SSHS Finale!

Music: New Divide by Linkin Park/ She's So Gone by Naomi Scott

The atmosphere of the school was close to chaotic. Just about everyone in the school was involved with the festival, whether they ran a stand or just came to enjoy themselves.

Sakura didn't really get a good look around; her mind was elsewhere. As she walked, she could feel the butterflies in her stomach grow with each step. Am I that excited? Or am I just terrified? She hadn't been able to spot her friends yet, so all she could do was silently follow Sasuke to the stage.

When it was almost time for the concert to start, Sakura dared to sneak a peek out the curtain.

"Oh, my… That's a lot of people…"

"Nervous?"

Sakura started and looked over her shoulder. She gave a weak smile. "Uh… a little…"

Sasuke gave a smile. That's right. A smile.

"Don't be. You'll be great. Besides…" He gently held her hand and turned her to him. "I'll be there with you." He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I promised, didn't I?"

She blinked as she recalled it.

"I'm in, but only if you're there with me."

"Deal."

She blushed and looked at him sheepishly. She still wasn't quite used to the boyfriend thing.

"I still think I'm going to be sick…"

"Join the club." Naruto popped up out of nowhere and slung an arm around Sasuke's shoulders, ignoring his irritated expression. "After that display? Man, Sasuke, could that have been any mushier? Ugh, just thinking about it makes me want to hurl!"

"Hn. Shut up, dobe."

Naurto made mock-pouty face. "Aww, don't be like that! Did I hurt your feelings?"

"Dobe, if you don't let go in 2 seconds…"

"You'll what? Open your heart to me? Remember, you owe me. I did play a hand in your little relationship, after all." He blew on his fist and rubbed it on his shirt.

Sakura couldn't help it; she giggled.

"Alright, alright! Cut it out, Naruto. I'm good, thanks."

Naruto grinned. Sasuke scowled, though he couldn't hate him for trying to cheer her up.

"Well. The guys are waitin'. Let's go, Teme."

Sakura blinked in confusion. "Huh? Wait, what about me?"

"Come on, Sakura! It's your first appearance! Let's make it count and give you the biggest introduction ever! Besides, we're saving the best for last!" He beamed.

Sasuke sweat-dropped. Sakura started to laugh nervously; she was definitely on the border of panicking. Sasuke turned to her and sighed. As Naruto marched away, Sasuke turned the girl to face him.

"Remember the music," he whispered. "You chose this song for a reason. I know you did." He smirked at he walked on stage.

Sakura fiddled with her necklace as she watched him take his place. "Yeah…"

Saskue made his way to his spot, checking all his band-mates. "Alright, let's do this."

Neji nodded. Kiba and Naruto were obviously pumped. Shikamaru tried to hide a smirk as he muttered, "Troublesome."

As the curtains rose, so did the screams. Sasuke inwardly groaned, but now he had to put on a show for the fans. He nodded to Kiba to give the beat.

I remembered black skies, and lightning all around me.

I remembered each flash as time began to blur

Like a startling sign that fate had finally found me.

And your voice was all I heard that I get what I deserve

So give me reason to prove me wrong, to wash this memory clean

Let the floods cross the distance in your eyes

Give me reason to fill this hole, connect the space between

Let it be enough to reach the truth that lies across this new divide.

The concert went without a hitch! The fan girls couldn't get enough of Sasuke singing; you could see hearts and stars in their eyes! Sakura sweat-dropped from backstage. What'll they think when they find out about us?

Naruto even got a guitar solo. He went all out; the most embarrassing part had to be when he got on the ground and kicked his feet so he rotated in a circle. The rest of the group rolled their eyes at his antics, but Sakura gaped. This guy's insane!

After they finished their songs, the squeals had gotten so loud, Sasuke thought his ears would bleed. But now they were supposed to introduce Sakura for the finale. Not being a people person, Sasuke left Naruto to do the speaking.

"Alright, Uzumaki, take it away…"

"Hey, yo, what's up?! Are ya feeling it? You know I am!"

Shikamaru pinched the bridge of his nose. Does he hear himself right now?

"Ok, its time wrap this up, but first, we've got a surprise to finish this with a bang! Believe it!"

The rest of the band groaned at the catchphrase. A vein popped on Naruto's head, but he kept going for the sake of the show.

"Now we're going to introduce you to this awesome girl that our own Sasuke Uchiha discovered a while ago. Give it up for…SAKURA HARUNO!"

Some of the squeals were replaced with whispers.

"Who is that?"

"Did he say Sasuke found her? No way!

"Isn't that the pink-haired freak?"

Sakura wasn't sure she had the strength to walk on stage. All the gossip… it was horrifying. What if they laugh at me as soon as I show my face?

"YEAH SAKURA! YOU GOT IT, GIRL!"

Sakura was startled! She looked for the source of the noise and spotted Ino, Sai, Tenten, and Hinata, all cheering. Ino of course was the loudest; Sai was simply smiling.

"Come on, Sak! Knock 'em dead!" Tenten raised her fist in the air.

Hinata jumped up and down. "You can do it!"

Somehow their cheering inspired some others to join in. The applause started to grow. Sakura couldn't believe it. If only my legs would move.

