Author's Note:For a long time I've always been interested in writing. Due to school and work I haven't had the chance to really get to it until I finally said no more. I decided to start with a SasuSaku fanfiction to earn experience because I simply love their story. And after reading so many good stories I decided it's only fair to contribute as well. FYI, I'm not too familiar about correct story formatting such as how to format text for a flashback or inner thoughts. All criticism especially in this area will be greatly appreciated.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. My respects for Kishimoto for creating an amazing manga full of great characters.


Sakura was gazing at the stars from the bench Sasuke had left her years ago. Her face reflected a deep sadness with stains of tears she had shed. She knew she shouldn't have such feelings. Not when she had finally become jounin the day before. The results of her hard work, dedication and struggles she had to endure along the way. All of her friends had surprised her with a celebration to show her how proud they were of her. It was a night she felt loved; more than she could have possibly asked. The night was fun and joyful even if she noticed someone's absence. He was not there as expected. Sasuke was in a journey of redemption; a journey to find new light in his heart. A need she understood he had to act on. This wasn't the reason why she was sitting on the bench pulling herself together with sorrow in her heart. She accidently heard a conversation between Kakashi and Naruto in the morning. The Hokage was trying to calm an angry Naruto down. Apparently, Sasuke had visited the Hokage the morning Sakura became a jounin. Naruto was demanding to know why he didn't stop by to visit his friends. In the conversation, or if it can even be called that, Naruto asked Kakashi whether it was his fault he left without a word to them. Kakashi's reply was just that he didn't know why his old student did that. Finding out Sasuke was in the village and left as if there was nothing for him broke her into pieces.

"Couldn't sleep?" she heard a calm voice behind her. A voice she recognized as Kakashi's. Sakura continued to gaze at the dark sky because she knew if she spoke she wouldn't be able to contain a flood of tears waiting to get out. The White Fang's son moved closer to her realizing she wasn't going to reply. From where he stood it was clear she wasn't in any mood to speak to anybody.

"I know you heard Naruto and me this morning. I could just imagine how you must be feeling right now Sakura. I can tell you that he must have had a good reason for leaving out of the blue. Please don't let this get to you too much." Kakashi said in the same gentle voice he has always used when trying to convince her that everything will be okay. After seconds of silence he decided it was best to leave her alone. However before he could Sakura spoke.

"Sensei, did he know about me becoming jounin?" The way her voice sounded it was obvious she was trying her best not to cry. Her question was answered when she didn't get an answer and witnessed how his eyes turned to the floor as if feeling ashamed to answer. Unfortunately for her this was all she needed to start crying again. She couldn't hold it any longer; her love for Sasuke was just too strong. More than she could bear.

"Sakura…"

"It's okay sensei. It isn't your fault nor is it Sasuke's. I-I only want his happiness; he deserves it after what he has gone through…. Still, I'm so in love with him sensei! I want to be with him when he hurts, feels happy or is simply annoyed. And I know he'll never see me in the same light I see him. I-I-I know my love for him will always be unrequited. Yet, every day I wake up hoping there is a slight chance I'm wrong. A chance that one day he is going to choose me. So I've been waiting with patience. Bu-but with actions like these that hope just diminishes; I get sad, angry then I feel guilty for being selfish. I just don't know what to do anymore with this feeling that just hurts too much. Please take it away. I don't want to feel this way anymore! I don't want to be in love with him! I don't want to keep asking myself why he can't love me!" Sakura began to cry even harder.

"Love isn't easy Sakura" Kakashi sighed now knowing how to comfort her. He wasn't prepared for a situation like this.

"D-does it supposed to hurt this much? Will my heart ever heal?" Sakura replied in between more tears.

After Sakura's breakdown Kakashi walked her home to ensure her safety. Seeing her so vulnerable wasn't a sight he liked. Hard to believe that a strong shinobi like herself could have an intense moment like that. Though he couldn't blame her; if anything he was glad she was able to let it out. Holding so much confusion and emotions inside doesn't do anybody any good. What he didn't expect was seeing her in his office the following day with a bright smile.

"Morning sensei" she told him genuinely.

"Doing better?" he put down the scrolls he was reading to give her his full attention.

"Yea...sorry about last night" Sakura responded with a look that seemed she wanted to run away. Last night's event was embarrassing for her.

"So what brings you here?" He was curious as to why this complete change. Mere hours ago she was crying as if she was getting tortured or something close. And now he sees a peaceful girl; nothing compared to the girl from last night.

"I had all night and this morning to think about Sasuke. I came with a conclusion."

"Is that so?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Remember my confession to Sasuke during the war?"

'The truth is I've always known in my heart there was nothing I could have done for you. But I love you no matter what happened, I still care about you more than I can bear. If I could have taken all your pain onto myself to comfort you, I would have.. And here we are again. All I can do is sit here and cry. I'm so pathetic...! But Sasuke-kun! If I still have a place somewhere in your heart, no matter how small it may be.. then please... I'm begging don't slip any further away! If we just all stayed together forever then I'm sure some day things would go back to the way they used to be.'

"Like it was yesterday." How could he forget the ultimate confession of love.

