Swaying Branches

Chapter Three

Beautiful crystal chandeliers hung overhead, lighting the massive ballroom. The room was filled with smiling people clothed in their best gowns and suits. Musicians played soft music in the corner as some people danced and others mingled.

"What a beautiful night for a ball, don't you think, Sir Shikamaru?" Ino asked shyly to the man next to her. He smiled slightly and turned away from the night's sky to look at her. "Hai."

Ino stopped herself from smoothing out her gown and turned around to lean against the balcony railing. She watched the moon's reflection in the nearby lake. Shikamaru did the same.

They stayed in silence until a cool breeze came, ruffling the violet silk gown and making Ino shiver involuntarily. Shikamaru glanced over at her. "Would you… like to go inside?" Ino nodded meekly and he took her hand.

"Would you like to dance, Lady Ino?" Shikamaru asked once they were inside. Ino blushed a faint pink and breathed a tiny alright.

And as they danced, Ino swore she felt like she was floating.

Sakura and Lee watched the many couples twirling around the dance floor. They had positioned themselves next to the Prince's throne. Sakura observed that Sasuke had a slightly impatient expression on his face as he looked off into space.

She also observed that Naruto was nowhere in sight.

That was truly the reason she had come near the throne. She really wanted to talk to the Prince's guard to thank him for his advice.

Lee waited patiently beside her, occasionally smiling and waving at one he knew.

He gently nudged Sakura when Ino and Shikamaru came into view; both wearing expressions of totally contentment. Sakura grinned and secretly cheered for her friend.

Then suddenly the loud bang of the ballroom's doors interrupted Sakura's thoughts.

She looked around and saw that no one else but her, Lee and Sasuke seemed to have notice; too wrapped up in their own business. What she saw surprised her for more than one reason.

One, Naruto was stomping angrily towards them, and two he was wearing the nicest suit she had ever seen. It looked to be made from expensive white silk, simply, but beautifully designed with gold trimmings.

It looked very nice on him, but for some reason Naruto wore the angriest expression she had ever seen on his face.

He marched right up to Sasuke's throne and glared hatefully before starting with an angry whisper. "I can't believe you would make me wear such a stupid thing! Just because you're the prince and it's your birthday doesn't give you the right!"

Sasuke smirked down at him and replied with a super fake innocent voice, "What's wrong with it, I thought it'd look nice on you…"

Naruto flushed even deeper and his voice seemed to become high pitched.

"One, I told you I'd rather wear my own suit. Two, it looks way too expensive, I'm a guard, not a flippin' prince like you. And Three, you ordered Zabuza to do anything he had to to get me in this damn suit! Do you have any idea what he did?"

Lee coughed and Sakura took that as the sign that they should leave. She began to turn around, when Sasuke called her.

She turned back giving him a small smile and taking a few steps closer. From the looks of it he had somehow managed to calm Naruto down enough that he was reduced to silently sulking.

Sakura had to admit, Sasuke sure did know Naruto well, or was just really good at getting what he wanted.

"Dance with Naruto," Sasuke ordered casually.

She blinked in surprised and Naruto came out of his sulking to hiss a quiet 'what?'.

Sasuke turned to him with a bored expression. "You heard me."

Naruto glared at him for a few moments before snorting and turning to Sakura.

A pleasant expression dawned on his face and he reached out a hand. "Lady Sakura, would you do me the honors?"

Sakura looked back over her shoulder where Lee stood a few steps away. He gave her an encouraging smile and a small nod.

She turned back and took Naruto's offered hand. "Surely, it would be my honor."

Naruto skillfully lead her to the middle of the dance floor and waited but a few second for a new song to start.

Sakura had to admit Naruto was quite a good dancer. They stayed silent for a few second until Naruto spoke.

"Did you take my advice?" Sakura smiled. "Yes, thank you, it really helped. I'm really happy now." Naruto returned her smile.

"I'm glad. Lee is a very good man, he'll be able to protect you." She nodded in agreement, and silence came again.

"We'll be leaving soon." Naruto nodded and he looked thoughtful. "Yes, I know. As are Lady Ino and Lady Hinata." Sakura's face saddened.

"I'll miss you. You were a great friend, Naruto."

He smiled. "I'll miss you too. But I must admit, right now I'm more worried about Sasuke."

Sakura's eyes widened in shock. "How come?"

He frowned and looked over her shoulder where Sasuke was watching them.

"He still hasn't found someone to help him rule the kingdom…"

Sakura giggled in amusement and Naruto looked at her in honest confusion. "What?"

She smiled broadly and giggled again. "Silly. He has you."

And with that she curtsied and whispered her farewell as the last note sounded.

She came back to where Lee stood next to the prince.

She took his hand and started to lead him to across the room, shooting a quick grin at the prince over her shoulder.

Stepping foot onto the empty balcony, she gave a little twirl.

A tiny round of giggles escaped her grinning lips and she flung herself against the railing.

She calmed herself by taking a few deep breaths and looked up towards the full moon.

Lee's soft footsteps clapped against the balcony's marble floor. He stopped when he was next to her.

They stayed in silence for a long time, in which both shifted their gaze toward the lake where they could see two figures talking with there legs daggling off the edge into the water.

The smaller figure had her head against the others shoulder while his arm was around her back.

Sakura gave a small smiled and her heart felt warm from the cute scene.

"Sakura…" She finally looked up to see Lee with a peaceful expression on his kind face.

They just stared at each other for a bit, until he offered her his hand. She took it smiling, and they went back inside, hand in hand, smiling happily without a care in the world.

The End

A/N: Short. And sorta rushed, so please forgive me! There really is no point to this chapter, as to this fic in general… hmm…. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the fic.

Sorry it's a week late. -laughs nervously- I guess you'll be loading that gun now, huh?-ducks- SORRY! T.T

Last Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. When will they learn…

Please Review, flames aren't allowed. Here's a cookie in advance.