I Miss You

1

Things had changed so much for Sakura. Her new job as head of Konoha Hospital took up most of her time, but she loved every second of it. Just recently she had even taken to teaching a few young ninjas the art of healing. Everything was going well for her so far, but something always seemed to be missing. She definitely enjoyed when she got home from work. These evenings consisted of relaxation in her new apartment and even a new kitten, which now joined her on her window seat. Sakura had her hair tied up high and wore comfortable clothes as she sat staring out the window with a cup of hot tea in her hands. As she took a sip she glanced at her clock which showed the time as 4:50pm. Putting the cup down on a side table she began to pet the small tabby kitten on its head as it purred.

"It's almost that time again Hana." Sakura said softly, picking up the kitten and placing it in her lap.

One good thing about her apartment was how it looked over a small training area. This was the same area where the new Hokage would train, every day at 5:00 pm.

"He's right on time as usual Hana." Sakura said to the soft kitten with a grin.

She watched as Naruto walked up to the training grounds and began stretching in nothing but sweat pants which hung on his hips in such a way that flattered his muscular body. This is just what I needed after a long day. She thought to herself with a smile. As he trained all she could think of was how amazing it was when he finally became Hokage, a moment she was happy to share with him. Ever since this however, they never really talked. She couldn't blame him; they were both very busy now. She was already 20 years old, while he was 21. How time flies. She thought, taking another sip of tea.

Just then a knock came at the door. Sakura placed the kitten back in its original sleeping spot, put her cup on the side table, and walked to the door, reluctantly taking her eyes off of her favorite past time. As she opened the door a blonde girl bounded inside with fresh flowers.

"Good evening best friend!" Ino said with a smile.

"Thanks for the flowers. You seem to be in a good mood." Sakura replied.

"You don't, what's wrong?" Ino asked as she found a vase from the kitchen and arranged the fresh flowers, Hana by her side. Sakura took her place back on the window seat and gazed out.

"Nothing's really bothering me, just thinking about the past." Sakura sighed.

"Thinking about the past, huh?" Ino said as she walked over to the window seat with Hana who had bound into her arms. She then looked out the window to where Sakura was now looking. "The present looks mighty fine if you ask me." She giggled and tilted her head, getting a good look at the shirtless Hokage.

"We never see each other anymore." Sakura said with a frown.

"Looks to me like you're seeing a lot of him." Ino smiled, making Sakura smile a little and give Ino a playfully hit. "How long have you been keeping this up Sakura?" Ino asked, Sakura replied with an apathetic shrug. "What's stopping you?" She said suddenly serious.

"I don't think he likes me anymore." Sakura said matter-of-factly.

"That's ridiculous, of course he still likes you. He's worshipped the ground you walk on for years."

"That's the thing Ino… I think he's moved on."

"What makes you say that?"

"I saw him with Hinata a couple times."

"Were they kissing?" Ino asked, suddenly making Sakura feel uncomfortable.

"I don't stalk them Ino! I don't know what they do. Mostly I've seen them go to dinner a few times."

"That doesn't mean they're together Sakura." Ino had a point, but how could Sakura not think that? Four years ago Sakura told Naruto she loved him, and he thought she was kidding herself. She'd never be able to convince him now anyway.

"I just don't see it happening." Sakura said taking the last sip of tea, and getting up to take the cup to the sink.

"Promise me something before I go." Ino said in the kitchen doorway.

"What's that?" Sakura asked.

"That you'll at least talk to him… I care about you Sakura and you've seemed down for a while now." Sakura didn't reply, but Ino gave her a hug anyway, and said her goodbyes before walking out the door. Sakura stared at the flowers now on her dining table. Wouldn't hurt to at least talk to him right? We've been so close for so long. This kind of silence doesn't feel right.

Sakura then took her place back at the window, where Naruto had already left. He had matured so much since they were team 7 so long ago it seemed. Maybe he thinks I only liked him because he had gotten stronger? Or worse, because Sasuke was gone and I just settled. Sakura thought folding her legs so her chin just rested on her knees. How would I ever convince him that I love him? What if he really has moved on? Could I handle that? Sakura's mind continued to race until she couldn't take it any longer. She got up from the window seat and put on her everyday clothes and brushed her hair. After a quick goodbye to Hana she walked out into the night.

Even though she was out of her apartment her mind still hung on thoughts of the past. How she had discovered her feelings for Naruto in the first place. What would she have done without him? He had done so much for her and asked for nothing. He had taken all of her cruelty toward him in the past and still loved her for who she was. Are those feelings still there? Or did he give up on her completely?

Suddenly while deep in thought Sakura ran straight into something. As she got up she realized it was a person.

"I'm so sorry!" She said helping them up.

"Damn Sakura you scared me." Shikamaru said while dusting himself off.

"I didn't see you… I was deep in thought." She said apologetically.

"Same here. Have you eaten?"

"Not yet. Did you have something in mind?"

"I was thinking Ramen." Shikamaru said walking toward the closest ramen shop, which just so happened to be Naruto's favorite. Everything seems to be reminding me of him lately. Sakura thought.

"Sounds good to me." She said to him.

"What were you thinking about? If you don't mind me asking of course." Shikamaru said, with genuine empathy in his voice.

"Naruto." She said before she could stop herself. Sakura's face began to heat as Shikamaru gave a soft laugh.

"He misses you. Says you guys never talk anymore. He thinks you're mad at him." Shikamaru said as they sat down and ordered their food.

"I'm not." She said simply.

"How's your new job at the hospital going?" He asked thankfully changing the subject.

"Great I absolutely love it!" She said with a smile. "What's it like teaching your own team now?"

"Surreal." He replied, as his mind seemed to drift off.

"Is that what you were thinking about when I ran into you?"

"Yeah, I just wish Assuma could be here for it, and how in a way he kind of is." He said touching his heart.

"I agree." Sakura said, after ordering some Sake.

"Feel like a drink?" Shikamaru asked with a laugh. Sakura nodded and when it finally got there she held up her cup.

"To Assuma!" She said.

"To Assuma." Shikamaru echoed.

Sakura and Shikamaru had a lot to catch up on. Thoughts of Naruto and Assuma left them as the spirits flowed, and he began to tell funny stories of his pupils. One story made her laugh to tears, and as she laughed she just made out the owner say something that stopped her dead.

"Ah well isn't it our favorite customer! How have you been Naruto?"

"Great! Things have been pretty busy though." She heard Naruto laugh. After ordering he looked to where she and Shikamaru were sitting. "Hey Shikamaru!"

"Hey man how's it going?" Shikamaru said taking another swig of Sake. Then his eyes locked onto hers. Without thinking she took a drink of Sake.

"Hi Naruto." She said.

"Hi Sakura… How are things going at the hospital?"

"Good, been busy."

"Yeah, uh, same here." He said awkwardly.

"She isn't mad at you Naruto I asked." Shikamaru said with a smile. Obviously the spirits had gotten to him.

"That's great." Naruto said with his winning smile that made Sakura's insides melt to her feet. Sakura then took another sip, put the money on the counter, and got up.

"I'll see you later Shikamaru." She said cheerfully, and then looked up at Naruto. "Bye Naruto."

"Bye Sakura, see you soon?" He asked.

"Sure." She said as she walked out into the street toward her apartment. When she got to the door she had the sudden urge to turn around. I can't leave things like that. She thought to herself.

Soon she found herself at Naruto's door, and with a soft knock the door opened. Blue eyes looked at her questioningly.

"Hi Sakura. What brings you here?" He asked.

"We need to talk." She said letting herself in, the door closing behind her.

Please review, they are always helpful! :D I plan on continuing the story so stick around for more!