Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto!
*****
"What is it that you wanted to talk to me about Sakura?" Sasuke asked calmly after they had both ordered their ramen. Sakura didn't respond. She looked at Sasuke, who had started eating when he realized she wasn't going to annoy him as usual, and might as well enjoy the moment of silence. Sakura looked at Sasuke, who was sitting next to her, she couldn't believe her luck. She blushed, realizing Sasuke was so different from the day they met. He had grown taller, becoming leaner and lankier. His hair jet-black hair was still tidy and kept despite the difficult missions and training he's gone through. His ebony colored eyes weren't as cold, and almost gave off a more pleasant feeling. Sakura blushed even more when Sasuke looked at her.
"...Sakura?" Sasuke asked quietly.
"Yes, Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked breathlessly.
"...Why haven't you eaten any ramen yet? I'm almost done with mine." Sasuke said bluntly, pointing to the untouched bowl of ramen.
"Oh I..." Sakura trailed off, blushing furiously, before digging into her ramen.
They both resumed eating in silence, the only noises heard was the occasional passerby or slurping of ramen. Sasuke stole a quick glance of at Sakura, who was still blushing a furious shade of pink. After a moment, Sakura glanced up at Sasuke, only to find that he was staring at her. Embarrassed, both quickly turned away and just stared vacantly into their ramen bowls, both in deep thought.
'Sakura-chan hasn't annoyed me yet...I wonder what's wrong. Maybe she's still a bit shaken after what happened to Naruto. Who would've thought Orochimaru would be that powerful...but then again...it was him who gave me this damned curse!' Sasuke thought angrily, a twinge of pain ran through Sasuke's neck, but he quickly ignored it. '...That's right Kakashi-sensai still needs to me control my anger. Even if it my the only way to defeat...him.'
"Sasuke-kun. I--I need to talk to you. But not here. Can we go to the park, please?" Sakura asked hopefully.
"All right. But after that, I have to meet Kakashi-sensai for training." Sasuke said coldly. They both walked to the park in silence. They walked through the park to the swing sets. Everyone was at their house or store, recovering or looking at the damage that the recent storm has caused. Sakura sat down on the swing, as did Sasuke.
"So what is it?" Sasuke asked impatiently.
"Sasuke-kun, I...I love you. I really do. That schoolgirl crush I had on you...it grew into something more." Sakura said quietly. She had to tell him after all these years. Sasuke never stayed in the village, because he was often training or gone after to seek revenge on his brother. Sasuke looked at Sakura in disbelief. Sasuke's grip on the rope tightened and he got up.
"...I'm sorry. I don't feel the same way about you. Just forget about me." Sasuke said unemotionally. "I have to go train." With that, Sasuke left, leaving Sakura alone with her thoughts. after five minutes, Sakura got up, and headed towards the hospital. When she was about go up the stairs towards Naruto's room, she saw Hinata who's face was bright red.
"Hi Hinata-chan!" Sakura said with false cheeriness.
"Oh! Sakura-chan! He-hello!" Hinata said shyly.
"How'd your visit with Naruto go?" Sakura asked politely.
"Ano...ano...gomen-nasai Sakura-chan! I must go train!" Hinata said before running past Sakura at top speed.
"Ano..." Sakura said, dazed for a moment. She got out of her dazed state and continued to Naruto's room, where Naruto was sitting Buddha style, appearing to be in deep thought.
Sakura paused and looked at Naruto. Naruto's arms and legs were still covered in bandages, but the bandages from his face were removed and Sakura got a good look at it. Naruto had grown to, as much as Sakura hated to admit it. Naruto and Sakura had grown close the past two years, ever since Naruto had saved Sakura from Gaara. Though Sakura made it clear that she was only interested in Naruto as a friend. Naruto had accepted that, which surprised Sakura, being that it was one of the few serious moments that she had shared with Naruto. His physique had changed too, though not as tall as Sasuke, Naruto was barely taller than Sakura. The whisker-like scars were still visible, and Naruto's hair was as unruly as it was years ago. Sakura smiled for a moment, remembering what Tsunade-sama said. 'That boy is looking more like the fourth every time I see him.'
"Naruto-kun, may I talk to you?" Sakura asked. Naruto's head shot up and he grinned when he saw Sakura-chan.
"Ah! Ah! Sakura-chan, you can help me with my problem! Kekekeke!" Naruto said happily.
