Sakura No Yousei: Chapter 3- Hidden

The mist slowly crept from the floor of the ridge, climbing up the rock wall and shrouding the bridge linking the gap between each ledge. Billowing across the worn planks, the mist advanced upward, seeping over the ridge ledges and ascending to block out the sun's warm rays overhead. The air grew humid and sticky as the mist thickened.

A foot fell silently upon a plank, the mist exhaling and fleeing from under the boot of a beautiful pink-haired girl. She slowly stepped forward, careful to place her feet securely on the planks ahead before shifting her weight. A dark-haired boy followed close behind, his eyes wide in the mist, an uneasy feeling settling in his stomach.

He had been here before in his dreams. Sweat clung to his already damp forehead as he slowly followed the girl across the bridge. The end of the bridge ahead was thick with mist, making vision difficult, but they continued on, not knowing what awaited them on the grassy landing beyond the bridge.

Sasuke reached out his hand and grabbed Sakura's arm as he spotted the ledge ahead. She stopped and turned to face him, puzzlement reflecting in her slightly cloudy eyes. The moisture in the air had caused her eyes to dull as she was forced to squint through the thick mist.

" What is it Sasuke-kun?" she asked, her voice quivering as the cold mist crept up her back. Her bare legs were frigid, the black bottoms providing no coverage. Her shirt clung to her sticky skin, making her slightly uncomfortable, the cloth forming tightly to every curve of her body. She hated the feeling of the fabric hugging her so revealingly. She was simply modest.

Sasuke noticed she moved nervously to face him, her arms crossed at her chest, her shirt exposing her slender figure as it stuck to her body. Mesmerized by the sight of her, he simply stared. Strands of her pink hair had fallen limply in her face, her eyes now glowing a brilliant green, the red top forming to her perfect curves.

Her appearance was exotic as she stood there, one arm hanging limply at her side, the other covering her chest, her head tilted to one side as she gazed at him questioningly, her hair flowing behind her and her bangs surrounding her slightly pink face.

' Wow,' he thought blushing, captivated by her gorgeous form. He shook his head suddenly, trying to focus on the situation they were in. Recalling their location upon the bridge, he slowly regained composure, although his face was still a light pink. True, Sakura was an ideal distraction, but he had to snap out of it.

Sakura simply watched as Sasuke seemed to struggle with an inner battle. She had seen the way he was looking at her, knowing he had obviously recognized her shirt was stretched tight around her upper body, revealing her ample chest. " Boys," she sighed, rolling her eyes. She turned around, about to continue forward when Sasuke grabbed her arm again.

" Sasuke, if you're trying to look at me, I've figured it out." She said while turning to face him," Did you think I wouldn't notice you blush. I know my shirt is fitting me a little closer than normal, but…"

Upon meeting his eyes, she saw a serious look on his face.

" Sakura, I think I should go ahead of you," he said in an uneasy voice.

" Um… sure, " she said, stepping aside to allow him to pass. " Is everything okay?" she asked him nervously.

" I'm not sure, but if anything happens, run. Understand?"

She nodded, eyes wide with fear, her hand resting reassuringly at her satchel, her fingers feeling the metal kunai through the material. Sasuke turned back around to face her.

" Oh and Sakura," he said coming closer to her. The heat from his body was a welcome change as Sakura stepped forward to soak in his warmth.

" Ye…"

He suddenly pressed his lips against hers, holding her to him. Her hands clung to his shirt, not wanting to leave his warm body, but he pulled back, giving her a heartening smile. Her face brightened as she explored his onyx eyes. ' Something is different,' she thought as a she noticed a fear concealed in his eyes.

" Sasuke," she said, her face returning to its anxious appearance," Can I ask you something?"

" Hn," he muttered, while turning around, ready to continue up the bridge. ' Here it comes,' he thought,' she's gunna ask me about something I'm not gunna want to tell her.' It was a sad thought, but he knew it was coming to this. He couldn't maintain a strait face.

He knew she was going to ask him about the moment in the forest and what was wrong with him. Tears formed behind his eyes as he thought of the dream. He couldn't tell her, she might get scared that he would have such an explicit dream about her. The last thing he wanted to do was to frighten her.

" Well, back in the forest earlier, when you fainted… I was wondering, what happened?" she asked timidly, making sure to choose her words carefully as not to upset the prodigy.

" Nothing, don't worry about it," he said flatly, a bit harsher then he meant. He regretted every word, wishing he could tell her, but he knew he couldn't. Moving forward on the bridge, they came closer and closer to their destination. Sasuke's heart beat faster as they neared the grassy landing ahead. Sakura remained silent, stung by the way Sasuke had told her off. She thought he was finally opening up to her.

