Chapter 8 - Sacrifice

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A/N: Sorry for the long wait! It's holy week! Had to sacrifice the computer for a while! ;) You know how it is!

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Sasuke Uchiha was whistling as he dragged the black glossy garbage bag from spot to another. Hinata was making efforts to talk to him, even just by commenting at how nice the weather today was, or how industrious he was as he picked up crispy dried up leaves from the dirt. He didn't even understand why Hinata was paying attention to him, but he assumes that it had something to do with Naruto... The way she sneaked glances at Naruto when Sasuke wasn't looking was kind of irking him though. What does she see in that guy?

"You like Naruto." Sasuke suddenly stated out of nowhere. He just wanted to test how Hinata would react... to test the waters.

As expected, Hinata blushed like crazy. She began sweating and her hands began to tremble as she reached for a stick broom. "A-Ah, that's not true." She tried to reason but of course, she knows that Sasuke has caught on to her. Was she obvious? She turned her attention back to the leaves she'd gathered. "Why do you ask?"

Sasuke shrugged. He didn't want to say that because he keep his eyes on her most of the time, so he didn't say anything. He glanced at where Naruto was and frowned. What does she see in him? He was noisy. He can never keep his mouth shut even for two minutes. His voice was loud. Naruto was reckless and impulsive. All action, less thinking.

Naruto was trying to talk to Sakura, who seemed surprised by something he said. Sasuke wondered what it was. Had Naruto finally confessed? He's been talking about it since last week. He should've so Sakura would also leave him alone. He smirked when he noticed that Neji was also trying to get Sakura's attention to Naruto's irritation.

"Oh no." He heard Hinata mumble. "Sasuke-kun, please stay here." She ran to where Neji was and tried to drag him away from the two. Neji wasn't moving though. He kept repeating that he needed to talk to Sakura, to which Naruto growled. The dope probably thinks Neji will confess his feelings as well. What does he even see in Sakura?

He groaned. If those two end up together, it would be a lot of noise.

Hinata whispered something to Neji, which finally managed to make him come with her to where Sasuke stood. Neji narrowed his gaze at him as he took the broom Hinata was using. "How's Itachi?" Neji suddenly asked. "You still kiss the ground he walks on?"

Sasuke glared at him. This fucker. "Still can't defeat him?" He retorted.

Neji grunted. "Hn."

Hinata sighed by the sidelines before she glanced back at Naruto, who gave her a thumbs-up. She sweetly smiled back.

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Naruto gulped as he turned his attention back to his queen. She was busy watering the plants while he stood there, trying to make conversation. He could tell something was bothering her but she wouldn't tell him. She seemed irritated with Neji for some reason. "S-Sakura." He gulped. "I need to tell you something... this is the thing I was trying to tell you days ago... I never had the chance so ..."

Sakura sighed. "What is it, Naruto? Go on and say it so I can continue with my work."

"Ah, I ah... Sakura, I.. Ah..." He tried but it was like someone was choking him. He couldn't speak, he couldn't find the words to tell her. What were the right words to use when you tell someone how you feel? Isn't there a guideline available for this? Maybe he should just tell her some other day... But Hinata went through all that trouble to keep Sasuke and Neji away. He couldn't bear to waste her efforts. He wondered why Hinata did those though. Was she just that naturally kind to people?

Sakura grumbled. "What is it, Naruto?"

"SAKURA! I LIKE YOU!" Naruto yelled, blushing from head to toe. "I - I like you a lot! I really really like you, Sakura-chan!"

Naruto watched as Sakura's bright green eyes widen in surprise and her cheeks turn into a faint pink color. What was he going to say? Was she going to accept his proposal? Was she going to be his girlfriend now? "I promise, to make you happy everyday... I promise to keep my promises... I like you, Sakura-chan." He added, feeling a little more confident now.

Sakura looked like she was thinking. Thinking hard.

