Sacrifices meant that you were going to give up things for something greater. Some sacrifices were easy. Some were hard. Some were achieved through patience. Some were too impossible to achieve. Sacrificing for love wasn't a crime. But that type of sacrifice could mean giving up everything you knew in life.

Uchiha Sasuke finally accomplished his mission in life – to kill Itachi. Naruto was able to save him from Orochimaru and he, unexpectedly, was thankful that he did. He was thankful that Orochimaru didn't succeed in making Sasuke his new body. And of course, he owed Naruto something far more important than that – Sakura.

Haruno Sakura waited for Sasuke to come back. She trained hard with Master Tsunade and it resulted well. She was an expert in medical matters. She was praised as "the best and youngest medical ninja in Konoha." She was sent to dangerous missions with other ninjas namely Hyuuga Neji and Aburame Shino. With her help, all of those missions were successful. She was once engaged to Neji but she decided to let go. There was only one person that she loved the most – Sasuke.

Sakura was walking on the bridge on one windy night. She was alone. She loved to wander around alone especially when she felt it was safe. That night, she felt something was going to happen so she wandered around. She stopped in the middle of the bridge and looked at her reflection.

"Hmmm…" She sighed, "I wish he was here…"

"Who is he?" Someone she longed to see asked.

She turned around slowly. Her eyes widened. Tears started rolling down her cheeks. Her hand was quivering when she placed it on her mouth. "Sa-sa-sasuke…" Her hair swayed as the wind passed by and removed her tears.

"Sakura," He said, "I'm back…" He opened his arms; he expected Sakura to run and hug him.

She did. She ran towards him and cried on his chest. "You… you're here… I… I missed you…. You're staying… right?" She looked at him earnestly.

Sasuke nodded. "I'm staying." He held her so close to him. He didn't want to let go. He loved her so much.

Sakura hugged him back. "I'm glad you're staying. I really am."

They wished that the moment would last forever. But sometimes, they had to make sacrifices to survive in this crazy world.

Sakura ran as far as she could. She ran and ran deeper into the woods. She wanted to get away. She wanted to lose him in the woods.

Sasuke chased her. He didn't mean all those things he said. He wanted to apologize. He wanted to hold her close to his heart again.

"I don't want to lose my job as a ninja." Sasuke reasoned, "I had to go on this mission. They said I could handle it alone so I can't bring you with me."

"You just got here two days ago and now, you're leaving me!" Sakura spat out.

"I don't want to but I have to!" Sasuke added, "I have to live up to my name."

Sakura replied, "Just because you're the only Uchiha doesn't mean that you have to do this to me."

"You're being unreasonable!" Sasuke angrily replied, "Don't be that selfish. Let me live! I don't love you that much to give up everything I do for you."

With that answer, Sakura froze. "You… you… didn't mean that right?"

Sasuke caught up with what was happening. He made one large mistake. He replied, "No. I didn't mean it; believe me I didn't mean it."

With that, Sakura answered, "Sasuke, I hate you." Then, she ran. She ran as fast as she could.

Sakura ran. Why? Because she wanted to escape the scene that happened between her and Sasuke, she ran. She didn't mean to say those spiteful words at him. She was just too shocked on what he said.

Sasuke didn't mean all of those things. Of course he loved her as much as he loved his job. Heck, he loved her more than he loved his job. But there were some things in life that you can't sacrifice that easily.

Sakura got tired so she decided to stop. Because of that, Sasuke caught up with her. Somehow, they ended on one of the romantic spots in Konoha – the lake. Sakura was standing and staring at the lake. Sasuke was standing behind her.

Sasuke started, "I'm sorry. I really didn't mean it." He went closer to her and slipped his arms around her waist. "I really am sorry."

"I know you didn't mean it." Sakura asked, "How long is your mission?"

"It depends on the situation, darling." Sasuke placed his head over hers. "I promise to be back as soon as I could."

"You promise?" Sakura asked again.

"Yes." He said.

There were fireflies on the scenery. The moon shone brightly over them. The fight ended with a kiss. It was their first kiss. They cherished the moment and wished that it would last forever.

The next day, Sasuke left Konoha. Sakura waved good-bye as the man that she loved so much left her on the village gates.

Sakura walked back to her home where she bumped into her old fiancé, Neji. His white eyes glittered when he saw her. "Sakura?"

