Note: I do not own Naruto
"Speaking"
ʻinternal thoughtsʻ
"Emphasis on Anger and Surprise. kyuubi/innerSakura speaks."
"Kyuubi/Sakura thoughts"
Prologue:
Sakura walks leisurely towards the Yamanaka Flower Shop. With the war over, most of her time has been occupied with injured veterans and being the personal health care provider of her teammate, Sasuke Uchiha.
A dream turned reality. To finally have the one you care for at arms length. Since his return back to Konoha, she has taken the liberty to become his primary medic. itʻs been a month since she saw any of her friends...since she saw Naruto
She pauses for a moment, trying to rationalize her reasoning behind not visiting her blonde teammate. For years, he worked towards keeping his promise for her and eventually he fulfilled his goal. And this is how she treated him? not even a thank you or a visit...
'I'm sorry Naruto...I-I didn't realize how much time has passed since I saw you.' Absently she rubs her arms nervously, 'I know I haven't been a good friend to you...especially after you and Sasuke-kun's last fight...'
It honestly scared her how easily she slipped into being such a fangirl. When ANBU finally took Sasuke to a holding cell to await his upcoming trial, she was able to contemplate her actions towards the jinchuriki, Her mind drifted towards the valley of the end when both Naruto and Sasuke laid there with missing arms.
Flashback:
"Sasuke-kun!" The kunoichi yelled
Facing her back towards her blonde teammate she quickly begins to use her chakra to heal all of the Uchiha's wounds. Tears begin to fall, as she desperately tries to cauterize the stump that was replaced for his arm.
Slowly the former avenger opens his eyes, onyx eyes meets her emeralds, looking over towards the blonde, who was out cold, he speaks to the medic nin in a raspy voice, "n-no, Naruto first." He whispers
Sakura's eyes widen as she snaps her head back towards her faithful teammate that she totally ignored, "r-right.." she answers
Kakashi looks at her with obvious disapproval, "Sakura..."
Sakura looks down and begins the same treatment, "I-I know."
Cerulean eyes slowly unveil, he looks at his teammate and then back towards his wayward brother, sighing softly with relief, his mind drifting towards the sky, slowly watching the clouds pass by.
Sakura looked at him carefully, feeling a ping of guilt. She wanted to reassure him of their friendship, to know she would always be there for him but a voice of fear entered her mind, scared if she brought up her previous actions, that he would lash out. She didn't want to hurt him but since the beginning she continued to do so.
'He was unconscious, there's no point in bringing this up, it was a simple mistake.' Sakura thought. Yet, she knew it wasn't. It was plain fact that she tried to bury deep down.
She cared more for the Uchiha than she did for Naruto...
End flashback:
Fresh aroma of different types of flowers hit her nostrils. Looking around she sees a set of sunflowers brightly blooming. Yellow pedals kiss the sunlight as they shine brightly near the window ceiling. A solemn feeling-encompasses the kunoichi as she remembers her friend and how her selfless sacrifice saved so many lives, including her own.
As the memory of her funeral was replayed in her mind a few weeks back, she sadly recalled that….that was the day she last saw her blonde teammate. Sorrow he reverberated felt tangible, the rain reflecting his own despair. Throughout the war, Sakura watched him stand strong, defeating Obito, Madara and eventually The rabbit goddess herself, but she could never forget when He held the girl in his arms as she took her final breath.
'he must feel so much guilt...oh Naruto...I'm so sorry for not being there for you.' She sadly thought
"Forehead?" Yamanka, Ino walks from the back, brushing her hands with her apron, she smiles as she leans against the counter, "it's been a while! How are you?"
Sakura softly smiles, "Not bad Piglet." The Yamanaka;s eyebrow twitch, which sports a larger smile on the pinkette, she missed this. "I've been pretty busy as of late, so I just wanted to catch up."
Ino flips her hair to the side, "well there's no real gossip that I caught wind of, besides you and Sasuke-kun being very friendly." She grins mischievously
A blush hits her face, stuttering out a reply she tries to sound unaffected, "we're just teammates Ino, it's nothing like that."
The platinum-haired girl rolls her eyes, "suuuure. how is he?"
Sakura smiles softly, "he's doing a lot better, the surgery on his arm was successful." The girl sighs sadly, "but since he's still ranked as a hostile, he was taken to holding by ANBU."
Ino nods, "yeah, as much as I don't like it. I can kind of understand. I mean I read those reports about that redhead at T&I."
Sakura shook her head, "he's not like that anymore Ino, he's changed, thanks to...thanks to Naruto." She said hesitantly
The girl perked up, "how is the knucklehead?, he's been coming in here a lot lately."
The pinkette looked at her confusion before a tick mark showed on her brow, 'is he buying flowers for a girl? How come I don't know her? Ohhh when I find him I'm gonna punch him to Kumo cha!' She thought.
Internally she surprises herself, why was she so curious? Maybe she felt offended that he didn't tell her about this girl? But why is there a certain shift of... jealousy?
Ino looks down, "for the last week he's been buying flowers for...Hinata."
