Us Again(Sequel to SasuSaku High School)

Chapter 16: Awakening (1/3)

Sakura woke up in a pool of cold sweat. Breathing felt overrated as she tried to erase the memory of her dream. A nightmare was probably better suited for it. She glanced on her side, praying Gaara wouldn't be there, only for her heart to clench with disappointment and fear. Pure, over-consuming fear.

She frantically climbed out of bed, rushing to the bathroom and closing the door gently behind. Gaara slept so soundly, so peacefully, he had no idea his girlfriend has just dreamt about her past lover.

Sakura's blood ran cold with the reminder. She actually dreamt about Sasuke. His lips on hers, her hands in his hair, gripping it tightly as he grabbed her body and lifted her, sitting her on the kitchen table. A moan escaped her lips as his hands slid under her shirt–

No!

No, no, no. Sakura shook her head vigorously. She closed her eyes tightly and clenched her hands into fists, nails digging into the skin, probably leaving crescent shaped marks. Physically hurting was much better than thinking about Sasuke's hands under her shirt, his tongue in her mouth...

God, what was wrong with her?! She had a boyfriend. She was taken. In a relationship. Gaara was sleeping in this very room for god's sake! 

Sakura dug her fingernails deeper as she opened her eyes and looked in the mirror. She was blushing, blushing! Her pastel pink hair was messy and her shirt half wet from sweating. She tried to take a deep breath, but her mind kept resurfacing the memories of last night's dream. It was torture, wrapped in a blanket of sweet dreams. Something she wouldn't even think of even in her wildest dreams.

Why, just why would she dream about Sasuke?! Didn't she tell Gaara few days ago that she wanted to be with him? That she chose him?!

"I promise, I love you." That's what she said. Hadn't she meant it?

But she didn't tell him about waking up in Sasuke's arms, feeling so safe and relaxed, as if the world ending could not evoke fear in her. As long as she was next to him. She also lied about his confession.

I only did that so he wouldn't be upset. He had enough revelations for one day. She repudiated to believe a part of her that kept whispering : It's because of your surreptitious feelings, not because of Gaara's well-being.

She was a liar. That's what she was. A liar and a cheater.

I didn't cheat! She protested in her mind as tears sprung from her emerald eyes. I didn't cheat. I didn't cheat. I love Gaara. I love Gaara. I want to be with him. I want to be with him. I want to be with Sasu–

She caught herself mid sentence. What did her stupid brain mean by wanting to be with Sasuke?! Did she fall and hit her brain on something?! He hurt her! He broke her heart and left her behind like a love-sick puppy!

He didn't deserve her love. He didn't get to come back and mess up this one chance she had of happiness. He didn't get to confess his love for her and then claw his way into her dreams.

Her mind flashed a memory of that damned dream again and Sakura felt her breath hitch. She wasn't fine. No. She needed to get away from here. From Gaara, and from everyone.

She quickly splashed herself with cold water, washing off any indicator of her uncertain feelings and quietly grabbed her clothes to change.

Once she was done, she tiptoed out of the bathroom and caught a glimpse of Gaara, still resting soundly, so innocent and pure. Guilt bubbled up in Sakura's chest, so she swiftly grabbed teal colored puffer jacket and stalked outside. She passed the rooms without a sound, praying no one would cross her path as she slipped out of the hotel. She needed air.