What is done has been done for the best
Though the mist in my eyes might suggest
Just a little confusion about what I'll lose
But if I started over I know I would choose
The same joy the same sadness each step of the way
That fought me and taught me that friends never say
Never say goodbye
Friends Never Say Goodbye – Elton John

"What? You left without Tsunade-shishou's consent?" Sakura continued to gape at her blonde companion.

Naruto chuckled nervously. "Kakashi-sensei said I could leave."

Sakura shook her head. "And you listened."

The blonde simply shrugged. "Hey, if it meant getting out of that hospital, I was all for it!"

Sakura sighed, "Naruto, when will you ever learn?"

Naruto laughed boisterously then, giving her a giant hug.

"Baka! You're still wet! Let go of me!" Sakura demanded, forcefully pushing him away.

He continued to laugh as he shook vigorously, his hair shooting water droplets in her direction. Once pleased with his work, he straightened up, unzipping the top of his black and orange jumpsuit. He peeled it off his arms, letting the upper section fall to hang about his waist languidly as he started for the cotton t-shirt beneath.

Sakura watched him with a soft smile, pushing her hair behind her ear delicately.

"So, has the Teme been nice?" Naruto inquired as the tee came over his head, dropping in a drenched heap on the floor.

Sakura slipped off her pants, throwing them aside as well. It was comfortable around Naruto, especially considering they were such good friends. He had been there many a night when she needed comforting. Given, nothing ever occurred between the two of them, but she was often in her sleep wear. On hot nights, nothing beats sleeping in one's underwear. "Yes. He has."

Naruto frowned. "Seriously?" He stepped out of the rest of his jumpsuit, only after removing his soggy sandals, and dropped it with the rest of his attire which all resided in a circular clump. His steps led him then to his bag, which sat in the corner amongst the rest of their belongings; he reached inside to reveal a dry pair of clothes, and with a warning glance to Sakura, he put them in his mouth.

The pink-haired woman turned around, fiddling with the hem of the Uchiha shirt she still wore.

"He let you wear that...?"

Sakura nodded. "I was surprised as well."

"Okay, you can look now."

She returned her gaze to look at him, pleased with the familiar sight of the blonde, whisker-marked man clad in nothing but a gray cotton tank and a pair of long, pyjama pants. His feet remained bare, and a towel was slung around his shoulders, one hand lifting the fluffy piece to dry the sopping strands of his unruly hair.

"You need something else to wear, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked thoughtfully then, as he looked her over. He frowned upon seeing her bandaged torso. "What happened?"

Sakura glanced down at her stomach, wrinkling her nose. "Stupid, idiotic fight. Karin started it. It's really nothing. Already healed too, so technically I should remove the bandages."

"Want me to leave?"

"Would you mind?"

"No, not at all." Naruto gave her one of his trademarked, goofy grins, before turning to leave through the sealed door.

Once it had closed behind him, Sakura disrobed. The cloak was off first, followed by the shirt, and both now pooled on the ground around her feet. Her tentative fingers took to the pins keeping the wraps in place, and once both were removed, she began to unwind the cold, wet material.

It came off relatively easy, and once it joined the other clothing, she studied the flesh on her stomach. It was still tender, and soft bruising still remained, but it wouldn't be detrimental to her health if she left them. They would heal on their own in a few days anyway. After a once over of the rest of her body, both in and out, the konoichi went to where her bag was located. She pulled out the last pair of clothing she had brought with her; her civilian wear.

While still freezing due to the weather, it was a little more difficult to dress. However, Sakura managed not too much longer after, and, after opting not to wear the lacy bra in favour of comfort over necessity, she told Naruto he could come in.

It was only a matter of minutes before Naruto had figured out the appropriate hand seals before he managed to open the door. He explained that he had watched Sasuke do it, so it wasn't that difficult to remember.

"Nice clothes."

Sakura glanced down at her comfortable tank shirt that hugged her torso, though was a tad bit more revealing than she had wanted due to the lack of support, but this was only Naruto, so it really didn't matter. Accompanying the top, were a pair of black slacks, though, like Naruto, her feet remained bare. She immediately took the towel that her blonde companion offered her then, grabbing a clump of hair to begin drying.

