Thanks for all the reviews everyone! This is a warning for all. The parings I have (SasuSaku, NaruHina, TemShika, NejiTen) still exist! Never doubt them. Though I do imply other couples I don't mind.

Disclaimer- Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hat, hate leads to… THE UCHIHA BROTHERS! Duh, Duh, Dun, Nuh!!!! And by the way… I don't own Naruto.

Faded Cherry Blossom

The Sleepover

Sakura was still in a daze when Naruto escorted her back to the party. I don't know what I want anymore… She held in her frustrated scream and followed her blond friend in silence. Eventually they made it to the site of the party to find everything cleaned up. Sakura looked around and saw Temari and TenTen sitting around. Hinata and Ino were just finishing packing up all the decorations. Sakura sighed.

"You all should have gotten me sooner. I could have helped…" She pouted slightly. The others simply smiled except for Ino and Temari. Temari wasn't sour towards Sakura rather she rarely showed emotion anyway.

"It's your birthday. We are supposed to do stuff like this for you." TenTen grinned at her and hooked arms with her.

"But we have and idea of how you can make it up to us!" Ino hooked Sakura's other arm and practically dragged her away.

"Aiiiiii!" Sakura stepped onto the floor of her apartment, her hair was firmly knotted in her fingers and she had switched her clothes back to her normal look. "Why didn't you say something about staying over!" She paced back and forth in front of the door. Ino tapped her foot impatiently and Temari laughed at the sight.

Temari stepped up to her friend and stuck her hand inside Sakura's pocket. She pulled out a set of keys and let herself in. "Aw, come on. We cleaned the room and everything!" She whined sarcastically. Sakura gasped at the organization inside her once devastated living quarters.

"How did you-? When-…?" Sakura rubbed her forehead now. "What!?"

"We found your keys in your pocket earlier. How else would I have found them just now?" Temari gave her a large smirk and the girls rushed in. Sakura fell onto the couch in the living room and sighed. Then suddenly the four kunoichi filed in and out carrying an assortment of sleeping bags, food, and chick-flicks. Hinata grasped the pink headed nin's hand and pulled her up.

"Come on, Sakura-chan." Then Sakura found herself sitting on her bed surrounded by happy teens eating and giggling about the party and their love lives.

After a little conversation Ino sighed. "We could have had this party at my house… It was so much trouble cleaning up Sakura's disgusting room."

Sakura suddenly leapt up with a sinister look on her face and her hand balled into a fist. "What was that, Ino-pig!?"

Ino smirked and started to turn around to face her friend. "I was just saying-" Suddenly a feather stuffed pillow slammed into her face with a force that knocked her squarely onto the ground. Sakura stood triumphantly over Ino and lifted the pillow off her. Ino sat up and scrambled for her own pillow. She chucked it at Sakura but she quickly ducked and it bounced off TenTen and slammed into Temari.

"Now it's on!" Temari grabbed her pillow and soon the room was full of feathers. Even Hinata got a few hits in as they bounced around the room giggling and pounding each other.

Soon they plopped down, panting and laughing. "This is hardly the behavior of a seventeen year old Sakura."

Sakura caught her breath. "Well… aren't you-"

TenTen held up her hand. "I'm eighteen! Ino and Hinata are the only ones your age." Ino nodded reluctantly.

"And you, Temari?"

"Twenty." Suddenly the room grew quiet.

"What are you doing here then? Aren't we annoying?" Hinata fiddled with her fingers a little.

"Hmph…" Temari fell back onto the sofa in Sakura's room. "You all are the only girl friends closest to my age."

"Oh…" Sakura crossed her legs on her bed.

Then TenTen elbowed her playfully. "Are you sure you're not here just for Shikamaru?"

"Hey, hey! Change of subject!" Ino held up her hands angrily. Apparently she didn't want to hear and answer.

Temari silently thanked her. "Yeah…" There was a brief silence. Then Temari shot up and looked at Sakura curiously. "Oh, Sakura, what did Kakashi get you?"