"At the time I was asking him to stay with us, team 7, not just with me. I wasn't selfish. After his change these new desires popped up to be with him as more than teammates. Seeing us bond; getting closer triggered something in me to hope for something more. I figured perhaps with this Sasuke it can happen. That part of me is what suffers when he just shows me the opposite. However the girl who confessed to him would be more than happy staying by his side as friends only. This includes supporting him if he ever chooses to have a family elsewhere. As long as he is happy; I'll be happy. As long he is in my life, even as friends, then I'll be content because I just can't imagine my life without him. It's far more painful to stay away from him than the suffering I endure when I remind myself that my love is unrequited."

"Why go through so much Sakura?" Kakashi was taken back with what his ex student said. He didn't know what to make of this or how to feel. Should he feel pity, proud or sad? He was glad she was able to get up after falling so deep emotionally last night in such a short amount of time. Can she really do what she's saying?

"Because sensei, that's true unconditional love. Loving someone doesn't mean the other needs to love you back. True love means you want that person to be happy with or without you. Love is not meant to be selfish. Besides I trust with time the part of me that suffers will eventually heal; heck it may even let go. Like they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." She gave a small smile when speaking her last sentence to give him assurance.

"It won't be easy." Kakashi replied with a serious tone. He needed to make sure she understood what she was getting herself into. Being a part of someone's life without asking anything in return isn't easy. Yes, it's selfless but it requires a huge sacrifice. Very few are capable for most end up hurting themselves more making it worse for everyone involved. If someone is incapable of letting go; it may just be best to avoid the person in question. On the other hand, if someone is set on letting go; it's surely best to avoid the person. Her method definitely wasn't a recommended one; making him fear for the type of fate she is getting herself into. Can a person as emotional like her come strong out of this?

"No it won't. But I'm done being pathetic as I was last night; wishing for him to love me back. I have too many good things in my life to just give in to my selfish longings. To tell you the truth I don't even know if I'll be able to really go through with it. What I do know is that I will try. Luckily he isn't around so I'll take this time to prepare myself mentally. My ultimate test will be when we cross paths again."


"You're mad" Sasuke said as he approached Sakura who was picking her bags to continue the journey. Without looking at him she replied, "Why would I be mad?". She continued placing the straps of the bags on her shoulder.

Of course I'm angry!

"You seem different since we left the inn" he insisted with accusing eyes. He noticed a change of attitude and needed to know why. She looked at his eyes trying to hide the chaos in her head by not letting him intimidate her.

Why wouldn't I? You finally confirmed my love is one sided. You didn't even flinch when you heard about the love letter.

"I'm not mad" she confirmed with a tone full of authority to get him to back off the subject. Her voice didn't show any signs of angriness; if anything it was neutral.

I shouldn't be mad is what I mean. You have no obligation to feel the same way. Crap, I'm failing my test miserably. I can do this. All my mental preparation can't just go down the drain; or can it?

"Did that shinobi do something to you?" he asked while taking lead to their destination. He opted to walk instead of running because he was so devoted to get to the bottom of her mood.

Yes! Well not intentionally. Thanks to the conversation I was having with him I realized what I knew already. You should be grateful I'm not crying! Yes! I should give myself points for this. At least instead of crying pathetically I'm just angry.

"No" she replied with the same neutral tone.

"Then why are you mad?" Sasuke's voice changed to a slight more irritated tone. He didn't appreciate Sakura being so reserved with her feelings. Bringing back Chunin exams memory where he noticed she was acting different even though she attempted to hide it.

Again, because you don't love me. But again you don't have to and I should be okay… Oh man! ! Why aren't I okay? Should I just go to plan B and never see him again… No! I already realized that's worse. .

"You have everything wrong. I'm not mad."

Ok fine, you have it right. I am angry but how can I tell you the reason. Sure I was pissed last night with you to the point I cursed your name. In my defense it just wasn't what happened in that inn. It's many things like you haven't contacted us in years, you're so called friends, yet you did with your other teammates. Then you didn't even say 'Hey Sakura, guess what I'm back as I promised'. Ok fine this isn't a good impression of you... Hell, I haven't seen you for a long time that for all I know it is a good impression. There is no way to really know since you kept us out of your life.

"I'm the reason you're mad."

Bingo! No, wait. It's not fair though. I shouldn't be mad at you for trying to be a better person. Damn it again! Why am I so confused?! Now I'm just being dumb. Man, anybody listening to me would think I'm insane.

"Sasuke, you are aware that in order for there to be a reason I'd have to be mad right?"

No Sasuke, I'm mad at myself for being selfish again. I'm so failing the test.

"I'm sorry" Sasuke said an innocent yet remorseful way. He didn't want to be the cause of her angriness. If he did anything to displease her then he'd make it right with her.

Great! Just freaking great! Please keep making me feel guilty and shameful.

"S-sorry for what?" she asked not really understanding this Sasuke. He was making her mind to grow in chaos.

"For what I did to get you mad" he replied with a tender voice. Kakashi had demanded him to be careful with her feelings so he was resolved to obey. If this meant being more apologetic and careful with her feelings then so be it.

