NOTES: If you're in love with a certain black-haired Sharigan user, I'd back away slowly if I were you.
"I'm sorry Sakura, but I'm afraid you wouldn't care for the way I handle my relationships." Kakashi looked sympathetically at the green-eyed girl.
"How you 'handle' your relationships?" she repeated.
"Perhaps that was the wrong word," he admitted. "But when I've become involved with someone in the past, they have a tendency to start to feel I don't care for them at all. I don't mean for it to happen, but somehow it always does. And you should never have to question whether or not the one you love returns your affections."
The 18 year old kunochi pondered this a moment. "Kakashi," she began, for they were no longer student and teacher. "Those you dated before, did they know you very well before that?"
The jounin look surprised at the question, but answered just the same. "No, not really."
Sakura smiled. "Well then, I'm at an advantage then, aren't I?"
Surprise crossed Kakashi's face once more. "Yes, I believe you are."
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"You finally did it!" Naruto exclaimed. Sakura nodded, vigorous but still blushing. "Sakura, I'm so happy for you!" He hugged his friend excitedly; her crush on Kakashi had been going strong for at least a year now.
"Now we just have to find someone for you," she replied, but her smile quickly faded with the blonde's.
"Sakura…" he began.
"I know, Naruto-kun. I'm sorry. I didn't think-"
"Don't worry about it, Sakura-chan."
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They'd failed. Orochimaru had successfully taken Sasuke's body. Even though no one had seen him, Naruto had been the one to take him down. But he hadn't been the same since. He'd left for nearly half a year after the incident. Now, his demeanor and attitude were spiraling down from what they once were, he almost never left his apartment, and when he did, it was in dark colors.
"I- I still dream about it," the teen blurted out. "Sasuke- I can't get him out of my mind." She could see tears forming in his eyes once again, and Sakura held her friend close to her. She had made her peace with their former teammate's decision, but it seemed to be taking Naruto quite a bit longer.
"I'm sorry, Sakura-chan," he apologized. "You came over to tell me your good news and I spoiled it."
"You did nothing of the kind," she protested. "I told you my news, didn't I?"
Naruto smiled. "Yeah, you did," he admitted. "So, when's your first date?"
"Well, I was hoping for tonight, but Kakashi-kun said he had some things he needed to take care of. I guess that is kinda short notice."
"Oh, yeah. Hi, Kakashi! Listen, I've had a crush on you for the longest time, but my heart can no longer take the torture! You WILL date me tonight!"
Sakura fell over laughing. Both their faces were red before it she could finish. 'This is the Naruto I know,' she mused. "So, anyway, it's tomorrow night."
"You know, I really am happy for you, Sakura-chan."
"I know, Naruto-kun. I just wish I could be just as happy for you."
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"You look nervous. Why?" Kakashi asked.
"Whoa, you're messing up some serious dating protocol," the pink haired informed him.
"Oh, am I?" he asked, going along with the joke.
"Yes! You're supposed to be telling me how beautiful, not nervous, I look."
"My apologies. Sakura, you're looking quite lovely today."
'Damn straight I do! Cha!' Inner Sakura raved.
"Why thank you," her outward counterpart replied. "That's very kind of you to say."
"You're most welcome."
"So… any idea where we're going?" she asked tentatively. They had started walking, but to where…
"I'm afraid I'm not that creative," the jounin admitted. "The best I could come up with was the theatre, since I remembered you saying you wanted to see Yukie-san's new movie."
'He put thought into it! Cha!' the inner cherry blossom cheered.
"Sounds good to me!" Sakura told him. "I just hope it's still playing."
"I'm sure it is," Kakashi assured her. "It's been quite popular, or so I've heard."
"You heard correctly," a female voice said from behind them. The two turned.
"Tenmari-san! Shikimaru!" Sakura greeted them happily. Kakashi nodded his greetings. "I didn't know you were visiting, Tenmari-san."
"Pfft. The woman damn near lives here," Shikimaru mumbled.
"I didn't heard any complaints from you last night," the blonde shot back.
Sakura turned red. Kakashi raised his visible eyebrow. "I had no idea you two were so close," he stated.
"Yeah, yeah, that's one way of putting it," Shikimaru answered. Tenmari opened her mouth to retort, but Sakura cut her off. "So what does bring you to Konoha?" she asked. "Just visiting Shikimaru?"
"I was going to look for you as well," she replied calmly. "You've saved me the trouble."
"Me? Why?" Sakura asked as the four resumed their walk.
"Naruto. Has he improved any?"
He green eyes became downcast. "No. If anything, he's getting worse, and I don't know any other ways of helping him. I haven't heard the word 'Hokage' from his mouth in a year, and he's almost completely stopped going out on missions. He's quieter now, he- he's not Naruto anymore!" She could feel tears stinging her eyes, but refused to let them come.
"I see. So Shikimaru wasn't exaggerating."
"When have I ever exaggerated?"
"When you told me how big your—" Sakura put a hand over Tenmari's mouth.
"Hey look! It's the theater! Look at all the small children running around!" she exclaimed nervously.
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"You know," Sakura said as they exited. "Naruto did come to see this movie the day it came out."
"So he's not a complete lost cause," Kakashi finished. "Not yet, anyway."
"Sakura," Tenmari suddenly spoke. "I'm going back to the Wind Country tomorrow. Will you come with me?"
"Um… sure. But why?"
"Naruto's behavior- It doesn't remind you of anyone?"
"Huh?"
"I'll give you a hint," the silver haired jounin said. "Red hair, current Kazakage-"
"That's two hints already, Kakashi," Shikimaru stopped him.
"Was it? In any case, you should know who Tenmari-san is referring to now, Sakura."
"Gaara?" she asked tentatively.
"Gaara grew up with the entire world hating him before Naruto reached out a hand to him," the blonde explained. "Don't you think he'd want to return the favor?"
Sakura nodded. "What time are you leaving?"
Shikimaru and Tenmari left soon after that, leaving Sakura and Kakashi alone again.
"That was… an interesting first date," the pink haired girl stated.
"Mmm. It's a shame we don't have time for a chance at a quieter one before you go," the jounin replied.
The kunochi turned crimson. "You… ah… You could come with us," she offered.
"No, someone has to keep an eye on Naruto," he replied. "And since you'll be gone, it should be me, I think."
"Yes, you're right," she replied. "Well, it's only four days round trip, and I doubt I'll be there long."
"True, true. Then I'll look forward to your return. Good night, Sakura."
"Looking forward! CHA!" the inner cherry blossom raved.
"Y-Yes," Sakura replied. "Good night."
Kakashi turned and left Sakura at her door. 'No good night kiss?' she wondered, watching his retreating back. 'Oh, this must be part of what he meant earlier…"
