer but he didn't seem to mind, he waited calmly and I decided that it would help me get this off my chest. I may have just met him today, but I feel like he is someone that I can trust.

"I walked in on my boyfriend having sex with another girl," I choked out.

"Damn, that's harsh." He shook his head and sighed.

"We were together for two years and he chose to cheat on me, maybe I was never meant to have a relationship with anyone." I didn't bother to stop the tears that fell and I noticed Sasuke was staring at me.

Great. He thinks I'm a stupid crybaby.

"Sakura." I was surprised he actually remembered my name, despite just having a brief time with him. "Don't let this spoil anything for you."

"How can I do that?"

"Well, you just need to think, it could be a whole lot worse," He stated and glanced away for a few seconds before turning his attention back to me.

"Who could I possibly know, that could have it worse than me?" I asked with sadness in my tone.

"Well, me for one, and several other kids that don't have homes." Sasuke ran a hand through his hair.

"Why do you have it worse?" I asked with curiosity.

"Its nothing," He muttered.

"Come on, I told you what was wrong with me."

He hesitated and I'm sure he was thinking that I was right, but I was a little happy that he nodded and decided to share it with me. I sat up and listened closely to what he was about to say.

"Naruto is the only one that knows this, but I grew up in an orphanage," He began.

"Why, what happened to your parents?"

"They didn't want me, after I was born I was dropped off at the orphanage when I was about two months old. The woman that worked there raised me, I never had a real family, and no one would adopt me for some reason that I don't know."

My heart clenched at the story he told me, he's never had a family, the only family he had abandoned him and he was forced to live in an orphanage. He did have it far worse than I did, here I am acting like a selfish brat and he's dealt with so much pain when he was so young.

"So you were at the orphanage until you were eighteen?" I asked.

"Yeah, and here I am, twenty-four years old and I've never met my parents." He shrugged. "I got dealt a bad hand in life, and looks like you did too, but don't let it force you to shut people out. That's what I did, I grew up not knowing what love was and if Naruto had barged his way into my life I wouldn't be telling you all of this right now."

"But how did you manage all those years?" I questioned.

"Honestly, I don't know, I can't answer that question." He sighed and stood up. "But you can manage, you just dated a bastard who doesn't know what a good thing he had, and I can tell you, he'll seriously regret it. There is a guy out there for you, it's just a matter of finding him."

I thought for a few seconds on what he said and I actually smiled. He made me feel better and I am surprised it was him that did it.

"You know," I began, "You didn't seem like the type that would comfort someone."

"Looks can be deceiving," Sasuke smirked at me, "Think twice before you judge someone, you really don't know what they are all about until you get to know them."

"You're right about that, I have learned my lesson," I grinned sheepishly and he shook his head at me.

I had a question itching at my lips and before I could stop myself I ended up asking him it and as soon as I did I wish I could have taken it back.

"Have you ever been in a relationship?"

He raised a brow at me and nodded. "Once, and it was the same as you, I caught her cheating on me."

"You mean you never dated again after that?"

"No, didn't really have the time since I was called constantly to fix cars and moving around, and besides, I really wasn't looking for a relationship, I am content being alone right now, well I'm not really alone."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"My dog," He smirked.

"Oh, what kind of dog is he?"

"A Great Dane."

My eyes widened. "Aren't those dogs huge?" I saw him smirk.

"Yeah, but he's just a big softy, on the other hand he can get aggressive if need be." Sasuke explained to me. "That's not often though, only when he senses danger or I tell him to."

I smiled before getting to my feet so I could stand in front of him before I hugged him, which I think he was surprised by. "Thanks Sasuke, you made me feel better. We should go meet the others at the arcade."

He nodded his head in agreement as I let him go and if I wasn't mistaken he actually blushed at my action and that made me grin inwardly. He offered to drive me to the arcade in his car, he told me what kind of car it was, he said it was a Mustang and it was a nice car that he really took care of.

Sasuke and I arrived at the arcade and we found Naruto engaged in shooting game with Shikamaru who looked bored. He yawned saying that he was utterly bored with this game, according to him, games like that weren't challenging enough for him. I glanced around at all of the games and I briefly wondered where the girls were hiding at.

They are probably watching Tenten play the basketball game, it never fails. Hinata, Ino and I weren't really into the whole video game thing, we only played ever now and again, though it was mostly me who played the games with Tenten anyway. I have admitted it before but I kind of like playing the games, its, in a way, fun.

