Boo Berries part 2:

Shikamaru pounced, landing in front of Sakura and Sasuke. "Sakura, can I speak with you? Alone?" His eyes pointed at Sasuke who was still tangled around her body.

"Um..."

Sasuke clung to her tightly, grinning like a fool. "I cannot stand to be apart from you, my love."

"Uh..." Sakura turned back to Shikamaru. "I don't think..."

"Fine. The berries you gave Naruto backfired and now a bunch of our friends are swooning over him. I came here to see if you know of any cure we can give them so the effects won't last as long. Do you have anything like that or know anything about one?"

Sakura shook her head. "According to the woman who grew them, they wear off after a while. There is no cure."

"Crap." Shikamaru rubbed the back of his neck in annoyance. "This is so troublesome."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "I knew he'd get himself into trouble."

Shikamaru looked at Sasuke. "Looks like you're having fun, though."

"I'm having the best time!" she cried joyfully.

"Me, too!" Sasuke cheered.

Shikamaru frowned, not used to seeing Sasuke in such a state. "Ok..."

"We're in the middle of a romantic date," said Sakura. "Not to be rude or anything, but shouldn't you go back and check on Naruto? We'd like some privacy."

Sasuke kissed her arm. "She's my little boo!" chirped Sasuke. "My wonderful blossom! I love you so much!"

"I'm leaving but mostly to get away from that," said Shikamaru. Seeing Sasuke act this way was making him sick. "I guess I'd better go back and break the news to Naruto. I left him alone back there with them. I can only imagine how he's suffering right now."

"This is the best!"

Naruto never thought he could have this much fun with a bunch of boys being head over heels for him. Instead of seeing them as lovers, he saw them more as servants. They were his love slaves.

Setting his fifth bowl on the stack of others he had polished off, Naruto sat back in his seat and patted his stomach. "I'm full, pops. Thanks for the meal."

"Don't mention it, Naruto. Anything for my best customer."

Naruto held out his hand and Shino gave him the money. "Here you go. See you later!" Naruto stood up and walked out into the afternoon sun where the others were waiting with loving gazes. They were so enamored of him, they would follow him anywhere and do his bidding, whatever it was.

"Where shall we go now, Naruto?"

"Lead the way."

"We'll follow you anywhere."

"Yes, I'm sure you will." Naruto could do without their loving gazes but other than that this was pretty great. At least he was getting attention. "How about we take a walk?"

"Sounds wonderful."

"I want to walk with you."

"A walk sounds wonderful."

"Only if you're with us, Naruto."

"What a splendid idea. You're so smart."

Naruto led the way and they all followed him, like rats after the Pied Piper. Their walk took them through the village and into the shopping area where many stores stood waiting with welcome signs and window displays.

"That looks nice," commented Naruto. As soon as he did, the group sprang forward.

"Which is it? What did you see? What would you like? Whatever it is, we'll get it for you."

"It's ok, guys," he said. "I don't want it. I just thought it looked neat."

Naruto took them out of the shopping area and back towards the park. Shikamaru was bound to be looking for him. He shouldn't wander too far.

They entered the park and Naruto led them through the trees. He stopped and heaved a sigh. "I don't see any benches around here."

As soon as he said that, Lee threw himself onto all fours. "Sit on me, Naruto. You can use me as a bench."

"I will be Naruto's bench," Kiba said jealously. He threw himself to the ground. "Sit on me, Naruto. On me!"

"Not him! Me!"

Naruto shook his head. "It's fine. D- don't worry about it."

He walked a little further and started swatting at some bugs flying into his face. As soon as he commented on how annoying they were, they flew away. Naruto turned around and saw Shino holding up his hand, sending the bugs away.

"Are you pleased?" Shino asked him. "They shouldn't annoy you anymore."

"Th- thanks, Shino."

Shino started blushing behind his high collar. "Being praised by you is the ultimate honor."

