Disclaimer: Nope, still not mine. If it was, I would've made Sasuke's eyes neon green with specks of tangerine. I want to see him try that overrated brooding stare of his with those set of eyes. Ha!

Complications

By ButcherBlues

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Chapter II

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"It's set then. Nine o'clock tonight."

Sakura tried to put some excitement in her voice. She even smiled for added effect, not like he would see it, since they were only talking over the phone, but still! Besides didn't they say it's possible to hear a smile?

"Sounds great. Bye!"

She hung up the phone and went to her desk. Pulling open a drawer, she retrieved a small compact mirror. She just arrived home from a twelve hour shift at the hospital, and it wouldn't surprise her if she looked like someone who got trampled on by an angry Chouji, then mercilessly drilled to the ground by Kiba.

She was exhausted.

For a few minutes she decided to just lay on her bed and rest. Then she heard the door to the apartment open. A loud banging sound, a curse then the noisy shuffling of feet. That was Ino all right. Coming home for a quick rest before heading back to her post to guard the village gates. She was told it was part of some kind of training for Ino.

She glanced at the small clock at her bedside, it was already eight thirty.

Slowly standing up, she headed for the shower. She had to get ready. Tired as she was, she needed this. Needed to get out. After yesterday's events, she knew she can't handle being alone right now. That's why tomorrow, despite her protesting body, she would go ahead and take the twelve-hour shift again.

Sakura slid down against the tile wall as the spray of warm water hit her face. She placed her head in her hands as tears mingled with the streams of water.

"It's not fair. I love him so much." Sakura sobbed, causing her shoulders to shake violently. "He loves me too. I know he does."

But after seeing him at the ceremony, suddenly she's not so sure anymore. He seemed to be fairing well without her.

It felt like a stab to her heart when she saw him rise to the stage to accept the honor of being the sixth Hokage. Don't get her wrong though, she wanted nothing more than to see his dreams finally come true. She wanted to see him happy. But she wanted to be a part of that happiness, desperately needed to be the person that caused him to smile. She would've given anything to be standing there beside him that night.

She wondered what Naruto was doing now. Was he as miserable as she was? Was it bad that she hoped he was?

If he was anywhere near feeling like she was at the moment, then that would bring her some sort of twisted happiness. Because that would mean only one thing: He still loved her.

And more than anything else, she wanted that.

Sakura cried until the water became cold and her skin shriveled from the moisture. She stepped out from the shower. Pulling a towel around her, Sakura walked out into the room of the apartment she shared with Ino.

"Hey." Ino was sprawled out on the bed. "Long shower."

"I guess I wanted to clear yesterday from my head." Sakura confessed as she grabbed another towel to dry her pink locks.

Ino hummed in response then went back to flipping through the magazine she was reading before Sakura came in.

As she heard Sakura rummage through their shared closet, she turned to look at her friend. "What's up? Going out with Sasuke again?"

"Yeah, you could say that."

"Wow, Sakura. You didn't have to sound so happy, you know," Ino stated sarcastically, before pulling herself up to a sitting position.

Sakura just rolled her eyes.

"But really, if it's such a chore to go out with him, then go cancel!"

Ino chuckled to herself about the irony of it all. It really was comical that if this night happened a few years ago, Sakura would've been giggling hysterically while blushing up a storm.

But people change, crushes fade.

And people fall in love.

Too bad for Sakura though, her love story didn't end with an 'and they lived happily ever after'. Ino was all too aware of Sakura's feelings for the newly proclaimed Hokage. Life was truly unfair.

"You know I can't, especially now. I need this." Sakura sighed exasperatedly. "Besides, Sasuke has been a good friend—"

"And he had been there for you when you were near suicidal over your heartache with Naruto, even if he knew perfectly well that you could never return his feelings. How noble of him, right? So basically it's just right that you repay his kindness by going out on a date with him every once in a while," Ino finished with a flourish, her eyebrows raised in mock challenge. "Saint Sakura, what bullshit."

A fat edition of a health magazine flew towards Ino. She ducked effortlessly.

"You didn't have to make it sound that bad, you know," Sakura shot back, a frown on her face that quickly turned to an amused smile at her friend's antics. Ino had never been one to hold back her feelings. And sometimes, Sakura envied her.

"I'm a big girl now, Ino. I know what I'm doing."

"Right," was the quick answer.

Ignoring the sarcastic reply, Sakura bade a quick wave of goodbye to her roommate before heading out.

"But most of the time I don't think you do." Ino muttered softly to herself as she watched Sakura walk towards the door, a look of worry on her face.