"AH, Naruto... Don't joke like that." She giggled. "Although it's a little bit funny, it's not a very good joke. People might take you seriously and you'll be in a lot of trouble. Now get out of my way so I can water the plants and leave!" She walked past him in a hurry.

Was that it? Was that her answer?

Naruto followed her. He grabbed her shoulders and made her look at him. He looked his blue eyes with her green ones. From his peripheral vision, he could see the forms of the others not moving. They were looking over here. Should he kneel? He wanted Sakura so much! She was going to be his wife. "I'm not kidding." He stated. "Please be my girlfriend."

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Sakura glanced at the other three, who were frozen like statues. Gaping at Naruto and her. Oh God, this was so embarrassing. She locked eyes with Sasuke and then remembered her words: Help me with Hinata and I'll keep your secret. Who would've guessed huh? The great Sasuke Uchiha was tongue-tied when it came to the girl he likes. Sakura was in a knot. A very very complicated knot.

It's funny how one simple decision can affect your life so.

"Y-Yeah, okay. I'll be your girlfriend." She suddenly said, with a tight smile. Her heart broke a little when a wide smile started to spread on Naruto's face, his blue eyes twinkled before he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her for a tight hug, He was so happy, it was breaking her heart. She didn't like Naruto. No, she never saw him like that, in that light... Naruto was a friend. An annoying friend, who liked to poke fun on her. What was she doing? But this was the only way that she could think of to keep Naruto away from Hinata... or should she say, to keep Hinata away from Naruto. She was a girl, so she noticed the looks Hinata gave Naruto, the way her cheeks flush whenever he was around... the way her words stumbled over each other... and the way, her smile brightens when he was making her laugh. Sasuke would never have a chance with Hinata if Naruto was around.

Hinata liked Naruto too much.

Sakura sighed as she slowly hugged Naruto back. Looks like she had a boyfriend now. Ino was going to kill her... or throw a party. It depends. Oh well, what is love if it isn't sacrifice, right?

Sorry, Naruto. She thought.

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Hinata managed a small smile as she watched Naruto and Sakura hug from a distance. Everything went well. She bit her lip to keep her from sobbing. "I - I'll go to the b-bathroom." She stated as she quickly ran away. It hurt. It hurt a lot. Of course, because she loved Naruto. She's been having these feelings for him since they were six years old and playing at the playground. Well, she mostly watched but it was his bright smile that brightens up her days... but now, looks like they'll be brightening someone else's day now.

Officially.

While she's here... alone in the shadows again... hiding underneath the shade... hiding away from the bright sun... although all she wants is to bask in it's warmth. "Naruto..." She whispered, leaning behind a column. She wasn't really going to the bathroom. She just didn't want anyone to see her crying. She sat on the floor and brought her knees up to her chest. Why is it that a person never get what he wants? But then she shook her head... No, she shouldn't be thinking like this. Not like this. She was going to be happy for Naruto. He looked happy. Of course, that smile was still going to brighten up her day... always... but now she's going to have to work double to keep her feelings a secret so that Sakura won't feel bad or be bothered. Yes, she was still going to be a friend to Naruto.

Friendship lasts more than relationships these days anyway.

Hinata shook her head again. How could she think like that? She's disgusting. How could she secretly wish for Naruto to love her instead? She's always known that he liked Sakura Haruno. She shouldn't dream of impossible scenarios like this, or she'll end up expecting something. Friendship was enough.

What is love if it isn't sacrifice?

She looked up at the sound of someone clearing their throat. She was surprised to see Sasuke Uchiha with one of his hand shoved inside his pocket and one hand holding out a white handkerchief to her. He was looking away from her though. "S-S-Sasuke." She mumbled, as she reached for the handkerchief. "Thank you."

"Don't think about it." He stated.

Hinata nodded. He must be suffering too. Doesn't he and Sakura have something? She always saw them together, was that why he came out here too? So he wouldn't have to see them?

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WELL THAT'S IT! :)))) See you next chapter, babiessss! :) I had a hard time accessing three days ago... it keeps saying error2... :(