"Watch your step." said Naruto as he and Sakura climbed the stone steps of the cliff. The night was dark so the stair case was lit only by the blanket of stars above and the dim glow of Konohagakure below. It was enough light to see shapes but it was always best to be careful.
"Right." replied Sakura. She was still tired from their last mission but it was such a beautiful night that she couldn't say no when Naruto had asked if she wanted to go out. Looking at Naruto, Sakura made a mental note of how far he had come; the loud-mouthed boy she had met at the academy was long gone and in his place stood a Shinobi worthy of becoming Hokage.
After a few moments of silence, the Pinkette finally spoke again. "Naruto," she said "I think you're brilliant."
Silence fell again as Sakura praised the night for hiding her now tomato colours cheeks. "I mean, I think it's brilliant that you never give up and always stay true to yourself." She glanced at Naruto. When her eyes were greeted with the classic white tooth grin, Sakura knew she was safe. Naruto's way of being slow to pick up on thinks had always been annoying but today, Sakura was grateful of it.
"Yeah, well that's just my ninja way!" cheered Naruto with his hands clasped together on the back of his head.
Sakura blushed again. She loved it when Naruto said that, he was just so enthusiastic about life. As they continued walking, the pair reached an out-shoot from the path. It was a small alcove hanging over their home town, covered in ivy. The vines had wrapped themselves around the twisting stone banister that prevented anyone from falling over the edge, making it seem mystical and romantic. Sakura thought of an old story her mother had read to her once about two star-crossed lovers; this place reminded her of the balcony that the girl had looked over as her lover called to her from below. There were two small candles rustic on the edge, giving Sakura and Naruto enough light to see each other clearly.
Before Sakura could fully turn to face Naruto, he casually asked why she was blushing. Horror ran through the girl faster than a shock of lightning. The dark night that had previously concealed her feelings had been whipped away by the alcove's candle light. Why were there even lit candles half way up a mountain anyway?
"Uh… um…" she managed to stutter before draping her arms over the ledge and looking away.
A warm hand griped her shoulder "Sakura-chan are you alright?" asked the surprisingly soft voice of her friend.
The Pinkette sighed, now was as good a time as any to do this. "Naruto-kun, I…" murmured Sakura. Taking in a long breath of air, Sakura turned to Naruto. His bright blue eyes met her's with concern. "Naruto, you've changed. I've changed. We've both changed…" she started before being met with a burst of laughter from the blonde.
"Sakura" he managed to say in-between gasps for air. "Of course we've changed, that's what people do when they grow up!" He was now holding his stomach as he bent over, trying to contain himself. "And here I thought there was something serious on your mind!"
Slowly, Sakura could feel anger boiling up inside her but it was pushed down by an overwhelming wave of embarrassment. She had tried to tell Naruto her true feelings but it had come out wrong.
As she looked down, Naruto's laughter faded away. Sakura could feel his gaze burning into her but she refused to meet it this time. "I like you." She whispered.
—-
"I like you." Sakura whispered.
Naruto stared at her, not believing that the girl in front of him could have possibly said that. He had watched Sakura for years, always admiring her, always wanting to be closer to her. But he had never felt anything from her in return.
Time seemed to slow down. Could this really be happening? The soft glow from the candles lit up the pink haired girl's face, making it seem to glow against the dark backdrop of the mountain. She looked just like an angel. No, she looked more beautiful than an angel. Naruto had always wished to be loved by the magnificent girl but he had slowly given up hope. Like anyone would expect, Sakura received daily confessions from various men, some who had just met her, others who had known her for years. Why would someone so desirable ever choose him?
As Naruto watched her, he noticed a lonely tear fall down her cheek. "I like you." She repeated quietly. "I like you, I like you, I like you." Sakura said, each time getting stronger and more demanding, as if Naruto was not the only one she needed to confirm this to.
The blonde couldn't believe his ears. This soft melody rang throughout his brain like a never-ending tune. He opened his mouth automatically, not sure what sound would come out.
"I like you too."
—-
The words reached Sakura instantly. She spun toward Naruto, sending tears flying off her face.
"I've always liked you, Sakura. From the moment I met you."
Sakura stared speechlessly at Naruto. "You're always so nice, Naruto. You help everyone else before yourself and you never cease to amaze me." The confession spilled out of her mouth. Afraid of letting the blonde leave without knowing how she truly felt, she let it flow. "You've grown up so much and I can't help but fall for you."
Before she could say another word, Sakura found herself swept up in Naruto's strong arms. She wrapped hers around his body, holding him tightly, not wanting to ever let go. Warmth filled her body. She moaned in protest as she felt Naruto pull back but he defied her. Emerald green eyes met sky blue ones. The blonde placed both his hands on either side of Sakura's face and smiled down at her. Eagerly, the pinkette's heart pounded against her chest as Naruto leaned closer to her. His lips brushed against hers before coming in stronger. Butterflies filled Sakura's stomach as Naruto's lips continued to massage hers.
Far too soon, the couple broke apart. "Sakura" the blonde whispered, giving his signature cocky grin, "don't ever do that with anyone else."
A/N: I'm not very good at writing dialog so I hope this was okay. Also, if you are a fan of a particular Naruto couple, suggest them to me and they might appear in a future chapter...