Naruto faced forward again. "I can handle this. Just ignore the weird stuff. Pretend they're not actually in love with you. Pretend they're your devoted servants."

"I found a bench for you," said Neji. "Over there."

"Oh. Thanks, Neji."

Neji started blushing and hid his red cheeks behind his hands. "Being praised by you is so wonderful. I'm so happy!"

"Heh heh... Yeah..."

"Naruto!" Shikamaru jumped down and landed in front of him. "Glad I found you. I just spoke with Sakura and she said there's no cure. You're just going to have to wait for it to wear off on its own."

"I thought as much." Naruto looked at the gathering of devoted ninja and figured he would make the most of it. "I guess I can deal with that. It's only for a day, right?"

"Think you can handle a bunch of guys loving you for that long?"

He shrugged. "I'll try to manage." Naruto called to the group. "Hey, guys, I'm thirsty."

"I'll get you some water!"

"No, I will!"

"I will!"

The group split up to fetch him something to drink.

Shikamaru caught sight of Naruto's smile. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Me? No! I hate it. But..." Naruto looked away. "But... Since I'm stuck, I'll try to make the most of it. You know, until it wears off."

Shikamaru folded his arms. "Far be it from me to give you advice, but..."

"But what?"

"Have you given any thought to your situation?"

"You mean about how I've got a bunch of guys in love with me instead of girls like I wanted? Yeah, I'm pretty well aware of that."

"No, not that. What you're doing."

Naruto cocked his head. "What do you mean?"

"You ordering them around like that."

"Yeah. What about it?" he asked. "It's better than what they were doing before. And if I'm stuck with them like this for the next day, I might as well get some use out of all this. It's better than suffering."

As long as he kept them busy, they would keep their hands off him. That was a part of this. The other part was the enjoyment of seeing them act as his personal servants.

"What I meant was..." Shikamaru hesitated. "Well, they're not their normal selves."

"Yeah. That's the berries' doing."

"Even if that's so, what happens when it eventually wears off?"

Naruto was confused. "What do you mean?"

"I mean... Will they remember any of this? Or will they forget about everything they've done while under its influence?"

Naruto blinked. He hadn't considered that. Would they remember this? If they did, what would that mean? Would they get mad at him? Would they be too embarrassed to get angry with him? Would they know he was responsible? Would they remember him making them his slaves?

"Well, they're volunteering for most of it," reasoned Naruto. "It's not like I'm ordering them around. Most of this is them doing it themselves."

"But you're not trying to stop them."

"When I did nothing, they were on top of me! When I suggest something or order them to do something, they're not squeezing me to death." Naruto shuddered. "Do you have any idea what it's like to get nuzzled by a bunch of guys? Ugh! I'd much rather feel a girl's chest pressed against me. That's much nicer."

Shikamaru didn't want to get too involved in all of this. He wanted to leave as soon as possible and have Naruto dig his own grave. There really wasn't much he could do to help him. If Shikamaru stayed, it would be to watch the fun unfold. That sounded entertaining. Other than that, he didn't want to stick around.

"Should I leave you to it, then?" Shikamaru asked. "You seem to have things under control and I'm not sure what else I can do to help you out."

Naruto didn't want to be alone with them but if there was nothing Shikamaru could do. "What if you stick around but just to use your shadows to hold them back if they try kissing me or something?"

"So you want me to be your bodyguard?"

He shrugged.

Shikamaru sighed. "I guess... But just for a bit." If he had his way, he would rather not do anything.

"I got your water!"

"No, I did!"

"I do!"

Naruto turned back to see everyone holding out bottles of water for him. "Uh, thanks... I think."

In the meantime, Sakura was having the best day of her life. Sasuke wouldn't let go of her for a second. It was wonderful feeling his body pressed tightly against hers. They enjoyed a nice long walk through the park, four times. Sakura sat on a bench to rest her feet and Sasuke rested his head on her shoulder.

"I love you, Sakura. I love you so much. I love you."

She would never get tired of hearing that.