"...What is it?" Sakura asked, smiling.
"Hinata...Hinata-chan gave me some flowers. And she and...well...I really well...ano...I really like her! Do you think she....likes me?" Naruto blurted out. Sakura blinked.
"Hinata-chan?" Sakura asked just to make sure.
"Hai!" Naruto said, feeling less awkward about it.
"Well than ask he out baka!" Sakura said, getting enthusiastic about the idea.
"Okay okay! I will do that!! Ouchie ouchie ouchie ouchie!!!" Naruto said, when he accidentally fell off his hospital bed. Sakura giggled and helped him back on the bed. Sakura pulled the curtains aside, causing the sun shining through the window, making everything brighter. Sakura sat down on the chair right next to Naruto's bed.
"So Sakura-chan. What did you need to talk to me about?" Naruto asked, grinning dumbly.
"I'll...I'll tell you later." Sakura said, deciding it wasn't the time to tell Naruto.
"Nan desu ka? NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI NANI!!!" Naruto asked, getting more hyper, trying to get Sakura's secret out in the open.
"Shut up, Naruto!" Sakura said out loud."I don't want to tell you anymore!" She thought about what Sasuke said and tears started streaming down her face, but Sakura didn't care. She was about to get up and leave when Naruto grabbed her wrist. She looked up and saw Naruto with a determined look on his face.
"O-Onegai... Tell me Sakura." Naruto said softly. Sakura sat down on the chair still sniffling, as tears continued to trail down her cheek. Naruto held her hand tightly, protectively. All Naruto could do was stay there and wait for Sakura to actually tell him what was wrong. Naruto frowned, Sakura was like a sister to him now. Whoever made her this upset will pay.
"...I...I told...I told him!" Sakura managed to say through sniffles, but after that, she started sobbing uncontrollably.
"I see." Naruto replied quietly. He knew exactly what she was talking about. Sakura-chan had confessed her love to Sasuke-kun. Her shoulders were shaking as Naruto could only look on. Naruto was suddenly angry. 'That bastard Sasuke. To hurt the one girl that truly loves him. The one girl that I love...'
"Ano...Sakura-chan. It'll be all right." Naruto repeated over and over as Sakura kept crying. Naruto stroked her hair affectionately to help her calm down. Eventually, Sakura stopped crying, but still stayed with her head in between her arms, refusing to look at Naruto, while Naruto rested his hand on her shoulder comfortingly. Kakashi and Sasuke came in sometime before sunset, to say his goodbyes to Naruto and Sakura, to find Naruto asleep, and Sakura sitting somberly in her chair, with her back facing the door.
"Sakura-chan. We have to go resume training now that we know Naruto-kun is all right. Tell him Sasuke-kun and I wish him a speedy recovery." They gray haired jounin said to his saddened pupil. He started to worry when all he heard from Sakura was 'goodbye Kakashi-sensai, goodbye Sasuke-kun.' Sasuke said nothing as he leaned on the door's frame, looking rather bored. Kakashi said nothing as he walked past Sasuke. Sasuke hesitated, taking one last glance at Sakura before leaving. As Kakashi and Sasuke left the village border, Kakashi spoke.
"Sasuke, did you know what was wrong with Sakura, back there?"
"...No." Sasuke replied curtly.
"Oh. Okay." Kakashi said. Of course, the experienced Jounin didn't believe Sasuke. But with kids, it is to complicated with them. Sensing no danger, Kakashi takes out his favorite book, Come Come Paradise. He heard Sasuke mutter something under his breath, but Kakashi didn't say anything as he was getting more engrossed in what Naruto would call 'sensai's pervy books'
They arrived at a nearby village within fire country and checked into their hotel. After making sure the area was safe, Kakashi lied down in his bed. He looked over at Sasuke, who was preoccupied with his own thoughts. 'Sasuke-kun, I...I love you...' Sasuke groaned as he rolled over in his own bed. Not bothering to change or brush his teeth, Sasuke fell asleep almost immediately. Kakashi looked at the clock on the wall of the white hotel room. It read 2 o' clock A.M., Kakashi folded the corner of one of the pages for Come Come Paradise, before getting ready for bed. After showering and brushing teeth, Kakashi changed into his pajamas, which consisted of a blue face mask, a blue shirt, and blue pants. Before falling asleep, Kakashi heard Sasuke say in a whisper, "Sakura-chan, don't leave..."
