"Why is it that every time I fall in love with a guy he's completely oblivious? Am I cursed?" a pink haired girl ranted to an obviously less than interested classmate.

"Sakura, why are you complaining to me?" The dark haired boy replied with a cool demeanor. But he almost laughed. If she was referring to him he had known of her crush on him since the beginning.

"See? Now you can call me by my first name, and be familiar with me because you like someone else." She grabbed a pink strand of hair and fiddled with it in front of her glowing green eyes.

"Are you done moping yet? Because I'm busy." He grumbled.

"Don't you want to hear the details?" She crooned. "Who I like?"

"Not really."

"I'll tell you anyway." She giggled and then suddenly sobered. "I'm in love with Naruto."

"Huh?" That got his attention.

"I know! It's crazy! He's had a thing for me for so long and now that I start to like him back he doesn't even know!"

"So . . . um what do you plan to do?"

"Cry."

" You know that might actually work. Go for the whole sympathy thing. He'll eat it up."

"Ha Ha. I'm serious Sasuke kun I don't know what to do."

"Why don't you ask one of your other friends?"

"Duh! Because you're closest to him!"

"Hn."

"Would you talk to him?"

"I guess."

Naruto sat at his desk fidgeting and glancing over the top of Shino's hooded head. Why is Sasuke eating lunch with Sakura? And why are they sitting so close together? And why am I here and not over there? He stood up and pranced over to where they were sitting. Kiba looked a little miffed but continued his story about how he was once surrounded by cougars. Naruto leaned in on the tabletop eyeing his two best friends and grinning slowly.

" And what have you two been talking about? Hmm?" Sakura's heart thudded. Did he know that they were just talking about him? She sat in silent horror while Sasuke sat back completely relaxed.

" Tell him what?" Sasuke asked with murderous intent.

" That you and Sakura are going out." He stated firmly. Sakura stood up blushing angrily.

" And why the hell would you think that! No offense Sasuke." He gave her a bored look. Naruto looked between them with confusion creasing his brow.

" Well aren't you?"

" No!" She shouted. Dimly in the back of his mind Sasuke wondered why he did not feel angry by her stupid words. Sakura had liked him for a hell of long time too, but that was not what was bothering him. She liked Naruto now. His Naruto. He couldn't allow that. He stood as well and draped an arm over the bond's shoulders.

" You don't have to waste a trip to the teacher's office. Besides I have something I need to discuss with you." Sasuke could not help but look at Sakura as he finished his speech, to see the glimmer of hope sparkle in her eyes. Naruto let Sasuke steer him out of the classroom and down the hall. Sasuke released his hold but they remained fixed side by side. He looked back and forth down the hall. Now Naruto was beginning to get worried. Why was Sasuke being so secretive?

" So what did you want to talk about?" the bright-eyed boy asked smiling like a schoolgirl who enjoyed gossiping.

" We should go somewhere more private."

" Come on! No one's here just tell me."

" Stop being impatient." He sighed. "Follow me."

" Hey Sasuke why are we going out here?" Naruto questioned as he was led out onto the roof of the school.

" Isn't it nice?"

" Sure, so talk already."

" Wow. You are surprisingly focused today. Is it because of Sakura?"

" Sasuke just tell me you like her so I can go and eat."

" That's not exactly what I wanted to say."

" Then what?" Naruto folded his arms across his stomach as if to signify that if he didn't get food in there quick it would pop. Which makes no sense but that's Naruto for you.

Sasuke's eyes darted debating. Should I tell him she likes him? Should I tell him I do?

He bit his lip and grimaced as he drew blood. Naruto noticed the movement and stepped closer.

" What's wrong?"

" She- uh. That is Sakura. . ."

" Uh huh?" Naruto mumbled eyes glued to his lips and the tiny smear of blood below the lower one. Sasuke unconsciously licked those lips and Naruto nearly purred. In fact when he felt a strange sensation stir in his throat he put his hands over his mouth appalled.

" Hey are you ok?" Sasuke asked wondering why Naruto suddenly gasped. Naruto looked past Sasuke's shoulder and nodded.

" Yeah. I just smelt something. So what about Sakura?" Again this was Naruto, so the answer seemed to make sense plus everyone knew about his outrageous sense of smell.

" She told me to tell you . . ." God why do I sound like such a girl? Just say it!

" I like you." He breathed out quickly and then didn't breathe in again, not until he heard an answer.

" Wait . . .she likes-Me?"

SHIT. NO. I LIKE YOU! Sasuke shouted in his head. But it was his mistake and he would take the fall.

" Yes, she does."

"Wow I can't believe it!" Suddenly Naruto launched himself at Sasuke for a hug.

" Hey! Not me! Go get her." But he wrapped his arms around his back even as he was telling him to leave. Naruto was completely oblivious to Sasuke's turmoil. He started jumping up and down still holding onto him and laughing.

" Man! I thought she liked you! Oh ho!" He crowed in his ear. Suddenly he stopped jumping and froze. Doesn't Sasuke like her? What if I am hurting him right now? Naruto looked into his friend's black eyes looking for signs of anger or pain. What he saw was worse. The wall, or the complete black disks that revealed nothing. Naruto felt a light pat on his back. Sasuke stepped out of his arms and turned away.

