A/N: This is my first attempt at writing anything for Naruto and at first I wasn't going to try but apparently that doesn't matter since my mind just wouldn't let this go. My main focus will most likely stay the love triangle of Sakura with Naruto and Sasuke. I know, the love triangle between these three is mainly one-sided for most of the characters but I am about to change that, since I'm the writer and with the power of the written word I can do that. So, hope you enjoy, and as always review. I'm in new waters here people, please help me out.

Standard disclaimers apply-I own nothing Naruto with that honor going to Masashi Kishimoto ( I hope I got that information right).

"Trying"

By MakoRain

Chapter 1

You're even worse than Naruto. You make me sick.

Sasuke's words rang through her head as Sakura walked down the academy's halls, destination unknown. She had always liked Sasuke since before the academy and being put in his cell had been a dream come true, but now…things weren't so dreamy.

I guess I might have come on a little strong, but I can't help it, I love him.

At least, she thought she loved him, and that made Sasuke's words hurt even more.

He's so focused on sharpening his ninja skills that he does not have time for anything else. If he would just make time, then maybe we could…

Sakura let her thought trail off as Lee stepped in her path.

Oh great, just what I need today.

She couldn't help it, she was annoyed by the little über brow but her depression made her less willing to fight him. Walking right up to her, Lee took her hand in his and took his chance.

"Sakura, would you go out to dinner with me tonight?"

His fingers around hers made her shiver uncomfortably as she numbly replied "okay," not really caring at the moment; she had more pressing things on her mind. Lee didn't dwell on her sudden compliancy, instead giving her a quick hug before skipping off merrily down the hall while she started walking aimlessly once again.

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Maybe I was too forceful with Sakura.

Something closely resembling guilt spread through Sasuke's body as he walked down one of the many corridors of the academy. She just didn't understand him; he was so focused on reaching Jounin skill level and she just… wasn't.

Sakura was more focused on him and he was honored in a guilelessly tamed way, but this had to be taken care of. Sasuke did not want to be responsible for her shortcomings on the field and that would not help the team. He had to be able to learn to depend on Sakura and Naruto before they could truly be allies and so far, that was not happening.

He just did not have the time to be distracted from his training, for surly Sakura's dazzling green eyes and flowing pink hair combined with her genuine smile and knowledge could be more distracting than many of the girls who threw themselves at him on a regular basis.

Sure, he felt something for her, he was a guy after all and they worked together so he was getting to know the Sakura behind the façade she put on for the world, but they were so different and he could not afford to pursue anything romantic.

He was too close to trip at such a critical point in his career with his goal of becoming Jounin like Sensai Kakashi. He had a mission, a reason for becoming a true ninja, more than just a Genin and he would not rest until that was completed, no matter what the cost.

Sasuke was so immersed in his thoughts of purpose and revenge that he did not notice another presence in the hall until he almost ran over it.

"Sakura," he said, wavering a bit before finding his cool, calm and collected as always.

She looked at him, eyes guarded and emotions concealed as he put up his own mask to shield his previous thoughts when he realized how sad she looked. No, not sad…hollow, no hint of her warmth of not so long ago as she moved on mechanically, threatening to pass him by.

Reflexively he caught her arm, not wanting to let her leave like this, not wanting to be responsible for taking her spark of life away.

Sakura looked down at his hand on her arm and sighed quietly. "Please don't, Sasuke."

He let her go and started speaking before she could move away again. "I'm sorry, Sakura. I need to focus on my training right now."

His voice was calm, almost cold and that only made her feel less human. Why had she gotten so mixed up in feeling for Sasuke Uchiha? She looked up defiantly into his eyes and it made her words sting more so.

"You made yourself perfectly clear before."

He couldn't help let out an exasperated sigh, conveying more human emotion in this short talk than he had in months to anyone else besides himself. "No, see I don't think I did. I don't even know."

Sakura looked even deeper into his dark blue eyes and could see his confusion, which gave her pause before he continued, his tone becoming more calm and rational.

"I don't have time to pursue anything romantic while focusing all I have on improving my abilities. Even if I wanted to."

He grew quiet as Sakura's gaze bore into him, and he had to force all of his concentration onto not flinching under the pressure.

Did he say…he wants something more?

Her shields automatically went up as she studied his profile, his stance trying to stay frigid and collected but shaking slightly with the effort to hide. This was a whole new side of Sasuke that she had never seen before.

Could it possibly be a trap? Some new way of torment thought up by Naruto?

No, she didn't think so since Naruto had been genuinely sorry for his actions earlier, tricking her like that had been punishment enough.

"If you really want something, you will make the time."

Her words broke through the cracks in his disguise and hit his heart, so full of hope, confusion, loss-it was just all so unclear. Still, he kept his detached stature and didn't falter with what she had to say.

"I can't be the only one making an effort." She reiterated, making it clear that why she was so guarded and hurt. He could only held his ground to save face.

"I know."

"Then that's all I ask."

Sakura walked by him and he let her pass. The move was now his, if only he would make it.

A/N: I know it's short but there's more to come. In upcoming chapters the format will change and to tell you the truth, I'm still stuck on one little section before the end but I'll try to figure it out as soon as I can. Reviews motivate me (hint hint).