Suddenly her feeling of irritation was replaced with guilt and sadness, "oh." She said
Ino nods, "poor guy, I tried to talk to him about it but he's been pretty tight lip, how is he? Iʻm really worried about him."
Sakura shifted nervously, "I-I actually donʻt know, I haven't seen him since...the funeral."
The mind walker narrows her eyes, "but you did visit him afterwards , ne?"
The girl looked down and shook her head
Shock became evident in the Yamanaka's eyes, "forehead, please tell me you at least visited him in the hospital!?"
"N-No I..."
"What the hell sakura! I know you're head over heels but could you at least see the guy, he did bring back Sasuke-kun, hell I don't like to admit it but he's a closer friend to you then I am. He's been there for you through everything! Why didn't you go see him?"
"I don't know! I just-I just missed Sasuke-kun so much that I wanted to catch up on lost time!" She tried to defend Her stance
Ino scoffed, "So let me get this straight, you just forget all the times Naruto has been there for you!? So what? Sasuke gets taken away and NOW you want to find HIM?"
Sakura looks down, feeling cornered, "I didn't mean to!"
Ino looked at her fuming, "unbelievable...you know what you should stay away from Naruto."
"Ino..." she said with a shocked expression
"No! After all the shit you pulled in iron country, and now this! I hope he still doesn't have that stupid crush on you because if he does you would have absolutely broken him. Sakura, get out! And until you make things right with Naruto, I don't want to talk to you."
Sakura turns, placing her hands to her mouth, she briskly walks out, 'what have I done?' She thought
O . O . O .
3 month timeskip
Kakashi, the new in-stated hokage stands next to Sakura in front of the village gates. Sasuke looks at them with a content expression. Gratefulness for his team to still have so much faith in him even though he lost his own way.
The sixth held a cool disposition and began to speak, "well Sasuke, with most of your actions, during your defection, the five great nations have every right to throw you in prison for the remainder of your natural life." He said with seriousness but quickly Kakashi eye smiles, "but luckily for you I'm the sixth hokage and Naruto's testimony plus your actions to break eternal tsukuyomi, it was decided that a full pardon will be issued. But please stay out of trouble, me and Naruto's heads are on the line."
"Right, thank you, for everything." The Uchiha nods
Sakura looks towards her crush, "do you really have to go?"
Sasuke nods, "For the first time, my mind feels clear, I want to explore this new perspective, in hopes to better understand myself and the world. I have a lot to atone for."
Sakura shifts nervously, "what if...what if ask you to take me with you?"
Kakashi looks at her and sighs but the Pinkette doesn't notice, she still hasn't confronted Naruto and it has been almost 3 months, 'Sakura what are you thinking? Have I not taught you anything these last several years...' Kakashi internally thought.
Sasuke looks at her quizzically, even internalizing the same things Kakashi was thinking, "My sins have nothing to do with you."
"But I want to be there for you..."
"..." Sasuke said, "Youʻre place is here. The war has been devastating for Konohaʻs forces. They need your help Sakura."
The girl looks down and nods sadly, but as quickly as the sadness enveloped her a warm feeling of hope enters her as she feels a light tap on her forehead, her eyes snaps towards the Uchiha who held a small smile, "thank you Sakura, but maybe next time."
The girl smiles with a light pink hue to her cheeks. Day dreams of when Sasuke confessed to her about her most unattractive attribute. Feeling the light tap on her forehead, brought her a sense of serenity. A feeling, that he still remember and might still love her for it. Yet, he turned and walked down the open path. Away from his home...Away from her.
'He's leaving...again'
"It's for the best...you need to speak to Naruto-kun." Inner said
Her eyes widen as the sudden realization, she mentally slapped herself, for her idiocy. For the past 3 months she tried to look for Naruto...For hours at a time she would wait for him at his favorite restaurant, the team 7 training ground...hell she even asked if Tsunade could summon him for her, but it was no use. It was either he didnʻt want to be found or he was actively avoiding her personally. The guilt has been heavy on her. And usually spending time with the Uchiha, would take her mind of him but it only helped when she was awake.
However, in the safety of her own home, where dreams of the unconscious swirl towards the surface of her mind...the haunted feeling of losing the blonde, chipped away at her.
[Flashback: the dream]
Sakura watched on sadly as two of her teammates walked ahead of her. She tried to move with hopes to catch up to them but no matter how many steps she took they kept getting farther and farther away.
"Sasuke-kun!" The little genin said, her hand trying her best to reach out to him but to no avail. Darkness begins to consume her. To be all alone, to not be needed or acknowledged, her heart could not fathom it.
With a shaky breath she lowers her head and speaks softly in hopes her blonde teammate won't leave her, "please Naruto-kun...please wait for me." She sobbed
Slowly she looks up and to her surprise, the orange-clad blonde helps her to her feet, Grabbing his hand, They begin to run after their other teammate...
Smiles and laughter accompany them, her hands clutches his tightly, afraid of letting go, afraid of being left behind and afraid that her own lifeline would disappear. But, he wouldnʻt, he promised he would stay...