Sasuke sighed contentedly as he rested his head on her shoulder. To get more comfortable, he swung his legs over hers and sat on her lap. He wrapped his arms around her torso again and hugged her close.

"I love you, too, Sasuke."

"I've never loved anyone as much as I love you and never will. I love you so much, Sakura."

"This is the best." Sakura's stomach started to growl. "But it is getting late and I should really get dinner."

Sasuke lifted his head off her shoulder and looked into her eyes. "Then let's get dinner. I'll treat you to any place you want to go. It's all on me. Whatever you wish, my love."

"You'll treat me to dinner?" This really was a dream come true! "Ok! Let's go!"

Sasuke stood up first and pulled Sakura to her feet. "Lead the way, my darling."

Sakura picked the restaurant and Sasuke paid for everything. They had a private booth all to themselves, which Sakura was very thankful for. Not just for the privacy but because Sasuke insisted on doing romantic things Sakura would have been embarrassed about if they were seen by others.

Though Sasuke had his own drink, he insisted on sharing hers. He stuck a straw into her glass before she could say no and he drank when she did. Sakura didn't mind that their faces were so close together when they did this, but she kind of wanted her own drink. Sharing with Sasuke was fun, though.

When the waitress came to take their order, Sasuke insisted on having whatever Sakura ordered. It was as if he had no opinion of his own. No free will. He wanted to do everything she wanted and wished to share everything with her.

Sasuke put his elbows on the table and leaned forward, staring into her eyes. "So..." he said, resting his head in his hands. "Tell me everything about you. I want to know everything. I know you're so interesting."

Sakura told him everything she could think of, starting with her interests and ending with how her day had been going up until he started to cling to her. Sasuke listened intently, hanging on her every word. When Sakura asked him to talk about himself, he insisted on her continuing. He hadn't had enough yet. When he said he wanted to know everything, he meant it.

"You're such a great ninja," Sasuke sighed affectionately. "So pretty and wonderful."

Sakura loved being praised and flattered like this, but Sasuke was starting to repeat himself a lot. Surely, he had more material than this.

When their food came, Sasuke took the chopstick from her hands and attempted to feed her. He hovered the food near her lips and waited for her to open her mouth. Sakura obliged, finding it fun. Then it started to get less amusing when he did it through the whole meal.

"I can feed myself, Sasuke," she told him.

"I know. But I want to. It's so much fun."

Sakura allowed him to feed her everything on her plate while his got cold. When he finally finished feeding her and started to eat his food, he put a bit of it in his mouth and leaned closer to her, hinting that he wanted her to nibble on the other end. Sakura agreed and they each nibbled until their lips met in the middle and kissed.

Sasuke stopped and ran his fingers over her lips. "Oh, I am so looking forward to enjoying your lips for dessert. They look so sweet and delicious."

Sakura turned pink and faced away. He wanted to kiss her! Not just as their lips met while eating the same food, but passionately.

Then she felt something on her arm and turned. Sasuke was kissing his way up her arm and towards her neck. He paused at her shoulder and wiggled his eyebrows playfully at her.

"Hey, Sasuke..?"

"Yes, my darling?"

Sakura took one of the berries from the basket she was still carrying. "I have another berry for you."

"Something sweet before dessert?" he asked in a seductive tone.

"Yeah. If you wanted... Ah..!"

Sakura gave a tiny gasp as she saw Sasuke lean over her to reach the berry in her hand. He wrapped his lips around the berry and licked her fingers. Sakura turned as red as an apple and felt her chest tighten. Sasuke sucked on her fingers, getting the flavor of the berry off her hand. He pulled away and looked into her eyes.

"You're so beautiful when you're caught off guard like that," he said softly.

Sakura felt as though she might faint. Her body felt so hot and her head was starting to spin. She had to calm down. She had to but seeing Sasuke being so affectionate had her so excited she couldn't.

Sasuke straddled her lap and moved closer. "I love you so much, my beautiful blossom. My sweet, sweet Sakura."

