Okay, so here is an update. Because I've been so busy I can admit that it's not my best work. However, I hope it'll hold you over until we get to the good part. Also, I'm sorry to say, but this story is coming to an end soon. Sad, I know, but don't worry I'm already working on another story for you guys. Wooooo \(0)/ I hope that it will be as popular as this one. (Not that it's all that popular, but whatever) Anyway, read on my readers! I hope you enjoy it, all things considered.

I don't own or make any money from Naruto or its characters. I only own this plot-less, hormonal, lemon-filled bundle of goodness.

Thursday morning, three days after signing the paper for her apartment, Sakura was awaken by the sound of knocking at the door. Her eyes instinctively went from the clock to the empty bed across the room. Sasuke hadn't returned yet and as she pulled herself up and walked towards the door she noticed that Naruto wasn't in his room either. They were both missing and she was about to leave as well. Tomoe stood on the other side of the door when she opened it. He smiled at her, but in her half-asleep state she couldn't seem to force herself to return one. She waved him in and walked back over to her bed where she plopped down.

"Have you packed yet?" he asked and she nodded.

"Mostly, it isn't much to begin with. I carried it all up here on my own when I first moved in."

"Well, now I'll carry it for you. Is there anything heavy?"

"Nope, everything I have can fit in bags and boxes. I think it'll only be a one trip move."

"Okay. So where are they?" he asked, motioning towards Sasuke's empty bed.

"I don't know. Sasuke left the other night and I guess he never came back. Naruto was here when I went to bed, but he's not here now. Maybe he had class this morning. I have class this morning as well, but I think I'm just going to go to an afternoon class to make it up."

"Good because I have to be at work this afternoon. We need to do this early so I can make sure you're settled in before I leave," Tomoe said and Sakura smiled.

"Thanks, Tomoe. I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you, but I promise I will someday."

"I'll hold you to that promise, but for now why don't you get dressed so we can head out."

"Ugh, I'm tired already, but I guess I have no choice," Sakura whined as she stood from the bed.

She left a change of clothes out before packing the rest so she'd have something convenient at hand. She grabbed the white shorts and aqua green t-shirt folded neatly on the stand next to her bed and headed for the bathroom. Minutes later she emerged dressed with fresh breath and neatly combed hair. Together she and Tomoe gathered her things and then they were gone. It really bothered Sakura much more than she'd hoped to be leaving the dorm without saying goodbye to Sasuke and Naruto, but it wasn't like they'd stuck around to make sure she could. She made sure to remind Naruto the night before that she'd be moving the next morning, but it seemed that he didn't care enough to be there for her, she guessed.

Walking up the three flights stairs leading to her apartment took more out of Sakura than the entire walk from the school to the apartment complex. Maybe living on the third floor wasn't such a good idea, but at least she'd stay in shape. Right? She could admit, though, it felt good opening the door to her own apartment for the first time. It really gave her the feeling of being an independent adult. She walked into the apartment first, placing her things in the middle of the living room floor and smiled.

Tomoe smiled back and said, "Welcome home, Sakura"

"It's good to be home," she said in return, and it was true.

There was nothing like having your own, but being there also gave her a feeling of emptiness. It had only been about an hour and she missed her roommates already. What's more, she hadn't even had the chance to say goodbye. Now, it seemed, it was too late.

"Is this everything?" Tomoe asked

"Um, I think so," she said with a sigh, looking at everything they'd brought with them. There were her clothes and shoes, her toiletries, her clock and all the junk she'd kept in her nightstand. Sitting next to her was her back pack, but something was missing.

"Shit!"

"What?" Tomoe asked

"I left my pillow and bed set. I'll need that to sleep on since I don't have a bed. It's a good thing the bedroom has carpet."

Tomoe looked at his watch. "Okay I'll go back and get it for you real quick before I head to work. Will you be okay here by yourself?"

"Yeah. Besides, even if I wasn't I'd have to get used to it, right?"