"Oh, hello Neji!" She smiled at him. It was a smile he missed so much.

Neji said, "I heard Uchiha is back. How come you're alone?"

"He had a mission. He can't bring me with him, much to my disappointment." Sakura answered, "How about you? How come you're not on a mission?"

"I have to attend Hinata's wedding." Neji answered, "You were invited, right?"

Sakura slapped her forehead. "How could I forget it? It is next week, right? Naruto still has to recover from all those injuries."

Neji nodded. "Is Uchiha going to come with you?" Neji hoped for a negative answer.

"If he comes back tomorrow, I'll go with him." Sakura added, "If not, I'll come alone."

"If he doesn't come," Neji hesitated to add, "Would you come with me instead? Don't worry. We'll go as friends." This time, Neji hoped for a positive answer.

Sakura nodded. "Sure." She walked two steps and looked back. "I'll go now. Bye, Neji!" She waved and walked away.

Neji sighed. He walked away too. 'He just left her like that? I wouldn't do that to her, not after what we've been through together…'

"Neji," Sakura asked, "Does it hurt?" Neji was hit by a ninja from the Tea country. Lee was with them and he was currently fighting the ninjas.

That was the understatement of the day. Neji's wound was deep so of course it hurt. He didn't want to be sarcastic to her. He lost Ten-Ten because of that. He won't lose Sakura because of that same attitude.

Sakura gathered some chakra and tried to heal his wounds. "Here. Does it still hurt?"

His wounds were starting to heal. "I feel much better now. Thank you." He sat up and suddenly, he pecked on her cheek.

Sakura blushed after that peck. "A thank you is enough, you know."

"I did that because I…" Before he could finish, a konai shot right at them. "They're attacking again. Spread out."

Neji sighed again. 'That wasn't very romantic, just memorable to me. I wonder if it is also memorable to her.'

Neji asked Sakura for a date. He had everything prepared – flowers; chocolates; dinner by the lake; soft, sweet music; and of course, his proposal for her to be his girl.

They never had dates other than that. They were always too busy with missions to even think of going out together. And finally, Neji had a chance; it was once in a lifetime so he really made sure that everything was perfect.


Neji wore his normal clothes since it wasn't that formal. He had the flowers and chocolates ready. He knocked on the door.

"Coming…" He heard Sakura from the inside of the house. A minute later, Sakura opened the door. "Hi, Neji!" She was stunning, as always. She wore a red Chinese dress. She didn't wear make-up, just gloss.

Neji smiled. He handed her the flowers and the chocolates. "These are for you."

Sakura took the flowers and chocolates. "Neji, thank you. These are lovely." She walked a little. "Come inside. I just want to put the flowers on the vase before we go."

Neji went inside and looked around. It was a small place; just right for Sakura. There was a neat bookcase beside the sofa. The kitchen was near the dining room. On the table on the living room, there were pictures. Mostly pictures of her team and her family occupied the table. There was one very disturbing picture though. It was a picture of her and Naruto. Naruto was hugging Sakura in the picture.

"Sakura," Neji inquired, "I hope you don't mind me asking but did Naruto and you became boyfriend and girlfriend?"


Sakura laughed. "No. We were just close friends and besides, Naruto loves Hinata."

"You're right." Neji sighed. "Ready?"

Sakura nodded. "Let's go."

Neji and Sakura walked towards the lake. There was a table with two chairs. On the table, the food was already there. Neji used silver china and porcelain plates. He used crystal goblets and he had the finest red wine for the occasion.

The Hyuuga family was as prominent as the Uchiha family. The Hyuuga family was famous for their Byakugan just as the Uchiha family was famous for their Sharingan. Both families were rich and they were known for being great ninjas. Because of that prominence, they got a lot of missions and got rich in the process. Since the Uchiha family was massacred, the Hyuuga family was now the richest and most prominent family in Konoha. That was the reason why Neji used such expensive items.

Neji took out the chair and Sakura sat down. Neji sat on the opposite side. "I hope you like the dinner I made."

Sakura looked at him. "You can cook?"

"Yes." Neji added, "Hinata said I was good. She tasted some of my cooking and that's what she said."

Sakura sliced a piece of roasted chicken on her plate. She nibbled on it and exclaimed, "It's wonderful, Neji." She ate another piece. "You're a great cook."