She tried to force herself to calm down. Sasuke was moving so fast now.

Sasuke brushed her hair back with his hand and rubbed his face against her neck. Then he started kissing it. Then Sakura felt him open his mouth and scrape his teeth against her neck ever go gently. Then she felt him lick her. He ran his tongue over her neck and that was all she could handle.

Sakura's vision faded to black and she fell over in her seat.

"Sakura? Sakura?"

She opened her eyes and saw Sasuke bent over her, holding her hand. She seemed to have blacked out for only a few seconds. They were still in the booth at the restaurant.

"Sakura?" Sasuke looked worried. "Sakura? Are you alright, my queen?"

"Ah... yeah..."

"Let me help you up." Sasuke helped her sit up and held her close. "I was so worried you were injured. Good thing this booth is padded. Are you alright?"

"I'm ok, Sasuke. I'm fine." She couldn't believe she fainted like that. Maybe it was the shock of seeing Sasuke suddenly become so bold and affectionate that did her in. "Hey, Sasuke?"

"Yes, my darling?"

"I think I'd better go home and rest. We've had a very busy day." She didn't want to pass out again. It was probably better if she went home and took a break from all of this. It was so overwhelming.

"If that's what you want, my queen."

By the time they left the restaurant, it was dark and the temperature had dropped. Sasuke removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

"Thanks, but aren't you cold?"

"Me? Nah." Sasuke's cheeks were rosy. "The burning passion of my love for you is all I need to keep warm."

She giggled. That actually sounded like something Lee would say. It was strange haring Sasuke talk like that.

"You hardly ate anything at dinner," she told him.

"When I'm with you, somehow, I already feel satisfied." Sasuke was smiling. "Yes. It's strange. I... I feel as though... I feel..." He shook his head. "It's nothing. Never mind."

"No, go on."

"I can't really explain it, but... It's like our love for each other is enough. No, more than that. I can't explain it. I just feel that as long as I have you, I'll be taken care of. I don't need anything else."

Sakura moved closer and rested her head on his shoulder as they walked back to her house. "That's a nice thought."

"I will walk Naruto home."

"No, I will."

"I will!"

"Back off! I'm doing it!

"The hell you are!"

Naruto backed away, watching his friends push and shove each other over the privilege of walking him home. "Guys, guys! It's ok! You can all walk me home."

They stopped fighting and gathered around. "Sounds wonderful, Naruto. You have such good ideas."

Naruto moaned. It seemed this was how things were going to be until the berries' effects wore off. Shikamaru had long run off and Naruto couldn't blame him. Shikamaru said he couldn't stomach seeing a bunch of guys fawning over Naruto like this, especially people he knew quite well, which was why he left. However, Naruto knew it was also because Shikamaru had better things to do. Part of Naruto wondered if it was because Shikamaru wanted him to suffer for giving them the berries in the first place.

"It was a mistake, though..." Naruto whined. "I wanted girls..."

The group followed Naruto back to his apartment and let themselves in. Naruto tried to shove them out the door but there were too many of them. He couldn't prevent them from coming in when he did and as soon as they were inside, they stood and stared at him, like soldiers awaiting orders.

"Uh..." Naruto didn't know what to do.

"Are you hungry?"

"Are you thirsty?"

"Tell us what you need."

Naruto could put them to work, but he didn't want to. Part of him was still thinking about what Shikamaru had told him about them remembering what transpired while in this state. If he made them clean his apartment, they might remember it and get angry with him. He had to hold back.

"Please tell us what to do," said Kiba. "We only want to please you."

"I feel so lost without your commands," said Shino.

"Fine." Naruto looked around. "Um... Put that ramen container in the trash for me."

Shino and Kiba both grabbed the discarded container off the table and threw it away.

"What can I do?" asked Neji.

Naruto sighed. "Take my jacket and hang it up for me." Naruto handed him his jacket and Neji hurried to fulfill his request.