"Yeah"

"Here," she said, handing the keycard to the dorm-room over to Tomoe along with a letter to Haku. "You'll need the key to get in, and could you hand this to Haku? I'm going to go to the administrative office in the morning to let them know that I'll no longer be staying in the dorm. I just don't want him to think I'm missing"

"Got'cha," he said, and with that Tomoe was gone.

Sakura stood in the middle of the white room and took in the silence. It was a lot difference than what she'd grown used to living with two guys. But it wasn't that bad. Really, she hadn't thought this thing through, she realized. She'd rushed her decision. And even though she had an apartment to call her own, it was empty. There was no furniture and nowhere to put her things so she had no reason to unpack. She'd be living out of a suitcase, so to speak. More like bags and boxes.

Sakura didn't really have to worry about food since she'd be able to eat in the cafeteria on campus for free, but she feared she'd grow tired of it. The little money her mom had been able to send was spent on school supplies for the most part. But now she'd have to split the budget between supplies and ramen; for those nights when she just didn't have a strong enough stomach for what the cafeteria was serving.

It only took about ten minutes for Tomoe to return with the rest of her things. He told her that neither Naruto nor Sasuke had been there when he went back and that Haku wasn't in either. Though, he did promise to give the letter to him as soon as he returned. Something inside Sakura sunk as she listened to Tomoe speak. He'd said that the room was empty. Naruto and Sasuke hadn't gone back home yet. So did that mean they had moved on already? Was she already a part of their past?

"Well, I'd better get back. Don't worry, Sakura," Tomoe said. "I'll help you get the things you'll need for your house. It might take some time, but we'll have this place full before you know it."

"Thanks again, Tomoe," she said and walked over to hug him. "Remember though, this is a smoke free zone. Once you step through that door there are no cigarettes. Well, unless you step out on the balcony."

"I can do that," he said and kissed her on the cheek. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

Sakura looked around the empty room and sighed. No, she wasn't sure she wanted this, but it was too late to turn back now. With all the help Tomoe has given her there was no way she'd tell him no.

"Yes. I'm pretty sure"

"Okay, well, I hope it's worth it. Anyway, I'll see you later, Sakura."

"See you," Sakura said and waved good-bye as she watched him walk out the door.

After Tomoe left Sakura was alone in her home for the second time that day. She tried to busy herself by putting up all the little things that had somewhere to go like her toiletries and placing her clothes in the bedroom. But that was done quickly and soon there was nothing left to do. Time passed slowly, but before long day had turned to night. The moon outside was full and bright. It shone down on the small lake just beyond the apartments, sparkling, illuminating the water's surface. It was beautiful and its beauty was enough to catch Sakura's eye.

She stood out on her balcony taking in the lovely view, but soon even that wasn't enough to keep her attention. Sakura learned quickly that she didn't really like being alone. She had to get used to it, though, but it seemed impossible. It was all just so overwhelming. Everything that had happened up until now, and then being alone in that apartment; suddenly it was all too much for Sakura to take in and she broke down.

So there she was sitting in the middle of her empty living room floor crying her eyes out.

'Naruto, Sasuke, I miss you. I miss you both so much. What was I thinking?' she thought to herself.

Her tears were never ending, it seemed. She wondered why all these feeling decided to hit her now? Why hadn't she thought about not leaving before she had actually left? She didn't even get one last hug. There was no closure and that's when it hit her, she had to say goodbye. She'd promised Naruto, hadn't she? Yes, that's exactly what she needed, she thought. With tears still in her eyes, Sakura pulled herself up from the floor and headed to the door, but when she pulled it open she froze.

"Good, Sakura you're here"

"Naruto?"

"Some of the guys and I decided to come over and bless your new apartment with housewarming gifts"

"Um?" she couldn't seem to find the right words or any words for that matter.

Naruto smiled down at her, leaned in closer and said, "It's okay, Sakura. I heard you crying so I came right away"

Sakura couldn't believe her ears. How did he know? She could feel her chest tighten and wanted to cry even more, but she wouldn't. Not when such fervent blue eyes were focused on her. She could feel the heat of his gaze as Naruto leaned in even closer. His lips were only a breath away when she hears someone speak.

