Hello! Here I am again! You didn't had to wait for long this time, right? Let us continue right away! Will Naruto confess? And if he does, will Sakura accept?

Ooooh! I can't wait! Enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Talking: "…"

Thinking: '…'


Chapter 28: Listen To Your Heart

BA-DUMP BA-DUMP BA-DUMP.

'Wait, did my heart just skip a beat?!' Sakura thought as she put her hand on her chest, there were her heart was.

She was feeling nervous. And she didn't even knew why; 'I mean, it's not like I haven't gone out with Naruto before.' She couldn't just yet take the word 'date' completely in her mouth or thoughts.

Date just sounded so... like they were a couple.

Sakura let herself fall on her bed with her face facing the ceiling. She took long, sharp breaths to calm her heart from beating so fast. With no luck.

She turned her head to the left to look at her alarm clock that was standing on her night desk. It was 6 o' clock, in about an hour, Naruto was going to pick her up.

'Crap!' She quickly stood up, feeling a bit dizzy from standing up so fast. 'I still don't know what to wear!'

She practically jumped towards her closet and yanked the doors open. She could she her Genin outfit, the red, China-like dress she didn't fit anymore. But she couldn't just throw it away. She searched further.

There was a sudden knock on her door, startling Sakura. It couldn't be Naruto... Besides, if he came, it was through the window.

"Yes?" Sakura said, her voice a bit shaky from the sudden interruption.

"Sakura?" It was her mother, "Can I come in, dear?" Sakura was already confused; normally, her mother would just barge in without knocking and without asking if she can come in.

"Uhm, yeah, sure mom. Come in." Sakura said as she turned towards the door while her mother came in.

"You still don't know what to wear?" Her mother asked, slightly chuckling. Sakura blushed slightly, as she turned away from her mother and focused on getting the right outfit together.

"I remember..." Her mother began, but was cut of by Sakura.

"If it's about you and dad's first date, then save it, I already know that story." Sakura said, her back facing her mother.

"That's not what I was trying to say, Sakura. I was saying, I remember when you had your first date with Naruto and you also didn't knew what to wear." Her mother gave a slight giggle.

Sakura was more then surprised by this; she was dumbfounded by what her mother just said. Sakura slowly turned around, only to see her mother staring at her with soft eyes and a smile.

"M-mom... what are you saying?" Sakura always thought that... her mother hated Naruto. Her mother knew she was going out with Naruto this night and Sakura didn't care if she knew or not. But to be honest, last time, she didn't take it so well. She began to yell about 12 years ago and that it was all Naruto's fault and that he has brought this village nothing but bad luck.

Sakura grew angry again when she thought about that.

Her mother sighed and took a seat on Sakura's bed. "Sakura..." She began and locked her green eyes with her daughters emerald eyes. "I know you are going on a date with Naruto Uzumaki." Sakura shuffled uncomfortably when she heard the word 'date'.

Her mother continued, "And... I got something for you." For the first time her mother came in, Sakura didn't noticed the little black box her mother was carrying. Her mother stood up and walked towards Sakura, who had a confused look on her face. What was her mother planning? What was in the little black box? Handcuffs? Was she planning to stop Sakura from going o a date with Naruto?

No... the box was too flat for that.

Her mother stopped before Sakura as she held the black box up. "Sakura.. I actually wanted to give this one on your first date... but since that one has already passed..." Her mother opened the box. Inside, there was a necklace with a azure blue heart with around it a silver layer to hold it together. She necklace was made of pure silver and was sure to shine in the sunlight.

Sakura gasped; the necklace was beautiful! How come she never knew her mother owned something as beautiful as this?

"Mom... Wow... This is beautiful!" Sakura couldn't stop gawking at the necklace.

Her mother smiled, "This necklace... was given to me by my mother, your grandmother, on my very first date with your father." Her mother explained.

Sakura stared at her mother, "Really? On your first date with dad? Wow!" Sakura smiled.