"So, everyone's getting worried," Naruto commented as he watched her, eventually breaking his gaze to come over and sit on the bed. He patted the place beside him, and she complied by sitting down.

"Why?" Sakura asked quietly.

"Because you were taken captive by Sasuke, Sakura-chan." Naruto's smile dissipated, leaving worry to extend across his features. "No one in Konoha knows your place in his life; we all feared the worst."

"Kakashi-sempai and Sai both knew what I was getting into," Sakura assured, moving to dry the other side. "Hey, Naruto...do you still have the..."

Naruto smiled again, knowing immediately what she was speaking of. He reached into his shirt, pulling the delicate chain with the cherry blossom pendant, out for her to see. After a moment of watching her gaze soften happily, he unclasped it from his neck, and handed it over to her. "Here."

Sakura took it, admiring the piece once over, as if it were completely foreign to her, before returning it around her own neck. However, before she could hook the clasp, the chain was taken from her hands, and done so for her. The pink-haired woman blinked with confusion, glancing over to see a smiling Naruto behind her. She smiled a little wider.

"Hinata -chan taught me."

Sakura laughed a little. "I should have guessed."

Naruto returned to his seat, though this time, flopped back down on the mattress behind him. "Sakura-chan...?"

"Yeah, Naruto?"

"I have to bring you back to Konoha."

A thick, stifling silence overcame the room then, and the konoichi went stiff. Naruto propped himself up on his elbows, watching her back carefully.

"Sakura-chan?"

She turned to peer at him over her shoulder. Her voice was quiet as she asked, "Tomorrow...?"

Naruto nodded. "Hm."

"Do...you have to?"

"Kakashi-sensei's orders. He was the one who gave me this mission, remember?"

Sakura swallowed, dropping the towel to her lap as she now stared at her hands. "But..."

"But what?"

"He won't come then..." she whispered, nearly inaudible to any ear.

Naruto blinked. He? Oh, she meant Sasuke. Of course. Who else would she be referring to? The blonde gave his head a shake before narrowing his eyes at the realization of the gravity behind her words. "My priority is getting you back safely...but...the Teme needs to come too."

Sakura nodded with sorrowful agreement. "He does. But he won't."

"He will," Naruto returned with an angry glint in his blue orbs. "I'll make sure of it."

"He won't oblige to whatever you have planned, Naruto! Please! Don't force him."

Naruto stared at her with disbelief. "Sakura-chan...I thought you didn't love him anymore..."

Sakura began to fiddle with her shirt. "I thought so too...but then I started spending more time around him...considering he took me captive and all...and...those feelings...they all just sort of...came back. I couldn't deny them anymore."

Naruto sat up fully again, placing a hand on her shoulder. "And all that work went to nothing..."

Sakura glanced at him apologetically. "There was nothing I could do."

Naruto gave her a weak smile. "I know. I don't blame you, Sakura-chan."

She lowered her gaze to the floor. "I know, but...sometimes...maybe I should be blamed. After all," she returned her full attention to him, green orbs searching his blue ones, "wasn't it me who pushed him away?"

Naruto snorted. "Okay, whoa. Orochimaru was the cause. Not you."

"How can you be sure...?"

"Because you weren't."

Both shinobi turned to the door where Sasuke strutted inside, wood held in his arms as he approached the suddenly there fireplace. He glared at Naruto as he passed, but said nothing until a nice fire had started, their only source of warmth for the time being.

Sakura was the first to gravitate over, though paused once at his side. She didn't know what to do or what to say, so she remained silent.

Naruto joined them eventually as well, and after their legs all grew sore, the three had settled on the floor in comfortable positions.

"You're not sleeping in here, dobe."

Naruto glared. "And why not, teme?"

"Because I said so."

"That answer sucks," Naruto commented.

"Deal with it."

Sakura looked from one to the other. Naruto continued to glare, while Sasuke pretended not to notice, his attention focused solely on the fire. With a sigh, she turned to the Kyuubi container. "I'll sleep downstairs with you."

Naruto nodded once. "Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"No."

Both looked at the Uchiha with annoyed glances.

"Excuse me?"

"Nani?"