"So are we invited in or what?" she heard Kiba yell from all the way down the stairs.

"So what do you say?" Naruto asked with a smile.

"Um, yeah. Yeah, sure," Sakura answered, wiping her tears away.

"Come on up guys!" Naruto yelled over his shoulder before turning back to her. "You might want to move aside, Sakura. Some of this stuff is pretty big"

"Eh?"

"Just wait. You'll see"

A few minutes later Kiba came up the stairs with a nightstand in his arms. Behind him Shino and Chouji were carrying an old, dusty looking bureau. Shikamaru only had a lamp and a small box of books. Sakura wasn't surprised as he walked pass with so little in his arms since he was a very lazy genius. Neji was carrying some of the drawers to the bureau, Zabuza and Sasori were carrying a fairly large headboard, Lee had the footboard and Gaara brought up more drawers.

Yes, they were filling her house with furniture. It was a miracle, rare, unbelievably unusual miracle.

"Naruto, what's going on? H-how?" she asked.

"I got up extra early today and went around asking everyone I knew if they had anything useful that they weren't using. It took a long time trying to track all these guys down, but I finally found them. Anyway, I thought about the storage area the school provides for the students and we all took a look. There was a whole lot of junk and since none of these guys were using this stuff they decided to donate it to you. Well, except for the bed. It's new," Naruto said and looked down. He wasn't sure how Sakura would react to what he was about to say next, but if it was bad he didn't want to see it. "E-Even though he didn't say anything in particular, I'm sure Sasuke hopes you like it."

"Huh?! That bed, it's…from Sasuke?" She sounded shocked and it surprised Naruto. He looked up at her with a smile.

"Yep! He bought it this morning."

Sakura smiled and looked away with embarrassment. She was happy. Especially since it was a gift from Sasuke, but she was trying to hide it. Instead she tried changing the subject. "Did you really do all of this just for me, Naruto?"

"Well, all I did was run my mouth. The guys did the rest."

"Hey, you're blushing again?" Shikamaru asked as he walked pass them. "Seems like this guy really knows just what to say. He must have a golden tongue, neh, Sakura?" Sakura's face turned beet red. Shikamaru was right; there wasn't much he didn't know. And from the sound of it, he knew just a little too much.

By the time the guys were done Sakura had a dusty old sofa, a beat-up chair and two end tables in her living room; one cherry wood and the other oak. Her bedroom had a brand new full-size bed with two nightstands and a lamp. There was a small white plastic desk and chair also sitting in the corner of the room. In her kitchen sat a brand new a box of used dishes. Kiba said he'd gotten them from his mom, but never planned on using them since the plates and bowls were pink and black. Sakura was grateful. Lee donated a small seventeen inch television, a DVD player and even some old movies for her to watch.

"Sakura san, I really admire you so I thought really hard about the right gift to give. Then it hit me that you may not have a television in your new place. I would have given you a new computer or something else useful if I had it to offer. Forgive me," he'd said with red cheeks. Sakura only smile. She was beginning to think Lee had a crush on her.

Suddenly her living room was full. Not only with furniture, but with people whose friendship she admired greatly. Some lounged on the couch and some on the floor while others stood, but they all watched her. Sakura didn't know what to say. She was speechless.

"Say thank you," Naruto whispered in her ear. She looked up at him before looking back around towards the others. She'd remained by Naruto's side for the most part, but now she felt that they all deserved her attention.

She stepped away from Naruto, trying to control her overzealous emotions as she approached the others. "I just want to thank you to you guys for everything. I really wasn't expecting this. I…I really don't know what to say."

"Well, you'd better say something good for all this damn work," said Kiba with a smile, but the look he earned from the others wiped the smile right off his face. "Ah, it was a joke…a joke. Sorry. Go ahead, Sakura."