*****
~*Sasuke's Dream*~
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura cried. Her green eyes were filled with joy when she saw him, as she ran up and embraced Sasuke. Sasuke didn't say anything as Sakura hugged him tightly. They were at the first where they had their Genin test. Naruto and Kakashi were the only ones not there. Sasuke quickly directed his attention to Sakura. He didn't know what came over him, but he embraced her in return. Sasuke smiled as he held Sakura in his arms. She blushed when she looked up at him, and without hesitation gave him a quick kiss on the lips. Sasuke was caught offgaurd and had a dazed look. Sakura giggled and grabbed his arm, taking him into the nearby forest. There, Sakura froze as Itachi appeared. Sasuke froze and looked for his kunai, shurinken or anything...but it seemed he couldn't find them. Itachi threw a kunai towards Sasuke, who seemed like he had temporary paralysis.
"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura yelled, before jumping in front of Sasuke. The kunai stabbed Sakura in the back as she fell on her knees and collapsed to the ground. Itachi left, leaving Sakura and Sasuke.
"Sakura-chan! Don't die...you can't die...I love you!" Sasuke said, with tears coming down his face.
"I love you too." Sakura responded weakly. Her hand shook as she tried to find Sasuke's face, "...don't cry Sasuke. What would Naruto say?" Sakura said, smiling warmly. Sasuke held her in his arms, he got blood on his arms but it didn't matter. As Sakura's hand brushed Sasuke's face, it went limp and fell to her side.
"No...no...Sakura-chan. Don't leave..." Sasuke whispered.
*****
Sasuke woke up with a throbbing headache that morning. He looked over at Kakashi who was starting on his breakfast of rice and eggs (though he still had his face mask on...). He glared at Kakashi, before going into the bathroom. After showering and brushing his teeth he walked out, to find Kakashi reading where he left off in Come Come Paradise. He received a 'yo' from Kakashi before walking out onto the balcony of the hotel room, taking his breakfast with him.
"Why am I thinking of her?" Sasuke said spitefully, while stuffing fried egg into his mouth. The bland flavors didn't concern Sasuke, as long as he had something to eat, to keep up with his training with Kakashi. 'Sasuke-kun...' a flash of pink hair and green eyes crossed his mind. Sasuke scowled. 'I'm getting worked up over nothing. I just need a training exercise to focus my mind elsewhere.' Sasuke thought reassuringly.
"...How bothersome." Sasuke said, before finishing the last of his rice, leaving a few grains sticking to the bowl.
"What is Sasuke?" Kakashi asked from behind him.
"Don't sneak up on me like that." Sasuke said, changing the subject.
*****
"Ahoy! Naruto-kun!" Ino said from the door of Naruto's hospital room. She grinned as she dragged in her boyfriend, Shikamaru. Shikamaru against his will, lazily followed in. Ino and Shikamaru started going out as soon as Shikamaru, Kiba, Choji, Naruto, and Neji came in, all seriously wounded. Ino stayed by his his bed day and night until he recovered, making Ino realize her feelings for him. They started going out as soon as he was released, and even though it didn't look like it, they were both very happy.
"Hey Shikamaru. Hey Ino!" Naruto said.
"We brought this for you Naruto!" Ino said grinning, holding up a bouquet of yellow daffodils."I was hoping Sakura could be here...but oh well." Ino said, walking over to the table beside Naruto's hospital bed. Ino laid the flowers down gently, then walked over to Shikamaru and elbowed him in the stomach when he didn't say anything.
"What was that for? Oh yeah." Shikamaru drawled. He reached into his large pant pocket and pulled out a package of Naruto's favorite brand of instant ramen. "I know this isn't allowed, but it couldn't hurt." Shikamaru said, setting the package next to Ino's flower, and giving Naruto a lazy grin.
"Ahhhhhhh! I LOVE YOU SHIKAMARU!" Naruto said happily, hugging Shikamaru despite Naruto's injuries.
"Get offa me! Damn this is troublesome, why'd you bring me Ino?" Shikamaru muttered, half aloud, half to himself. Ino giggled as Naruto let go and went back to his bed.
