A.N.: Hiya! Hello again! This was soon, ne? It just that, I feared my slow death if I didn't update this chappie… So me back, back, back, back! .+bounces around happily+.

The Mad Empty ShellHere you go next chappie! And you'll find out soon enough…

Fitful Fantasy: Thank you! I already fixed it! Oh, and don't too much about it…

Dark Iasha: Ermm… mad at him? To report…? He he interesting. But don't worry cuz you'll find out if you read this chappie. And I'm considering introducing Gaara. Now that I got to see more Naruto chappies, I'm really starting to like him. And here you go this chappie!

corky21492: Thank you:)

Sasuke2006: He he he he… You'll find out her reason soon enough… Thank you! ;P and here you go this chappie!

lilpyroaussie: he he he he… here you go! Hope you didn't wait too much! ;D

avatarlovah9573: me thanks you!

Pampan: hehehehe… you'll know soon…

Kyre Alder: Me sooooo happy! Thanks! And here you go this chappie! ;D

freedomfighter117: Ihhhhhhh! Sorry! Gomen nasai! He he he he I thought that as well… and I'm the writer… --;;, And thank you! Yay! Here you go this chappie. ;D

strength-91-possibility-non...: Please don't hate her too much… in this story she isn't that bad… but you'll now what happens next if you keep on reading. Yep. XP

hurleysuki: He he he he I would do so too… XP

NarutoNineTails: Ihhhhhhh! I'm updating! I'M UPDATING! .+runs away and hide+

Prozacfairy: Ihhhhhh! Yes I'm guilty! .+sobs+ I just can't help it being angsty! And my story had really… Buaaaaaa! And yes, don't worry… I will do it happy ending… T.T

xcloudx: Thank you! I've fixed it! XP

Princess Teah: thank you! and don't worry, she's punishing herself right now.

Ryogarulez0626: Thanks! Me so glad you like this! And really? I didn't know about the reply thingy... really! how clueless can I be! Wait, I'll answer that: very! Anyways... then this is the last time I'm replying this way... But worry not! I'll still be replying! ;-P

And to everyone else that reviewed, thank you guys so much! This chappie is dedicated to all people who take their time to give me reviews! Thanks a bunch again!

Disclaimer: Okay. I definitely do not own Naruto. Sasuke will, eventually. And currently, and sadly, the only one to really own Naruto is Kishimoto-sensei. So yeah. T.T

.Sasuke appears. Sasuke: You better make him mine soon, you poor excuse for a writer.

Aya: Ermm… doesn't Naru-chan has a say for the matter?

Sasuke: Nope. And for you, it's Naruto. I am the only one who gets to call Naruto that way!

Naruto: Hey, Sasuke-teme! You can't just decide those kinds of things by yourself!

Sasuke: .+smirks+. Oh yes I can, Naru-chan.

Naruto: O.o;;;;;;;;, Ooops… .+Slowly starts to back away+.

Sasuke: .+Pounces onto Naruto, ravaging him, who is just screaming, asking for her.+

Aya: .+Has a beginning of a nose-bleed.+ Sorry Naru-chan… this is just too good to stop seeing it…

Pairings: Shika/Ino, Sasu/Lee, Kiba/Hina, Sasu/Naru eventually…

Warnings: Shounen-ai. Male on male. Homosexuality. Gay love. Don't like it, don't read it. Don't want flames for this or any reason. People who flame me: slow dead. Yep. Some OCCness too… --;,

Vocabulary at the bottom.

Now, on with the story! Hope you enjoy it! ;-)

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Saint Valentine's Day a la Naruto.

By: Aya Honey

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Chapter 8: Team Seven's Feelings

Everyone stepped aside as one certain brunette shinobi made his way, sensing immediately the dark deadly vibes coming from him. It was as if they knew that if anyone even dared to look at him, they would suffer a slow and painful death.

Sasuke was livid. Damn Naruto! That idiot… That idiot not even tried to look at him, and to make things worse, he misunderstood him! The moron! But the Uchiha swore that he would make Naruto open his eyes one way or the other.

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Sakura didn't mean to eavesdrop. Really. But… She sighed. She forcefully whipped her tears with the back of her hand. Why did she had to cry, anyways? But this was not the time to worry about it, because she had to hide, and fast! Then she eyed Ino's flower shop, and went for it.

Hurrying her pace, she saw the stand was already open. Good! As quickly as a ray she entered it. Spotting a few vases with flowers and some boxes piled in a corner, she hided behind them.

Ino noticed the pink haired girl, and making her way to her, puzzled she asked "Sakura…? What—"

"Shhhh!" The other kunoichi furiously shushed her. Whispering loudly, she continued "If anyone asks you if you'd seen me, especially Naruto or Sasuke, say you hadn't!"