Ugh! Why you have to be so sweet Sasuke all of a sudden, making things harder like that. This screws with my mind ya know?! I swear I want to punch you just for that.

"For heaven sake; I'm not mad!" she yelled finally giving in to her frustration of him not dropping the subject.

I really should just punch you.

"Well, you just yelled" he smirked seeing he was proven right.

That does it; I'm going for the punch now!

"I guess because now you're getting me angry" she retorted.

"I'm still sorry."

"Why are you insistent on apologizing?"

"Because we're friends and I've caused enough pain to both you and Naruto."

How I hate the word friends.

Sakura felt relief when Sasuke dropped the topic moments after his lasts statement. She disliked the word friends yet she felt joy in her heart. Maybe this is what he sensed when he dropped the questioning. She felt joy because Sasuke did care about her in some way. He had a spot for her in his heart. Although it wasn't the spot she desired; it was better than none. This reminded her of the night she had broken down years ago, a night when she thought of a life without him. Imagining this life away from him she felt the pain to be even more unbearable then having him around. She preferred to have a sweet friendship with him than to keep him far from her. With his insistence and concern proved she can pass the test. The friendship he can offer is worth keeping him around especially if he continues to behave like he recently did.

Things will go back to how they were Sasuke with team 7. I'll make sure. Pathetic Sakura crying for your love is no more! Welcome Sakura who will cherish our friendship and ensure your happiness with anyone.

Sakura continued to dwell on her profound recent epiphany for the remainder of the travel. She felt different, stronger and more determined than ever. No more looking in between the lines or having hopes to only get crushed once again. She is done blaming Sasuke for what he can't control. The only thing she had left to do was to be honest with him to show herself she wasn't going to punk out. When the village was within sight she decided to speak to Sasuke about her resolve.

"Sasuke, we need to talk" she stopped abruptly. Sasuke followed suit with a confused expression. He gave a look as to signaling her to spit out whatever she needed to tell him.

"I'm still in love with you. And don't worry this isn't a confession. More like clarification." Sasuke stood there frozen when he heard she was in love with him. His shock was obvious enough for Sakura to immediately notice it. She continued without wasting time because she needed him to hear her out before giving any comments. She stared directly at his eyes to let him know she was being serious.

"When I had just become a jounin I came to a realization that above anything else, including my feelings, I just want you to be happy and that I want to be by your side at least as you're friend. This happened when once again I was shown you won't ever feel the same as I do. Since then I've been preparing mentally to just be close to you without expecting anything in return. In other words to accept what you can give me and what you can't."

"Why are you telling me this?" Sasuke asked after he was able to get passed the shock. He really had no idea what to say or to react. Her words were just so sudden. Sakura understood her words were unexpected so she smiled at him to make the situation less awkward.

"Being honest about my feelings is a huge milestone for my success; not to mention with my current attitude I'm just making things harder and awkward between us. Back there at the inn I was mad for example. I fear if I keep this up I'll drive you away or make things weird for team 7. Besides we're on a very important mission so there is definitely no room for unnecessary drama."

"Sa-saku…"

"No need to tell me anything. Like I said its clarification only so please don't feel guilty on anything. Not your fault I'm not what your heart desires." She widened her smile to comfort him.

"Ok. Well just so you…" before Sasuke could finish his statement he felt a punch hit his face. In front of him he found a smirking Sakura.

"What the hell was that for?!" he asked as he was caressing his cheek. He was definitely confused at the random painful punch.

"Well now that we've just settle we're only friends; it's best I start treating you the same like Naruto and Sai."

"Tch, you're the one that settled that. Still what was it for?!" he hissed at her.

"For keeping your friends out of the loop for so long, making us sad when you missed our special events, and for not even saying hi after not seeing me for so long you jerk. You see Sasuke, here is the thing about friends. You need to be more appreciative to keep them around. Sheesh, you'd think after your fight with Naruto you'd learned to behave more like a friend than a bastard." Sakura looked away annoyed with her arms folded.

"Saku…" again Sasuke was interrupted by another punch.

"Now what was that for?!" he shouted furiously.

"I don't know. It just felt good the first time so repeated the action. Welcome to the friend zone." Sakura smirked then passed by him as if she didn't do anything wrong. She kept walking towards the direction of the village awaiting their help.

"Tch, you got it wrong Sakura. I did try to see you sooner; it's just…Whatever." he muttered as he walked after her.


Author's Note: Thanks everybody who has taken the time to read this story especially those who have reviewed. I tried to focus mostly on Sakura's chaotic state of mind with Sasuke in this chapter. The remainder of the story will be on how Sasuke feels about this new upcoming Sakura. Her interaction will surely be foreign for him because he has always seen a love struck Sakura. At first glance he should feel relief she has accepted his friendship only. However things are never that easy when it comes to love! For those who have read my sasusaku one shots; hopefully y'all noticed how I always have Sakura punch Sasuke. This is because regardless how happy I am they are cannon; my evil side always wanted her to just punch him. He deserves it for all the crap he put her through. I know it's evil but after all he is an Uchiha so he can handle it hahaha!