Sakura smiled and looked down. For a moment she said nothing, but finally the words just poured out. "When I first came to Konoha I had no friends. And at first I thought it would be that way for the rest of my time here. But now, as I stand here looking at all of you guys, I realize that that was a lie. I just couldn't see it at first, but slowly as time went by I started to see it and I still do now," she said and covered her face so they wouldn't see her tears. "I see it now. Thanks you guys"

All the guys cooed at her cuteness and crowded in for a group hug with her in the middle. Well, all the guys except for Gaara, Neji and Sasori. There was something about a group of people hugging one another that just bothered them. Once the guys moved away, Sakura noticed the two red-heads and the Hyuuga standing to the side. She walked over to thank them as well. She hugged Gaara tightly which caught him off guard and caused him to freeze in place. But after a while he relaxed enough to place his hands on her back.

"Thank you, Gaara," she said as she pulled from him.

She walked over to Sasori and hugged him as well. "You, too, Sasori, thank you." Both the Suna natives reminded Sakura of Sasuke. Just like him, they frowned to hide their embarrassment. She stepped away from them and walked over to Neji. He was last, but certainly not least. Yeah, she'd been a tease and played mind games with him, but Neji was still a friend. Hell, if she hadn't already liked the people she liked she was sure he'd have a chance. Too bad she liked the people she liked. Sakura hugged the Hyuuga and he hugged her back.

"Neji, I-"

"There's no need to apologize, Sakura," he said, successfully cutting her off. "Congratulations on your new place."

She stared up at the older man for a moment before smiling. "Thanks, Neji," she said and kissed him on the cheek. It was chaste, but she felt he deserved it. She had led him on a number of times after all.

After a moment Sakura walked back over to Naruto's side. She clapped her hands and smiled at all the guys. "I would offer you guys something to drink after all that hard word, but unfortunately I don't have anything, but faucet water. Of course you can have that if you'd like." All the guys laughed.

"Ah, I guess we should head back to campus," said Lee, "I hope to see you again soon, Sakura san."

"No worries, Lee, I have class today so I'm sure you will. Plus, I have a feeling I'll be eating in the school's dining hall more often now."

Lee gave her a thumbs-up and smiled. "I will be looking forward to seeing you. Let's eat together sometime."

"Sakura, next time we come make sure you have some food and a good bottle of sake, neh?" this from Kiba.

She laughed. "Okay, Kiba, I'll try.

"Yo, Sakura, make sure you have an extra pillow for me. I'll be coming here looking for somewhere quiet to take a nap."

"Yeah, okay, Shikamaru"

One by one, all the guys said something to Sakura as they made their way out. Of course, Sasori only nodded and Gaara gave her his cell phone number. "Use it if you're ever in trouble," he said.

Zabuza ruffled her hair as he went and Shino mumbled something about bugs and the beautiful nature outside, but she wasn't sure what all was said. Finally, there was only one person left. The most important person, the one man who somehow knew she'd been sad and came to cheer her up. Naruto smiled again as he walked towards her and from behind his back he pulled out a bottle of champagne, holding it out for her.

"I wanted to save my gift for last. I didn't really have anything to call my own before I started college so this was all I could give."

Sakura took the bottle and hugged him again. Her arms never left his body as she spoke. "This is fine, Naruto. I'm just glad it's you who gave it to me."

"I'm glad you like it"

"How did you know I was crying?"

"I just did. I know you, Sakura. You're decision was rash. You were just mad and needed to get away, but that wasn't going to stop you from liking who you like. You always seemed upset or restless when we weren't talking so I knew that being alone in this empty house was gonna get to you. The least I could do was make it not so empty anymore. Sasuke knew, too. That's why he bought that bed."

"How could he afford that, anyway?"

"His brother has always placed money in his bank account. But because they don't get along well, Sasuke hasn't ever wanted to use it, so over the years it's built quite a bit. Sasuke has enough money in that bank to where he wouldn't ever have to work a day in his life. Today was his first time ever drawing money from the Uchiha funds."

"He did that for me?"

"Yeah, he did, Sakura."

"Then why didn't he come?"

"I don't know. I guess his pride's getting in the way. Plus, he's never really been good with separation. He feels bad, though. We both do. We pushed you to the point of walking away from us. I'm really sorry, Sakura."