When they finished eating, Neji took out a cassette player from underneath the table. He opened the cassette player and placed a music tape inside. He pressed the play button and soft, sweet music played.

Neji stood up, walked toward Sakura, and offered his hand. "Would you like to dance?" Neji asked.

Sakura nodded. She took his hand and stood up. "Okay."

Neji and Sakura danced a slow dance. Her hands were on his shoulders while his hands were on her waist. They made eye contact every few seconds. And each time they had eye contact, Neji blushed. Sakura would look away, as if she was thinking of someone else.

"Sakura, I…" Neji started, "I hope you're having a great time with me."

"Of course I am." Sakura answered, "It was nice of you to do all of these for me."

"It's because I…" Neji looked into her eyes. Her eyes stared into his. "I love you, Sakura. I know I won't be able to replace him but I really love you. Use me if you want. I won't mind. I love you that much sometimes it hurts."

"Neji…" Sakura replied, "I don't know what to say. I…"

"Please," Neji pleaded, "Could you be mine, even just for one day?"

"I…" Sakura looked away. "Neji, I can't do this to you."

Neji held her cheek and made her look at him again. Her eyes were confused. Tears were starting to accumulate in her eyes. "Sakura, try to learn to love me." With that, he inched a little closer and kissed her.

A tear slid down her cheek. 'I'm sorry, Neji.' She kissed him back.

After a moment, they broke their kiss. Neji asked, "Sakura, I'm sorry. I didn't…"

Sakura pressed her index finger on his lips. "Don't say anything, Neji." Sakura placed her head on his shoulder. "I'll try. I'll really, really try, Neji."

Neji hugged her. "Thank you, my cherry blossom."

Neji sighed again. He and Sakura became a couple for three months. They were happy. People always said that they were perfect for each other and they were meant to be. But Sakura always thought of Sasuke instead of Neji. Neji was okay with that. He didn't mind that he was only temporary in her life; at least he was once in her life. Neji tried to become permanent in her life.

Neji and Sakura were walking together around Konoha. They walked together hand-in-hand. It was their third month as boyfriend and girlfriend. Neji held a small box inside his pocket. He wanted to ask her at the right moment. He started, "Sakura, I love you."

Sakura pecked his cheek. "I love you too."

Neji asked her, "If I asked you to marry me, would you say yes?"

Sakura looked at him. "Of course I would."

Neji was surprised. 'Am I hallucinating or something? She just said that she'll say yes if I ask her. What about him?' A million reasons ran through his mind.

Sakura wondered, "Neji, are you okay? You're spacing out."

"What?" Neji snapped back to reality. "Oh, yes. I'm okay." He clutched the box tighter.

They were now crossing the bridge. The moon was full and it shone brightly with the stars. Neji felt that it was the right moment so he stopped walking.

Sakura looked at him. "What's the matter?"

"Sakura," Neji knelt down on one knee. "I hope I'm not going too fast for you but…" He took out the box and showed her a silver ring with three diamonds embedded. "Will you marry me?" Neji held her hand and looked at her, expecting for an answer.

Sakura just looked at him. She hesitated to answer' yes' because she still loved him. But for the past three months, she loved Neji. She was confused; who was the right choice, Neji or Sasuke?

Neji added, "Sakura, you don't have to answer me today. I know I'm going too fast."

"An engagement…" Sakura answered, "It sounds like fun."

"You mean…" Neji's eyes grew wider. 'She's not kidding!'

"Yes. I do." Sakura answered.

Neji jumped up and hugged her. "Yes! You made me the happiest man alive, Sakura!"

Sakura smiled. 'At least, this would help me move on."

The next day, Neji told his family about their engagement. The family was happy about the engagement. Naruto and Hinata congratulated them after the official announcement.

"Congratulations, Neji." Naruto said, "I thought you won't get hitched, you lucky stiff."

"Hey!" Neji retorted, "You're the lucky one; you get to marry my cousin when I thought no one could marry you, you ramen-eating ninja." They brawled.

Hinata's and Sakura's sweats dropped. "Hehe." Hinata said, "We're going to be cousins from now on."

Sakura smiled. "Yeah. I'm going to be related to Naruto as well. When is the big day for both of you?"