Flashback dream end 1
Scene changes: Sakura is still asleep...
Sakura shifts in her bed, snuggling against her warm blankets, "Naruto..." she says with a content smile, her eyes still shut but slowly her dream twists into something she prays will never happen. Tears begin to form.
The dream continues...
They stand side by side, without a second thought she releases her hand and hugs the Uchiha, tears fall freely as she tightens her grip around his neck,
"I missed you."
Wrapping her hands with his, she intertwines her fingers with his own. A small smile replaces her desperate cries, finally they're together again. Looking back to the blonde she realizes how far away he is compared to them.
His blue cerulean watches out towards the darkness. A small purple/lavender light dances in the midst. Sakura reaches out to him but notices her hands still glued to the Uchiha's... Her eyes widen as panic begins to set within her. Her racing heart thumps like a hammer pounding on her very soul.
Step...
"Naruto!?" She calls out
The blonde doesn't answer and begins to walk towards the light.
Step…
"Naruto!? WAIT!" Sakura yells, she continues to struggle but her hands unconsciously tightens around Sasuke's.
"No no no, please don't go!" She cries, soon with desperate attempts, she tries to pry her fingers of the Uchiha's own, "please Sasuke-kun let me go!"
Step...
Leaning forward she tries to grab on to the hem of his jacket but to her despair, her hand phases through.
Step...
Step...
Step...
"NARUTO! Please don't go! Stop! I need you!" she calls out
No answer, her fear makes her choke, she holds her chest as she tries to breathe. Hyperventilation, short breaths occur as she tries to calm her own raging terrors.
'Why won't Sasuke let me go!?' She internally screams
Step...
Her eyes blur from the moisture of her own tears, the horror settling into her new reality, he's gone.
She yelled with all her might, "NARUTO!"
Finally darkness overtakes him...
[Flashback dream ends...]
It hit her like the train in snow country. She offered to leave with her crush, not caring to resolve the strain she feels, that is between her and the other member of team 7. Why was it so easy to put Sasuke as a priority? For years she fought her stigma of being a useless a fangirl. But, Every time she was around Sasuke she couldnʻt help but be submissive. Opposite of the strong personality that Tsunade has drilled into her.
Sasuke was like the moon. Beautiful and mysterious. A romantic disposition. She couldnʻt help but stare at him in awe. Perhaps itʻs a perfect metaphor. While he was the moon she was the wolf that would howl and long for itʻs embrace. It will always be out of reach but she was to foolish to stop trying.
She winced at her own inconsiderate nature. Putting the blonde at the backburner has always been...simple. Any of the rookies or team guy would describe the blonde as being fiercely loyal. She never intended to hurt his feelings but she knew he would always comeback to be there for her. He was a natural constant, like walking into town and seeing the villagers daily. He was safe. But her own flaws pushed him away. Inner Sakura was right...With Sasuke gone she will be able to come to terms with her own feelings and hopefully repair the damage that was dealt towards Naruto. In turn, she hopes to find an equilibrium. A balance. And the first thing she needs to do is find...
"Look who showed up." Kakashi eye smile
Sakura's eyes snap forward, her heart begins to race, the person she's been searching for, for the past four months barely 100 yards away, "Naruto." She said softly
O . O . O .
Scene changes Naruto and Sasuke.
Sasuke trudged down the road when he felt a small spike of chakra, a small smirk played on his lips, "Dobe."
Walking out of the shadows, Sasuke watched the blonde carefully, evident that stress had taken over him. The lack of sleep plagued the whiskered ninja, the bags around his eyes showed in full view. It didn't match his cerulean blues, but definitely accommodated his paler skin, and his substantial weight loss.
"Teme." His voice rasped out
Sasuke stood there motionless, for once, he never pictured his friend to ever be so stoic, his face held a neutrality but his eyes revealed his deep sorrow. Worry, Sasuke always was, but this took it to another level, "Naruto, I appreciate you coming but you need to get some sleep."
Naruto waved it off, "I got something for you." Reaching in his pouch he pulls out an old hitai-ate.
Sasuke takes it and looks at it with slight astonishment, "you still had this..."
Naruto nods, "I promised I'll return it."
The Uchiha looks at him solemnly, "thanks." He hooks it to his belt and stares back at the blonde
"You could always come with me." He offers
The blonde tilts his head in thought but his eyes slowly drift towards the blue sky, "I have my own journey, as do you." Raising his hand he smiled softly, "take care of yourself."
Sasuke takes his hand and firmly shakes it, "good luck, I'm sorry again. Truly."
Naruto nods, "until next time." He whispers and begins to walk towards the village.
Sasuke's eyes follow him but sighs with slight exasperation, turning around he starts his voyage as a wanderer.
O . O . O .
Scene change. The front gate.
"Naruto..."
"Kurama..." Naruto answers
"Are you sure you want to go through with this?" The fox lowers his massive head to meet eye level with the blonde.
Naruto looks down, "I know I've been different as of late. But I..."
"I understand." The voice rumbles, "I am...worried."
