Spirited Phoenix

Foreword: I do not own Naruto, if I did, I wouldn't waste my time writing fanfiction? Now would I? This is my first story, so please be gentle, constructive criticism encouraged. Pairing: Wouldn't you like to know?

Summary:

It is said that a phoenix, that elusive mythical being rises through the ashes and is reborn stronger than before. The bird is also said to regenerate when hurt or wounded by a foe, thus being almost immortal and invincible — a symbol of fire and divinity. Meet Haruno Sakura, prund Hidden Leaf Kunoichi.

'Please, take me with you, I love you……' silence met her sobbing plea.

'Don't leave me alone!…..'

-End of Dream-

"Ahhhhhhhhh!" exclaimed the newly awoken kunoichi, pretty face drenched in sweat and eyes that carried a daunted look.

Chastising herself for such strong reactions towards such silly dreams, Sakura turned towards her clock and frowned at its offending 3:00 am reading.

"Aughhh! Why can't I have a decent night of sleep?" she asked out loud. Deciding to not wallow in self pity, the young woman languidly took a steaming shower and readied for the day.

7:00 am found her strolling towards the hospital; on her way there she offered tentative smiles and warm greetings. She never did notice the looks of longing and lust some of those greeters showed towards her, the seemingly ignorant kunoichi was too wrapped up in her own little mind to notice.

"Sakura-channnn!!!!"

"Oh this early in the morning?" she wondered, "Good morning Naruto."

"Sakura, I just came to remind you that today we have practice at 5:30, o.k., so you can't say that you forgot" said the loud blond.

Sakura looked at him straight in the eye and noticed his almost anxious expression, she knew she had put it there, by failing to show up to their practices twice already, but she couldn't help it, the patients weren't going to cure themselves. Moving closer to him, she gave him a warm hug.

The future Hokage was astounded, as far as he knew, Sakura wasn't even human in the morning, let alone affectionate. He relished the sentiment, however, and hugged her back.

They stood there amicably still until the waking world interrupted their little world.

"I'm sorry, I promise I'll be there," she quietly responded.

As she turned to walk away, he stopped her by holding onto her wrist.

"Thank you," was all he said and she responded by endowing him with a radiant smile.

A smile that she kept for the rest of the day, even after putting up with shishou's sneaky methods of skipping actual work and more intoxicating liquids. Even after waiting with Naruto for the belatedly-prone exsensei and fellow jounin for two hours, and going home with enough bruises to be properly labeled a darker skin tone.

The smile only faltered as she stood in front of her dark and uninviting house, looking at her humble abode only helped her further steel in her courage and keeps her chin up. As she looked upon her home, she saw past the unpleasant and darkness that loomed around it and saw all the possibilities and sacrifices. It was her home damn it.

With that, Haruno Sakura took out her key and walked inside her well earned haven.

--

-P.S: Pairing is undecided so if anyone makes a strong case, I shall consider.