The upset Naruto was pacing back and forth near the abandoned Uchiha district. He remembered that Sasuke had stayed in one of these buildings after being released by the ANBU after the war, and Sakura had gone to visit him a few times.
I remember what I thought back then, Naruto thought to himself.
"She doesn't care about me anymore now that he's here."
"She could never love me. Why did she lie to me?"
"I wonder when they're going to get married."
I was so wrong about her. She always cared about me. She always wanted to make sure that I was okay. She really wanted to protect my happiness more than anything. And no one knew. No one knew how she looked out for me. She didn't need anyone to know. Just seeing that I was alright was good enough for her. And it meant so much to her. So much that back when we were chasing after Sasuke...
Naruto sat down with his back against the wall of the building that Sasuke had stayed in.
I got so angry over what Orochimaru wanted with him that I started to lose control of the Kyuubi chakra. And Sakura-chan... She could've just stayed back. There was nothing she could even really do. But she didn't. Why didn't she?
He started to sob.
She could've died because of me... I could've killed her. She risked that for me. Why me? Just because I was upset? Just because I was hurt? How could she have cared that much about me and I didn't even know? Am I stupid or something? She couldn't have been with Sasuke if she died. And she was ready to die, just to try to end my suffering. My life wasn't even in any danger. I was just hurt. But she cared so much for me, she couldn't stand my being hurt. And I never even knew. She didn't see any need to tell me.
He was weeping into the gap between his knees as he sat curled up into a ball.
Then during the war, she saved my life... And without me, Madara would have won... So she saved everyone... She saved the world.
He started to shake a little, as if he was very cold.
And how did it repay her? How did everyone repay her? Just because she cared for Sasuke, they assume that she can't be trusted. That she's capable of hurting her friends. Hurting me. When she's only ever helped them. She wanted to help me more than anything. So she became a great medical ninja. To heal her comrades. To heal me. But she's supposed to be so cruel. As if the instant Sasuke returns, she's only going to care about him again. When she was never really like that. Why the hell did I think she was like that? Even when he was still in the village, she still took care of me. She still helped me.
How did I repay her for everything that she did for me? I didn't. I thought the same as them. I was no different. I thought she cared so much more about him than she did about me. I thought she only wanted him. Even when she saw that I was longing for her, and she offered to be with me instead of him, because she wanted me to be happy again... Because that was so important to her... What was my first thought?
"I can't agree to this. She's just going to leave me for him as soon as he comes back."
And I said as much to her. But did that lack of trust make her angry? Did the fact that I thought she was willing to hurt me that badly, even though she would've done anything to protect me from harm, make her angry? No. She wasn't angry. She kept trying to find a way. She was willing to go on a stupid trip with me just because I didn't believe in her. And not once did she ever give up on me. She was so patient with me. She was trying her hardest to love me. I wasn't even willing to open up to her at first because I was scared of getting hurt.
Sakura-chan would never have treated me like I treated her. She wouldn't refuse to help me because she might get hurt. I wasn't even willing to give her a chance unless she proved that it was worth my time. Even though I was the one who needed the help. And I didn't make it easy for her. But she kept trying, because she cared so much about me. Why me? I didn't trust her. I had no faith in her. I assumed the worst about her. How could I have claimed to be in love with her? I never heard her assume something sinister about Sasuke. She always thought he had better intentions than he really did.
Naruto used his sleeve to clean his face and looked up at the sky.
She said she'd rather die than stand and watch me be hurt. But I didn't trust her not to hurt me.
A stray cherry blossom petal floated in from overhead, dancing in the wind.
I wonder how that made her feel. What does it feel like when the person you care about most doesn't trust you not to hurt them? Why did she act like it was okay?
He chuckled bitterly.
Haha... She's given me everything, now. Everything she had to give, she gave it all to me. She risked her life for me, could've died for me, and that wasn't enough. She saved my life and that still wasn't enough. Because I wanted her to love me. Without her love, I wasn't going to be happy. Because I've always been in love with her. So what did she do when she realized that? She gave me her love so that I would be happy. And now, I've gotten everything I wanted from her. When I didn't even trust her. When I didn't even believe she cared about me. She had to give me everything she had to give before I finally believed she cared. And I took all of it! Without even thinking about how wrong I had been, I took it. I took her love because I wanted to be happy. Why, Sakura-chan? Why did you let me do it? Why did you love me...?
Naruto finally pulled himself to his feet.