" Uh. Sasuke. I'm sorry, you like her right?" Each word burned Naruto's throat but he had to ask.

"No. I don't."

" You can tell me the truth."

" I AM!" Sasuke shouted propelling the blond boy away with the sudden temper.

" Then why are you so angry?" He asked, his blue eyes welling up. Sasuke gave him a fierce look over his shoulder.

" Are you going to cry? Humph. You two belong together." He said darkly and he swung the door harshly as he made an exit. Naruto fell onto his backside. It suddenly dawned on him. Somehow, he knew that he would upset the two most important people in his life.

Sakura saw Sasuke enter the class and smiled shyly at him. She also noticed that Naruto had not returned. What the heck?

Naruto was pacing, something he never did. He always moved with a purpose with a destination, but now he was completely bewildered. How can I fix this? Sakura likes me. He stopped. Breathed in and looked down at his feet. Yeah well I liked her too. And there it was . . . liked but not anymore. So how should I put her down gently? He bit his thumb and started pacing again.

And why the hell was Sasuke so mad? He doesn't like Sakura! He should be happy for her! Huh? Is that it? Is he angry that she doesn't like him anymore? Yeah! He can be pretty possessive . . . but if that were the case he could have made a move on her ages ago! He turned around again and tripped on his feet. He blocked the fall with his hands but then lowered himself to lie down. I can't think anymore . . . he drifted off to sleep.

Sasuke's shoulders itched he could feel her eyes on him. But this feeling was different she wasn't looking at him with lust or admiration Oh no. It was with anxiety growing into panic. Her feelings were not so much different from his own. What would Naruto do? Would Naruto finally be able to go out with the girl of his dreams? Why did he have to bring them together? He did not relish the thought that once again he would be alone. Kakashi sensei looked up from a book and surveyed the class.

" So what did Odysseus do?" He asked directing his gaze at Sasuke.

" I don't know." Sasuke mumbled but he did. He was just too busy thinking about Naruto to answer that Odysseus had his men tie him to the mast of their ship. Maybe Naruto should do something like that; he should keep himself from the world, except Sasuke. He shook his head. That was just sick. I can't keep him from reaching out to others and I certainly can't have him to myself. He's not some pet animal! He turned his head and looked at Sakura, and now he'll never be mine.

Sakura raised her eyebrows and jutted her chin forward. He read this as:

" Did you tell him? And is that why he's not here?" then her eyes widened and he read:

" Did he freak out that much?"

Sasuke smirked. I wonder if she can read any of my expressions.

She started to pout at his haughty smile but then focused more closely as he began to let emotion flicker into his eyes.

She read: Nope didn't tell him.

What he was truly thinking: I told him but I have no fucking clue what he will do. Class ended and she hurried to his side.

" So did you?"

" Yes."

" And?"

' I don't know he seemed pretty excited?" Then he looked down at her sharply. " Cut the crap Sakura. YOU like him so you should talk to him. I'm not a part of this anymore."

"But-"

" He's on the roof . . . I think." He left without another backward glance.

Sakura took in a big breath and made her way to the stairs that would lead all the way to the roof. She found him curled up on the ground like a little fox. He looked so sweet she sighed and reached out a hand to stroke a whiskered cheek just as he murmured in his sleep.

"Sasuke . . . come back." She held back her hand when her chest clenched in familiar jealousy. Why was he dreaming about Sasuke? He let out a little snuffling noise and started talking again. This time in a less saddened voice.

"Sasuke I love . . . ramen." He laughed and curled up in an even smaller ball. She bent down and whispered into his ear.

" I'll get you you're ramen."

His eyes shot open and he sniffed around a bit.

"Sakura!" He shouted giving her his usual cheery smile, but then it slowly collapsed and she knew, he did not feel for her the way she wanted him to.

" Um Sakura- Chan. I uh . . . I really . . ."

" It's alright I understand. You don't have to say it." Sakura sat on her heels and replayed her last failure when she had confessed to Sasuke.

" I like someone else." That was all he had said. So blunt so sharp but very true. What about Naruto? Why didn't he like her? Had she been reading all the signs wrong?

He sat up grabbing her shoulders and pulling her from her memory.

" Sakura I really like you!" He shouted. Their faces were so close that their noses could have touched. She blushed and looked down. Was this his way of accepting? She looked up again and his eyes did not have that fervent stare anymore but a more melancholy one.

" I wish you could have said something earlier . . ." She literally sank to the ground as his words sunk in. He doesn't like me.

"Sakura . . . I wanted to be with you, but I can't."

" What do you mean?" She looked up letting a small amount of hope wiggle its way to the surface.

" I think I'm gay." He stared deeply into her eyes waiting for her reaction. Would it be a look of horror, disgust or even shame?

Nothing could have prepared her for this. Not only did he not like her but he also liked guys! She sat a little away from him trying to process this. Calm down. Calm down. Breathe. She looked back at him and when she saw that tears were brimming she reached out and pulled him to her. He sobbed into her chest and she suddenly had the distinct impression that she had somehow become his mother. She rubbed soothing circles into his back as he continued to cry and speak through gasps.

