Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. If I did, then it's SaixSakura all the way. I'm still praying for it.

The Color Pink

Chapter 7- New Feeling

A/N: Aside from Sai, Itachi, and Kakashi, I'm also crazy about Gaara. So I decided to mention his relationship with an OC from my fanfic, Nagareboshi. It's still in the works, but I hope you can stop by and check it out. Without further ado, here's Chapter 7.

It was a beautiful day in Konohagakure. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and civilians were out and about, enjoying the wonderful weather. Sitting outside a cafe underneath an umbrella, each nursing ice cream sundaes were Sakura, Ino, Tenten, Hinata, and Temari, who was visitng from Sunagakure. Throughout the years, the five had become closer than ever and at the very rare moments that the fan-wielder from the Sand visited, they spent some time together to catch up. Currently, Temari was excitedly narrating the various improvements in her village since Gaara became Kazekage, he upcoming Chuunin exams that she and her boyfriend, Shikamaru, were organizing, and news about Gaara and his girlfriend, a young Chuunin teacher from Suna's Ninja Academy.

"Sakura-san and Tenten-san have met her. I hope the rest of you get to meet her too," Temari was saying. "Minako-san is absolutely amazing. Between all of you and me, I think Gaara's waiting until she turns eighteen to propose."

"Oh my gosh!" Ino squealed. "Really? That's so cute! I would love to meet the girl who turned Gaara no Sabaku into a love struck Casanova."

"I'm glad Gaara-san has found someone," Hinata said, smiling.

Tenten nodded in agreement. "I like Minako-san, she seemed very nice." She sighed. "Time sure flies, huh? Seems only yesterday he almost destroyed our village."

The four laughed. The mention of the invasion from five years ago no longer affected them as much as before; Konoha and Suna were faithful allies to each other and had put the incident behind them.

As they continued to chatter, Temari noticed that their pink-haired friend was absent-mindedly picking at her sundae, not even laughing along with them. She looked deep in thought.

"Sakura-san?" the fan-wielder said.

No reply.

Hinata tried. "Are you alright, Sakura-chan?"

The pinkette didn't answer, only continued to stir the ice cream around the glass dish with her spoon.

"Hey forehead, what's up?" Ino placed a hand on her shoulder and Sakura blinked.

"Ano… Gomenasai. I was, uh, thinking about something."

The blonde smirked. "I heard Sai returned yesterday. Did you both spend the night together?"

Heat rushed to Sakura's face and she instantly shook her head. "N-No! Of course not! He… He just stayed for lunch and dinner, that's all."

Ino waved a hand, nonchalantly. "Sure, spare us the details."

The red deepened. "Nothing happened, okay? Besides, once was enough!"

The blonde shook her head, giggling. "Sheesh, I was just trying to make you laugh a bit. We know nothing happened. You already have a kid on the way, it's not safe."

Sakura pursed her lips then closed her eyes and sighed. "I'm sorry guys." She turned her head to the fan-wielder. "Sorry Temari-san. I know we're here to enjoy ourselves and catch up. But I'm a little tired, so I guess that's why I'm so cranky."

Temari just nodded in understanding, an amused smile on her face. "Don't worry about it Sakura-san. Being pregnant must be a drag. I don't think I ever want to have kids."

Right away, Ino grinned deviously at her. "Are you sure about that, Temari-san? 'Cause I'm pretty sure the Nara clan could use an heir. It can't end with that lazy bastard you call your boyfriend; 'cause that's just sad."

In a very rare occurrence, Temari blushed and defended herself by saying that Shikamaru hasn't even proposed yet.

"Man, he's slow!" Ino said. "I swear, if he doesn't ask you by the time you're twenty-five, he's gonna get it from me! I mean, Naruto had the nerve to ask Hinata to be his girlfriend and we all thought he didn't have the balls to ask any girl out, much less the heiress to a prestigious clan like the Hyuugas!" Hinata blushed at this. "Proposing to the Kazekage's sister should be a piece of cake. And speaking of Hyuugas, Neji!" Ino turned to Tenten who was suddenly interested in her spoon. "Don't even get me started on that all-work-but-no-play teammate of yours. Seriously, how many times have you two gone out on a date?"