Her mother softly grabbed the necklace from the box and walked behind Sakura. "Even though... I didn't agree to it the last time, I can see that you care a lot about Naruto...kun. Let's just pretend this is your first date with him." Her mother put on the necklace while Sakura held away some straws from her hair.

'She called him... Naruto-kun... Maybe… Maybe mom will accept Naruto.'

"There," Sakura's mother said which pulled Sakura out of her thoughts. Her mother walked away from behind her to stand before Sakura. Her mother gasped and clasped her hand together in delight.

"Oh, Sakura, honey! You look great! It matches your eyes, lovely." Sakura blushed and turned away to look at herself in the mirror.

The necklace was indeed beautiful, but Sakura wasn't sure if she deserved it. She would probably make the necklace look weird on her or even ugly. She slightly touched the azure blue heart and was once again lost in thoughts.

What would Naruto think about it?

Her mother slightly touched her shoulders from behind, and Sakura could see in the reflection that her mother was smiling.

Sakura turned around. "I don't get it mom, why the sudden change of heart?" That was something she still didn't get.

Her mother sighed and let go of her shoulders, "I was wrong. Sakura, I should trust you more. And since you know Naruto much better then I do, then who am I to judge? But you must understand that I wanted to protect you Sakura. You know that, right?"

Sakura nodded, "Of course, mom. I mean, I guess we are both stubborn, huh?" Sakura laughed, glad that her mother was giving Naruto another chance.

Sakura's mother was laughing as well. "Yeah, you can say that again. And Sakura?"

"Yes, mom?"

"I would love to meet Naruto-kun when he comes to pick you up."

Sakura gasped, "Really, mom?! Oh, I'm so glad!" Sakura jumped into her mother's arms to give her a hug. Her mother laughed and gave her a hug back.

She suddenly gasped, "Oh, honey! Shouldn't you pick your outfit? It's already 6:30!"

Sakura gasped as well and jumped away from her mother and practically dived into her closet. "Oh no, oh no, oh no! I will never make it in time! Naruto is going to be here in half an hour!"

Her mother stood next to her, "Don't worry, dear. I'm going to help you picking the perfect outfit."


DING-DONG.

A couple of feet were quickly running down the stairs and towards the door. Just before opening, she quickly fixed her hair by giving it a few hand strokes on her bangs.

She opened the door and behind it stood a young man with blond hair and 6 'whiskers', each cheek had 3 of them, on his cheeks. He had his black and orange jacket on with underneath a black T-shirt. His pants were long and sort of baggy, with dark blue as color.

Sakura really liked how her looked. Naruto can defiantly pull this look off.

"Hi, Sakura-chan." Naruto said, a slight blush noticeable on his cheeks.

"Hi, Naruto." Sakura greeted back, not being able to hold back the giggle from seeing his blush.

It was quiet for a while, until Naruto was able to speak again, "Sakura-chan... You look... You look..." What was the right word for it? "Beautiful..." He almost whispered. He couldn't think of anything else to say other than that, but it worked too.

"Thank you, Naruto. You look really good too." Naruto had her hair in a ponytail for a chance, as it seemed that it was going to be a sultry night, and Sakura hated it when she had her hair loose on these kind of warm days. But, it was almost summer, so she couldn't blame anybody.

She had a light green top on with the short sleeves hanging on her upper arms. Her top was long and ended slightly over her bottom. She wore black, wide pants, which were made for the summer. They were wide at the bottom, but she flipped the legs one time and now the end of her pants where just a little bit from the ground.

And of course, she wore the necklace her mother gave her. Naruto noticed it almost immediately.

"Wow, Sakura-chan. That's a beautiful necklace!" Naruto said, as he slightly touched it.

"Thank you, Naruto. Actually, it was given to me from-"

"I gave the necklace to her." A voice came from behind Sakura. Her mother walked towards the two as Sakura took a step to the side so that Naruto could see her as well.