The bleach blonde young woman narrowed her eyes suspiciously, "What do you mean if—"

"Later!" Sakura whispered back, cutting her off.

As if on cue, someone called from outside the shop. "Ino?" Both girls recognized the owner of the voice instantly. The blonde girl went where the voice came from. "Yes, Naruto?" she asked, both hands onto her hips.

"Anou… have you seen Sakura?" he asked. The blonde boy seemed flushed, and distressed as well. What the hell had transpired between him and forehead girl to put him in that state? She wanted to know. She would do as Sakura first asked, though. But then she would get some explanations.

"Nope. Haven't seen her. Why?"

"Oh. It's nothing." Naruto's eyed darkened. "Thank you either way. Ja!" and he left, almost running.

Ino retreated back where the pink-haired female ninja was hiding. "Forehead girl." Ino was wary about all this. She didn't like the idea of anything spoiling her plans about Sasuke and Naruto together. "Explain." She demanded, standing in front of the girl Ino just called that, tapping her right foot, arms crossed across her chest.

Sakura instantaneously reacted to that name calling, standing up, and fuming. "Why, you pig—"

"Have you been crying?" Yamanaka asked, a bit concerned. "What happened?"

Haruno stared a bit surprised at her, and next she raised her hand to feel her eyes and cheeks; indeed, they were still moist. She laughed a little bit then, and finished taking off the rest of the tears.

"This wasn't supposed to happen. It's just that it really surprised me, and made happy that—"

"That what?" Ino interrupted her, she was still concerned, but she was curious as well.

"Would you let me finish?" the pink haired young woman snapped at the other girl. She then cleared her throat. "As I was saying, it really surprised me." And she began to tell the blonde what happened not just long ago that very morning.

Sakura woke up earlier than usual that morning for the sake of some run errands. After she was finished and was on her way to train a little, when she saw something that caught her attention. Well, it was more that she heard something, actually. But what really called her attention was that it was Sasuke's deep voice, sounding not at all pleased, pronouncing the name of Naruto. She instantaneously stopped walking. Naruto? Looking within the crowd, she indeed spotted a blond mop of hair moving within the multitude. There he was! And a couple of feet behind him, gaining speed and terrain, was Sasuke, calling out for Naruto, who seemed to be ignoring him completely. 'What's going on?'

Worried, Haruno hurriedly made her way to her two former team-mates. When she finally caught up with them, she arrived to what seemed to be like an alley. She quickly hided and crooked her head to see whatever that was occurring between Sasuke-kun and Naruto.

In a second, Sasuke had Naruto viciously pinned under him against the wall, the former's eyes narrowing; and the next, he was kissing him. Her eyes widened. Wait a minute. Sasuke was kissing him! She couldn't believe her eyes. She blinked. Nope, the images didn't vanish. It was really happening! And in those short seconds, feelings of relief and joy overwhelmed her. At last they were going to be together! And then… and then… Sasuke wasn't going to kill her! And she'll be able to go to the party with Lee! And then… and then… She didn't even realize she was crying over relief after releasing so much pent-up tension.

'Ooops!' Inner Sakura said stopping her happy dance; Naruto was staring straight towards her now. He was looking AT her. And something wasn't quite right about him and the whole situation, for the blonde boy looked so lost and confused…and…hurt… And that was when she decided to flee. And as she did so, apart from the thoughts about being as far away from those two as she could, another thought plagued her bitterly. 'I so messed this up…'

Oddly, when Sakura finished telling the pig-girl her story, the bleach blond one didn't say anything…nor showed any reaction. Haruno stated to grow worried, and afraid, because Ino wasn't a person to react like that, or lacking one, for that matter. 'Soon, a—'

"WHAT?" Ino burst out after some painfully seconds filled alongside tension.

'reaction would come.' The emerald eyed girl thought, deadpanning.

While Ino was throwing tantrums, being ill-tempered and complaining Ino-style, Sakura was left pondering on her spot. The kiss… She was really depressed that somehow she had managed to ruin it. Sasuke… she couldn't take the image of the look on his eyes as he leaned down to kiss Naruto out of her head. It was the first time she saw that many emotions swelling within them. And somehow…she could feel that old jealousy coming back from the surface. Because the only times when Sasuke would show such kind of emotions, it would be only for and to Naruto.