"So this is where you two are. Hey Naruto, I hope you have a speedy recovery!" Choji said from the door. He was munching on his familiar bag of potato chips. Naruto looked puzzled, wondering why Choji was here. In fact he was surprised their whole team was here. Even coming back from the mission, only seldom would they get together and do something. After thinking, Naruto came to the conclusion that he should just ask them.
"Well goodbye Naruto." Choji said.
"WAIT WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!" Naruto asked as they started to leave.
"Well idiot, you didn't say anything and blanked out for ten minutes. So you know, we thought we'd leave." Ino said.
"Plus some of us still has training to do..." Shikamaru said unenthusiastically.
"Ano...wait for a second. Why'd you three come in the first place?" Naruto asked.
"You're a more of an idiot than I thought you were. We're fellow chuunin, and we must always be there for each other." Shikamaru said. Ino and Choji nodded in agreement. "H-hey!...Naruto!...Let go of me!" Shikamaru said when Naruto grabbed Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji in a large bear hug, crying.
"You guys are the best!" Naruto said sobbing.
"Yeah yeah...we know!" Ino said, enjoying the compliments. Finally Naruto let them go and they said their goodbyes.
"Ah...What to do now? Maybe I should go visit pervert-senin!!!" Naruto said. He took a step and collapsed to the floor.
"Kuso! I forgot about my wounds...ano...crutches?" Naruto asked, when he saw the pair of crutches laid on the foot of his bed. 'Eerie...I don't remember those being there before. Maybe a nurse placed them there just in case...kekekeke. I bet the nurses all ready turned down Pervert-senin!' Naruto thought gleefully as he took the crutches and hopped over to the room next door. Trying to go for stealth approach while in crutches found difficult for Naruto, but what made it easier was that Jiraiya-sama was asleep. Quietly sneaking in, Naruto quietly snuck the crutches under the bed and made a face (like stretching out his cheeks, eyes, all in all bizarre looking...) and waited for Jiraiya to wake up. Coincidentally, Naruto was in Jiraiya's arm reach, and as he rolled over trying to grab what he called the nonexistent 'Sweet Akane-chan' he grabbed Naruto instead, resulting in Naruto being stuck in Jiraiya-sama's surprisingly strong embrace.
"Aiyah! PERVERT-SENIN WAKE UP! WAKE UP BEFORE I GET YOUR PERVERT DISEASE!!!!" Yelled Naruto franticly Waving his arms and legs around as wildly as he could, trying to get Jiraiya to wake up. Jiraiya's eyes fluttered, then finally focused into an evil, deadly glare.
"...Naruto?" Jiraiya-sama growled dangerously.
"...heheh...Pervert-senin...did I tell you how much I loved you books?" Naruto said, putting on a faux grin.
"Baka." Jiraiya said, before pushing Naruto off the hospital bed.
"...It's nice to see you too." Naruto muttered. Jiraiya gave a hearty laugh and patted Naruto's hair affectionately, beaming at him.?Naruto had started to grow on Jiraiya, the young chuunin was developing more and more each day. Still immature, and sounding as if Naruto hadn't gone through puberty yet, it is considered amazing how much he has developed his chakra and his ability to learn different jutsus. His Taijutsu was still awkward and still isn't as developed, in comparison to Sasuke, which Naruto still desired to surpass. Determination to become Hokage was like second nature to Naruto still.
"Kekekeke...let's go and train Pervert-senin." Naruto said determinedly.
"...Na-ru-to, you still have to recover." Jiraiya-sama said, suddenly a devious look spread across his face.. "Anyway...get out of here...the nurse might come soon..."
"Ew..." Naruto said, scrunching up his face in disgust, leaving almost immediately upon hearing Jiraiya-sama mutter 'where did I put that cologne?' Naruto sighed as he went back into his empty room. He looked on the clock on the nearby table occupied with the gifts from Ino and the others. The clock read eleven twenty-seven. Naruto frowned, thinking something was either holding Sakura up, or she wasn't coming at all.
"It's probably the second one..." Naruto said un spiritedly.
"What are you talking about Naruto-kun?" Sakura asked in a polite voice, sitting down at the chair that resided next to Naruto's bed. Naruto raised his eyebrow, Sakura who was a total mess about half a day ago, was all dolled up, wearing nice and beautiful clothes ...almost to look like she was going on a ---
"Oi! Oi! Oi! Sakura-chan, who are you going on a date with??" Naruto asked, giving Sakura a wide grin. Sakura blushed, and her hand went to her hair to readjust the beautiful blue bow keeping most of her hair out of her eyes. She looked at him, before looking down at the floor in embarrassment. Naruto just had a confused look on his face, as Sakura tried explaining it to Naruto, but ended erupting into a fit of giggles.