Tenten bit her lip. "Um… I'm not sure."

Ino nodded her head enthusiastically. She wagged a finger at the brunette weapons mistress. "Exactly! If you two had gone on more dates than you can count, then he should be asking you by now. Jeez! What is up with these guys? And they call themselves shinobis? Kami! Even Sai had the guts to ask Sakura to marry him."

"He what?" three voices chorused.

"Pig!"

Realizing that she practically yelled it out and that a few of the other customers were now staring at them curiously, Ino grinned, sheepishly. "Whoopsie…"

And just like that, Sakura was bombarded with questions from the other kunoichis.

"When did this happen? And how?" Tenten demanded.

"He asked you that soon? You're not even dating!" Temari said.

"W-Was Sai-kun serious?" Hinata hesitantly asked.

Sakura glared at Ino before answering their questions one by one. "He asked right after his mission with Naruto and Yamato-taichou. They planted this idea in his head that the baby will become evil if it doesn't have two parents."

They stared blankly at her.

"Yeah, don't ask, Naruto's an idiot and Yamato-taichou's getting infected, no offense Hinata-chan. And yes, I do believe he was serious, even though we skipped the boyfriend-girlfriend part and I highly doubt he wants to be my boyfriend."

Sakura's own statement was a blow to her, but because she was kunoichi, she was an expert at hiding emotions and didn't show this one. It was embarrassing enough that Ino basically announced to the whole village that Sai proposed to her, skipping the dating step. Sakura was afraid of what might happen if Ino found out she was in love with Sai; the blonde would probably shriek it out so loud that it would reach the Land of Iron.

Deciding to change the subject, Sakura turned to Temari. "So, what's this about Gaara proposing to Minako-san?"

Smiling slightly at her, Temari began to narrate the events leading up to Gaara's first, and most likely only, relationship. As Sakura listened, she realized that for once in her eighteen-almost-nineteen years of life, she was jealous of Gaara. Lucky guy. He had the guts to tell this girl how he felt while Sakura couldn't even look at Sai directly in the eye now. She had been avoiding him for the past couple of days and hopefully, she'd be able to go through another day not seeing him. Her mind was much to muddled up and confused with her revelation that she couldn't face him, not yet.

There was an unceasing pounding on his door. It appeared that if it wasn't answered soon, the person behind it would smash it open. Sai quickly washed his hands and wiped them on a towel before proceeding to answer it. On the other side of his door was Naruto, reeled over and panting from exhaustion.

Did he run all the way here? Sai thought, looking amused.

"I… pant… got your… pant… messenger mouse… pant… pant…" The blonde took a deep breathe. "What's the emerg-" He looked up and paused when he saw the dark-haired artist. Then, he began to laugh. "W-What the heck happened to you?"

As Sai raised an eyebrow, Naruto pointed a shaking finger at him, still hysterical. "Hahaha… Y-You're… Man, you look like a ghost! What is that? Powder?"

And he went on laughing. If it was possible, he probably would have died from laughter. Rolling his eyes, Sai stepped aside so the blonde could enter. "It's not powder you dickless wonder. It's flour."

Naruto tried to stifle his laughter, but a few chuckles managed to escape. He cleared his throat. "Alrighty then, so why are you covered in flour?"

Sai gestured for him to follow as he went into the kitchen. Upon entering, Naruto's eyes widened seeing the mess of the usually spotless room that was once Sai's kitchen. Hadn't Sai mentioned that he couldn't cooked? And that he always ate out or at Sakura's? There were dirty bowls and pots everywhere; different knives stained with what looked like tomato juice mixed with flour were placed on top of a chopping board; on the stove was a pot of something that Naruto couldn't properly describe except that it was brown and overflowed at the rim; and the walls were splattered with white flour and solid dough.

"What in the name of Hokage happened in here?" the blonde said, beginning to back out of the kitchen door.

But Sai grabbed him by his orange top and dragged him back inside. "This is the emergency."

His blue eyes opened wide and he shook his head. "No way! I am absolutely, positively NOT going to clean your kitchen! You made the mess! Do it yourself you lazy teme!"