Sakura cursed silently as a strong wind blew past her, ruffling her ensemble of a white sleeveless blouse and a simple skirt. She was sure her hair was blown out of place too. After dusting off the few errant leaves she saw on her clothes, she continued walking. She didn't bother checking herself in the mirror though. There was only one person she would happily pretty herself up for, and the man waiting for her at the restaurant wasn't him. She just didn't feel anybody else was worth the effort.

Walking towards the waiter at the entrance of the restaurant, she smiled and asked where she was supposed to be seated.

"For a moment, madame," he replied, before stepping behind the counter and grabbing a leather book, clearly trying to look for Sasuke's name to check for a reservation.

While waiting, Sakura took the time to take in her surroundings. To say the restaurant was beautiful would be a grave understatement. She looked around the expansive dimly-lit room, noticing the decorative arts adorning the walls. The elegance of the place was indescribable. She didn't even know such a place existed in Konoha! But then again, Sasuke had mentioned that the restaurant just recently opened.

'He sure went all out this time'

A few minutes later, she saw the waiter approach her.

"Your table's over that way, madame. And your date's already waiting for you," he announced cheerfully, pointing to the far-end section of the restaurant, near a large window overlooking a lake that had a pretty bridge built over it.

She had to bite her tongue not to correct the man. She was not on a date! It may look like it, but it was not. This was simply something to distract her, or maybe entertain her even for just a few hours. But she figured her efforts would be useless. Anybody would come to the same conclusion. So she just settled for a curt smile, before quickly turning and walking towards the direction the waiter advised.

The place was crowded. The new restaurant seemed to be a hit among the locals. She briefly wondered how Sasuke managed to get a reservation on such a short notice.

Careful not to accidentally bump the hurried waiters rushing past her, she slowly made her way to the table, her mind going back to the conversation she had with Ino. She had to admit that her friend made a few valid points. But things weren't always that easy! She couldn't just drop Sasuke.

No, of course not. That would be callous!

'But...'

The waiter wasn't the only person who had assumed she and Sasuke were a couple. Given her previous infatuation with the last Uchiha, and his apparent attraction to her now, it was difficult for others not to think they were more than just friends. The first few times it happened, she made an effort to correct them, but when nobody believed her she never bothered anymore. Besides, all her closest friends knew the truth. And that was what mattered.

But she had to wonder, was she setting herself up for this type of rumor? Was her indifference to dispel their incorrect assumptions becoming a fuel to the fire?

She guessed it did. So why does she continue to be a willing participant in this seemingly pointless game of charade?

Maybe there was more to her excuse of simply being tired explaining herself to people, after all.

Yes. That was something she could no longer deny.

As much as she tried to remain loyal to her love for Naruto, she can't help but feel flattered by Sasuke's attentiveness. She had made it clear that her heart was no longer for the taking, but he was surprisingly persistent. It annoyed her at first, but she eventually got used to it. With Naruto gone most of the year, and her feelings unreturned, it was kind of refreshing to know that you were still desirable to someone. She knew it was a dangerous game to play, especially with Sasuke involved. But she felt she had no other choice. There were other guys who asked her out. But they were all politely turned down. Sakura felt she couldn't handle being involved with anybody else other than Naruto. It was him or nobody else.

With Sasuke, however, it was different. She could be completely honest with her feelings for Naruto and still be able to keep him around. She was sure none of her other suitors would be that selfless. Sasuke was someone she could keep at arm's length. She knew she was being selfish, but she can't help it.

When Naruto pulled away, she fell into depression. And during that time, it was impossible not to believe that something must be wrong with her. Sasuke dispelled those thoughts of self-doubt. Although the attention was coming from the wrong guy, she took it.

It was a cheap excuse. But it was the truth.

She raised her eyes just in time to see Sasuke stand up and help her to her seat, the corners of his lips slightly upturned. Knowing him, that was probably his version of a happy grin.

She sighed.

And that was also one of the reasons why she can't find it in herself to just stop seeing him. Sure, Sasuke had changed a lot after being brought back home by Naruto. He was no longer consumed by hate. He would never deliberately hurt anyone anymore. And those were just the top of the list. Despite this fact however, one thing remained the same. He still withdrew from people. She was the only person he came close to opening up to. She knew it hurt him to be constantly reminded that her heart belonged to Naruto, but it was her way of keeping him in check. And to make up for it, she allows him to take her out to dinner every once in a while.

A basic example of mutualism.

'Shannaro! How can you be so naïve? Mutualism is hardly the word. Try predation.'

Sakura frowned at that. Inner-Sakura should know better than to pester her tonight. She simply was not in the mood!

Unfortunately for her, Inner-Sakura was nothing if not persistent and stubborn. Plus, Inner-Sakura had a point to make! And now proved to be the best opportunity.