"I. Said." Sasuke turned to look at them both, his onyx eyes harbouring an icy cold hostility. "No."

Sakura frowned. "Why?"

"You sleep in here. With me."

Naruto hesitated a moment. "You guys...haven't...?"

Sakura shook her head vigorously. "No! Not at all! Why would you even think that, Naruto?"

"Well, you know, you've been...in this tower alone for...who knows how long...with a nicely built place up here...so I automatically assumed..."

"It will happen soon enough," Sasuke interrupted.

Sakura clenched her teeth, but said nothing. She would've gladly retorted, but she knew that what he spoke was truth. If she were to be his tool for reviving his clan, she would need to sleep with him eventually. Not that she could ever truly deny that she wanted to...

Naruto shook his head. "No, teme. Not going to. You can't just use her like that."

Sasuke didn't answer.

"I won't let you."

"Naruto, please. Stay out of this."

The blonde glanced at Sakura with wide, confused eyes. "But...Sakura-chan..."

She shook her head. "This is between me and Sasuke."

Kun. Sasuke mentally added to the end of his name. "Stay out of it."

Naruto glared. "No. You have no right to even think that, Sasuke-teme! You've done nothing but hurt her, and I won't allow you to take her like that either! She's not a toy!"

Sasuke shifted to lock his gaze with the blonde's. Sharingan and cerulean blue caught up with each other's color.

"Guys, please!" Sakura begged, moving to interrupt their staring contest. "Naruto, please, just, drop it."

Naruto sighed, but said nothing more, nodding to her with a dejected gaze.

"Don't look at me like that."

"But...Sakura-chan..."

Sakura shook her head, her pink locks thrashing about her face. "No."

Naruto sighed, pressing up from the floor to a stand. He stretched then, motioning to the door. "Are you coming, Sakura-chan?"

The konoichi nodded, pushing off of her knee to stand as well, however, just before she straightened, Sasuke caught her wrist.

"Stay."

Sakura frowned. "Let go, Sasuke. I already said that I'm going to keep Naruto company because you won't let him sleep in here."

Sasuke stood, pressing her back against his chest. "You'll stay here."

Sakura closed her eyes, exhaling. "Sasuke..."

"Sakura."

The pink-haired woman sighed. What the hell was she supposed to do?

"It's okay, Sakura-chan," Naruto assured. "I'd prefer you to be safe and happy, than upset."

Sakura looked at him, shaking her head a little. "Naruto...I'll come with you."

The blonde smiled brightly. "No, stay. It's fine."

Sasuke exhaled with exasperation. This constant back and forth between the two of them was beginning to get on his nerves. "Both of you will stay here."

Naruto and Sakura exchanged a glance before looking to the stoic Uchiha, who was now moving over to stoke the fire.

"Seriously, teme?"

"Sasuke-kun...are you sure?"

Sasuke smiled a little, though neither of them would've seen it, which was just his plan. "Hn. The dobe sleeps on the floor."

Naruto grinned. "Che. I expected nothing less from you, bastard."

Sakura sighed with relief, returning to her original place by the fire. At least they could share one night as Team Seven, once again. Now, all they were missing was Kakashi, and their team would be complete, just like back in the day.

Soon, she reminded herself, a smile gracing her pale pink lips. Soon.

•

It was two in the morning when Sasuke's eyes shot open, Sharingan already blazing. He sat up abruptly, already standing up and out of the bed, making a grab for his katana.

"Sasuke-kun...?"

He glanced over, only then noticing that he had been entangled with Sakura amongst his blankets, while Naruto dozed at the foot of the bed. He couldn't help but smirk.

"What's going on?"

"Nothing. Stay here." He walked around to where Naruto slumbered, jabbing him with the hilt of his sword. "Dobe. Wake up."

Naruto fell off the bed, groaning when he came to. He rubbed his head, shooting a feral glare at the Uchiha. "Teme, what the hell? What's the meaning of this?"

Sasuke just stared at him as if he were crazy.

Only then did Naruto take notice of the fourth chakra signature in the building. He frowned, leaping to his feet to reorient himself. He didn't bother grabbing anything but his weapons pouch, as anything else would take too much time retrieving.

