Chapter 9

'Erm………………………Naruto? I can't stay for…………………….long' she said, looking down, wondering how she should tell him.

'Why?' Naruto asked turning to face her.

'I promised Tsunade I would take Sasuke around and show him all the changes and go through the new rules with him,' she looked up to see Naruto's expression turn to a look of pain. OF COURSE, Naruto thought, SHE STILL HAS FEELINGS FOR HIM! Just look at the look she has on her face. She's always loved him, and it was stupid of you to think that she could ever love you. COME ON! Who would love an annoying, blond dumb arse that is always munching on ramen and holds a demon inside him? STUPID! I'm just a stupid BAKA, or whatever it is people call me. She'll never love me. Why can't I just be happy with Hinata?

His hand came out as he held the edge of the table to keep him upright. The feelings he was feeling now was too much, he could feel his heart literally squeezing at the thought of Sakura in love with another guy. He straightened himself up and looked down at her and smiled,

'Of course………..You should spend more time with Sasuke, I know how much you wanted me to bring him back, and now I have. It wonderful how everything turns out just how you want it, isn't it?' Naruto turned away hoping she couldn't see the pain he was giving himself. Just tell her, his insides whispered pushing him to do something he knew would just leave him hurt and upset after. NO! He thought to himself, I don't think my heart OR my mind will be able to deal with the aftermath. He looked out of the window, wishing she would just say what he knew she was going to say.

'Naruto? Why are you upset?' Sakura said, she had been watching him for some time, and her mind was in confusion in why he had turned so hurt and defensive.

Does he really think I still like Sasuke?

Well, you did kind of push him to that conclusion when he saw you crying yesterday?

OMG! I forgot about that…….DAMN, let me think of something to say….

Just tell him you like him, idiot…..

No wayyyy! What if he doesn't like me? He has a girlfriend, remember?

Forget her! Are you really bothered about her? You know Naruto will pick you straight out, why hesitate?

Well, let me see, the feeling I experienced with Sasuke felt very much like love, but then so is the feeling I feel every time I'm with Naruto? How can you tell the difference between love and lust?

So choose?

What?!

YEHH! Choooooose! You're a lucky sod, do you know that? You have guys you can actually choose from, I mean poor Temari, well she hasn't got anyone no one, has she?

Urm………………….ok? That still doesn't help.

I said choose. Or I'll do it for you…..

NO! I'll choose. Hehe…………..it's a bit hard thought innit?

It is? You're supposed to KNOW.

To……………….know?

YES! For god's sake. Love with someone isn't just a few sparks here and there. There is this instant bond, this feeling of love. How you'll just know you'll die if anyone tries to separate you.

That's a bit deep, for a love crazed thing like you….

Why do I even waste my breath? Please, this talk is pointless, because your mind is already made up

It is?

Yup! I just want to mention that you should probably go see Sai before you meet Sasuke. He's a BIT upset. Ok?

Sakura was brought to the real world, her senses going back to normal. She had noticed that Naruto still hadn't moved from his position. 'Naruto?' She called.

He instantly looked up, and his eyes registered her face. Her beautiful face he felt his insides breath. 'Sorry?'

'What's wrong?'

'Wrong? With me? Hahaha……why would you say that' he turned to face her, his eyes shining, a little too much.

'Urm………………because, you've become pretty agitated and your tugging at your vest, you so that when there's something on your mind. So tell me…………………what's wrong?'

'I……………..well, just worried that's all…you know, Sasuke used to hurt your feelings a lot back then, so I was just wondering whether or not you'll be able to cope with the fact that he's back.' He smiled at this, Not EXACTLY the truth but pretty close right?

Not exactly what I wanted to hear……but it will do. Sakura brought herself out of this thought and said,

'Naruto, that is pretty sweet, but you do know I'm not a little girl anymore. I can easily defend myself and if Sasuke wants to through his snide remarks around he can. Why would I care?'

'Because your in lov……………I mean……………you have a high respect for the guy.'

'No. I used to have a high respect for the guy. Don't get me wrong I still admire his strength,' Naruto's breath caught. 'But that doesn't mean I like him. I'm glad he has chosen the right way, perhaps with his help, the village will succeed in every possible way. But I don't love him. I merely LIKE his memory.'

Naruto's eyes widened and all those trapped feelings were rushing to the surface. He felt like SINGING. Yes…………………actually singing! He felt like going over to Sakura and giving her one of the longest most powerful kiss his lips could contour.

'Sakura………………….you have made me the most happiest man alive.' Sakura gasped, her breath getting stuck.

When Naruto finally realized what he said he quickly stuttered out,

'For saying you don't like him anymore, I mean, it was pretty upsetting him giving you the cold shoulder all the time and that means you can find a guy who ACTUALLY appreciates your true self' Like meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! He felt like screaming.

Blushed but happy, she muttered a 'thanks' and looked up to see the time.

30 minutes left……

'Well……I'll quickly make breakfast.' And with that she dashed to the kitchen shutting the door tight behind her and leaning against it heavily, her breathing deep with the thought of everything that just happened.

Naruto watched Sakura leave and turned and walked over to the couch. His footsteps were light, and he felt he was on air. His head felt light, and there was this HUGE grin plastered to his face. He tried to get it back to normal, but it just wouldn't budge. He through himself on the couch, head first and went over everything that had just happened………………………………..