Sasuke noticed her frozen position, so he walked over to the side of the stage and held out his hand. Sakura looked at it, then at him. Slowly, she took his hand, and they walked on stage together. As they walked, Naruto cued the band to start. Sakura walked up to the microphone, but she didn't quite look at the crowd yet.

Insecure… In her skin

Like a puppet, a girl on a string

As she sang the lyrics, she started to feel the words from within her heart. She slowly raised her head.

Broke away…learned to fly,

If you want her back, gotta let her shine.

So it looks like the joke's on you

'Cause the girl that you thought you knew

She's so gone

That's so over now

She's so gone

You won't find her around

You can look but you won't see the girl I used to be

Cause she, she so gone.

With a look of determination, she grabbed the mike from the stand and walked over to Neji. She put a hand on his shoulder, careful not to throw him off as he played.

Here I am. This is me.

And I'm stronger than you ever thought I'd be.

She moved to Naruto. She put her hand on his shoulder from behind.

Are you shocked?

She switched sides.

Are you mad?

That your missin' out on who I really am.

She went to the keyboard's platform, sharing a smile Shikamaru, though he had been trying his hardest not to.

Now it looks like the joke's on you

'Cuz the girl that you thought you knew

She jumped off the platform

She's so gone; That's all over now.

She's so gone; You won't find her around.

She started to dance around a little.

You can look but you won't see the girl I used to be

'Cause she…

She hopped over to Kiba, banging her head to the beat.

She's so gone, away like history.

She's so gone; baby, this is me, yeah!

As she moved away from Kiba, he could tell Sakura was literally long gone; she was completely lost in the music. She pretty much forgot about all the people. She was just singing, dancing, and having the time of her life.

She's so gone; that's all over now

She's so gone; you won't find her around

You can look but you won't see the girl I used to be

'Cause she… She's so gone!

She's so gone!

She started to twirl across the stage.

You can look but you won't see the girl I used to be

'Cause she…

Sasuke saw her coming and turned to her as she stopped in front of him, smiling the brightest smile he had seen in ages.

She's so gone.

The crowd roared, including a few fangirls. But Sakura wasn't paying attention. She was too busy looking at her boyfriend. They linked hands as they stood there, while the rest of the band played out the song.

After the concert, the Ino, Sai, Tenten, and Hinata hurried back stage to meet up with the band. Hinata ran to Naruto and jumped on him, almost knocking the blonde over. When she realized what she was doing, she turned bright red and let go, until Naruto pulled her into another hug.

Neji scowled at the scene, but Tenten held his hand and gave him a look. "Come on. She can take care of herself." Neji got pretty close to smiling, and Tenten noticed.

Ino pounced on her pink friend. "OMG, SAKURA, THAT WAS AMAZING! I SO WISH YOU COULD'VE SEEN THAT SHE-DEVIL'S FACE WHEN SASUKE LOOKED AT YOU LIKE THAT!" Sai just watched, thinking her energy was pretty adorable.

Sakura laughed nervously. "Ehehe… Don't remind me…" She's going to make life hell, later.

Kiba grinned. "Don't you worry about that bitch. We're here for ya!"

Shikamaru scratched his head. "It's troublesome, but you are like one of us, now."

Sakura gaped. She didn't know what to say.

Naruto piped up. "Come on, guys! The shows over, so let's party!"

Ino and Kiba pounded their fists in the air. "Oh, yeah!" Tenten and Neji shook their heads but followed after the crowd.

Shikamaru sent a text to Temari so she could meet up with them.

Poor Hinata was practically dragged away by Naruto, but she was smiling nonetheless.

Sakura felt Sasuke grab her hand.

"So? Did you get what you wanted?"

She smiled as she looked into his eyes. "Maybe I did. But… I think I did before the festival."

Sasuke smirked as he leaned in. Sakura gladly accepted his kiss; she was pretty sure she had never felt this happy. She didn't care about the people at school. She didn't even care about what Karin was sure to do later. All she knew was she had Sasuke, and she had her friends. That was more than a girl could ask for. Are you watching, Dad? You were right. That's just the magic of music.

"Are you guys coming or what?"

"C'mon, time and place! Enough with the make-out session!"

Sasuke and Sakura quickly parted as two blondes screamed at them from down the hall. Sakura grumbled. "Geez, did he have to let the entire world know?"

Sasuke sighed. "Well, Yamanaka doesn't help much."

Despite being annoyed, Sakura gave a small smile. That's just the way they are. I wouldn't have it any other way.

She grabbed Sasuke's hand. "Come on. Let's go have some fun."

Sasuke smirked as he allowed himself to get led away.

Sakura called out to the group. "Hey, guys, wait up!"

Ino put her hands on her hips. "We've been waiting! Move it already!"

"ALRIGHT! WE'RE GONNA PARTY SO HARD! BELIEVE IT!"

Everyone simultaneously groaned. Naruto raised a fist as he growled.

"STOP MOCKING MY CATCHPHRASE!"

Thus ends this saga. A new group of friends has merged, and they'll continue to face whatever comes their way.

I have to admit I fell in love with this story as I wrote it, and I'm sad it came to an end. But, I also can't stand stories that tend to drag. I really hope you loved it as much as I did.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed! I'm excited to see so many positive reactions [some were so cute they made me smile :) ].