Sakura looked at him, and she saw that he was sweating bullets.

"So," Her mother said in a very stern voice. "you are Naruto Uzumaki?"

Naruto stood there, stiff as a board. "Y-yes, ma'am!"

"And you are going to take my daughter out on a date?" She asked, her voice just as stern.

Naruto couldn't move, "Y-yes, ma'am!"

Suddenly, Sakura's mother reached out to Naruto with full speed, so as an instinct, Naruto closed his eyes and prepared for the blow.

But nothing came.

Instead, he could feel a warm hand on his shoulder. He slowly opened his eyes to see what have happened.

He saw Sakura's mother, smiling a soft smile, and patting him on the shoulder.

"Huh...?" Naruto managed to get out. He looked to the right where he saw Sakura standing there, smiling as well.

"I'm glad to meet you, Naruto-kun." Sakura's mother said, still smiling, her eyes closed.

"Uhm, uh, yes?" Naruto was confused, to say the least. He always thought... that Sakura's mother didn't like him, just like all the other people in the village.

"Don't be shy, don't be shy!" Her mother said, softly patting his shoulder.

"Take good care of my daughter now, will you?"

Naruto quickly regained his posture, only he wasn't as stiff as before. He really liked this.

"Yes, ma'am!" Naruto said, slightly grinning.

"Oh, come on! Call me Emiko!" Emiko smiled and let go of his shoulder. "Now, shouldn't you two get going?"

"Alright mom." Sakura said as she walked over to Naruto, letting him step outside.

"It was really nice meeting you, m- I mean, Emiko-san!" Naruto said as he waved goodbye, with Sakura beside him. She waved as well.

"Bye, bye, kids! Have fun!" Emiko waved, and after they were out of sight, she sighed. Then she smiled, 'Yeah, those two will hang in there.' She went inside and closed the door behind her.

"So, where are we going, Naruto? Ichiraku's?" Sakura asked, as they slowly walked towards the marketplace. Of course, the marketplace was empty, but it was the only way from Sakura's house to Ichiraku's.

Naruto shook his head, "Nope, I have something else planned!" He suddenly grabbed Sakura's hand and took a right turn just before they entered the marketplace. He started running, which made Sakura running too. Thank God she wore black and white sneakers.

"W-wait, Naruto! Where are we going?! Don't go so fast!" Sakura said as he suddenly stopped. She quickly looked around. They were... in the forest? She could see it wasn't far away from the Genin training place. She could at least tell that much. But where were they going?

"Sakura-chan..." Naruto said as he turned around to look at her and let go of her hand. "Do you trust me?"

Sakura frowned, what a stupid question. "Of course I trust you, Naruto. Why wouldn't I?" Especially since what happened last time.

Sakura shuddered at the thought, hoping that Naruto didn't see it.

But he continued and started to grin. "Then close your eyes." He said, almost in a whispered.

Sakura's eyes went wide with surprise but that quickly went away when she started to giggle. "This again? What are you going to do?"

Naruto didn't stopped with grinning. "You'll see. Now... close your eyes."

Sakura didn't protest. In fact, her heart was beating so fast, she wondered if Naruto heard. She closed her eyes, completely trusting Naruto. She could feel something warm around her right hand; it was Naruto's hand.

It was so warm.

"Now, come with me, Sakura-chan." Naruto said as he slowly began to walk.

Sakura's heart would stop beating, but she actually liked the feeling. Because she was with Naruto and it didn't matter what she had planned for him. She was with him.

Sakura could feel that there weren't any obstacles, such as trees or bushes on their way, nor a hill they had to climb, just like last time.

'Where is he taking me?'

"Sakura-chan?" Naruto interrupted her thoughts.

Sakura was quickly to respond, "Yes?"

"We are here... You wanna open you eyes?"