Naruto did his best to grin, "didn't think you'll be a mother hen to me fuzzy." He teased
The kyuubi's eye twitched, "Oi, just because we're friends, I can't still eat you!"
The blonde chuckles, "I'm fine, it's just been hard y'know. I haven't said anything but I want to thank you for suppressing...well those memories." His voice becoming softer
Kurama nods, "of course...just don't be getting soft on me, meatbag!" The fox huffs
Naruto rolls his eyes, "yeah, yeah. Love yah to fuzzy." The kyuubi sputters but Naruto cuts the connection before the large entity can retort.
O . O . O .
Scene Change...
The blonde continues to walk towards his teammate and sensei, drowned in the conversation with Kurama. His mind begins to stir when he remembered the look on his friend's face before he left, Naruto sighs, 'to have teme and Kurama worried about me, it means that it's serious, I really haven't been taking care of myself..' Naruto thought
The pinkette watched the blonde, her eyes slowly widened with worry as he got closer, 'Kami, Naruto...what happened to you.' She gasped slightly, her heart began to sink as she saw his dead gaze, his eyes red and swollen from the lack of sleep and the weight loss. Naruto has always been on the smaller size and the medic nin couldn't help but wonder if he weighed less then she did.
Her first instinct was to run up to him and hold him, she wanted to lay him down on her lap, brush his golden lock, and embrace his hurt form. Her natural protective instincts made her clutch her heart, tears that were forcing to coming out was subdued as she tried to remain strong...if she wanted to be a better friend...she had to be his foundation...she only hopes that itʻs not to late.
"N-Naruto..." she said softly
The blonde looks at her and speak with a monotone intonation, "Sakura."
The pinkette winces, 'he called me Sakura, not Sakura-chan. Why does that feel so wrong?'
Kakashi inconspicuously looked at them, it was strange to him, to see his former student act so differently. As their sensei, he took an active role in their lives, especially Naruto's. When it came to their personal love lives, he opted to not get involved, it's none of his business.
He eyed the pinkette who held a nervous constitution. Sakura, as of late, has been making quite a number of mistakes, especially towards Naruto. Though, through most of his conversations with the blonde over the past couple months, he didn't bring up the topic, it still didn't sit well with the new hokage.
"Hey Naruto, can we..ah talk? I know we haven't really gotten to speak since...Um Sasuke-kun's return to the village but...I Ahh.." Sakura began to berate herself, 'why is this so hard!?' She internally screamed
Kakashi had enough and stepped in, "I'm sorry Sakura, but I actually need to borrow Naruto, perhaps you can speak later?" He eyes smiles
Sakura looks at the blonde then at Kakashi with pleading eyes but it was no use, "s-sure...how about tonight then Naruto? All of the rookies are getting together for..."
Naruto looked down, "sorry, I don't think I'm going to make it."
"Oh." She muttered disappointedly, "can we at least meet up afterwards?"
Naruto rubbed his neck, already feeling the stress of this conversation, he didn't have time to dwell on their issues. To his point of view, it wasn't a big deal...but for some particular reason most of friends have been pushing him to converse with her. He was just tired. Even though he stopped chasing her, he always felt there was underlying competition for her affection. He honestly didn't care for it anymore, so why is everyone else making it such an issue?
"Sure, I've got some things to take care of, meet me at hokage monument around 8? after your guys dinner. Sounds good?" Naruto said
Sakura nods with a smile, "thanks Naruto."
Kakashi pats him on the shoulder, "let's go..."
Naruto begins to follow, "Right. Later Sakura."
The kunoichi of team 7 watches on, with every step he takes away from her, her gut twist. 'I really fucked up...' she thought, 'what do I do? It feels like we're strangers.' The girl shivers slightly, 'is this what I was fearing?...losing my best friend to my own infatuations...damn it'
Tears welled up into her eyes and she began to walk away.
O . O . O .
Yakiniku Q
All of the rookies gathered inside of Yakiniku Q, there were light greetings as they all took their seats next to the open table grills. To Sakura the mode was downcast. The synergy between everyone just seemed off, which lingered in the air as an uncomfortable silence befallen the group.
Sakura leans back on the booth cushion, sighing to herself, 'it just isn't the same without you here Naruto.'
As everyone quietly ate, Lee looked around curiously, "Sakura-san, may I inquire where Naruto is?"
Everyone stiffened, noticeably Neji, Kiba and Shino. Ino narrowed her eyes glaring daggers at the pink kunoichi, Ino couldn't rationalize how the girl gave up so easily trying to find the blonde, the pinkette explained that she looked everywhere for him but the Yamanaka scoffed replying to seeing him every week buying flowers at her shop. To Ino, the girl wasn't trying hard enough.
Sakura shrieked in her seat, "I asked him if he was coming but said he couldn't make it. Lord Hokage needed to speak to him."
Lee looked down, "I see, that is quite a shame. Naruto's youth has been smoldering as of late. He must really miss Hinata-san."