Back in her Genin days, she remembered how much she would envy Naruto. There would be many reasons as to why she would do so, but the thing that she was most envious about was the reaction he would and could get out her at that time raven-haired crush. Even when she tried so much to get the same out of Sasuke, and when she showed him all her sincere affection, she still couldn't get it. She wasn't stupid; not for nothing she knew all the ninja's rules and theories by heart. And so how couldn't she help but notice the feelings the black-eyed teammate had towards her blue-eyed one? But as Naruto is doing now, at that time she chose not to see it, and act as if it wasn't there at all.

And Naruto… honestly speaking, she had to admit that he was way too naïve for his own good. At that time, he never saw, nor realized the eyes in which Sasuke saw him. And so, he kept on with trying to win her heart, and being envious of the Uchiha survivor. And that, sometimes, made her feel anger toward Naruto. He never saw, nor even tried to. But she knew. Naruto's crush towards her wasn't anything more than that; a crush. But she ignored the whole situation, as it was easiest that way.

But trying to ignore the current present reality doesn't help one bit. It doesn't change anything, and the only thing you gain is to be wrapped in your own little world. But then, sooner or later, reality hits you, and hard. That was what happened to her. In all truth, she really loved Sasuke with all her soul, and her hurt greatly when he left the village. Yet, in her heart she knew that the only one who could ever bring Sasuke back, when he left in his search of power, was Naruto. And that was when she found some kind of closure; when she finally accepted the fact that Sasuke would never return her feelings, no matter how hard she tried. The fact of accepting it still hurt for a long while, but she was finally able to move on with her life.

The whole time that Naruto was away training with Jiraiya hurt to her, because she missed her teammate, her friend. And the whole time he was away, she spent on studying with Tsunade-sama to get stronger, and finally, started to feel good with who she was. She knew she wasn't as good as Godaime-sama yet, but one day, she would be. She wanted to be as good medic-nin as the Fifth. And that whole time, as well, she became closer to Lee. And eventually, she fell for him, finding his love being something comforting, and warm.

She found herself being happy, and that was why when Naruto managed to bring Sasuke back she wanted those two to feel the same happiness she felt like being with the one you love. Because it was obvious the way they felt for each other, the love they felt. And so, she was going to get them together, because she really cared for them, loved them as family.

"Ino-pig" she started, smiling, with determination. "Quit with your complaints, because we have to plan something to get them together, once and for all."

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Naruto was no longer with that same excitement and enthusiasm he was with earlier that same very morning. After he left Ino's flower shop, he kept looking everywhere for Sakura-chan, but couldn't find her. Maybe she was upset at him for that kiss? No wonder; now Sakura-chan probably thought he was a freak or something because of it. He clenched his fists; Sasuke bastard always managing to ruin everything! He sighed, deflating completely, slouching against a tree.

After spending hours trying to find her and being unable to, he resigned for the day and went to the woods for some training instead. Yet, as hours passed, he accepted the fact that he was wasting his time, since he couldn't train decently. One of the reasons for it was the fact that he couldn't focus properly, and the other was that he had to admit that he did train better with someone to spar with. And one way or the other, both reasons were the Uchiha to blame. Argh! Why, oh why it seemed that everything that happened in his life, one way or another, had to do with the teme?

The fox-container groaned, resting his forehead against the palms of his hands. And then, another one groaned as well.

"I should be the one to be groaning, kid!"

"Oh, shut up, Kyuubi!"

"You know, kid, this whole situation has got me sick, and you know it."

"Kyuubi…" Naruto responded a little wearied. He knew exactly where this was leading to; it wasn't something new.

"Why don't you just stop acting like such a stupid little kid and stop going hitting around the bush? Have this done and over with" He groaned again. He seemed tired about the whole situation as well. It wasn't that he cared about the kid; he just was sick of this idiotic situation never ending. Sasuke this, Sasuke that… Such a stupid kid…

"Argh! It's none of your business anyway, Kyuubi!" The blonde teen didn't want to be told by the Kyuubi. What did he knew, anyways?

"Oh, it isn't?" the nine-tailed fox replied, indifferently. "Do whatever you want kid, but stop being so anxious about it. It PISSES me off." And having said that, the fox 'tuned' off.

Naruto just rested his head against the tree's trunk, muttering something along the lines of 'Damn Kyuubi'. In exasperation he ruffled his hair, groaning once more. Then he settled on slouching again. The damn fox… messing with other people's business… Why was he so affected by the whole thing, anyways? It was not like he cared…

-"It's not like you care, anyways."-

The Kyuubi container clenched his hand onto his chest's direction, remembering those words. Why did it hurt so much having said that? Why had he said that? And the kiss… He blushed deeply at the remembrance of it, tracing his lips lightly with the tip of his fingers. Why did Sasuke kiss him? Could it be that Sasuke really…? Nah! There really was no chance that Sasuke could really… It wasn't possible for the Uchiha to feel that way, not towards the sky blue eyed fox container anyways, having all those other girls from the village throwing themselves at his feet. And yet, there he was, having those trails of thoughts for the umpteenth time… Why longing for something you could never have?