Suddenly Sakura's face went white. "No way…" She shook her head frantically. She dove for the stack of gifts in the corner of the room but before she made a landing Hinata picked up a small box and held it gingerly.

"That's it, Hinata! Open it!" Ino bounced up and down excitedly.

TenTen leaned in closer. "What is it!?"

"This'll be interesting…" Temari relaxed on the sofa and waited for the fireworks to go off. Hinata slowly opened the lid and peeped inside. She suddenly turned a ghostly white color and fainted backwards. The box flew into the air and TenTen caught it before Sakura could get her hands on it.

She pulled off the lid and gasped. Then she held back a blast of laughter and lifted a lacy black bra from the box. "You sensei bought you Lingerie!?" She sat the box down and pulled out a matching black thong. TenTen squealed and Ino stared at the gift stupidly.

Temari busted out laughing and rolled around on the sofa. "I can't… believe it!" She said between breaths. Then she wheezed. "Kakashi bought you lingerie…!"

Ino took the box from TenTen as the bun headed girl fanned Hinata. "Wow… This is really an expensive set…!" Sakura collapsed onto her bed with an 'ugh!' and Ino looked at her with a smug, curious look. "Is there something you aren't telling us?"

"No!" Sakura lifted her head and glared at Ino. "I don't think Kakashi would ever-…"

TenTen shook her head. "You know… I've noticed how strange he acts around you, Sakura!"

Ino nodded in agreement. "It's not just Kakashi, either."

"Yeah… Everyone has this really strong… respect for you, Sakura."

"That or they're just really perverted!" Temari cracked up again. She seemed to enjoy the lingerie more than any of them.

TenTen ignored her. "Yeah… Lee loves you."

Temari objected. "But he's weird, he doesn't count. But Gaara really enjoys your company."

"What!?" TenTen and Ino's mouths gaped open.

"Yeah, whenever we come to Konoha he always seems at ease. Naruto has helped him in so many ways. Naruto is like his best friend and you are like the only girl out of our village that recognizes his personality and no his power."

Ino decided to take advantage of the moment. "What personality?" She added sarcastically.

"Hey," Sakura gave her a stern look. "No bashing Gaara in my room."

"See what I mean!" Temari motioned to her with her elbow as she shoved her hand into a bag of chips. "You're a sweetie, Sakura."

"Hai…" Hinata commented too. "N-Naruto-kun has always liked you…"

"And Neji is more open near Naruto and you, as well." TenTen put her finger to her chin.

Sakura was turning red and decided to change the subject. "How is he, by the way."

TenTen grinned. This must be getting really awkward for her… "He's really secretive about some things but I'm glad he can be honest with me. He and I are in a more intimate relationship now. And he's a really shy when he kisses me…" She tacked that on voluntarily.

"Really?" Temari looked at her curiously. "Shikamaru is really forward… and he's a very aggressive kisser. And don't think he's incapable of emotion either. He just a big ego, the stupid boy…"

Ino placed her hands behind her head and sighed. "Dating is so annoying. You can't rely on guys anymore. That's why I like being single…"

Hinata fiddled with her fingers nervously. Sakura grinned mischievously at her. "I'm really curious, Hinata… how far are you in you're relationship with Naruto?"

Temari tilted her head playfully. "Yeah… has he kissed you seriously yet?" Her superior smile made Hinata's face turn ten shades of red.

"Well…" She debated on whether or not to tell them. "Yes…" The other four girls shrieked happily.

Sakura pumped her fist. "I knew he had! Hell yes!"

TenTen suddenly leapt onto her cot and let her hands prop up her head. "How was it?" The other youths joined and started throwing questions at her.

Hinata's head whipped around in an attempt escape the squeals of her friends but her emotions inside were bubbling up until…

She slammed her fists onto her lap as she blurted out her confession. "It was the best night of my life! I've never had such an exhilarating moment with him, ever!" Her friends' eyes suddenly stared at her lazily. Their self-satisfied grins chilled her to the bone as she realized what she had just said. Oops… She whimpered to herself.

Temari leaned back and kept her grin. "I knew it…"

TenTen sighed in agitation. "It's about time he made a move. Everyone has been waiting for a deeper relationship to spark between you two." Hinata returned to playing with her fingers.