'Sure, you're intentions are nothing but platonic. But what about Sasuke? Surely, he wouldn't still be sticking around if he wasn't getting something out of this. I mean, you've made it crystal clear that you would never return his feelings. Any hot-blooded guy would either just give up or simply takes things into their own hands. And since he's still here that leaves us with the latter. Surprise, surprise!'

'But you forgot, Sasuke's cold-blooded,' she shot back at Inner-Sakura, almost laughing out loud. However, she refrained. She didn't want Sasuke to think that her mind was elsewhere, not even halfway through dinner and he was boring her already.

Knowing that she would not be taken seriously tonight, Inner-Sakura retreated back to the dark corners of her mind to bug Sakura some other time. Besides, she knew that the seed had been planted, her job was finished.

The sound of deliberate clearing of the throat brought Sakura back to attention.

It was Sasuke.

"What do you want to eat?"

The food was exquisite. Sakura felt she was gonna burst if she took another bite.

After dinner, they engaged themselves in idle talk, Sakura had only been half-interested. However, she was not one to complain. Anything that took her mind off of Naruto was a welcome distraction. A few hours not thinking about him was more than she could ask for. But as the night wore on, Sakura was ready to go home. This meeting with Sasuke had served its purpose.

She was about to suggest that they head home when she felt Sasuke take her hand from across the table, squeezing it gently.

"I have a surprise for you."

For Sakura, his confession was already a surprise in itself. Their relationship may be confusing for some, but she had a clear stand on things. It had been an unspoken rule between them that she would go out with him to dine or occasionally go out to see a movie. Nothing more. But this... this was something new.

She was about to decline, when she happened to look at Sasuke and saw the pleading look on his face. Suddenly, she felt guilty about not paying any attention to him tonight. She simply used him to pass the time, not even bothering to ask him how his day had been. Or maybe she did, she was just too distracted to remember if he answered her or not.

'Kami-sama, what kind of a friend am I?'

Propelled by guilt, she squeezed his hand back and smiled. "Okay."

"I know it isn't much, but--"

"This is beautiful, Sasuke!" Sakura beamed at him.

Sakura turned to look at the water below, its clear surface reflecting the bright lights on the railings of the bridge, transforming the lake into a myriad of colors. The view she saw from the window earlier was actually a part of the restaurant too. There were a few tables around the lake, promising a romantic ambiance for the customers. But tonight, they were unoccupied. Sasuke obviously rented the entire place. Even going as far as instructing the management to add a few more decorations. He told her that he wanted it to look like that particular bridge where they usually meet up as Team 7 when they were younger. And she had to say, his efforts were not in vain.

"This place is beautiful!" She felt the need to repeat. "Thank you, Sasuke."

"You're welcome," he smiled. "I just figured that after everything that's happened, it's nice to be reminded of those days when everything wasn't so complicated. I know I do."

Alarm bells rang loudly in Sakura's head. Something about the way Sasuke said those words didn't sit well with her.

'Now what did I tell you, huh?'

It looks as if Inner-Sakura was working double shifts tonight. Sakura pictured her second self in a control room, pacing back and forth, pulling at switches and finally stopping in front of a panel that housed a single red button with a large danger sign written above it. Inner-Sakura pushed hard. Repeatedly.

Her efforts were in vain, however. As much as Sakura wanted to pay attention to what her mind was trying to tell her, she was held hostage by this place and its familiarity. Rendering her completely helpless to the onslaught of memories.

"Sakura-chan, how come you won't go out with me?" a young Naruto pouted at her, jumping from his perched position on one of the poles of the bridge.

She watched as a younger version of herself throw Naruto an annoyed look before going back to giving the unconcerned and quiet Sasuke the puppy dog eyes. Giggling to herself, and blushing like the lovesick schoolgirl that she was.

Not to be easily fazed, Naruto tried again.

Pulling on the sleeve of her red dress, he continued excitedly, "I have coupons for all-you-can-eat ramen! And because you're my Sakura-chan, I'm willing to share them with you!"

Apparently, that hit a nerve in the young Sakura as she immediately stood from her sitting position across Sasuke and faced the loudmouthed ninja, "You baka! Stop pestering me! Can't you see I'm busy talking to Sasuke-kun!"

"But you're not..." Naruto tried to argue, "He's not even looking at you!"

This seemed to infuriate her more.

She stomped her foot, "That's not the point!"

"Demo--"

"Just get lost, Naruto," Sakura icily cut him off, then promptly turned her attention back to the child prodigy.

She failed to see the look of hurt in Naruto's eyes.

