A/N: Yes, I am back to writing! I decided to write this after mulling the desire to write over for a while. I am sorry that I let my other stories die, but looking back on them, I feel confident that my writing-style has changed for the better. I no longer like things I liked back then, and I am interested in more things now. Enough about me, ON WITH THE STORY!
A faint breeze carrying the sweet scented pastel blooms of the sakura blew around the bustling people on the busy street. It caressed them and nipped at their clothes playfully as these people celebrated the very flower that the wind was carrying. The sakura festival was a major source of joy to the villagers of Konohagakure, for it was a time for both the shinobi and the villagers to mix, and more importantly relax.
It was in the middle of these festivities that Sakura found herself seeking out her one true love, Sasuke. The boy hadn't shown much interest in her, but Sakura knew better, he was playing hard to get. He was testing her to see if she was worth being with, and she would just have to show him that she was. She wobbled slightly in the heels which she had borrowed from her mother in hopes of looking older for her Sasuke-kun. The white kimono she wore billowed around her in the wind, lifting the few loose short strands of pink hair from her bun, which was held in place with two elegant silver chopsticks. Sakura lightly touched her her bun, still a little sad that she had to cut it.
After the invasion during the chuunin exams, she got it even out so it wasn't so choppy. Looking back, those exams were almost 4 months ago. There was almost no evidence that an invasion had taken place. Builders and Shinobi alike worked together to clear the mess and rebuild the houses. There was no Hokage yet, but a rumour was spreading that the legendary Sannin Tsunade was to take the position, having being convinced by her friend Jiraiya, another Sannin.
Sakura sighed contently, she really did hope Sasuke-kun thought she looked pretty; she even wore her extra special make-up her dad had got for her in the land of tea. The girl with the pastel-pink hair strained her neck as she scanned over the crowd looking for the black ebony spikes of her beloved. When she finally caught a glance of them, she all but ran over, slowing down as she approached to look more dignified. Sasuke-kun was seated beside Naruto and Kakashi in Ichiraku, Naruto's favourite ramen shop. This gave Sakura pause for a second.
'Why are they all here without me?' She wondered, watching the boys friendly banter from behind another group of festival-goers. Even Sasuke-kun was smiling. His smile set the butterflies in Sakura's stomach a-flutter. Watching her boys, Sakura felt a smile of her own stretch across her face, and she was about to go over and join them when she took notice of their attire. They didn't look like they were going to a festival…more like they were going on a mission. Sakura frowned, and tugged at a strand of her hair self-consciously. 'They wouldn't be going on a mission without me, don't be silly' she tried to reassure herself. She repeated this to herself a few times and smiled as she convinced herself that they wouldn't. Still, it was weird that they hadn't invited her to come out with them, not even Naruto-baka came for her.
As she watched the boys laugh and joke, it struck her that she never had this type of friendship with any of them. Sasuke-Kun was always so cold and aloof, while Naruto was friendly with everyone. Kakashi-sensei seemed to favour the boys. She shook her head again to rid herself of silly thoughts, it was probably because they were all boys. She smiled and finally took those few steps over to the group.
"Hey guys, room for one more?" She joked, already sitting down.
If she had been paying more attention, she may have noticed the subtle change in the mood. It was more strained now, almost awkward. The boys exchanged looks before smiling to their pink-haired team mate, even if the smile didn't reach their eyes.
"There is always room for you Sakura" Kakashi said behind his mask. He gave her his usual eye-crinkle before taking out his little orange book and began reading it. Sasuke didn't say much, he just glared at Sakura, who was currently peeking at Sasuke from under her pink bangs, both giggling and blushing. This only seemed to irritate Sasuke more as he folded his arms, and glared off in a different direction. Only Naruto seemed pleased to see her.
"Hey Sakura! Enjoying the festival? It so cool this year, I here there is going to be fireworks and a dragon show!" Naruto said, his eyes bright and his voice loud. Sakura took a break from looking at Sasuke to talk to Naruto about the festivities. She truly did love this festival. When she was younger, her father had told her that it was held especially for her, because the Tree Spirits had come and delivered her to them on this night. Sakura knew better now, but she still got goose bumps every time a wind blew past her, part of her wanting to believe it was the spirits surrounding her for a brief minute.
There was a break in conversation while Naruto shovelled his ramen into him. Sakura shot him a nasty look at the slurping noises he was making. 'Ugh, why does he have to be so disgusting? Why can't he be cooler and more composed like Sasuke-kun?' She thought, her eyes already beginning to sparkle just thinking of her not-so-secret crush. It was then that Sakura brought up there strange clothing.
"Hey guys, how come you are all dressed in work clothes? Were you all too lazy to wash your nice clothes again?" She stuck her tongue out at the end of her sentence. There was that tense mood again, that seemed to discourage conversation. The boys exchanged glances again. Kakashi nodded before giving a little laugh. "Something like that, yeah. You know, boys will be boys " he said, scratching the back of his head. Sakura smiled, reaffirming her earlier thoughts about feeling left out. They were boys, obviously she was going to be a little different. Kakashi let out a yawn before discreetly kicking Naruto under the table. "I think I might turn in, I 'm feeling quite tired. Naruto, why don't you go to sleep aswell. I know you won't be able to get up tomorrow if you don't. Don't forget we have training tomorrow everyone, and there will be a 100-lap punishment for those who are late" He smiled at the last part.
Kakashi and Naruto walked off, leaving Sakura alone with Sasuke. Sakura lit up inside. This was her chance, her chance to make Sasuke hers forever. She leaned over, placing her hand on Sasuke's arm.
"Oh Sasu-" She began but was interrupted.
"Tch. You're so annoying. You're needy, you're loud, and worst of all, you're weak. Even the Dobe is stronger then you. You should be ashamed of yourself, quit playing ninja and leave it to those who can handle it" Sasuke said in his cold voice, malice seeping in his words. He began to smile darkly during his speech, and by the end it was one of the coldest smirks Sakura had seen. Sasuke shook off her arm and stood up. For a second he just stared down at her in disgust. He took off without another word, leaving Sakura cradling the hand he had roughly shook off.
Sakura was so confused. Why would her Sasuke-kun say such hurtful things? A v-shape appeared between her eyebrows as she brought them together in concentration. Perhaps he was sick, and a fever was making him act out. Sakura though about this, but conceded that he didn't look sick and was probably not suffering from some anger-inducing-fever. The more Sakura thought about it, the more his words began to eat away at her. She could be a little loud, but weak and needy? No, her Sasuke-kun would NOT say that to her. Remembering the time Naruto pretended to be him to get a kiss, Sakura decided that it was just Naruto-baka again, trying to put distance between her and Sasuke-kun. Sakura could feel her temper rising, and she stood up and stormed out into the street. She couldn't wait for training tomorrow , she would show Naruto for trying to trick her. He didn't count on her being so perceptive, nobody could fool her.
A/N:...So what did you guys think? This is just the beginning, more to come! Please R&R...but please mainly review. This lets me know what you all liked and what you didnt. It helps me as a writer :D. Now who do you think Sakura should end up with. Its very open-ended. It will NOT be a Sasuke/Sakura story though, because I dislike that couple...greatly. HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED!.