Tenten feels her boyfriend twitch at her name, the pain of losing his cousin is still a fresh wound, so any mention of her turns his stomach, "Lee!" She scolds in a whisper
The bowl cut bowed his head, "my apologies, I didn't mean to stir bad memories."
Neji sighs, "no Lee, I apologize, I've been tiptoeing around this fact...that my cousin is now with my father and her mother. I...I have been feeling regretful for my past transgressions towards her during our genin years. If anything, she was an honorable kunoichi and a strong ninja, but most importantly my family. I will miss her dearly."
Kiba looks down, "she was a great teammate and a good friend, she was like a little sister." Kiba couldn't help but smile, "a little sister that kicked my ass harder than my mom."
The genin laughed softly, surprising to everyone Shino spoke, discarding his quiet observation, "I remember Hinata, Kiba and I visiting Kurenai sensei in the hospital."
Everyone leaned in attention to listen to the story, encouraging Shino to continue, "Kiba lightly teased her about fainting when she saw Naruto bandaged from his previous mission."
Kiba began to laugh, and continued "s-she tried to play it off, she walked in, and the doofus swung down from the ceiling inches from her face!" Kiba began to laugh a little louder, "She full on turned into a tomato and freaked out when Naruto thought she had a fever, she ended up head butting him and knocking him out! The best part is Hinata ends up fainting."
Everyone begins to holler at the story.
Shikamaru and Shino chuckled lightly
Ino was holding her sides leaning up against Choji who was boisterously laughing.
Lee snorted and began to cackle while Neji and Tenten laughed softly
Sakura giggled, she couldn't help but imagine a chibi version of the knucklehead flailing from the ceiling and Hinata freaking out. Her laughs died down, though the humor was there, she really wished Naruto could enjoy this moment with everyone.
Kiba wiped the tear from his face
Ino laughed and continued to snort, "do remember the time, that knucklehead had that onbaa on his back, I remember seeing hina look at the little guy and then completely freak out."
The Konoha ninja continued to laugh and traded stories about the young hyuga's life, it brought joy to everyone, that even though she was gone, she's still truly loved.
"This is so youthful, if only Naruto-kun was here." Lee said, "they were such a youthful couple." Lee slapped his hands over his mouth
"Lee!" Neji yelled
"My apologies Neji, I-I'm so sorry my friend, I didn't mean to.." Lee nervously said
Neji was about to berate him again when Sakura interrupted, "what do you mean by couple? I mean sure Naruto and Hinata have become closer over the years, good friends at most." She said
Neji looked at her, "it's of no concern Sakura-san, Lee just falsely implied their relationship."
The taijutsu expert nodded furiously, "yes, please do not mind me Sakura-san, it was a slip of the tongue and very un-youthful of me to imply such things."
Ino looked at the intently, she couldn't read Neji, his mask was to strong, but Lee...was an open book, she knew they were lying, her mind traveled to the amount of times, Naruto went into her shop, sure they all visited her resting place but the blonde actively came to buy flowers for her, which can only imply that...her eyes widen,'Naruto and Hinata were in a secret relationship!' It all made sense, the times she saw them together at Ichiraku, she once caught them having lunch at naka stream. But they played it off as just a friendly meal. She had her suspicions but the Baka was always pining over Sakura which gave them a perfect cover.
"Unbelievable." Ino muttered softly
Sakura's head was spinning at the news, could it be true? That Naruto was dating Hinata without anyone knowing? Why was Neji so defensive about it?
She clutched her fist under the table, for some particular reason she was hurt by these new events of information. She couldn't pinpoint why she was so angry, perhaps because he didn't trust her?
"I ask everyone to please disregard what you heard..."
"Neji." Kiba said sternly, "we should tell them, they deserve to know."
The hyuga snapped his neck towards the dog tamer, "watch yourself inuzuka." He growled
Kiba, not phased, narrowed his eyes, "have you seen Naruto lately? He looks like a fucking zombie, he needs all the help he can get!"
Neji wanted to argue but his mouth involuntarily closed, he's been one of the few to consistently see the blonde, and every day he arrives at the hyuga complex to visit hinata's grave. His bright exterior slowly dims with every passing encounter of her resting place.
Neji rubs the bridge of his nose and nods.
Kiba, getting the okay, looks at everyone who looked at him curiously, "Naruto and Hinata have been secretly dating for almost 2 years."
Everyone gasps, everyone kind of knew of their growing friendship but to outright confirm it, made it so much more real. Shikamaru clenched his teeth, "troublesome, that's why he's been avoiding me."
Sakura looked up and slight relief washed over her, 'So it wasn't just me. Maybe he isn't mad at me.' She thought, but as quickly as that thought came it soon disappeared as she winced at the memory at the land of iron, the hospital. This morning, she chuckles internally and very grimly, 'Who am I kidding, even though he wants to be alone. I'm still a bitch for abandoning him. Can I even call myself a friend?'
"Why was it kept a secret?" Ino asked, she was a gossip but she couldn't fathom this passing over her.