Sai stared at him before chuckling and shaking his head. "Although I would require your services in cleaning my kitchen, that is not my emergency. You have the habit of jumping to conclusions."

Naruto scowled. "Then what's the emergency?"

Without a word, Sai walked over to the kitchen table, picked up an open book, and showed it to him. Naruto peered at it; it was a cook book. Looking surprised, he looked at the dark-haired artist.

"You need help making odango?"

Sai smiled and tilted his head. "Hai."

"What for?"

"For Sakura-chan. She's always cooking for me. So I thought for once, I should cook for her."

Naruto furrowed his eyebrows, giving Sai a suspicious look. "O-kay." He scratched the back of his head. "I'm not sure how to do this either; I hardly cook at all. Hinata's good at it, but she's out with Temari-san and the other girls right now." Placing a finger under his chin, Naruto thought about it then sighed. "Alright, I'll help you out."

With this reply, Sai beamed, like a child does after given a new toy. "Arigatou, dickless."

Deciding to ignore this comment, Naruto began to read the instructions. "You know, I'm not as clueless as you think," he said, picking up the ingredients and the measuring cup.

Sai gave him a questioning look.

Naruto continued, "You're doing this to make up for something bad you did, aren't you?" He grinned. "Soooo? What'd you do?"

Sai simply grabbed the bag of sugar and the spare measuring cup.

Naruto pouted. "Come on Sai. Tell me. I promise I won't tell a soul."

He just shrugged. "Let's just say I'm doing this because I've realized how important Sakura-chan is to me."

He continued to work. At first, all Naruto could do was stare at him. Sai was acting strangely, as if he was… Naruto recognized this behavior; he was behaving the same way when he realized his feelings for Hinata two years go. But no, Sai couldn't be in love with Sakura. It was simply preposterous, impossible, unheard-of… Right?

The scent of newly-cooked chicken stir-fry wafted throughout Sakura's apartment. The pink-haired kunoichi smiled, taking in the delicious aroma before scooping some onto a plate. Dinner time! She took the plate to the kitchen table and was about to grab some chopsticks when her doorbell rang. Wondering who would come to see her at this time, she answered the door.

Standing in front of her apartment and carrying a small Tupperware container was Sai, his ever-present smile plastered on. Immediately, Sakura felt her stomach lurch… Or was that the baby moving happily at the sight of its father?

"S-Sai…" She cleared her throat. "What are you doing here?"

"I have a present for you."

She felt a smile tugging her lips. "But it's not my birthday."

He shrugged. "I know. May I come in?" he asked.

Sakura stepped aside. "Of course. Um… I'm about to have dinner. Did you eat yet?"

He shook his head and Sakura felt herself swelling with excitement. Sai's staying for dinner! Although she had been avoiding him for the past couple of days, she could honestly say that she missed seeing him. She missed his company and his constant attempts at making her happy. Flashing him a smile, she led him to the kitchen. "Come and join me." She took another plate and scooped some of the stir-fry onto it.

Sai sat on the table and she placed the plate in front of him.

"Itadakimasu!"

As they ate, Sakura told him about her and the conversation she and the other kunoichis had with Temari that afternoon. Sai listened with interest and fascination; he had only met the Sand Siblings a few times so he didn't know much about them. When Sakura mentioned that the Kazekage was planning to propose to his girlfriend, Sai remembered his own proposal and wondered if since now that he loved her, was it alright if he asked her to marry him? That was the reason people marry, right? Because they loved each other. Besides, Sakura did say that she would think about it. It had been several months since then, surely she had enough time already?

"So, you said you have something for me?"

Sai blinked once before realizing that she was indicating the container he brought. "Oh, yes." He took the container and opened it. "Naruto helped me make them and I hope you enjoy them, Sakura."

She noticed the lack of honorific in her name, but decided to ignore it. Instead, she stared at the neatly arranged odango buns in the container. Sai made these?

"You… You cooked?" she blurted out, thunderstruck.

Sai nodded, beaming brightly. "Try one."

Now, Sakura felt her heart swell with pride and adoration. Sai didn't cook, which was why he spent most of his dinner outside or at her apartment. She felt touched at the gesture and couldn't help but hope that it meant something.