As soon as it was hung up, Neji came running back and stood in front of him with a smile on his face. "Order me around some more."

"Really?" Naruto was getting fed up with this. He sighed heavily. "Look, guys. I think I'd just like to go to bed."

"I'll help," volunteered Sai.

"Not with you!" Naruto snapped. "Let's be clear on that. I don't want any of you guys following me into bed, you got that? No one gets into bed with me!"

"I just wanted to tuck you in," said Sai timidly. "Did I... do something wrong?"

"Uh?" Naruto saw the sad look in Sai's eyes and realized he had really hurt his feelings. It looked like he was about to cry. "No! No, no, no, no. No, it's not like that. It's ok. I'm not upset with you. It's fine. I..."

"You're not upset with me?"

"No, not at all."

Sai cheered up and was soon smiling again. "Wonderful. I would never want to displease you. I'm so glad you aren't upset."

Naruto sighed again. He had to be careful what he said in front of them. It seemed they were a lot more emotional now.

"I'm going to bed."

As soon as he started towards his room, the group ran ahead of him. Naruto was nervous, wondering what they were doing. He peered into his room and saw them gathered around his bed, pulling the covers back for him. Kiba was fluffing his pillow and Shino was closing his blinds. Sighing, Naruto walked over to his bed.

"Thanks," he grumbled.

"Would you like a lullaby?" asked Sai.

"No, thanks."

"I could rub your shoulders for you," said Neji. "Would you like that?"

"Not now, Neji." Naruto flopped down in bed and they tucked him in. "Ok, great. You can get out now."

This time, they didn't move.

"You can leave now," Naruto told them.

"I don't want to leave you," said Sai.

"Neither do I."

"Me neither."

"I want to stay with Naruto."

"Please let me stay by your side."

Naruto pulled the blanket over his head. It was going to be difficult sleeping with so many eyes staring at him. The idea alone was creepy. "This is going to be a long night."

At the same time, Sakura had returned home with Sasuke and went to her room. Sasuke didn't stop at the door as she planned. Instead, he followed her inside. She turned back and saw him watching her with that same loving gaze. She went to her room and Sasuke followed her.

"Sasuke, what if my parents..?"

"I can't stand to be without you," he told her.

She didn't know how to turn him down. She didn't want to either. "Ok, but go back out the front and come to my window instead, alright?"

"Of course, my love." Sasuke hurried out the door as instructed.

Sakura quickly changed clothes and not a moment too soon. Sasuke was already at her window and getting ready to climb inside. Sakura tried to stop him but he was already in the room and hurrying to her side. He wrapped his arms around her middle and pushed her onto the bed.

"Sas..."

Sasuke silenced her with a kiss. "A romantic night with you sounds lovely, doesn't it?" He nuzzled her chest with a dreamy smile on his face. "I can't stand to be apart from you for a second, my love."

Sakura couldn't get rid of him. He wouldn't go away and frankly she didn't want him to. She even found the idea of sneaking Sasuke into her bedroom with her parents down the hall rather exciting.

Sasuke lifted himself up and looked down at her. "You look so perfect like this, but you must rest."

"Uh..? Sas..?"

Sasuke lifted her off the bed and held her in his arms. Supporting her with one arm, he used the other to throw the covers back and dropped her into bed. Then he covered her up, tucking her in. Before she could speak, he kissed her again.

"Sasuke..."

"Are you comfortable, my love?"

Sakura was blushing again.

"I shall be right here if you need anything," he told her.

Sakura shut her eyes tight and rolled onto her side to hid her blush. This was going to be the best night ever.

Naruto lay in bed surrounded by a bunch of male ninja who refused to leave his room. Instead, they circled his bed and had their own little sleepover. It would have been better if they were spaced out away from his bed, but they had chosen to sleep with their heads on his mattress so they could be close to him. Wherever he looked, there was a face watching him with a loving gaze.

"This is going to be the worse night ever," Naruto grumbled.

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