Neji rubs his temples, "before Naruto's accession to fame as a powerful ninja, he was still seen as an outcast, a pariah. His status as a jinchuuriki as well as his previous reputation was not seen as favorable to the hyuga clan. Though Hiashi-sama approved of their relationship, there had to be a level of discretion. No forms of intimacy in the public eye, if they go out they must act as close acquaintances. After the Pein invasion they both had more leeway, it was going to be announced that Naruto was courting the heiress, a marriage contract was drawn and it was going to be signed between them after the war but..."
Neji looked down, "things don't go as planned."
Ino clenched her chest, "poor Naruto..."
Tenten and Lee nodded solemnly.
Choji sniffed and wiped some tears for his friend. While Shikamaru stared at the table in stunned silence.
Sakura hugged herself, her emotions were running rampant. For some unexplainable reason she felt hurt and in some ways, betrayed. It was right after the second failed attempt to bring Sasuke back home that she noticed the blonde began to pull away from her. It was slow. First, was not showing up to escort her back home from the hospital, next was him no longer asking to grab a meal with her, and last turning down her offer to spend time together. As much as she admitted hating his constant pestering, she secretly enjoyed the company. It gave a sense of normalcy.
Eventually, things equalized and things seemed to go back to normal...or so she thought.
She ignored it, but there was now a distinct line drawn between them. No longer was he a puppy that would tail her favorite person. It seemed he finally accepted the reality of their relationship and decided to not go overboard on his one-sided affection. It occurred to her, that all of his adoration went to Hinata, and for some reason she felt betrayed by that.
"Excuse me." Sakura sniffed, getting up from the booth she silently moved herself out towards the exit.
Lee was about to call her but a firm hand on Lee's arm stopped him. Looking back at the girl she sees her shake her head, "she needs to talk to him on her own, apparently it was secret towards her as well."
Ino watched her friend walk out, she was still angry at her but now she was just utterly disappointed, 'Sakura, how could you be so foolish.'
O . O . O .
Flashback 2 months before the war...
A little slice of heaven, the two love birds discovered this secret hillside of Konoha. The rocks carved deeply into the cliff which accompanied the river that slowly fell over it into the naka stream.
It was late in the evening, and it took a while to sneak into the hyuga complex, expertly he bypassed the security and made his way up towards the second floor balcony. A young girl smiled towards him and he quickly wrapped his hands around her, "shunshin no jutsu." He whispers in her ear, their forms quickly blur, making their way towards their secret hideout.
Fireflies danced around them as the blonde held his future wife close to him. Her body matched his, a perfect puzzle whenever she snuggles next to her lover. The girl coos at his soft touch as he makes small circles on her bottom shoulder blade.
Never in their wildest dreams would they have expected to find each other. A girl who loved him since he saved her from those abusive kids that mocked her physical attributes. How idiotic was he to ignore someone so beautiful, so pure. Her love radiates around him, piercing his heart as they continue to stay close to each other. For years, He pinned over a girl who would never return his feelings. He believed if he gave her the world, maybe she would finally see him as someone special.
Softly he smiled down at the girl in his arms, He was known as the loud mouth with indomitable will, to never give up in the sight of struggle. But for the first time he finally let that girl go, so he could finally move forward, to find someone that would acknowledge him and his love. And it was the best decision he ever made, He found her. The girl he currently holds possessively in his arms.
He loves her. No, not that childish kind of love. Not the simple crushes that girls daydream about with knights in shining armor, but a relationship built over time. A love that's not fickle, unchanging but grows each moment they are together. He's young, almost 17 years old, but deeply and utterly, fallen for her. His smile widens as his girlfriend tightens her grip around his waist.
And she feels the same way.
"Naruto-kun..." the kunoichi slowly moves her body on top of his, laying her chest down as she looks at his beautiful cerulean eyes.
The blonde looks at her, "Hmm?"
"Tonight, I want to be selfish." She whispers
Naruto looks at her curiously, the girl has come a long way, from stuttering to confident requests. He could never deny her anything. He loves her so much, "what do you mean hina-hime?"
The young hyuga blushes at her pet name but continues her request, "I want you."
The whiskered ninja looked with confusion, "hina, you have me." He caresses her cheeks
She shakes her head, "Naruto-kun, I want us to forget the world, forget the war, forget the village. For this moment, please accept me." The girl leans back, straddling his waist, slowly she pulls the band from her yukata.
"W-wait hime! We c-cant!" He said nervously
The hyuga musters up her courage, she grabs his collar of his jacket and pulls him up to meet her at a seating position, she gently places a chaste kiss on his lips, "No my love. We can. We are ninja Naruto-kun, whose future is not promised. I want to give you everything. My last form of love. Please." She begged, "please do this for me. I want you." She repeats
Naruto looks at her lavender eyes, he hugs her deeply and smells the hint of lilies and cinnamon, "I'll protect you, Hina...you don't have..."
Hinata quickly silences him with another kiss, deepening it, "I love you so much Naruto-kun,
please...accept me." She begs.