"Me, too. I don't know what I was thinking, moving away so suddenly. I started missing you guys the moment I walked through that door. But… I still want to give it a try. You know what they say: absence makes the heart grow fonder. Right?"

"I couldn't agree more. But I still wish you could've stayed. I miss seeing your sleeping face. I miss your smile. And the room just doesn't smell the same since you left. Your sweet Sakura smell is almost completely gone already. Now there's nothing, but musty old guy smell. Ack!"

Sakura giggled and Naruto chuckled. He wondered how things would be in the long run if he already missed her this much after less than twenty-four hours.

"So, did you go to class today?" Naruto asked

"Oh, shit! I was supposed to go to afternoon class to make up for my morning class. I completely forgot."

Naruto gave a joyful, very masculine laugh before saying, "It's fine. I think your class was canceled today, anyway"

"Oh, really? I didn't know anything about that"

"Ah, I think Tsunade sensei was too hung-over from last night. Shizune posted it on the door just outside of class."

Sakura laughed. "I can't believe she did it again. Shizune really has to keep a closer eye on her."

Naruto agreed and the two of them sat on Sakura's new old sofa. They spent the rest of the night talking and laughing. And it was exactly what Sakura needed.

Sakura was happy, beyond happy, but there was still a part of her missing. Within all that happiness a vital piece was nowhere to be found. She hadn't seen Sasuke in weeks, not even on campus. Every day she searched for him, but wherever she went it seemed that she'd always 'just missed him'. She wanted to thank Sasuke for the bed and apologize about walking out, but it was like she was being avoided. Maybe she was. Naruto was different. He treated her just the same. He would speak to her whenever he saw her and sometimes he'd join her for lunch in the cafeteria. He also told her that Sasuke hadn't been staying at the dorm often. He's been having a hard time catching up with their Uchiha, too.

Sakura hated that the so-very-overemotional Uchiha was acting so distant with them, but what could they do?

"I'll find him for you, Sakura," Naruto said one day while walking her home.

"No, it's fine, Naruto. I don't want to force someone to see me who doesn't want to."

"Well, that's good to know, but that teme really does want to see you. I think, maybe, Sasuke has a reason why he's acting so weird."

"Well, I wonder what that reason is," Sakura said sarcastically.

If Naruto noticed the sarcasm, he didn't show it. He just shrugged his shoulders and said, "I don't know, but I'm sure as hell gonna find out."

"Don't force yourself, Naruto."

"No way, Sakura! I'm gonna bring Sasuke back to you. You can bet on it!" he said before kissing her and running back to campus.

That was two weeks ago and Naruto still hadn't said another word about the allusive dark-haired man. Sakura was beginning to believe that Sasuke had refused him and Naruto just said fuck it and left the situation alone. She should have known better. Naruto hated going back on his word, she knew that. This time just seemed like it would be different.

A few of the guys had been stopping by to visit every once in a while. Shikamaru came over to do just what he'd said; sleep. He napped in her bed, made himself comfortable as if it were his own. But Sakura didn't mind. Kiba would come over to entertain girls, of course. Sakura's only rule was that he couldn't use her bed for anything more than kissing and light petting. So far, he's done well in following the rules. Chouji comes over for dinner. Since Sakura was broke and couldn't really afford food he always brings everything and she always welcomes him with open arms and an empty, growling stomach.

Shino, Neji and Lee came over sometimes to study and just get away from it all. Of course, in the end Neji couldn't let his feelings for Sakura go completely, but Lee did well in distracting him with weird challenges and question. Sakura was thankful for that. Zabuza and Haku came over from time to time to hide their secret from the world. She'd always felt there was something going on between those two. She was happy for Haku, but felt sad that they didn't feel comfortable enough being together out in the open. In this day and age people should just mind their own fucking business, if you asked her.

She made sure that they knew her door would always be open for them.

Since she always had company coming around at any given hour Sakura made an extra key. Only her friends knew about the key and almost every day there would be a guest at her house when she returned. At least she didn't have time to feel lonely. On the plus side, her grades were improving and her birthday was just around the corner. Sakura made sure she told all her friends about it. That way there would be no excuses. In one week, Sakura will be turning twenty. She was excited and wondered what all the guys would give her. Something good, she hoped, like food, or school supplies, or food! Yeah, she was poor.