Together, the boys exited the room, the door closing with a thud as they then split up and took to searching the grounds.

~•~

Karin couldn't help but smirk from her place at the windowsill. She had come just as Sasuke-kun and the blonde idiot had gone off looking for her clone. She, herself, was masking her chakra while perched just on the ledge between the outside world and Sasuke's beloved sanctuary. She had to admit, it was rather nice in comparison to other accommodations they had come across. Staring at the decor, however, wasn't her mission. The redhead slipped onto the floor, giving the room a once over with her gaze. There she was – her target – unmistakeable by the way her bubblegum pink hair was splayed about the dark bedspread. Sakura lay curled in the fetal position, most likely in attempts to get warm.

She cracked a smile. A wicked, murderous smile. And she started over to the bedside.

~•~

"Just a clone..." Naruto echoed both their thoughts as they stared at where Karin's form had just been moments before. They exchanged a glance, realizing what they had done in leaving the room. Both turned and darted for the stairs swiftly.

~•~

"Say goodnight, pinky," Karin murmured as she forced the kunai down. It was stopped, however, about seven centimetres from the other konoichi's chest. Scarlet met Jade, and death glares were exchanged.

"You still try to kill me, even after you know Sasuke will never love you." Sakura stated sharply. "What is this world coming to?"

The konoichi twisted away from the kunai, landing on her feet delicately across the bed. She didn't have weapons, so her taijutsu would just have to suffice, so long as she didn't topple the building.

"You little whore," Karin snapped, launching the kunai she had in her hand. She smirked when it grazed Sakura's shoulder, though it was short lived when she realized how little the other woman was wearing. "Trying to seduce my Sasuke-kun, hm?"

Sakura scrunched up her nose. "Do you ever listen? He already told you he doesn't want anything to do with you!"

Karin narrowed her eyes, and instead of answering verbally, did so physically. She whipped out a handful of shuriken, launching them toward the pink-haired woman with annoyance.

Sakura dodged quickly, making a run for the woman she now faced. Her chakra was already being fuelled into her now formed fist, and a look of determination overcame her features.

Karin sensed her approach and moved without a second thought, causing Sakura to skid to a halt before rounding on the redhead again. Said redhead reacted and leapt sideways, launching a kick to Sakura's back.

The pink-haired konoichi grunted at the pain that started after the assault, glaring back at Karin. She grabbed the other woman's leg, spinning her around so she could throw her against the wall, without the use of her super-human strength.

Karin caught herself just before she hit, glaring intensely before picking up to run at her foe once more.

Sakura lunged as well, and after their following clash, both leapt backwards.

Karin sported a wound on her leg which bled to the floor without fail, while Sakura had the cut on her arm, and a new slash at her forehead.

The pink-haired girl blinked blood from her eyes, and a silent threat was shared between the two.

~•~

Sasuke thrust his hand at the seal, watching it vanish before the door unlocked via the mechanism. He pushed it open as swiftly as his movements would allow, and eyes instantly narrowed.

Naruto came up at his side, and he stared in shock at the scene in front of him. "What the hell?"

"Karin." Sasuke grit his teeth.

Both women turned to look at the boys, and Karin immediately threw herself at the Uchiha. "Oh! Sasuke-kun, it's awful! She just attacked me for no reason!"

Sasuke glared at her as she threw her arms around his neck. "I sent you with the other two."

"I forgot something here, Sasuke-kun! She wouldn't let me get it!" Karin stated against the crook of his neck.

Sakura just watched with a heavy gaze, the medic inside her telling her to heal her wounds. She reached for the one at her forehead, her hand glowing green with chakra as the cut began to close.

Seeing as Sasuke wasn't moving, and letting this woman just drape herself all over him, Naruto moved forward to check on his teammate. Once at her side, he placed a hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "You okay, Sakura-chan?"

Sakura nodded slowly, wincing a bit as a nerve was reattached. "Yeah, I'll be fine."

"See? She's more concerned with healing herself than she is helping me! I'm hurt too!" Karin pointed to her leg.

Sasuke pushed her away without another word, taking long strides across to where the Leaf-nin stood. He reached out to Sakura, but before he could even touch her flesh, Naruto blocked him. "Move."