Sakura only nodded, and opened her eyes. Strangely enough, her eyes had to adjust. Her vision was hazy at the beginning, but was clearing up quickly.

There was an open spot in the woods, surrounded by trees and bushes. In the middle of the spot, there stood a table with a white sheet clothing it. On the table, there stood a candle holder with 6 candles softly burning. The table was set as well; plates, glasses and forks, knives and spoons were placed around the plates.

And the one thing that made the picture Sakura was looking at even more complete, were the few fireflies that were flying around the table and even in the woods.

Sakura couldn't believe what she was seeing. "Naruto... did... did you... do this?"

Naruto scratched the back of his head, grinning. "Well, I had a little bit of help." The one who helped him set this up was none other than Iruka-sensei.

"Oh wow..." Sakura took a few steps forward. "Beautiful..." Sakura couldn't say any more. Who would have thought that Naruto was able to set up something like this?

The sun was beginning to set, and the fireflies seemed to shine brighter. Naruto stood beside her and held out his hand.

"Shall we eat, Sakura-chan?"

"Eat?" Sakura looked at the table, "I don't see any food..."

Naruto chuckled, but still with his hand held out. "You'll see."

Sakura smiled, and let her hand fall into his. He squeezed her hand a little bit and led her towards the table. He shoved the chairs backwards, so that she could sit.

Sakura blushed; Naruto never done this before. He's acting like a true gentleman.

Once Sakura sat comfortably, Naruto reached for something that was, apparently, underneath the table.

"Ah, there it is!" Naruto exclaimed, and reached out to grab it. Once he had, he stood up with a big plate in both of his hands. It was sealed with a silver lid, which matched perfectly.

"What's that?" Sakura asked with curiosity.

Naruto had a slight blush on his face, "Our dinner." He exclaimed. He removed the lid, and on the silver plate, there were two cups of instant ramen, still releasing some steam from the hot water that was mixed with it. He probably mixed some of the water before grabbing it from under the table.

Sakura's eyes went wide with shock, "R-Ramen?"

Naruto's silly grin disappeared. He looked like he was a kid who just got punished. "I'm sorry, Sakura-chan... I couldn't afford a expensive dinner even though I wanted to!"

Suddenly, Naruto stopped rambling when Sakura had put her arms around him and held him close. She was hugging him. But... she was also shaking really bad... Was she laughing?

"Oh-hahaha- Naruto! You silly- hahaha!" She couldn't stop laughing. Tears began to roll down her face from laughing. Naruto quickly put down the plate with the ramen and hugged her back, but totally confused.

"Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked as Sakura faced him. She was still giggling and wiping her eyes from the tears.

"Oh, Naruto. I love every bit of it. Who cares that it's ramen? Who cares if it's not a luxurious dinner you had in mind? Naruto, the fact that you set this up... It's wonderful!"

"So... you are not mad...?" Naruto asked, much less confused.

"No! Why would you think that?" Sakura exclaimed, her hand touching the side of his face, so that she could look in his bright blue eyes. "Naruto, I love it. I wouldn't want it any other way. It doesn't matter as long as you are here with me, I'm so happy Naruto."

His big smile returned, and his blue eyes began to sparkle, "Really?! I mean... Really?! You like it?"

Sakura only nodded, giggling again by his childish behavior. Naruto's grin looked like it would never end. That made Sakura's heart beat even faster.

"So, should we eat, Sakura-chan?" Naruto said, letting her go, and Sakura did the same. She nodded, as he led her to her chair.


The dinner was great, and Sakura and Naruto talked the whole time about various things. From missions to their friends.

It was already dark and the fireflies were still dancing around them, giving them their light. Although the candles were giving them light as well, but they were halfway through.

"Naruto, the ramen were delicious."

Naruto was still as perked as he was at the beginning of the night, "Yeah, huh?! It's a new flavor. I hope Ichiraku is gonna mix this as well with their delicious ramen!"