Ino returned to her sleeping bag and lay down. "What do you thing is in store for you now, Hinata."

"I don't know. But if it's with Naruto-kun I'll be happy." She smiled sheepishly. Sakura returned the gentle smile and thought to herself. There aren't any secrets now.

TenTen exhaled dreamily. "Neji and I are planning to go on vacation together this summer."

"Really?" Sakura was intrigued.

"Yeah…" TenTen continued. "I know it probably won't happen but… Maybe he'll propose to me…" Temari abruptly burst into laughter.

TenTen gave her a death stare. "I girl can dream can't she!?"

Temari wiped tears from her eyes as her chuckle lessened. "No…" She sighed. "It isn't that. It's just funny that…" A look of immense delight overtook her. "Shikamaru and I are already engaged." The room fell silent and the seconds trailed by.

Hinata stuttered. "E-en-… Engaged!?"

Sakura dove at Temari and embraced her. "I can't believe it! You're getting married, Temari!"

Ino patted her on the back. "I would have never gotten that far." I admit that I liked Shikamaru… But they're better for each other… "But now you're tied down. How will you survive?" She added sarcastically.

"I guess I have to give up flirting…" She rested her head on her hand. "Kuso…"

Ino grinned. "And wearing sluttish clothes…" Temari grabbed her pillow and knocked Ino in her head. The youths all giggled with each other and continued their conversations about the future. Sakura felt free to talk but also felt a pang of sadness in her. Sasuke… She crawled onto her bed and sat silently. What does the future have in store for me?

Then she looked at Temari and TenTen laughing with each other. She recalled how in the Chuunin exams they had fought fiercely with each other. Now they looked so glad to be in the company of friends. Hinata, who previously would have been wary of conversation had a look of confidence about her and was talking openly. Ino was quiet for once and calmly listened to the girls' stories. Her previous rival would have never considered being so polite a few years ago. Sakura relaxed a little at the pleasant sight. Maybe there's hope… The girls suddenly looked at her to contribute to their discussion. She smiled sheepishly then started to giggle with them about the gossip. Maybe people really can change…

The girls continued to talk for a while until when they started to tire out. Ino suggested watching one of the movies they had packed. They started the chick flick around midnight; it was about a sappy relationship between two collage students. The boy became the manager at a dorm without knowing it was only for girls. He fallen in love with one of the girls but she didn't notice him. Later in the movie they get some alone time and start feeling for each other. But the girl has competition back at the dorm because all the other ladies want a piece of him for themselves. The boy ends up proposing to her just before the twelfth bong of the clock tower on New Years Eve. Everyone had cried except for Sakura… Her eyes were glazed over. I can't believe I let them bring these here…

A sleepy Ino pulled out the second movie. It started but before the beginning credits were finished everyone else had fallen asleep. Sakura sighed and moved take them to their sleeping bags.

Sakura was just finished lying TenTen down when she heard an interesting sound coming from the television. It was the sound of a girl crying. Sakura poked her head in and on the screen there was a girl sitting at the base of her bed sobbing. Sakura lifted her brow curiously. Then she paused the movie and carried Hinata, the last girl in the living room, to her cot. Sakura ran to the couch in the living room and played the movie. She soon forgot about her surroundings and was lost in the plot. It described how a girl started out as a 'nobody' then slowly she grew into a legend. The men that had ignored her in the past were suddenly falling for her. But she decided to stay strong and not forget that they didn't see her as who she really was. Staying out of love worked until she found a man that she truly cared about her and gave up everything she had to be with him. But he resented any serious relationship with her and only served as her friend. Then he went off to war and was forced to let go of him. He returned and she felt nothing for him except a cold friendship. Then after a year he was sent back into battle and died just after she discovered that he had loved her. The ending credits rolled and Sakura hugged her knees. What a bitter ending…She couldn't tell that he really loved her…She looked at the screen with wide pupils. What a sad fate… Then she felt something hit her hand. She leaned back and saw in the dim light of the TV a small splash of water. She placed her thumb to her cheek and felt the stream of a tear. It's been a while since a movie made me cry… She exhaled and took the movie out of her VCR and put it on the kitchen table. In her room she heard the soft breathing of her friends and fall back onto her bed, looking out the window. She sat in silence as the wispy clouds moved in and out of her view. The moon moved into the center of the sky and she knew that she had been sitting in silence for at least an hour. Sasuke-kun…