Naruto shook his head. "No."

"Dobe."

"Teme."

The boys stared at each other angrily, before Sakura moved around them, pressing them apart. "Honestly, you two. There are more important matters at hand than fighting."

"Yes," Karin stated as she latched onto Sasuke's arms. "Like how I'm going to bear Sasuke-kun's children."

Sasuke pushed her off, pulling Sakura to him forcefully, his lips crashing to hers. He demanded the pink-haired woman's attention, lips moving possessively against her own.

"Sasuke-kun!" Karin screamed, hands now placed on her hips haughtily.

Naruto shot her an annoyed look. "Eh, you should leave."

Karin glared. "No! Sasuke-kun still wants me here."

The Uchiha pulled away, glancing at Karin over his shoulder. "Leave. Dobe, you too."

"But Sasuke-kun!"

"Teme, I'm not leaving you alone with Sakura!"

Sasuke ignored them as he led Sakura to the bed, his lips finding hers while he did so. Her delicate hands wound up and into his hair, tugging gently on raven-black strands.

Karin just gaped. "You can't be serious! Sasuke-kun!"

Sasuke broke the kiss, standing carefully so as not to hurt her, before forcefully moving to the other two. He grabbed each of their arms, dragging them out through the door. "Karin, back to the others. Dobe, take another room." And with that, the door was closed in their face, locked with a more complicated jutsu.

Karin and Naruto exchanged glances.

~•~

He watched her; watched as her chest rose and fell in steady rhythm with her breathing, watched how her hair splayed just a little more about his dark pillows when she moved, how her lips parted when tiny noises left her mouth.

It had only been three hours since she had denied him, and yes, she had indefinitely done so. He would've had her. He would've taken her, would've begun working toward the rebuilding of the Uchiha clan already, but she wouldn't have any of it. It had angered him, and as a result, he had sent her out to sleep in another room with Naruto while he cooled his raging libido. At that point, Karin tried once more to help him, and he almost accepted her offer. Sakura, who had still been in the hall, had given him one of the most miserable looks he had ever seen from her, which reminded him of his true priorities, and so, he turned the redhead away once and for all. He then had called her back and accepted her return to his bed.

His team would be reaching the meeting point soon; he knew that judging by the day, and how long it normally took them to get there. They would wait three days for him. If he didn't arrive, they'd move on without him.

Sakura stirred in the bed next to him, and he smirked, just a little. It had taken a lot of uncharacteristic apologizing to actually get her back in the same room as him, but, as was to be expected, she forgave him, nonetheless.

"Sasuke-kun...?"

He reached a hand over, brushing the hair from her eyes. "Hn."

Sakura kept her eyes closed as she sighed, relishing the touch of his hand. "Naruto and I have to return to Konoha today."

He knew it. Sasuke knew his old teammates were leaving this morning, but when she spoke the words out loud, it was like a sucker punch to the gut. He hated the idea that she would be out of his reach, once more.

"We leave as soon as Naruto's ready..." Sakura added, opening dismal jade orbs to search his face.

He knew what she was looking for, and he knew he couldn't give in. There was too much at stake.

"No, Sakura."

The konoichi shied away from his touch then, slipping off the bed to gather her belongings. "Then I can't let you touch me like that anymore, Sasuke. It's too painful."

A sigh escaped his lips, but they both knew he wouldn't listen. He would embrace her, kiss her, touch her until she left. She couldn't deny him.

"We'll really miss you, Sasuke..." Sakura glanced over at him, eyes glossy with pain. "I'll really miss you. I've...always missed you."

The Uchiha stood, striding over to her with confident steps.

Sakura returned her attention to her things. She continued packing. "I'm sorry I've always been such a burden, but maybe after seeing what I can do, you'll picture me a little differently, ne?" A fake smile was plastered on her face as she returned her attention to him.

Sasuke Uchiha wouldn't have it. He grabbed her firmly by the arms, pulled her up to his level, and kissed her with passion and zeal. She gasped in surprise, which he took advantage of, probing his tongue inside her mouth, coaxing her own to dance with intricate movements.