I watched as Sasuke walked over to one of the racing games and I could only giggle at him, he really did love cars. I couldn't resist, I walked over to him and sat at the racing game next to the one he was sitting at. He glanced at me from the corner of his eye and smirked before he said something that brought out my competitive side.

"Race ya pinky."

"You did not just call me that chicken-butt!"

"Chicken butt? Is my hair really that bad?" He asked with a brow raised at me accusingly.

"Well no but- I mean- well you see-" I was at loss for words and he just slipped a token into the slot of the game and hit start.

I growled and copied his actions before I chose my car and got ready to drive this damn thing. He was calm when the race started, and I was starting to wish that I had said something to him to get his blood going so he would lose his concentration. But I hate to admit I'm not that smart and I didn't, stupid me.

The race had three laps and we were on the final lap, and surprisingly I was in the lead. I grinned inwardly at that, I was actually going to win against the car junkie, though I'm sure if this was a real race he could beat me hands down but right now I just wanted to be glad I was winning. But life isn't fair that way, and I think Sasuke let me stay in the lead, cause as soon as I was about to cross the finish line he passed me and took first place.

I was shocked, and when he turned to me I saw a stupid smirk on his face that said 'I won' and I only glared at him for that. We stood up and I walked up to him raising an accusing finger.

"You cheated!" I whined out.

"Cheated? How the hell do you cheat on a damn racing game?!" He shook his head at me and poked my forehead. "You, little girl, need to grow up."

"I'm not a little girl!" I shouted as my face turned red. "I am a strong, independent and confident woman." I crossed my arms and turned away.

"A strong, independent and confident woman, wouldn't be whining like a little girl." I twitched and turned back to him as he looked away innocently and I couldn't resist punching him in the arm.

"Ouch," He faked hurt and rubbed his arm.

"I didn't hurt you," I muttered.

"Yeah I know," He smirked again and dropped his hand from his arm.

"You jerk," I hit him again as we walked off to find the others and we found them by the Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) game where Naruto was in a dance battle with, would you believe Ino.

She looked frustrated but she was winning, that's really no surprise she's a great dancer and I sometimes wish I had the moves that she did, but I was too self-conscious about dancing in front of people. I may be weird sometimes, but I'm still afraid of embarrassing myself in front of people. I turned to look at Sasuke as he stared at Naruto.

"Damn Naruto, I thought you said you were good at dancing," Sasuke said as he crossed his arms.

"Shut up Sasuke," Naruto yelled out after the game ended, "I'm rusty right now, I haven't played DDR in forever."

"Yeah I think you made that obvious," Sasuke stated as he rolled his eyes before Naruto grabbed him in a headlock and tried to knock him to the ground.

I don't know why, but Sasuke seems so different from other guys I've met or been around. He was quiet and calm like he was raised that way or something. It made me wonder who his parents were, and what they were like, though if I were Sasuke I wouldn't want to know them at all, with what they put him through who could blame him.

I though back to Hideo and how I thought the same about him, what if Sasuke was just acting? What if he would be the same as all the other guys I have dated? I can't take that pain again, I don't want to fall for another guy but I can't help it. I was pulled from my thoughts when someone grabbed my arm and pulled me away.

Looking to the culprit I saw the girls standing in front of me with their arms crossed. Tenten was the first to talk and I should have expected what she was going to say.

"Sakura, you keep staring at Sasuke with that dreamy girl look."

"And? What's your point?"

"Uh hello?" Ino tapped my head. "You have a boyfriend remember?"

"Not anymore I don't," I mumbled sadly.

"What happened?" Hinata asked.

"I caught Hideo in bed with another girl." I clenched my fists tightly as their eyes widened.

"That bastard!" Tenten yelled. "I'll kick his sorry ass!"

"Tenten, leave it alone, besides, Sasuke already made me feel better."

"Ooh, Sakura's got a crush, on the man who lives next door," Ino sang.

"Ino shut up, he'll hear you!" I blushed and glanced at Sasuke briefly.

"Go ask him out then," Ino pushed me.

"I can't, I just got out of a relationship an hour or so ago, besides I'm not ready for another one yet."

"Oh whatever Sakura, but you better hurry before somebody else captures his heart," Ino shrugged and stared at me.

I looked to Sasuke and realized...

Ino is right

I sat in my room thinking, I just met Sasuke today and my relationship ended today. Was I supposed to think this is a good thing? Was I meant to break up with Hideo because of Sasuke being here. I jumped when I heard my doorbell ring, sighing I wondered who it could be, it's nine o'clock pm for crying out loud.