Suddenly this place was suffocating her. Sasuke's continued presence was no longer a welcome intrusion. The fact that he was standing here with her instead of Naruto was reminding her too much of the opportunities she missed--a chance at true love she ignored in favor of a fleeting childhood crush. And most importantly, she was reminded of how badly she had treated Naruto.

"Sakura?"

She flinched at Sasuke's voice.

'Ano, Sakura-chan..."

"Hey, are you feeling okay?"

'Oy Sakura-chan, you look like you just swallowed a kunai, are you okay?'

A pause, then a chuckle. Sasuke's. Obviously believing her silence as something else.

"It can be pretty overwhelming, ne? I mean, it looks exactly like our bridge. I had the same reaction when I first saw it. I was speechless, too."

'Nan dattebayo!? This place is terrible! Let's go to Ichiraku's instead. The coupons--'

Sakura felt like screaming and crying at the same time. This is too much! She had to get out of here. Was this supposed to be Sasuke's cool idea of a joke? Is he even aware that this place was killing her?

He's here!

Naruto is here. He shouldn't be, but he is. Some other time the thought would've warmed her heart, but not right now. This Naruto seems to be punishing her. Making her remember. Forcing her to relive memories she'd rather forget.

"Sasuke, I need to--"

In mid-sentence she froze. There was a pressure on her lower back. A hand. It was caressing her, slowly pushing the thin material of her blouse upwards, then slipping under the flimsy cloth to come in contact with her bare skin. But it offered her no comforting warmth. Instead, the resulting heat that was usual with touch, burned her skin. She then felt a hot rush of air from somebody's breath, her mind telling her that it was dangerously too close. And it only meant one thing.

She turned to her side.

Sasuke's face was mere inches from her own, his left hand resting on the small of her back. And a grin that can only be described as predatory was on his pale face.

She shuddered in disgust.

The grin widened.

Sasuke must've misread it as a shiver of desire.

She quickly stepped back, a cold weight in the pit of her stomach.

"I have to go, I'm sorry!"

Without waiting for a response she turned to leave, almost breaking to a run as she moved towards the door that would lead her back to the restaurant. She swung the door open with a push, hearing it swing back close with a soft whisper. Being careful not to draw attention to herself, she tried to slow her breathing. Deciding that she must look disheveled, she turned to a corner, trying to find the restroom.

"Sakura?"

Sakura heard his voice. This time it was heavy with concern. She must've bumped her head in her hurry and fell unconscious. Of course this had to be a dream. That is the only time he spoke to her.

"Sakura-chan, are you okay?"

She felt his hand on her shoulder, the warmth of his touch spreading throughout her body like wild fire, enveloping her in a warm cocoon. And just like that, she felt completely safe again.

"Naruto."

TBC

Author's Notes: I'm not sure if there was indeed a bridge where Team 7 used to meet in the series, my recollection is a bit fuzzy. I want to believe such a bridge exists, if not, then I apologize. For the benefit of the story, let's all pretend there is. You'll understand better in the next chapter.

Sigh. I know what most of you are probably thinking. My god, why stop there, you should've skinned her alive too while you're at it! But I promise this "Let's torture Sakura!" chapter was not in any way a form of Sakura bashing. I've come to like Sakura's character, especially after seeing the first few episodes of the Shippuuden series. And in my own opinion, she's the best girl for Naruto. But making her feel guilty over her previous behavior towards Naruto was something I needed to add for dramatic effect. I hope you guys don't think I went overboard.

Stay tuned for chapter III! It'll be from Sasuke's perspective. And I plan to pinch in a tension-filled NaruSaku moment.

A few more things:

SerasCain: I'm a big NaruSaku fan, and I suppose that pretty much speaks for itself. But right now, I need Sakura and Sasuke to be together for a while, you'll realize why later on. But don't worry it'll only be brief and painless, I promise! Besides, as you can see, I try to keep the SakuSasu completely one-sided.
SilentAdaon: Oopsie! While I was typing that scene, I tried to picture Naruto and his clone doing the Rasengan, and somehow I thought they were performing a series of seals. But thinking about it now, you're right, no seals involved. They just appear to be molding an invisible clay in quick hand movements. I really suck when it comes to those stuff, so thanks for pointing that bit out!
rickp2006: LOL. Don't worry, like I said I'm all for the NaruSaku pairing. If I wanted pure angst, then I could've just watched the first few episodes of the series, when the SasuSaku pairing was all there is. Ooh... Don't even get me started on that. Haha! Anyways, the angst will pass. So please stick with me! Regarding the ending, I can't give away too much, but I intend for this fic to have a happy conclusion. The journey to that point, however, would be a long bumpy road.

Thank you so much for the reviews, guys! I really appreciate it. Keep 'em coming!