The blonde continues to contemplate, "I'm scared, Naruto-kun." She whispers
Naruto's eyes widened, "no.." Hinata cuts him off, with tears in her eyes, "I can't bear to lose you, I'm begging you. Please love me. Please let's just forget everyone else and for this moment, let it just be us."
Touched, the leaf's hero presses his lips towards hers. Passion exploded between them as they slowly removed their clothes. Sensual sounds were music to their ears as they danced to the tone only they could hear. Her moans were addictive. His name was honey dripping from her lips as she continued to burst with pleasure.
Their skin touch, wet film mixed between them as their sinful act, continued throughout the night. She needed this, she wanted this. She begged for it. For once she felt so enamored, so complete that her love was growing because of her lover's own desires for her.
He couldn't get enough, but he wasn't selfish, he loved her too much to drown in his own pleasure. His new goal wasn't to be hokage, nor to be a hero, but to stay in this moment with her. The lewd acts of sexual bliss forged forward, as she continued to scream at the top of her lungs.
It was a moment of self discovery and exploration of each other. They created art, new forms of bending and position to fill the unending lust between them. In the midst of her pleasure she couldn't help but pity her family's idea of intimacy. No one can truly comprehend the bond formed between lovers. They're too rigid and unbendable to find such common ground, why deprive yourself with abstinence and regal? Is it just to bear children? They are living beings. Alive.
For this moment let the world burn, this night, this morning was theirs to hold. No one will take this away from them. With the final thrust of their hips, her lavender eyes rolled behind her head, some could believe she was blind, they would be correct. blind by love. She yelled, no, she roared her lover's name, as the seed of his blood poured into her unrelenting, filling her to the brim.
This is what it feels to be one with their soulmate. After tonight they could conquer the world. If only they could have more nights like this.
[End flashback:]
The blonde slowly opens his eyes from reliving his memory. The first time they became united and took each other's chastity. It was a night he could never forget, the day they sealed their love for each other. He held his chest, still remembering her embrace like a phantom pain.
Looking over his village, he watches the civilians and ninja, laugh and enjoy life. They were able to love another day. Fear has subsided and what replaced it... was truly beautiful. Peace. And he wished Hinata could see it all. What her sacrifice caused. People claimed him the hero of the world. No, that honor belongs to her.
"Naruto..."
O . O . O .
Scene change: Sakura
The pink haired kunoichi watched the blonde carefully place a journal back into his ninja pouch, his face gaunt, he looked like he aged several years. His form was frail, with a fragile disposition, but he still stood tall. She can still see the fight in his eyes, even though his world has crashed down and crumbled at his feet.
"Naruto..."
"Sakura..."
The girl winced, she still couldn't handle the change in honorifics, it felt like he no longer cared for her. That she was just an acquaintance, a well known person that he passed down the street.
She had no idea where to start the conversation, she was still confused about what she learned tonight. But there was one clear thought in her mind, she didn't want him to leave her.
"How are you?" She asked softly
The blonde look down, he wanted to laugh at such a stupid question, the love of his life died protecting him when he promised that he would be her shield, to always be there for her, and he failed, "I'm alright."
"Naruto please...talk to me, you're my best friend, I want to be there for you." She said
It was almost a whisper, "I appreciate it but I need to deal with this on my own."
Sakura shook her head, she refused to let this go, "No! We are a team! I want you to let me in!" She yelled
The blonde turned to her, "are we?"
Sakura looks at him confused, "are we what?"
Naruto turned his gaze back to the village, "a team."
Her stomach sank, but she refused to relent, "of course! Baka! How could you think otherwise!?"
The village hero peered out of the corner of his eye, "You are not obligated to do this, Sakura...Itʻs not a big deal. You wanted to spend time with Sasuke. I understand. You donʻt have to be here. So, please stop worrying. Iʻm fine.
The pinkette felt daggers hit her chest as the pain her heart felt like a beating drum, She looked at hum incredulously, "I thought you said you hate people that lie to themselves." she said, she walked forward hoping to at least comfort him. He tried his best to hide his pain but she saw through it. Sakura really wanted him to open up to her.
Naruto sighed, placed his hands in his pockets and began to walk away. The kunoichi of team 7 look baffled by the sudden abruptness of her best friend. She quickly ran in front of him to stop his trek, "No! You are not leaving. Not until we talk!" she scolded
"there is nothing to talk about." The blonde had enough, he thought he could handle the confrontation with the pink haired shinobi but at the moment he just didnʻt care, "Look Iʻm dealing with a lot of shit right now and donʻt feel like discussing it. Iʻm sorry I invited you up here for nothing. I see you later." He tried to walk past her but the teen medic forcefully shoved him back.
"Iʻm not taking a ʻNoʻ for an answer, Naruto. We havenʻt seen each other for four months! At least..."
The blonde immediately cut her off, "and whoʻs fault is that?"
The girl winced, and lowered her hands to her side, "I-Iʻm...Iʻm really sorry I didnʻt see you." Sakura said softly
"it doesnʻt matter."
The pinkette looked up with shock, "It doesnʻt matter?...Weʻre friends! of course it matters! I was just...so caught up with Sasuke-kun. I-I."