I headed down the stairs to see who it was and I don't know what possessed me to open the door but I did. As soon as I came face to face with the unwanted guest I wish I hadn't answered the door. It was Hideo, he pushed himself in when I attempted to shut the door which knocked me to the floor. He had a look on his face that made the fear I was feeling increase.

"Sakura, you shouldn't have walked into my home unannounced," He gritted through his teeth.

"What I should just let you continue cheating on me?!" I yelled as I stood up and that's when I felt a stinging feeling on my cheek, he actually hit me across my face.

I hissed and touched the tender skin on my face. I backed away slowly as he continued to step forward and I knew he had some bad intentions.

"You want me to show you what I was doing to that girl at my place, because I'll give it to you too." Hideo chuckled at me as I turned to run away.

When I made a move to run up the stairs he grabbed my ankle and pulled me down to the floor before flipping me onto my back. He held me down under his weight and I struggled to get to my feet but he sat on my hips to hold me down. I cried out for help as he pinned my hands above my head with one of his own.

He reached for my shirt and tore open the front exposing my black lace bra. When I saw him make a move to touch me I lifted my head up and headbutted him causing him to release my hands and I clawed at his eyes as he fell backwards. I stood and ran out the door clutching my shirt closed and I could hear him running after me.

"Get back here Sakura!" He yelled at me as I ran over to Sasuke's place.

I banged on the door. "Sasuke! Help me! Please!"

I'm afraid, I don't think Sasuke would make it to me in time cause when I turned around Hideo was right there. I leaned against Sasuke's door as I slid to the ground and clutched my head in my hands waiting for whatever he was going to do to be over with. I let my tears fall as I cried out again for help.

The door behind me suddenly opened and I fell backwards at someone's feet before they knelt down to help me sit up. I turned quickly to Hideo and he continued coming and I knew he thought he would be able to fight anyone. I turned to Sasuke as he glared at Hideo before he whistled.

"Zeus, attack!"

I suddenly saw a huge dog jump over Sasuke and I and then go after Hideo. Hideo's eyes widened before he took off running, when he had run far enough, Sasuke whistled again for his dog to come back. Zeus came running back and I fully saw the colors of the dog, he was all white with patches of black over different parts of his body, one patch was over his eye and I thought he looked cute with that.

Sasuke helped me to stand up as Zeus came to sit in front of Sasuke even when sitting the dogs head came to Sasuke's mid-chest. Sasuke pat him on the head and scratched his ear before turning to me.

"You alright?" He asked as he led me into his living room.

I was shaking pretty badly and Sasuke left and came back a few minutes later with a shirt. My eyes widened as I suddenly remembered my exposed chest and covered myself up with my torn shirt. I could feel my face heat up as the shirt was handed to me and I took it with gratitude and quickly slipped it on.

"Thanks."

"Let me guess, that was your cheating ex, right?"

"Yeah," I murmured as I shook again, I was nearly raped and if Sasuke hadn't been here I would have been.

Sasuke touched my shoulder before moving his hand to my chin to make me look up to meet his gaze. "Don't worry, he's gone now, he can't hurt you."

"I know, and I apologize for being a burden to you."

"You're not a burden Sakura," Sasuke assured me as I smiled slightly.

I turned to look at Zeus since he was sitting by the couch, my eyes were level with his since I was sitting, but even if I was standing he would be just as tall but just a little shorter than me. Sasuke was tall so if Zeus stood next to him well, Zeus was pretty big compared to any other dog that would be at Sasuke's knee height.

"I owe you one Zeus," I smiled at him.

Zeus leaned forward and touched his nose to my cheek, I'm assuming it was something similar to a kiss. He leaned back and let his tongue hang out and wagged his tail happily.

"He approves of you," Sasuke smirked.

"What?"

"Normally, Zeus doesn't like anyone to be near me."

"So he's overprotective of you?"

"Yeah," Sasuke muttered, "I can't tell you how many times he chased Naruto around before he learned to trust him."

"Oh," I giggled as I pictured the scene in my head.

"You scored points with Zeus, I don't know how, but you did."

I grinned inwardly at that thought.

If only I could score points with you.

Next Chapter: The Automobile Teacher

"Dude Sasuke did you see that 1969 Chevy Camaro! It was in mint condition," Naruto grinned.

"Yeah, if only I could get my hands on one of those." I heard Sasuke mutter.

"I agree, its got everything it needs," I put in.

They turned to me.

"Okay Sakura, care to elaborate on that?" Sasuke asked me.

"Eh?" I twitched.

Shit

A/N Alright so here's the winner of all the votes for the next story. Hope you enjoyed it. :D Please read and review