" I tried not to . . . but I do and you're the first person I've told. Can you forgive me?"

" I love you even if you do not care for me. I love you and Sasuke both. There is nothing to forgive." He straightened sniffing and scrambling away from her.

" No you'll hate me! You'll hate me for sure."

" What are you saying?" She cried.

" I like Sasuke." Her world shattered . . . again. She let a tear of her own slide down her cheek and smiled dejectedly. Yes this was just her luck that the boy that she had fallen for was in love with her first love. It was laughable. Well she couldn't blame him could she? After all she had loved Sasuke for a better part of her life. Now the beautiful blond boy before her was also suffering. She felt like her heart could not take anymore, I should become a Buddhist monk or something . . .

" I knew it. I won't blame you if you never speak to me again."

" Stop it Naruto we're not little kids anymore. Of course I'll talk to you!"

" You're not mad?"

" No. All right maybe a little, but I'll get over it. So does he know?"

" No, I will probably never tell him."

" Naruto, this isn't because of my feelings, but I think he already likes someone."

" What! Who?" He sat up on his knees shuffling forward toward her with a curious and also slightly disappointed expression.

" I don't know who."

"Oh." He hung his head and wiped at his eyes with his forearm.

" Naruto. Thank you for being honest with me."

"Heh. No problem. If it's you I can tell you anything right?" He laughed nervously as she helped him to his feet.

"Right!" She did not let go of his hand as they walked out, both relieved that they had finally told somebody what had been weighing them down. Sakura gave a real smile when they made they're way to the gate. At least I can be his friend. That's enough for me. Unbeknownst to them a boy with hair the color of midnight slunk into the almost nonexistent shadows, clenching his fists as he looked regretfully at Sakura and Naruto's clasped hands.

" Stalking are we?"

" Eh?" Sasuke let out a small noise of surprise as Kakashi Sensei appeared behind him.

"Hell no!"

" Ah, because it looked like you were watching Naruto and Sakura from a hiding place . . ."

"Think whatever you like."

" Does it bother you?"

" Yes it bothers me when a teacher is being nosey."

" I only get involved when people might be hurt."

" I wouldn't hurt them! Even if that idiot is-" He cut himself off quickly.

" I meant you Sasuke."

" Don't bother, I'm fine." He growled pulling his book bag tighter on his shoulder before striding away as speedily as possible.

His apartment was in the opposite direction from Naruto's home and for this he was grateful. He could not bear to see them together so soon. He unlocked the door and lightly threw his bag aside. This was like one of his nightmares come true. Naruto, how could he like that bitch? Okay so she's not that bad but still. He decided that he didn't want to do any homework and he collapsed on his black covered bed waiting for sleep to claim him.

Naruto slowed in front of his house and turned to Sakura.

" I'll walk you the rest of the way."

" No it's ok. It's not that far."

" Wait. Um can I give you something?" He asked with wishing well eyes.

" What is it?" Sakura breathed.

" This necklace is very important to me, I want you to have it." Sakura gasped and could not help a blush from steaming her cheeks. Oh this is such a boyfriend-like thing to do too, dammit.

" I can't accept it."

" Please, it will signify our bond . . . a pact that we can always go to each other if we are ever in trouble." He took off his necklace and held it out to her, "Deal?" He heart pounded spasmodically as she compared the sparkling blue rock to his eyes. She wanted to say no but her hand reached out and took it.

" Why now?"

"Hmm?" he asked as he helped pull her hair out of the way so she could put it on more easily.

" Why are you giving this to me now?" she frowned slightly as she gripped the crystal between her fingers. "Is it because you feel sorry for me?"

"No. It's because . . . you are very special to me. That's why." She burst into tears.

" Oh Naruto why do you have to be so sweet!"

" I don't think I'm that . . . Why are you crying?" He hugged her to him and she cried just as he had done before.

Sasuke woke and thought that maybe he shouldn't go to class at all, not with the new couple. Not with her clinging to him and listening to his words and stealing his kisses and God Dammit! He clawed his fingers down his face and swung his legs over the side of the bed. Slowly walking into his bathroom he fumbled for the light switch. He looked like shit in the mirror and he couldn't believe that he was actually losing sleep over this. He turned his head and noticed that even his hair didn't stand up in the back as it usually did. This somehow made him more depressed. He ruffled it up but it kept falling flat so he dropped his hand and pivoted to turn on the shower. When the water hit the ground he realized he didn't want to get in so he just dunked his head under the spray and then stood back and shook his hair about getting the walls, the floor, and his t-shirt and boxers damp. What's wrong with me? I can handle this; I am completely cool. Besides if Naruto does like her then all the more reason why I should kill him right? If only I could change the name on the letter . . . Sakura certainly had a nice ring to it.

Wait . . . He frowned as he looked at himself in the mirror again. If I can't have him I can at least show him my pain. He pulled open the drawer under the sink and stared at a fully black pistol.