... When I didn't deserve it?
/
After the troubling conversation in the restaurant the previous day, Ino had decided to go talk to Sakura during her lunch break at the hospital. She left the flower shop in the care of one of her cousins and made her way to the hospital. She found Sakura inside the hospital cafeteria and went to sit down at her table while wearing a casual smile. This was something that the pair had done numerous times, so it didn't come as much of a surprise to Sakura when Ino did so.
"Hey, Ino-pig," Sakura said, looking somewhat uneasy.
"Forehead. Hey, what's wrong?" Ino replied.
"I don't know. I feel really stressed out. I'm really anxious and I don't know why."
Ino raised an eyebrow.
"Did something happen?"
"No, nothing happened. Everything has been great, actually."
"With Naruto?"
The pinkette finally smiled.
"Yeah. We are great. The two of us, I mean."
"I've been meaning to ask you about that, actually."
Ino grinned. Sakura cocked her head to the side.
"Really? Okay, you can ask. I don't promise to answer everything, though."
"Okay, well... Do you love him?"
Sakura nodded.
"Of course. At some point, I realized I would do anything for him, and after that, things happened. As a result, I'm in love with him."
Ino looked at her inquisitively.
"What things?"
"Well, as it turns out, a long time ago, Naruto did something that gave me the wrong idea about Sasuke-kun, and caused me to fixate on him for longer than I really should have."
Ino's eyes widened.
"So, when you found out what Naruto did, you fell in love with Naruto?"
"Well, no. I would have loved him either way. But now that I know about that, it's crazy how much I love him."
Ino nodded.
"I see. Most people think that you're still crazy about Sasuke-kun."
Sakura chuckled.
"Haha. Well, I'm not anymore. In a way, I never was. Because that had always been Naruto back then, and I just didn't know it."
Ino frowned at her.
"Are you going to tell me what this something actually was?"
Sakura grinned widely.
"Nope. It's embarrassing."
"I bet Naruto would tell me."
"Not if I tell him not to tell you, he won't."
Ino sighed.
"Sometimes I hate you, Forehead."
/
Naruto had mostly recovered from the anguished state he was in. He was trying to figure out what he should do about this. He wanted to prevent Sakura from finding out at any cost. His options were to either find Ino, in hopes that she could help him, or to track down Shino and figure out what he intended to do about this, if anything. It didn't really seem in the bug-man's persona to really bother with something like this, but Naruto didn't want to take any chances. He decided to try looking for Ino at the flower shop first. He had no idea where Shino would be at this time, other than possibly at the compound that the Aburame use.
When he arrived at the flower shop, he questioned the individual working the register about where Ino was. They replied that she probably went to the hospital to visit Sakura. Naruto decided that this option would not work for him presently. If he asked Ino for help while Sakura was there, the pinkette would definitely suspect something.
He decided to go look for Shino. As he was on his way to the Aburame compound, he passed by the training fields. He heard the sound of many buzzing insects. Heading in that direction, he found Shino inside a grove of trees in one of the training fields. The Aburame, a natural sensor, noticed him quickly as he approached and turned to face him.
"Hey, Shino. I need to talk to you," Naruto stated.
"Let me guess. You talked to Kiba," replied the bug user.
Naruto frowned.
"Well, no, it was Tenten. I mean, I did talk to Kiba, but-"
"Sakura."
"What?"
"You wish to talk to me about Sakura. So, talk."
Naruto frowned more deeply.
"Uh, okay. Look, I don't want you to-"
"You have nothing to fear from me. It's none of my concern."
Naruto glared at the placid Shino.
"Listen, Tenten said that-"
"That I do not believe in Sakura. I don't, but it's none of my concern."
Naruto's eyes flashed red.
"Stop interrupting me! And why don't you?! What the hell is your problem?!"
"Naruto-san, I don't know her very well. I don't know any of our class very well except my teammates. Why, you ask? It is because the Aburame generally do not-"
"I don't care why!"
"All right. What I know of Sakura is that she was the top kunoichi of our graduating class, she has medical skills acquired from the Godaime, she is a member of the Haruno, a pink-haired civilian clan of craftsmen and merchants, and-"
Naruto punched a nearby tree, tearing it out of its roots.
"I DON'T CARE ABOUT ANY OF THAT!"
