Inu: Hey, how's it goin? I just had an urge to do a SasuNaru, but I wanted the main character to be Sakura. Funny, ne? Anyway, here you go! Enjoy the crappy one-shot!
Disclaimer: If I did own Naruto, you'd see happy little homo couples running around, banging each other senseless, while the girls would be in the hospital due to serious nosebleeds.
Full Summary: It was difficult for Sakura to move on, for her to smile a little more everyday. But soon enough, she found what out what made Naruto so special through someone else...because even Sakura deserves to be happy.
It was painful moving on...
"So, you're in love with Naruto?" I asked.
"Aah."
"Why him?"
"Because...Because he accepts me. And I can accept him. He takes all of me, and doesn't criticize. He looks past 'the last Uchiha' Sasuke. He sees just 'Sasuke.' And I see just 'Naruto.' My Naruto."
"So...I never had a chance?"
"I'm sorry, Sakura."
"...Yeah."
Slowly...day by day, I would see them together more, and it was interesting to find that I didn't resent them. I smiled at them, genuinely. Gradually, the dull pain in my heart went away.
"I...I always thought that Sasuke liked me...that he would always be by my side, and the fact that he was still single comforted me. But...a life without Sasuke...I just can't--"
"Sakura."
"Huh?"
"Love is not the same thing as possession."
"Sakura-san!"
"Oh, Lee-san."
I turned to face Lee-san. As usual, he was wearing his full green unitard, with orange leg warmers. It made me wonder how he could wear spandex in such hot weather. I, myself, was down to borrowing one of Naruto's wife beaters and the usual shorts I wear under my dress.
"I...I was wondering...well..."
I blinked. Knowing Lee-san, he'd probably ask me out again.
"Well, Sakura-san. You know how I feel about you so...will you go out on a date with me?" I barely understood what he said, and when he finished, he braced himself.
At that very moment, Naruto and Sasuke passed by, holding hands, laughing, and enjoying each other's company. I smiled at them, then looked back at Lee-san.
"You know, I'd love to go out with you."
"Sigh. Alright, I'll try tomorrow then."
"Lee-san, I said yes."
"...Seriously?"
"Yep!" I smiled at him brightly.
"YES!" he shouted as he jumped up in joy.
I couldn't help but giggle, and in some way, he reminded me of Naruto. Always persistent, hyper, cheerful, horrid sense of style, but someone you know you can rely on.
"C'mon, Sakura-san," Lee-san chirped.
"Sakura."
"Eh?"
"I insist. Call me Sakura."
"O-Okay."
For a brief second, I remember how I would always be behind everyone. I would always watch as they put their life on the line, and I stood back. I was the "unreliable Sakura." I was always watching their back. I couldn't even protect them. Then, I felt so left out, because Sasuke and Naruto had such a close friendship, which immediately turned to love. I don't think that I was mad because they got together...I think I was mad because I was left out again.
"Sakura? Are you okay?"
"Yeah, Lee, thanks," I smiled brightly again, taking the offered ice cream. I hadn't noticed where we were until just now, but I was still smiling.
Eating ice cream with Lee, talking, laughing, and just hanging out seems like...de ja vu, almost.
It wasn't until our third date that I realized this strange emotion I haven't felt in a long while.
Happiness.
