So I was listening to Mumford and Son's and got inspired! I hope you guys like it!

Chapter 2: No Flame Burns Forever

Lately I wonder how I manage to make it back to this place. Perhaps I lack conviction, then again I was never really able to deny him anything.

So here I am finishing what's left of my whiskey and surrounded by people who keep congratulating the happy couple, perhaps I should do the same and then exuse myself and leave this place.

Its funny how after two years of practically running away from my feelings I end up coming back here to be a witness of his happiness with another woman, well not just another woman but one of the sweetest people I have ever know.

I look around the dancing hall and spot a couple of familiar faces, Ino for example looks happy dancing with Sai, I'm so glad that they were able to find happiness with each other, there's also Temari and Shikamaru, I even see Lee dancing with Tenten. Everyone seems to have finally found someone where they can go home too, unlike me.

You would imagen that after 2 years after leaving the village that I would have been able to move on and in some ways I guess I did, time made me stronger or as strong as I will be able to be when it comes to him.

I still remember the way his lips felt against my skin, the softness of his touch, the way he made my body obey any command he demanded...oh God what am I doing.. I need to stop this.. he is gone.. forever out of my reach, all that is left is just the memory of his kiss and even that is now consider a sin.

I finish whatever is left from my drink and start walking towards the balcony, there's a small welcoming brease that soothes my skin, I take a deep breath and start thinking about my itinerary for tomorrow, there's many things I need done before I leave the village again.

"You know, I really didn't think I would see you here today" my thoughts are interrupted by Tsunade. "I wasn't planning on coming back but, Ino can be quite persuasive when she wants to be" I smile as I say this "how long are you staying for?" Still gazing at the scenery I front of me I answer "not long, I only came for the wedding. I'll probably leave the day after tomorrow, if not sooner" I turn and look at Tsunade giving me a sympathetic look "how long have you felt this way?" I smile "longer than I care to share, my lady"

She laughs at my answer and offers me some sake "a toast for broken dreams then" I shake my head and take a sip "to broken dreams indeed" after a while she asks "what exactly did Ino say to you to make you come back for this? I've tried to have you come back to the village for the past 2 years and you simply refused?" I take a deep breath and exhale before looking at her with a sad smile "she just made me confront and say out loud what I didn't want anyone to know and she told me a couple of truths I didn't want to hear either"

Flashback

I was living in the outskirts of a small village near Suna, the people were impoverished but they still had the will to carry on and it found it liberating to be surrounded by people like them. Today, I was trying to relax from playing with the orphan children from the village, some of them were so charismatic and smart, I couldn't seem to keep up.

"Sakura?" As soon as I hear my name I turn and with a big smile I see one of my favorite blondes "Ino! What are you doing here?" I say to her after giving her a big hug "I was delivering a message to the Kazekage, and decided to pass through here, I didn't know you were staying so close to Gaara and his siblings?" I laugh at this "Gaara knows I'm here, I'm not sure about the other two though" and just like that we started catching up and reminiscing about the good old days.

"Did you hear the big news?" "What? You're finally admitting I'm better than you?" I teased her and she glares at me "Never forehead! And I'm talking about Naruto and Hinata, they're getting married!" Suddenly I feel like the blood is being drained from my body and become numb, did I hear her right? Why? Why him? Why her? I feel so stupid, I guess even now I felt a tinge of hope that he will come to me and tell me he loves me

"Sakura!" My thoughts are interrupted and I look at Ino who looks pretty confused by my reaction "I'm fine, I'm sorry... it's just... wow, I cant believe it" my voice crack and I trie to smile "Sakura why are you crying" she asks in a worried tone "out of happiness, he finally achieved one of his dream, of having a family" "Forehead, I have known you all my life and I know when you're full of it, what's wrong? And don't give me that crap that you are ok" I look into her eyes and can't stop myself from crying "I'm in love with him, the last night was in the village, I kissed him" Ino looks pretty shock by the news "pig, I'm so in love with him and after a year and a half, I can't seem to move on" I say to her.

"Is that why you left the village?" She asks and I simply nod my head in response "dammit forehead, why didn't you stay and fight for him? After you left Naruto was very upset, no one could even mention your name without him looking like someone took his heart out and ate it in front of him. Even Hinata was worried that he would end up hurting himself. But she was there and she helped him move on, and now as his friend and family like he considers you" taking a deep breath "you need to be there for him now. He was there when you begged him to bring Sasuke back, he was there when he died and comforted you. He was there for you when you needed someone the most... and even though you feel the way you are feeling now, it's time for you to be there for him"

I look at the ground and register everything that Ino is telling me and she is right, Naruto has been there for me in moments of need like when my parents passed away, and after Sasuke died. So now it was my turn to be there for him and be the friend that he deserves "you're right, I do need to be there for him. Whatever I feel now, it will eventually pass and it will become nothing more than a beautiful dream" I turn and smile at her "when did you get so smart pig?" "I don't know, but I'm glad I was able to help... will you ever come back to the village?" I smile and look at the children playing around "I don't know, perhaps one day"

End of Flashback

"Ah, does he even know that you are here?" She asked even though she knew the answer to that question "not yet, I'm actually going to go there and offer my congratulations to them now, and then I'm going to go back home and pack, I think I might end up leaving sooner than I had anticipated" Tsunade only smiles at that "good luck and if you need company, you know where to find me" I smile back and whisper thanks to her.

As I walk inside the hall, I spot Kiba at the bar drinking, he looks as happy as I do. Perhaps he is also in love with Hinata or Naruto who knows, but I can't seem but to feel sympathetic towards him. I exhale loudly and make my way over to the newlyweds, they are currently talking to Hinata's father. As I get closer, my hands start to sweat and I'm feeling more nervous than I have ever felt in my entire life.

The closer I get the louder I hear his voice, he is laughing at something. I'm only steps away him, I raise my hand and pat his back. As he turns he looks at me with surprise, I give him a small smile and hug him quickly saying congratulations, he doesn't say anything, he only stares. He is still in shock that I'm actually there. I let him go and I quickly hug Hinata "you make a beautiful bride Hinata!" I say with a smile, she gracefully smiles back and replies "Sakura, I'm so happy you were able to make it! Right Naruto?" He only nods, unable to form the right words "how long are you staying for?" Hinata asks, I smile and give her another quick hug "I'm leaving tomorrow, I only came for the wedding. I'm very happy for the two of you, I really hope your marriage will be full of love and happiness" "I wont detain you any longer, I just wanted to congratulate you two" as soon as I say that I turn and hug both of them again and start walking away.

Naruto didn't say anything, I guess he really didn't expect me to be there. But not matter, from this point on, i need to put to rest whatever feelings I have for him. I cant do this anymore, I deserve to move on and find happiness as well. I look at my watch and see that it's 1 in the morning, I guess now will be a good time to leave. I turn to look at the happy couple one more time and see that Naruto is looking right at me, all I do is smile and wave goodbye.

As I start walking out of the building, I feel my tears stream down my face and I feel my heart ache with every step I take away from that building as I make my way back home.

One thing is for certain, I love him and whether i like it or not, I will probably love him for the rest of my life.