"forgot about me."
"Naruto..." she sad sadly
He rose his hand to silencer her, "The truth is Sakura, I knew this was going to happen. I knew that our friendship was on a timer."
She felt tears sting her eyes, "Thatʻs not true! You are one of my most precious people!"
He looked at her incredulously, Cerulean met Emerald...There was no words but everything was said when He pierced her with his gaze.
ʻPlease give me a chance...ʻ
ʻI gave you to many chances...ʻ
As much as it hurt thinking about his Hinata, He was grateful. She was the reason he was able to move forward. To move away from his silly crush for the kunoichi. The only feeling he held for her now was a teammate. After the stunt she pulled in the land of iron. It was for the best to start distancing himself from her. To lock away things close to his heart, because in truth, even with all the obstacles they been through. He doesnʻt trust her.
Sakura looked down to her feet, "Iʻm sorry." she whispered
Naruto turned his back and looked back down at the closing shops and the dimming streetlamps of Konohaʻs populace, "I know."
A pain constricted her chest as she heard him respond. It wasnʻt the answer of forgiveness, it was the answer of knowing how you feel but dismissing it regardless.
She felt desperate, her nightmares of him pulling away began to mend with her own reality, "Please Naruto...Please say you forgive me. Please say that Iʻm still your friend." she pleaded
"...Iʻm leaving the village tomorrow."
Sakura eyes widen at the sudden bombshell he dropped on her, "W-What?"
His eyes met her teary ones as he looked at her with a stoic air around himself, "I need time to get myself together. I was inv..."
"No! You donʻt have to leave, I know I fucked up but you can lean on me, Naruto. You donʻt have to go! I swear Iʻll be here for you." she argued. The prospect of him leaving didnʻt sit well with her.
When Sasuke left the village, it was soul shattering. Today, it felt bittersweet.
For Naruto, When he left on his training trip to become stronger, she felt hope.
This time...She couldnʻt help but feel that this was the end for them. This pain felt even worse when the Uchiha defected to Orochimaru. She had to convince him to stay. She didnʻt want to be alone. She misses her friend.
"Donʻt make promises you canʻt keep, Sakura."
"Itʻs a promise of a-"
Naruto narrowed his eyes and stopped her, "Do not finish that sentence. I donʻt want you to be shackled to me. I donʻt want you to help me carry my burden. Like I said, youʻre not obligated to be here for me. Itʻs guilt not support. You feel like you owe me because of how everything went down with land of iron, the Valley of the end, and our time back in Konoha. But those are reasons why Iʻm releasing you from any self proclaimed duty you have for me. You have Sasuke back. Live the life you want so badly, and just move forward."
Throughout his speech, Sakura could read between the lines. A hidden meaning so he can finally be set free, ʻLet me goʻ
But she didnʻt want to, her guiilt wouldnʻt allow her too. Like always, he read her soul, judged her actions and executed his decision.
Broken sobs were released from her mouth, "THE LIFE I WANT WOULD NOT BE ANYTHING WITHOUT YOU!" she yelled
"Liar"
"Naruto...!" she protested
The blonde finally reached the peak of his patience, his infamous Uzumaki temper bubbling to the surface, "Damn it Sakura! Do you realize what I lost! I lost a future wife and my ch-" Naruto quickly cut himself off to reel back his emotions, "For Kami sake, Iʻm so fucking tired of being that support for you. Every time the Teme did something crazy, I always had to pick up the pieces of his fuck ups. I thank Kami everyday for Hinata because if I still had that stupid crush on you it would have absolutely deveastated me!"
Sakura whimpered as she flashbacked on the conversation she had with Ino this morning. His words stabbed her heart over and over. The realization of her own selfishness, impacted much more then she expected.
"Iʻm not even in love with you anymore and somehow I always get roped in to some bullshit. Not this time. Iʻm leaving and you canʻt stop me. Not by your words, not by your pleads or your actions." Naruto finally felt a huge weight lift off of him but looking at his distraught teammate he felt a pang of guilt. But, he needed her to hear this. He tried his best to shove it deep down but He didnʻt want to be the one to always rescue her. Itʻs Sasukeʻs turn to do that.
Naruto watched Sakura breakdown as she fell to her knees, He closed his eyes and began to walk away. but to his surprise he stopped when he heard her speak.
"No one can replace you Naru, not even Sasuke. I wonʻt let you go." she whispered, and the exhausting hurricane of emotional pain finally ceased as darkness devoured her consciousness.
A/N
Thanks for reading the prologue/Prelude to My AU story Rise Above. I posted this four days ago. Idiotically, I didnʻt proofread and Kami help me because there were so many gramatical r errors that I almost had a seizure. I did my best to re-correct my bad literary writing and hoped that my story would be much clearer. I wonʻt lie to you. I wanted to toss this in the trash and start over, but it is what it is and there is no point in going back. So Please Read and Review, If you like it, donʻt like, love it, hate it send a comment. Anything to help my writing to become better. Thanks again, cheers...Gusku out.