Besides, being good friends with him was enough, more than enough, wasn't it? He would have to conform himself with having just that, wouldn't he? He could do that, couldn't he? But deep down his heart, he knew that he couldn't. He was greedy; he wanted more. But… accepting those feelings…hurt…and so he desperately cling to something less painful. Even if wasn't real, if it wasn't true, clinging to his feelings he had some time in the past towards Sakura was less painful. Because, he had nothing to expect; he knew she would never have feelings of sentimental nature towards him. He let a small sad smile grace his features. He wasn't stupid; he guessed that Sakura's date with him, someway or another, for some reason, was just to make him feel better. He just…played along with her because he hated loneliness…he hated having to spend that date alone, when everyone he knew had someone special to be with. He would have to apologize to her; ask her to go with Lee in the end. That would be less selfish, and the right thing to do.

Regarding Sasuke… he closed his eyes. Sasuke… he didn't know what he wanted to prove with that kiss. He didn't want to be used. He didn't want to be toyed with. Because… his feelings for the dark haired shinobi were real. And he would be damned if he would be left himself be hurt by him, again.

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Sasuke tried to cool down, trying not to kill anyone on the way. It was difficult though, with his blood coiling inside him. The idiot… let him to misunderstand the situation. And what the hell was Sakura doing there, anyways? It would be better for her not to cross him, because if she did… let's just say it wouldn't be too good for her.

When he finally arrived at his compound (the only safe place where he knew anyone would dare come, and thus, he wouldn't end killing anyone) he kept trying to relax. He ran his hand through his raven hair; why the hell was so difficult to make the dobe to understand? The answer was obvious, because he really was a dobe. Shit. Why did he have to fall for such a difficult person?

His mind supplied immediately; because the dobe was all that he was not; the dobe was bright, was caring. The dobe trusted. And the blonde was the first one to manage a way into his heart. The dobe was strong; stronger than the raven-haired boy was and could ever be, with a strong sense of will and justice. The dobe was honest, forward, and never lied just to make anyone feel better. And the gold-haired dobe was the only thing Sasuke couldn't abandon when he left the Hidden Village of the Leaf.

Shivering inwardly, Sasuke remembered those dark days he spend under the eyes of Orochimaru. Each day was filled with loneliness, darkness, coldness, and despise. Fear was never absent. No-one cared for anyone; they just care for themselves. Those days the Uchiha avenger tried to forget all about Naruto, and instead just focus all his energies to get stronger for the sake of his Clan's vengeance. And all those things combined didn't make his stay with the Snake sannin pleasant at all.

There were days when he just wanted to throw it all away, and just forget everything. There were times that there was so much longing that he couldn't even breathe. There were times when he himself even questioned his life as an Avenger. His dreams were filled with an ever-presence blonde remembrance. And that was when he knew for sure, if he didn't before, that somehow along the way, he had fallen for the boy, deeply, without return. And that was the reason why, eventually, he let himself be taken back to the village, by Naruto.

And that was the reason why, he, Uchiha Sasuke, will make the idiot Uzumaki Naruto to understand his feelings, to make it clear that he isn't joking around with this. He will make all Naruto's damn insecurities go away. That was his new vow, a vow he would live for it for now on.

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Heh. She was pleased. The results were promising. Finally, some progress… A kiss was something very promising, indeed. He he... It wouldn't be long for those two… he he… she was definitely going to win this bet. And she had to admit; this whole situation was very, very exciting indeed. Maybe it was time for her to lend a hand on the matter?

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Vocabulary

Teme: bastard

Dobe: dead-last

Kunoichi: Female ninja

Shinobi: Ninja

Sannin: ehhhh… me can't explain it right… it's the title they use to refer to the three legendary ninjas: Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru. Help with this?

Godaime: Usually translated as 'The Fifth'.

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A.N.: Liked? Liked it not? Please do tell. And if you have doubts, questions, suggestions, anything, do tell too.

Well, this up-date was a record for me… It's just that my conscience (wow, I do have a conscience!) kept nagging at me for writing it and explain the misunderstandings… See? Sakura isn't that bad! .+ducks sharp objects+

Ok, reviews? And if I reach the 100th reviews, I would give that person a fan-art, if that person likes. Oh, I do write, not that well, but… I will draw it on a paper, then scan it, and then send it to ya. Yep. So, please! Reviews? .+big sparkling kitty eyes+