Sasuke's P.O.V

Every thing's sore and aching from last night. All I could do was curl into a ball and cry until I fell into a deep troubled sleep. As much as I wanted to stay in bed I knew that it would raise suspicion and Sakura would come and bug me about it. I did my best to look normal. I changed my clothes and combed my hair, but my eyes where still a little red from crying. I prayed no one would notice and went to meet the others at the bridge like usual. Sakura was already there, but Kakashi and Naruto hadn't arrived yet.

Even though Sakura got over her crush on me years ago and started dating Lee she still cares for me as a friend and noticed right away how red my eyes were and reached out to touch my face.

"Sasuke have you been crying?" She asked my softly.

"No it's my allergies." I said, trying to sound like my emotionless self.

She ignored me and continued.

"What made you cry Sasuke?" She asked anyway.

Before I could respond Naruto came running up the bridge.

"Hi guys!" He called happily.

Normal P.O.V

A flash of pain appeared in Sasuke's eyes so quick Sakura could barely see it.

Why would Sasuke be in pain when he looked at Naruto? Before she could voice her concerns Kakashi poofed onto the bridge.

"Sorry I'm late you guys. I got lost on the road of life."

"Liar." Sakura and Naruto screamed at him, though it was lacking their usual enthusiasm.

"Forget missions today. Just training." Their group leader instructed absently.

The three of them ran to the training grounds as Kakashi rattled on about something, but no one was really listening. They were too wrapped up in their own thoughts to really care.

"Then this chicken came out of nowhere and...Oh we're here. I'll tell you guys the rest later. Sakura, you and Sasuke. Naruto you're with me."

That's odd. Thought Sakura. It's normally Sasuke and Naruto, Kakashi and her that fight. Maybe sensei can sense the difference too.

Sasuke did what he was asked and took a fighting stance. But when they started Sakura could tell Sasuke's heart wasn't into it. He didn't attack once. Just kept blocking her attacks, which was very unusual for him.

His eyes kept wondering towards Naruto and Kakashi's fight. His face was impassive but his eyes held a look of sorrow. Now Sakura had known that her teammates liked each other for years now. It was pretty easy to tell if you really looked hard. So the only thing she could think had happened was that Sasuke confessed and Naruto had turned him down. But Naruto loved Sasuke. Why would he do that? Finally training ended for the day and Kakashi left with a worried look and a wave of his hand. Before the others could disperse a call filled the air.

"Naruto!" Called Hinata as she ran towards them. Sakura watched as Sasuke tensed and Naruto smiled slightly though it seemed oddly forced. "Hi Hinata." He greeted, placing a small kiss on her cheek.

"Hi Naruto" She said, not looking up at him.

"Would you like to come and get some ramen with me?" She whispered shyly. Sakura noticed Sasuke move into the shadowed woods, tears glistening in his eyes. "Naruto, can I talk to you for a second?" Sakura cut in, barely able to suppress her anger.

"Sure Sakura."

"Alone please." She added quickly.

"Okay." Naruto said, following Sakura down a dark pathway. When she thought they were far enough away she turned to face him. Her eyes filled with rage.

"How can you do this to Sasuke?!" She screamed as she grabbed the collar of his shirt.

"Can't you see you're hurting him!? He loves you and you love him! Why are you doing this to yourselves? You don't like Hinata!"

"How do you know?!" He screamed back.

"I'm not an idiot Naruto! You're both trying to hide it, but you're in pain! Why are you hurting him?!"

"Because I love him!" He cried through his tears.

"I want him to be happy even if it means I'm not the one making him happy! He'll be happier without me!"

Sakura was taken aback.

"What?" She whispered.

"Think about it Sakura what do you think would happen?! There would be no more Uchiha's! No more Shaningan! The villagers would look down on him like they do me or make fun of him! You know how many times I get beat up a week?! By people in our own villages!?" He can do better! He deserves better!"

By this point Naruto was on his knees crying.

"Idiot." She whispered, getting on her knees to.

"You're just scared of being loved. The fact that Sasuke chose you means he's okay with being the last Uchiha. Sasuke is not the kind of person people go around beating up and if he's with you he won't let anyone touch you. As for deserving someone better that doesn't mean anything you're just as strong as Sasuke. Your just scared and it's aright to be scared, neither of you have much experience with love, but you can learn from each other. It'll just take time."

Naruto stared at her wide eyed. All his reasons seemed so stupid now. Maybe he really was just scared

"I've never felt love before Sakura. I never had a family to love so it's all new to me."

"Well you have someone who loves you now. Go get him before you lose him." She whispered.

Naruto quickly wiped the tears from his eyes and nodded. Then he took off to find his love.

Thanks to everyone that reviewed!I'm glad you like it!One more chapter to go!

Yours Truly,

Lacy Fairgold