"And for her entire ninja career, it's been common, and recorded, knowledge that she believes herself to be in love with Uchiha Sasuke. As a consequence, I, as an Aburame, cannot trust her intentions in this matter. Why, you ask? The Aburame value logic above all else. If she is in love with him, how can she be in love with you? It seems most improbable that within the last two weeks, she has not only ceased to be in love with him, but also fell in love with you. Therefore, I do feel concern for you as you are our likely next Hokage. However, while I feel concern, I choose not to act on it. So as I said previous to this, you have nothing to fear from me."
Naruto's response was a blank stare.
"But that's... Well, okay. Uh... Is there anything you can do about Kiba?"
"You should talk to Hinata about that. She would be far more likely to be of use regarding Kiba than I would be. Why, you ask? Because Kiba is infatuated with Hinata. She would also be far more likely to help you than I would be. Why, you ask? Because Hinata is either in love with or infatuated by you, while I am-"
Naruto grimaced in frustration.
"I. Didn't. Ask."
"I apologize. It is a common habit among the Aburame. Why, you-"
Naruto had murder in his eyes as he stared at the bug ninja. This was something Shino could see as well as sense.
"Ahem. At any rate, I fear I have little left to offer you as far as aid in this matter."
The blonde walked off without so much as a nod in Shino's direction.
/
In search of Hinata, Naruto went to the Hyuga estate and spoke with the guard outside. He was a very tall Hyuga wearing the typical white attire of the clan.
"I need to speak with Hinata," he stated.
"Uzumaki-san, now is not an opportune time. However, she had expressed a desire that should you ever wish to see her, arrangements should be made at the soonest possible convenience for both parties. Be aware that this order of hers was made when you were still seeing each other in hopes of making it easier for you. Despite the fact that you no longer have such a relationship, Hinata-sama specifically requested that the order not be changed or rescinded."
This made Naruto feel somewhat guilty. It would have had more of an effect on him if not for his earlier collapse in the Uchiha district.
"Uh... Okay. I want to see her."
The guard frowned almost imperceptibly.
"That was understood. Please be at your residence at 1800 hours."
"Hinata will come?"
His frown grew distinctly perceptible. Naruto failed to notice.
"Yes, Uzumaki-san. Hinata-sama will come. Is there anything else?"
"Uh... No?"
"Then please be on your way, Uzumaki-san."
Seeing no purpose in remaining, Naruto went on his way.
/
It would be a while before he would have the opportunity to meet with Hinata. He decided to try the flower shop again in hopes of getting help or advice from Ino.
Ino was back to working the register and saw him as he walked through the doors. She greeted him with a beaming smile.
"Naruto! It's great to see you. I talked with Forehead. You really did good. You've made her so happy, Naruto!" Ino gushed.
He looked at her somewhat miserably.
"I really wish she could stay that way. I don't know what to do, Ino," Naruto moaned.
Ino watched him with concern.
"About what? What happened?"
"Well, do you know anything about something Kiba said yesterday?"
The Yamanaka nodded.
"Oh, that? Yeah. It's not a big deal, Naruto. Forehead really loves you. Sasuke-kun is in the past for her. Do you think I could get him now?"
Naruto gave her a desperate look.
"No, that's not what I mean. I don't want her to find out that people are thinking badly about her. She doesn't deserve that. She's done nothing but good things for this village, and she's nice to everyone. Why the hell do they think that way about her?"
Ino furrowed her brow.
"Well, I don't know. I think a big part of it is the whole issue with Sasuke-kun deserting the village. That reflected badly on her for sure, but it never came up until now, really."
"Wouldn't it have reflected badly on you, too?"
Ino laughed.
"For some reason, people took her a lot more seriously. We both said that we loved him, but everyone thought Forehead was hopelessly in love with him while I just had a very strong infatuation or something. Now look what happened. Forehead is out of the game, but I still love him. It's funny how things happen sometimes."
"I just feel so bad. I thought the same thing about her for so long. I thought she would do anything to be with him and she didn't care about me that much. So if things were different, I would've been thinking just like that idiot Kiba. So I feel so guilty now."
Ino raised an eyebrow at the miserable looking Naruto.
"Is it really so bad, Naruto? I mean, Forehead didn't give you a reason to think anything different until recently, right?"
Naruto slouched hopelessly.
"I'm pretty sure she did... I should have known better. I should have paid attention. But I didn't..."
"Well, it's not going to help to feel guilty, Naruto. Why would Forehead be mad at you now? If she ever was mad about that, she's over it now. For what it's worth, I'm sorry that this happened. But I really doubt anyone is going to say anything to her. Maybe Kiba would. But it's not like Forehead cares about what he might have to say."