Just two daysbefore her birthday Sakura was invited out by Tomoe for a late lunch. He had an early morning shift at work so they planned to meet up at three. She was excited to be going out with Tomoe, but to be honest it was the promise of free food that really excited her. Sakura hadn't realized that being so poor would make her appreciate food so much. She ate so little now that she didn't have to worry about dieting. Walking around all day also helped her stay in shape.

Sakura had been in her own little world on her way to meet Tomoe, but something caught her eye. Sitting not too far away from the restaurant she was heading towards was Sasuke. Or at least she thought it was him. That did matter though. The first thing she thought of was to call out to him.

It was no use, he couldn't hear her. On the busy streets of Konoha, the dark figure stood and moved away. She wasn't sure, but it looked like he was listening to music. He couldn't hear her. She had a notion to follow him, but heard Tomoe call out to her. She turned around and saw the older man waving for her. Part of her wanted to follow the dark-haired young man that quite possibly could've been Sasuke. But what if it wasn't him? What if she was wrong? Instinct told her to give it up, so she did.

She went to Tomoe. During their date Sakura tried to focus on Tomoe's words, but she couldn't. Even her food was ignored, untouched. All she could think about was Sasuke.

Around nine-o-clock Sakura and Tomoe said goodnight and parted ways. She hadn't taken a single bite of her food while she was there, but decided to take it home anyway. There was no need to let Tomoe's money or perfectly good food go to waste. Sakura was sure it would come in handy soon enough. On her way up to her apartment she wondered if that person, that stranger she saw earlier. Had that really been Sasuke? It certainly looked like him. She shook her head. Thinking of him was stupid, she realized. It was obvious that he didn't want to see her. If he had he would have by now. Naruto knew where she was most of the day. He knew all her classes and where she lived. Hell, Sasuke knew where she lived. He didn't even need to ask Naruto, but he hasn't shown his face since before she left.

For some reason, Sakura hesitated in front of her door. Going home alone had become routine to her. She was getting used to it, though she was seldom at home alone. There was always someone popping up, but it was never the people she wanted it to be. Not just one, but the both of them; Naruto and Sasuke together. The three of them together laughing, bickering like they used to, she missed that. Touching, kissing, bonding like they used to, that's what she missed most of all.

Her roommates. Her boys. Her lovers.

With a sigh, Sakura slid her key in the door and opened it, and for a moment she was frozen. The lights were off, there across the room candles were lit atop her small table, wine chilled in a bucket of ice and two bowels of noodles were placed on the table, one across from the other, just enough for two people. It was romantic, cute and spontaneous. Sakura sighed. It was probably just Kiba again, trying to impress a random, innocent, unsuspecting girl.

"Kiba," she called out, "I'm very sorry to interrupt your little date, but your time is up. I'm going to have to ask you and your date to take this somewhere else."

Suddenly Sakura was grabbed by the arm and pulled away from the door. Naruto encircled her with his arms and kissed her gently before pulling back and smiling.

"Naruto?! You scared the holy shit out of me," she said, hitting his arms and chest.

"Sorry"

"What is all this? Did you do this?"

"Yeah, it's a romantic dinner. But I only know how to make ramen so, sorry."

Sakura looked over at the table. The food had already cooled and the ice chilling the wine was nearly melted completely. Clearly Naruto had started long before she arrived. But it was still cute. She giggled at first, but then it turned into full laughter.

"Happy birthday, Sakura"

"Thanks, Naruto," she said and kissed him. "Wait, you do know that my birthday isn't for another two days, right?"

"I know, but I wanted to be the first one to celebrate with you."

"Oh, that's sweet of you. And I do love my birthday gift."

"Actually, there're two parts to your gift."

"Oooh, exciting," she said, clapping and smiled. "What else did you get for me?"

"It's something I know you've been wanting for a while."

"Hm, is it that new notebook with the sakura petal design?"

"Even better," she heard from behind.