After about an hour of dreamless sleep she couldn't take it anymore. Sakura slipped out of the covers silently and stepped onto the cold wooden floor. Hinata lay perpendicular to her bed along with TenTen, blocking her way. So she lunged over the sleeping kunoichi and stopped. She looked out at the moon that was still high in the sky. What a long night… She focused on her room again. Ino was now between her and the window. She sighed and dove out the open window and grabbed onto the sill at the same time. Hinging on her hold on the window, she planted herself onto the outside wall of her apartment. Then she focused the chakra in her feet and started scaling the wall.

Sakura made it to the roof and stared at the yellow moon. Clouds would cover it occasionally and the stars would come and go in the darkness. She sighed heavily again and turned to face the village. Everyone was asleep and the village was peaceful. She completely forgot she was wearing her spaghetti strap shirt and silk pants and tested the grip her bare feet had on the ground. Then she took off into the night. She bound off the rooftops and flipped in the air. I don't understand all this. I can't assume that Sasuke loves me. I need to be cautious. But the rest of her emotions detested the idea. She panted lightly as the pushed off the side of a building.

She headed around in circles for a while and occasionally stopped to look over the city. The roof disappeared beneath her feet as she jumped off the edge and kicked off the wall. Just at that moment she heard footsteps behind her. She clenched her fist momentarily and slowed down a little. The steps caught up to her and suddenly in a flash of black, someone was running beside her. Sakura gasped, her eyes softened at the sight of Sasuke. The loose long sleeved shirt he wore was open across his chest with a small Uchiha fan on the back. It whipped around as the cold breeze flew about them. Then black sleeves under that that held closely to his muscles. They ended at a pair of black open fingered gloves. Sakura glanced at him as the silence thickened.

He didn't look at her but as her pace lost its edge he glanced at her curiously. "I thought we were running." Sakura grinned. She enjoyed his use of 'we' and quickened her steps. Soon enough they were in sync as their feet touched the buildings simultaneously. They practically flew between the walls that rose over the vacant streets. Sakura saw the gate of Konoha grow closer and noticed that they were very close to the same place where Sasuke had first left her to seek Orochimaru. She somersaulted in mid jump and landed gracefully on the cobble stone road. She calmed her breathing as Sasuke stopped as well. Sakura stared at the memorable place and behind her Sasuke approached. He grabbed her shoulder and whipped her around. He took her firmly in his hold and his lips brushed hers. Her eyes shut serenely as he kissed her softly. His hand on her shoulder slid down her back and pulled her closer. Sakura wound her arms around his waist as his other hand snaked up into her hair.

He broke his lips from hers long enough for her to moan his name. "Sasuke-kun…" He then recaptured her in a less subtle kiss and her hold around his waist tightened. Sasuke's tongue invaded her mouth and his arms slid around to her stomach and his hand caressed her skin. They stayed like that for what seemed to Sakura to be forever, occasionally sighing and breaking apart to breathe. Sakura felt the world fade around her and suddenly he released her from the kiss. She opened her eyes and leaned her head back to look at the sky. Sasuke slipped his hand out of her hair and rested it on the back of her neck. His other hand obscured her shirt and revealed the seal around her navel. He tilted his head down and his eyes widened at the astonishing sight.

He glanced at her with a wryly grin on his face. That's interesting… He almost chucked aloud. Sakura was confused by the serenity of his eyes as he looked back at her stomach to trace his finger around the three black commas with a secret regret.

"Why me?" She whispered, intending for it to be a rhetorical question.

