AN: Here is the next chapter! Enjoy! PLEASE R&R

Sakura sat lost in her thoughts for hours before finally heading home. The pub had closed by now and she was sure everyone had gone home. She turned onto the street where she lived and was surprised to see Naruto sitting on her doorstep. Okay she wasn't all that surprised she expected him to be worried about her. When she approached him he stood up a look of worry on his face.

"Sakura are you okay?" He asked

She gave a genuine smile. "Actually I think I am"

Naruto smiled and gave a sigh of relief. She walked over and sat down on the step. He then sat down again.

"You really had us worried you know"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to make everyone worry. I guess I just never realized how selfish I was being." She said quietly

"You weren't being selfish, you were just…"

"Oh please" she cut him off "I have been selfish, here all of you have been trying to help me and I just throw myself a pity party."

He sat and stared up at the night sky. It wasn't long before he gave a small chuckle. "I guess your right you have been pretty selfish."

She gave a light smack on the shoulder.

"What you said it, I just agreed" He defended while rubbing his shoulder like she actually hit hard.

They just sat in silence staring at the night sky. She sighed and looked down to the street. Naruto looked over to her. He knew something was bothering her, but he didn't want to ask. He knew if she wanted to talk about it she would. But Naruto being Naruto, he just couldn't help himself.

"So you gonna tell me what's wrong?" He asked.

She hesitated for a moment. "Well, I've been thinking"

"Oh, well then should I be worried?" He chuckled, earning another slap to his shoulder.

"No, it's just that I been thinking of asking Tsunade to reinstate my status as a chunin, you know maybe take some missions or go back and work at the hospital."

"I don't think she would refuse. You are still her apprentice and all" he stated.

"Yeah I know, it's just things will never be like they used to and I don't know if I can start all over again."

"Well, for as long as I've known you, there was never a task that you gave up on easily. You were kinda the glue that kept us all together."

She smiled. "You make me out to be something I'm not. I always had to be protected by you guys. I could never defend myself, that's why I just stayed at the hospital. After that everyone just went their own way I guess."

Naruto looked back up at the night sky. He thought how it was true, they did seem to separate and go their ways. But he also knew that no matter what they all still found their way back to each other, even after seven years Sakura came back.

"Do remember when you first started training under Granny Tsunade." He began still staring at the stars, Sakura now looking over at him. "You wanted to get stronger, to prove something to all us, I don't think you knew how much stronger you became."

"What do you mean?" She asked curiously.

"Well you could do things that I would never be able to do. All you have to do is look at someone injured and you know exactly what's wrong with them, even if they've been poisoned, to me that pretty impressive." He looked down and smiled at her. "Also you were on your own for seven years, you didn't have anyone of us to protect you, and so you being weak isn't even an option. Actually sometimes I think that you're stronger than all us since you've returned."

She looked back down to the street and pondered what he had said. Soon she stood up "You're right thank you Naruto" She bent down and placed a kiss a cheek, which caused him to blush. She giggled and went into her apartment.

Naruto was still in a bit of shock after she disappeared into her apartment. He chuckled as he got up and headed to his own place. He was sure Hinata was waiting up for him, he smiled at the thought. 'I hope Sakura finds someone to make her happy someday'

Sakura awoke early the next morning, she thank kami she knew a jutsu to drain the alcohol from her system otherwise she would had a hangover from hell. But instead she felt better then she had in a long time. It was 6am and the sun was still rising over the horizon. She took advantage of the new day and decided to go for a morning run before stopping and talking to Tsunade.

Her feet sounded lightly on the ground as she jogged through the village. The others out at this hour were shop owners preparing for the day. The air was crisp and cool against her skin. It was now springtime in fire country and it seemed life started to bloom in the hidden leaf village. Buds were starting blossom; birds were building nests preparing for the chicks they would later hatch.

Sakura took a deep breath; the air was so fresh and filled with smells of nature, a little smell from the bakery and other various shops. Still the one she pinpointed the most was clean and woodsy. For the first time in years she finally felt carefree. All her worries behind her, as she thought only of what the future will hold.

She had been running for well over two hours, but she didn't even notice. The feeling of having no worries was to welcoming. By now the village had awaken and people were out and about. She passed through the shopping district at least a half a dozen times, but never took notice to now the busy street.

She did however return from her utopia when she heard a familiar voice call out to her.

"SAKURA, hey what are you doing?" Kiba asked walking towards her now that she stopped and smiled at him.

"Just some jogging." She answered

"Jogging?" He questioned as if running was the though only other way motion besides walking.

"Yeah" She smiled.

Kiba smiled, he couldn't help but notice her lack of clothing. She was wearing nothing but a pair of extra short shorts, a small tank top that pretty much just covered her chest leaving her well toned stomach out for anyone to stare at. Her hair was up in a rather messy pony tailing, loose strands fallen and sticking to the sweat that made her skin glisten in the sun.