Damnit! I'm falling hard again! she cussed. No Sakura. You shouldn't. This is Sai we're talking about. Sai. Don't forget that. He probably doesn't even know what love means, anyway; it's too much to hope.

Tentatively, Sakura reached out and took an odango. At his expectant face, she took a small bite… and grabbed her tea cup quickly to help down it. How much salt did he put in this?

Her reaction was the opposite that Sai expected. She was supposed to smile and tell him how good it was and possibly give him a kiss for the thoughtful gift; at least, that was what Naruto told him that women did when a man cooked for her. But then again, the blonde could have been lying. Sakura didn't look pleased. She didn't look happy either. So, her reaction meant that she didn't like it. Which meant he did the instructions wrong. Which meant that he probably made her sick!

Sai's eyes widened in panic and he stood up quickly and was in front of her in a flash. Kneeling on the floor, he placed his hands on her knees. "Sakura-chan… I'm… I'm so sorry! Do you feel sick? How's the baby? Do you need to go to the hospital? I'll carry you! Hold on-"

To his surprise, Sakura giggled and placed her hands on top of his, shaking her head. "I'm fine; the baby's okay too," she assured him, smiling in amusement. "It's just that… I think you placed a little too much salt in the odango… and undercooked them."

His eyes widened in alarm.

"But no harm done," she added quickly. Breathing in deeply, she lifted a hand and stroked his cheek with her thumb, gently. "Arigatou, Sai-kun, I love your present."

Sai began to look confused. "But… It wasn't good."

She continued to smile, softly this time. "No one's ever tried to cook for me before. You're the first. And though it wasn't perfect, it was the best present anyone could ever give me."

To Sai's delight, she leaned in and wrapped her arms around his neck. He could smell her sweet scent and his heart began pounding in its usual fast-pace whenever she was near him. He was about to return the hug when suddenly, Sakura broke away from him. He felt empty without her in his arms. But when he looked up, an excited smile was grazing her lips. She quickly took his hand and placed it over her belly.

"Can you feel that?" she asked him, excitedly. "The baby's kicking!"

And indeed, it was. Sai could feel him/her kicking. Feeling this interaction between him and his child, he was suddenly so very happy. His baby was kicking; probably inherited Sakura's immense strengh. Then, he began to get worried. "Are you not being hurt, Sakura-chan?"

She shrugged. "Just a little. But it's normal. It just means that the baby is happy and excited." She looked at him. "I think he's happy that we're getting along like this."

Sai looked up at her, unconsciously slipping his other hand inside his pocket. He fingered the smooth velvet ring box and debated whether to ask her now or not. Well, why not? He was here now, he loved her and wanted to be with her, badly. Besides, he believed that their child was probably giving him a sign, a sign that he/she wanted the two of them to be together.

"Sakura-chan?" he said, softly.

She looked up from her belly to him. "Hai?"

Sai was suddenly feeling nervous. He had done this before. Then why did he feel anxious now?

He took a deep breath. "Sakura-chan… Is it possible… I mean, will you-"

"SAKURA-CHAAAAAN!"

Damn you, dickless idiot! Sai cursed as Sakura turned her attention away from him and onto the front door.

"Damnit Naruto, don't you knock?" she screeched at him, standing up from her chair.

"Sorry! You forgot to lock the door, so I just went in."

"What do you want anyway?"

"I wanted to know if you liked the odango."

Sakura flashed Sai an apologetic look. "It wasn't that good."

Naruto tilted his head to the side in confusion. "Really? I was pretty sure we did it right." He laughed, sheepishly. "I guess I should have taken Sai's advice to taste it before giving it to you."

Taking his words in, Sakura narrowed her eyes at him and cracked her knuckles, menacingly. She took a step towards the blonde jinchuriki who began to back away, fearfully.

"So you were the reason I ate salty and undercooked odango?" she accused.

"Uh… Sorry? Ahhh! Sai! Help me out here!"

But the dark-haired artist was on his hands and knees on the floor, upset and feeling the need for revenge on the blonde. If you ask him, Sakura could knock herself out with beating Naruto into a pulp for not heeding Sai's advice to taste the odango… and for having bad timing and ruining Sai's proposal.