Sasuke lifted his head again and stared at her with his cold obsidian eyes. His movements against her body ceased; this was a routine explanation. "I came here to tell you that Orochimaru is coming to Konoha." Sakura looked at him in confusion. But he continued; his face was practically emotionless. "He's searching for a medic that has the talent to heal his arms."

"What does that have to do with me?" Sakura shook her head and was still unable to comprehend.

He came alive again and chuckled as he stroked her hair. "Sakura, you're so naïve. You're skills match and, perhaps, surpass the Hokage's medical jutsu." He face almost held a smile in it. Sakura was in a daze now.

"He's coming here for me?" She suddenly felt the adrenaline of fear enter her. No… Sasuke is here for me…he tricked me and I fell for it… He's here on Orochimaru's orders…"You… came to…" She strained to push the thought away from her mind and recovered with another question. "Then you don't-" she stopped but finished it in her head. love me…?She sighed in frustration. Why can't I just talk to him?

He laughed again and looked at her thwarted face. "You want to know why I'm here…" He looked at her green eyes with a new feeling. Sakura couldn't tell what it was but it melted her inside. He looked away from her in thought. She smiled at the gesture. He seems so normal. She let her mouth turn up into a shy smile. Finally he answered as he looked back at her with some light in his eyes. "You are so different from before. You're fascinating. I couldn't believe it was you fighting Itachi…" His thoughts seemed to change every second he spoke. "I don't think that I've ever seen you that…" He stared at her face as she waited. "Your were so…" He removed his hand from behind her neck and stroked her cheek. His eyes bore into hers. "…confident. I've never felt so thrilled to see you."

Sasuke had never said so much to Sakura in her life. He was so at ease now. You are always so calm Sasuke… what's changed about you? You're so… happy…

She suddenly laughed and tilted her head affectionately. "I thought I was annoying."

He smirked at her hand slid his hand back into her hair to pull her head onto his shoulder. "You were." He suddenly looked confused as Sakura rested in the nook of his neck and collarbone. "It's troublesome how weak I feel around you." He almost sounded angry and Sakura felt tension grow in her.

"You'll stay anyway, right?" She couldn't stop herself before the words came out. She immediately lifted her head to partially issue an apology and also to see his response.

He smirked again at her and placed her head on his shoulder again. "Hmph." Sakura laughed a little and she enjoyed his embrace for as long as she could. She knew that she had to leave soon. He was so warm and she felt herself want to drift to sleep in his arms. It had to be in the early hour of the morning by now.

He suddenly let her go and cupped her face in his hands. Sakura let go of his torso and looked at his still face. "Orochimaru will be here soon. I don't know when though. I think they're trying to keep me in the dark." That's a big mistake. Sasuke lives in the dark. He chuckled. "For some reason they don't think I'm trust worthy." He leaned in and kissed Sakura's forehead. Then he continued. His lips brushed her face as he talked. "I'll tell you if anything comes up… Sakura." He whispered her name into her ear. His voice was practically intoxicating. She felt the unnatural breeze and knew that he was gone. Sakura's eyes opened lazily and a smile seemed permanently stuck on her face. She looked at the moon that was declining and rushed back in the direction of her apartment.

Sakura gripped the sill with one hand and held her feet below the window with her chakra. She looked in the room and when she saw everyone was quiet pushed off the wall and flipped in and onto the ground noiselessly. She sighed happily and started to step over Hinata. Suddenly a voice from behind her made her freeze in her tracks.

"'Have a nice run." From within Ino's sleeping back a mumble sounded. Sakura's face was white as a sheet as she turned around to see Ino partially awake.

Sakura smiled innocently and answered. "Yeah, Ino… It was great." She leapt into bed and looked back at Ino. She was sound asleep again.

Well, that's another chapter down! You all can tell who I like more after I added that thing about Ino accepting that Temari and Shikamaru are together… HeeHee! I wrote the romantic half of this at 4 AM! Ahhh! I'm loosing sleep… Ah, well. We do what we do. Sasuke might have seemed OOC but I liked it. He's SOOOOO cute in my mind. The perfect, mysterious, bad-boy that no one can figure out!

Next Chapter- New Toys and New Plans

(Sakura breaks in her new katana!)