Sakura smiled and only nodded. The night wasn't cold, it was just right. A real summer night.

Suddenly, Naruto stood up, and appeared next to Sakura. He was fast and soundless, just like a shinobi needs to be.

"Sakura-chan," Naruto said, as he held out his left hand. "would you like to... uhm.. dance?" Naruto asked, a little embarrassed. He never danced before, but for Sakura, he would do anything. Even without music.

Sakura was, once again, surprised by his actions. She quickly regained herself and let her hand fall in his. She never danced before, but for Naruto, she would do anything.

"I apologize in advance for stepping on your feet." Sakura smiled, a little embarrassed, though.

Naruto smiled and pulled her on her feet, "Same here." He linked his fingers with hers and he guided her other hand to his right shoulder. There, she rested her left hand as his right hand rested on her middle.

There was some space between their bodies, so Naruto pulled her closer, and Sakura didn't complain. She just looked into his blue eyes, feeling like they were hypnotizing her. She just couldn't look away, and it seemed like he couldn't either.

"OUCH!" Naruto yelled as he suddenly lifted her up in the air.

"Naruto! I'm sorry!" Sakura said as he looked down at him, seeing him do a little dance with his right foot.

"I –it's ok, Sakura-chan. I could have been me who would have stepped on your foot." He looked up at her, one eye closed, but still grinning.

Sakura still looked apologetic, "I'm really, really sorry."

Naruto opened his one eye, "It's ok, Sakura-chan, really!" He still held her up in the air, like she was just a light feather.

Sakura had a slight smile, feeling relieved. She suddenly realized the position they were in, and blushed.

"Uhm, Naruto... You can put me down now..." She almost whispered.

Naruto gasped, "Ah, yes, of course! I'm sorry, Sakura-chan!" He put her down on both her feet, but he didn't let her go. He still held her around her middle.

He looked serious, too serious, even for Naruto. "Naruto, are you okay?" Sakura asked, worried.

"Well.. Sakura-chan..." Naruto gulped, loudly enough for Sakura to hear, which made her even more worried.

'This is it... I have to say it...' Naruto thought, and took a large breath. He reached out in his pocket and pulled out the bottle with had the flower Elias' Love in it. Sakura looked at it, and seemed to recognize it.

"Hey, that's Elias' Love! I've seen it in Ino's flower shop!" Sakura said, looking at Naruto again.

"So you know the story?" Naruto asked.

Sakura nodded. "Yeah, it's a beautiful story, isn't it?"

Naruto nodded as well, "Yeah... it is... Hey, wait!" He shouldn't dilly-dally with this. "Sakura-chan... The reason I asked you on this date... Uhm... the reason I had you come here.... The reason I prepared all of this..."

BA-DUMP BA-DUMP BA-DUMP

'Naruto...' Sakura began to blush, but didn't say anything.

He took another deep breath, "The reason... I have Elias' Love..." He closed his eyes, and opened again, his piercing blue eyes looking serious at Sakura.

He wasn't planning to screw this one up.

"Is because... I wanted to say something to you, and only to you."

"G-go on..." Sakura's mouth felt dry, and it seemed like she had hold in her breath.

Naruto grabbed her hands, with the bottle with Elias' Love between them, so that they would hold it together.

Sakura noticed that their faces were also a few inches away from each other.

"Sakura-chan... I love you. I am in love with you, and I wanted to say it for so long now. I love you Sakura-chan, and I wanted you to know."


Lol! Oooooohhhhhhhhh! He said it, he said it! What will happen? What will Sakura say?!

I'm such a bitch for doing this :D

Also, I found it important that Sakura and her mom would patch things up, even though it happened in chapter 3 xD

I hope you liked it and please review! I'm always happy to read those!

OH YEAH!: I made up the name Emiko for Sakura's mother, I don't think we know the name of Sakura's mom 0_o I thought Emiko was suitable ^0^