A moan in the back of her throat caught him off guard, and before either knew what had happened, he had her pinned to the comforter. His intentions were clear as he slid a warm hand up and under the hem of her shirt. But, fate was cruel, and so he got nowhere.

The door swung open and Naruto glared, probably one of the most angry glares one could see from the blonde. He was already dressed, packed, and ready for the trip home. "Sakura." No chan.

The lovers broke apart, Sasuke allowing Sakura space to climb off the bed and trudge over to her bag. He needed her. She needed him. They needed each other. Were they really going to let a village stand in the way? Of course they were.

Sakura straightened, adjusting everything in her pack before turning to Naruto. She didn't smile, nor did she talk as she made her way to the door. It was time to go.

Naruto guided her out comfortingly, and after a final glare at the Uchiha, started out himself. "Friends should never have to say good-bye, teme."

Sasuke's eyes widened a little, and he stared. He didn't know which he couldn't believe more; the fact that it was NARUTO who spoke those words, or the words themselves. He just stood there, unsure of what to do, which was a first.

"Next time you decide to toy with Sakura-chan's emotions, you're going to be a dead man, Uchiha." And then the door was closed, and the two departed, leaving Sasuke still standing there, staring at where they had just been.

~•~

"Sakura-chan, please say something."

Sakura looked up at Naruto, but still not a word came from her cherry red lips.

They were stopped in a clearing, the rain pouring around them as Naruto struggled to build a shelter over their designated fire pit. He knew Sakura was freezing; it was, after all, why they stopped in the first place. She was stubborn, however, and unless he had taken note, she would've kept on going like that.

"Are you okay?" asked the blonde, trying once more.

Still, she said nothing. Her eyes closed and she hung her head a little, the visible shivering getting more violent. She was sure to get pneumonia, or hypothermia, or something along those lines.

It took Naruto another ten minutes before he could fix the little shelter, a dry spot below finally available. Now, all he needed to do was find wood. A nervous glance was cast in Sakura's direction, and after telling her he would be back shortly, he hastened off to find wood.

By the time he returned, the rain had lightened up just a little, and he proceeded hastily to light a fire in the designated area. He hadn't yet noticed the unconscious konoichi draped across the log.

"Sakura-chan...I'm going to need some food from my pack...can you pass it to me?"

No response.

Naruto asked again, and still nothing. The blonde then turned, his eyes widening considerably when he realized his companion was out cold. He was immediately at her side, checking for a pulse and if she were breathing. Her heart was beating slowly, but it was still there.

"Sakura-chan! Sakura-chan, wake up!"

No use. She was out cold.

Panicked, Naruto whipped his gaze in every direction, trying to locate something he could use to rouse his companion.

Chakra flared off to the immediate right, and he shot a glance in the direction of which it came. Fumbling for a kunai, a feral gleam lit in Naruto's eyes as he readied to protect his beloved companion. "GET OUT OF HERE!"

No good.

A growl sounded in the Kyuubi container's throat. "IF YOU KNOW WHAT'S GOOD FOR YOU, YOU'LL LEAVE US ALONE!"

There was a rush of wind, followed by a deep, smooth voice. "I thought you said that friends never say goodbye."

Naruto promptly dropped the kunai, whirling around to find Sasuke now crouching down to pick Sakura up. "Teme! What the hell are you doing here?"

"Is that any way to greet your saviour?"

Naruto just stared incredulously. "You mean you're...?"

"Hn."

The blonde grinned as he gathered up the remainder of their items. A laugh came from his throat then, followed by hasty steps so he could catch up to his now moving, black-haired companion. "Get scared being on your own?"

"No."

Naruto snickered with disbelief, and silence fell thereafter as together, they made for the gates of Konoha.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

So, I'm going to leave the poll up until after the last chapter of this is completed. That gives you guys plenty of time, ne?

R&R, as usual please =)

~P.S.~

Thank you once again to Soleil and Cheers. Your reviews are always so enthralling!

Soleil: Thanks especially to the review you left last chapter. It made my day!

Cheers: Regarding the account creation; at first, I only created to read. I never anticipated to write anything. So there is that option.

I'm absolutely thrilled that you two choose to keep checking in! I definitely appreciate your suppport!
oxo