"Not yet decided." Hinata answered, "But it will be soon. You and Neji will be next." Then, an idea struck Hinata. "I know! Why don't we have a double wedding? It costs less and the whole Hyuuga clan will be there. What do you think?"

Sakura pondered the idea for a moment. "I think that's a grand idea, Hinata." She smiled. "I'll ask Neji if he likes the idea."

Neji entered the Hyuuga clan main house. He was greeted by relatives; all he did was wave at them. He walked into his family's house and entered his room to ponder about what happened next.

Neji, Sakura, Naruto, and Hinata were making plans about the double wedding. Both Neji and Naruto liked the idea of the double wedding. They were planning on having the wedding at the Hyuuga main house gardens.

"The garden is spacious enough." Hinata said, "Sakura and I are going to make a grand entrance as we cross the bridge and into the pavilion."

"That's a nice idea." Neji nodded. "We'll be inside the pavilion as we watch the wedding march."

Then, the most disturbing news came from Hinata's sibling, Hanabi. "Nee-chan, Nii-chan!" She said, panting. "Master Tsunade said that Uchiha Itachi is dead!"

Sakura looked at Hanabi. "Where did the news come from?"

"From Master Tsunade herself…" Hanabi added, "Uchiha Sasuke was the one who killed Uchiha Itachi. But Uchiha Sasuke isn't back yet."

Neji looked at Sakura. He frowned. 'I guess it's over.'

Naruto and Hinata stared at Neji. They knew perfectly well what was going to happen. 'Poor Neji…' Hinata thought. 'I hope he could get over this.'

Sakura and Hanabi were talking about the news. They got a world of their own and didn't care about the others inside the room.

Neji stood up which made everybody looked at him. "I'm going somewhere for a while. Please excuse me." He left the room without looking back.

Sakura stared at him. 'Oh no! I'm really sorry, Neji… I shouldn't have...'

Hinata asked her, "What are you going to do now, Sakura?"

Sakura looked at Hinata. "I don't know actually."

"Darn it, Sakura." Naruto remarked, "You're engaged to Neji now. Why are you still interested in Sasuke?"

"I…" Sakura didn't answer Naruto's question. She loved Sasuke all this time even if she's with Neji. 'Neji…' Every time that the thought of Neji crossed her mind, she felt so bad. She was in love with another guy while she was with Neji.

Hinata said, "Go after him."


Sakura nodded and stood up. "I'll go now." Hinata waved. Naruto gave her thumbs up! She smiled and left.

Sakura walked around the Hyuuga main house. A few minutes later, she saw Neji on the pavilion they were talking about a while ago. He was sitting on the ledge, staring at the pond. "Neji…"

Neji looked at her. He smiled. "Sakura…"

"I'm sorry. I…" Sakura stammered, "I'm really sorry."

Neji walked towards her and held her. "I'm letting you go."

Sakura looked up at Neji. "You…"

"Yes." He kissed her forehead. "Don't be burdened because of me. If you love him, go for it. I'm just glad I'm a part of your life, even if it's just temporary." He held her tighter "I want to hold you like this for a moment. I hope you don't mind."

Sakura looked at Neji. Tears came down from both of their eyes. Sakura inched a little closer and kissed Neji's lips. It lasted for a moment.

When Sakura broke their kiss, she said, "Thank you." After that, she ran out of the pavilion. She ran out of Neji's life.

Neji just watched her run. Inside, he wanted to go after her. He wanted them to stay together. But…

"I love her so much that I just have to let her go." Neji sighed. After all that recollecting, he decided to sleep. He wanted to forget Sakura but it was difficult. All that happened just two weeks ago, after all.



Sakura retreated back to her house after seeing Neji. It was hard for her too. She tried loving him during those three months. She did. She loved him but inside, she loved Sasuke which made her feel bad. Sakura entered her room and decided to sleep. Then, before drifting into complete sleep, a thought came to her mind.

"Should I tell Sasuke about Neji and me?"



Author's Notes:

You see, I have to cut it here since it's already 10 pages long in MS Word. IF I add the rest of the story, it's going to be 20 pages in MS Word. Too long to read! So I'm posting this story by chapters now. I really intend this to be a one-shot but, you already know my reasons.

If you liked this one, please read my other Naruto one-shots titled: Always and Forever, Your Cherry Blossom and A Frozen Cherry Blossom.

Standard Disclaimer Apply.