"Okay... But I still feel bad."
"Hey, Forehead made me promise that next time I saw you, I would tell you that she's still waiting."
Naruto raised an eyebrow.
"Still waiting...? What does that mean?"
Ino pouted at him comically.
"I don't know! She said you're supposed to know."
/
When he had finished making conversation with Ino, he returned to his apartment to rest and wait on Hinata to arrive. He thought about the last thing Ino had said.
She's waiting for... me to do something, I guess? Have I forgotten something important? Naruto wondered.
Hinata arrived a few minutes early. Naruto heard her walk up to the door. He opened it to allow her inside.
"Hinata, hi," Naruto said.
Hinata smiled weakly at him.
"Hi, Naruto-kun... How are you?" she replied.
Naruto frowned.
"I've been better... I need to talk to you about something."
Hinata swallowed and nodded nervously.
"It's about Kiba... Apparently, he hates me now. And I'm worried that he's going to say something to Sakura-chan about Sasuke... Can you just make sure that he doesn't?" Naruto asked.
"I can try... He usually listens to me."
Naruto smiled almost as weakly as she had.
"Okay, thanks. That's a load off my mind. I was feeling really bad about this."
Hinata watched him inquisitively.
"Naruto-kun... I did hear about what was discussed from Shino... But I don't understand. You told me you weren't worried about Sasuke-san at all. But if you're not, why is this hurting you so much? I'm really worried about you."
Naruto sighed.
"I'm not upset by what they're saying. I'm upset about what this says about me. It makes me feel incredibly guilty to hear them assume the worst about Sakura-chan."
"But... Why would that make you feel guilty?"
"Because I should be the same as them. The only reason I'm not is because she cared too much about me to tell me that I didn't deserve her kindness, so she eventually got through to me."
"But why wouldn't you deserve it, Naruto-kun?"
Naruto frowned.
"Because she cared so much about me. You don't understand, Hinata. Sakura-chan risked her life for me. She saved my life. Among other things. And she didn't care about being recognized for it. She didn't even want to be with me. She only did it because she really cared about me. She didn't want anything from me. She just wanted to make sure that I would be alright. And I still assumed the worst about her. She would have done anything to protect me from being hurt, but I immediately assumed that she would hurt me the first chance she got. I'm scum. I don't deserve to be loved by her."
Hinata looked down thoughtfully.
"But, Naruto-kun... Isn't it Sakura-san's choice who she loves?"
Naruto looked at her blankly.
"I thought you were going to slap me."
"But I don't see how that could possibly help you?"
"Never mind. Of course it's her choice. But why would she choose me? Why didn't she choose Sasuke? He may have hurt her, but he was an enemy at least when he did that. And he still didn't assume disgusting things about her. I was her friend, the person she cared most about, and yet I did."
"Naruto-kun... You keep saying you're horrible for assuming those things about her after she cared for you and did those things for you. But why did she do any of that to begin with?"
Naruto's eyes moved up and to the left in thought.
"Why did she choose to care about me and help me...? I don't know. Was it really a choice?"
"On some level, no matter how you feel about a person, you always have a choice. That is why I didn't get angry at you when you returned with Sakura-san. Inside, I did feel very upset at you, but I didn't let you see that, right?"
Naruto's eyes widened.
"No, you didn't... Hmm. Wow... Well, I guess it was because I was her friend."
"How did you become her friend?"
"We were assigned to the same team, and I really liked her, so I kept trying to get close to her."
"Did she also like you back then?"
Naruto frowned.
"No... Not really."
"Why didn't she like you?"
"She thought I was a person who just liked to annoy other people, get in their way, and cause problems."
"Okay... And was she right about that?"
"No...?"
Hinata smiled.
"So, isn't it fair to say that she also assumed the worst about you? But you still gave her a chance. You still cared about her. You still tried to be her friend. You still risked your life for her. And I know better than anyone that you still fell in love with her. So Sakura-san... No, Sakura-chan is just returning the kindness that you showed her."
Naruto gaped at her.
"Hinata... You're actually really amazing."
Hinata blushed, but kept the kind smile on her face.
"I'll tell Kiba to keep his mouth shut. Good night, Naruto-kun."
"Night..."
She waved and walked out, shutting the door behind her. Naruto collapsed on his couch, overcome by all that had occurred. He felt himself fall asleep.