"...ano...ano...well I'm going to have lunch with...with...kekeke...Sh-Shino-kun." Sakura said, before giggling again.
"Sh-sh--Shino-kun..................................................NANI!?" Naruto yelled at the top of his lungs. He waved his arms around wildly, looking for some---no ANY---possible logic in this situation. He can understand Sakura going with a date...BUT SHINO!? She might as well go out with a complete stranger. Bugs...that was the only thing Naruto knew of. BUGS.
"Be-before you say anything Naruto-kun. Keep in mind well...this is just a casual thing..." Sakura said, alarmed at Naruto's protectiveness. She didn't say anything as she waited for Naruto to calm down. Shino asked her last night, as Sakura was on her way home from the hospital. Shino walked into her path, readjusting his sunglasses that he still wore despite the time of the day. Shino was quite handsome and was as much of as a hit with the girls in Konoha as Sasuke was. Though no one liked to admit it, and the fact that Shino had bugs on him at all times of the day was a bit of a turn-off for some. Seldom had Shino asked anyone out, Shino and Ino dated when Shikamaru and Ino were on a break, but they both came to a mutual agreement that it was best kept a friendship. He had casual dates with several of the female genin and chuunin, but quickly broke it off with them. Shino cleared his throat and spoke before Sakura could say anything.
"Sakura-san. Would you like to go out to lunch tomorrow?" Shino asked politely.
"...hai." Sakura finally said. Suddenly, Sakura's thoughts went back to the blonde-haired chuunin impatiently waiting for a better explanation. Sakura laughed.
"Well...if it makes you feel better Naruto-kun. I feel MUCH better, and it's thanks to you. Arigatou! Gomen, but I must go now, otherwise I'll be late!" Sakura said sweetly. And with a poof and a cloud of smoke, Sakura completely disappeared, blue bow and all.
"...Shi--Shino-kun...oh well...where is that ramen Shika gave me? Nihihihihihi." Naruto chortled.
*****
Author's Notes:
Ah okay. yes..SUPER LONG CHAPPY! Sorry!!! I'll try to make it shorter next chapter...^^;...So anyway...BIG THANK YOUS!!! I never expected SUCH a popular response. You are alll WAY TO KIND!!! Personal thank yous!!
Wormkaizer: AH! Reviewer numba !!! YOU GET...a KAKASHI DOLLY!!! *lets prized kakashi dolly go...*tear*...*grins and pulls out new one from outta nowhere and kisses it* Muwah ^_^. Hehe...thanks so much...and as u can probably tell...this is going to have lots of brief mentions of Naru/Hina!!! ^_^ they are so KAWAII!
G-rom: Haha...Japanese class is SUGOI!!! Hehe
RubyMoon17: Thanks for reviewing. Are you a CCD fan? I LOVE CCS!!! Lol!
Zantesuken09: Hehe! Arigatou-gozaimass for reviewing!!!
Bookeater: Do you really think I should? I don't like my writing style, i think i use to many adverbs...0.o... I need some development in the writing area. But still, it is very kind of you to review. Thanks!!!
Yume Myonoka: I luv your penname!!! Hehe thanks for revieiwing, and I am so happy that you like my fanfic!!
Kat-hathaway:Gomen-nasai! I usually just do a spell check on my fanfics and that's it, so you might have to keep up with my gramatical errors...*sigh* where's a beta reader when you need one? I'm sorry if Sasuke was slightly OOC...but its not to hard to make him OOC unless you have him be kinda well...emotionless/mean? Sorry if you're a Sasuke fan! But i think NAru is way nicer...
Karin-chan37: Hehe cannot wait until you update YOUR fiC!!! Lol! Thanks for reviewing...I hope you still like this.
Ten Ten: Hehe. I hope you like this chapter!!!
To future reviewers (hopefully there are going to be some new ones): Please review! I love hearing your comments and what you think of my story, and where you think it should go...Plus, inspiration might not hit for a while It really depends. So please don't expect this to be updated so soon!!! Anyway to all my other reviewers *hands them cool-looking Shino-ish sunglasses*