"Kiba…..Kiba…" Sakura said worried.

Kiba finally broke from his ogling a small blush crossed his cheeks; he just hoped she didn't notice.

"Kiba you alright." She smiled noticing his blush.

"Yeah I'm fine" He said recovering from his awkward moment. "So…..uh….maybe I thought you might want to get some breakfast or something." He asked scratching the back of his neck nervously.

She smiled. "Kiba are you asking me on a date?"

"No…I mean…not really…..I just thought…." He was now looking away from her and he couldn't believe he turned into a stammering idiot, it was just breakfast.

"I would love too" She giggled to herself. He looked cute when he when he was frustrated.

His head shot up, a pair of fangs was visible in his wide grin.

"So tell me Kiba how have you been doing since I've been gone?" Sakura asked smiling sweetly. They were sitting in booth at a small café located off the busy main street.

"Not to bad I guess, not much exciting happens around here. Well that is until the Hokage ordered the pub to open." He answered as he skimmed over the small menu.

"Yes leave it to her to poison the village with her favorite beverage." She stated.

Kiba raised an eyebrow as he looked up from his menu. "If I remember right you drank you're fair share last night." He smirked

She gave a sly smile. "Ah yes, but I can hold my sake quite well thank you."

Kiba laughed to himself. He kept watching her as she read through the menu. He really had missed her all those years. 'I can't believe I finally have her here alone.' He smiled at the thought.

"Are you ready order" the young waitress asked, flashing Kiba a smile and a wink.

Sakura couldn't miss the flirtatious action. She glanced at Kiba and notices him fidget in chair avoiding eye contact with her.

"Yes I'll have a cup of tea and a fruit plate. What would like dear?" She smiled and placed her hand over his resting on the table and giving it a small squeeze.

Kiba was a shocked by the gesture, but recovered. "Um…I'll have the special and a glass of green tea." He said quickly.

The waitress looked between the two before turning and walking away, but not without sending Sakura a quick glare, which of course, she just responded by flashing an innocent smile.

Kiba eyes were still focused on her small hand that felt soft and smooth against his large, rough one. She hadn't moved it and the waitress was gone. His eyes finally drifted up to Sakura's face. Her elbow on the table and her chin rested on her hand, a smile on her lips.

"Looks like you have a fan" She said

"Oh yeah well….she……"

"Kiba, Sakura what are you two up to." Shino asked who seemed to suddenly appear next to the table.

"Shino is that you!" Sakura said as she stood up to give him a hug.

Kiba growled under his breath at the intrusion. He also was mad because now his hand was covered with hers.

"I am glad you remember me" Shino said

"Remember oh how could forget." She grinned as she sat back down. "Come on why don't you join us."

"Oh well I have a few things I need to take care of, but thank you" Shino answered, he hadn't failed to notice the unhappy expression of his teammate.

"Don't be silly, it can wait." She argued as she pulled on his arm causing to fumble into the chair next to her.

"Just moment then" Shino said who was now trying to avoid the daggers Kiba was staring at him.

"So how have been?" Sakura smiled.

"Alright" Shino answered.

"Well I can see you haven't changed much in seven years." Sakura laughed playfully pushing on his arm.

'What?! Is she flirting with Shino now too?' Kiba yelled in his head as he watched there conversation progress.

The two were now laughing at something Sakura said when the waitress arrived with their order. "Would you like anything?" The waitress asked Shino rudely.

"No thanks I actually have to get going." He said has he begun to rise from his chair, only to be forced back down by a hand pushing on his shoulder.

"Shino here you are. I've been looking everywhere for you." Choji said

"Hi Choji" Sakura said as she popped grape in her mouth. She couldn't help but notice Kiba's frown deepen from the corner of her eye.

"Sakura how are you this morning?" Choji asked as he took a seat next to Kiba.

"I'm doing wonderful!" She smiled.

"Ah that's good to hear, you were looking a little a depressed side last night. So what are……."

He was suddenly interrupted by Kiba practically jumping out of the booth. Sakura giggled as the two men stared at him.

"What's gotten into you?" Shino asked eyeing his teammate.

"Uh…um….nothing." Kiba replied as he got himself situated back into the booth.

"Kiba" Sakura said sweetly. "Are you feeling okay you look a little…..flushed." She smiled as her bare foot slowly slid up his inner thigh once again.

"No, n….o I'm fi….ne" Kiba stuttered as he watched her slowly rub a strawberry across her lips before taking a small bite.

"Mmmmm. These strawberries are so delicious." Her foot still rubbing lightly on his inner thigh, threatening to go higher.

'This woman is gonna be the death of me if she keeps this up' Kiba thought to himself as he tried to focus on something other than the seductive vixen across from him.

AN: Well what did you think? Okay like I could really let the two get away with no interruptions, I just couldn't help myself. Please R&R. I would love to know what you think so far.