' But why should he, I'm just a distraction,' she thought bitterly.

They had almost reached the other side as Sasuke's eyes roamed across the ledge in front of them. He began to worry when he didn't see the figures of Kakashi-Sensai, Naruto and the bridge-builder. He glanced uneasily around them, searching for the others with panic. Sakura watched Sasuke slowly move, his body tense, his eyes roving in the mist. She tentatively lifted her foot to follow as a hand suddenly shot between the planks beneath her, grabbing her ankle in its fingers.

Screaming, Sakura pulled a kunai from her satchel and plunged the knife down, but before the knife could make contact, another hand wrapped around hers, preventing her from attacking her captor. Looking up the arm of the hand holding her back, she met Sasuke's eyes, a scowl upon his face.

" I wouldn't do that, Sakura, or we may have another poison episode," he said, his eyes peering through the planks as a blonde-haired boy's face appeared in the gap, a smile spread over his face, his eyes closed from laughter. " That only happened once and besides, how did I know I didn't have to cut myself to remove the poison," said Naruto. Opening his eyes, he found a kunai knife inches from his hand and his grin faded as he looked up at Sakura's angry face in shock.

" You almost stabbed me, Sakura-chan!" he exclaimed, frightened at the furious look on her face.

" Naruto, you …you… dobe! You scared me half to death!" she said fuming. " I don't know why Sasuke stopped me from sinking this into your hand," she said, pulling her hand roughly from Sasuke's grasp and slipping the kunai back into her satchel. Sasuke stood in alarm. Sakura had never gotten angry with him and now she was ready to kill both him and Naruto. She stood silently, closing her eyes, her hands forming the chakra before her in a meditative jutsu.

A white dove emitted from her hands as she opened them, its milky white wings flapping slowly while it circled her then sank into her chest. She took a deep breath before she opened her eyes. Sasuke and Naruto watched in awe at her performance. Neither had witnessed a meditative jutsu and hers was done perfectly.

Sasuke recalled learning about meditative jutsu's. Apparently, they dissolved unfocused anger that depleted chakra. They were important to know when you were in serious situations and you accidentally raised your chakra levels. Each person's meditative form was different, so it was likely Sakura's would take the form of a dove. It stood for love, peace and tranquility, the appropriate attributes for the konoichi. She looked at them, slightly confused, but quickly remembered what happened. She looked down at Naruto who still clung to the underside of the bridge.

" How did you get down there, Naruto?" She asked curiously. Naruto just stared at her, surprised at how quickly the jutsu had diminished her anger. His smile jumped back into place.

" Thought you would ask me that," Naruto said grinning ear to ear. Pointing with his free hand to the rock wall below the bridge, Sakura and Sasuke strained to see what he directed them to. As the mist drifted, Sakura could just make out faint etches in the wall, crude steps that led down the stone face.

" I found them while we were waiting for you!" he said as Sakura pointed to the steps for Sasuke, who nodded as he saw them. " And guess what's at the bottom? Hot Springs!" he said excitedly, climbing upside-down towards the ledge and hoisting himself up. Beckoning them to join him, he ran down the steps, hollering the whole way down, his voice ringing up and down the ravine.

Sasuke and Sakura both stepped off the bridge onto the steady ground. Watching Naruto's shadow disappear down the narrow stairway, they turned to share a nervous look. A soft glow of light emitted from the floor of the ravine, casting shadows of the others at the bottom upon the walls, their forms large and ominous.

" I'll go first," Sakura said, her voice slightly shaky as she stepped down onto the first foothold. Her eyes avoided the ledge and focused ahead of her, her body pressed against the wall as she descended. Sasuke waited till she was a safe distance from him before making his way down the carved stone steps, his hand sliding along the smooth wall, searching for holds for his fingers. He faintly heard the sound of running water, the calming splash of a waterfall meeting his ears.

" Beautiful," Sakura exclaimed upon reaching the bottom, stepping off the last small ledge onto the smooth stone floor. Sasuke reached her shortly, only a few steps behind. His eyes took in the magnificent sight. In front of him, a waterfall flowed freely from a crevice in the rock, falling into a large pool of clear water. The water itself glowed a brilliant white light, illuminating the whole area. Many smaller pools were fed into from the main one. From the center of the large pool, bubbles rose gently to the surface, steam rising from the water's glassy façade.

Sakura was already walking towards the waterfall, reaching out her hand to let the water pour over her. Its warm feel was bliss on her cold skin. She noticed a small path that led behind the waterfall. Disappearing from sight, she walked across the path into a large room, a small circle of water in the very center. A hole in the ceiling poured the glowing waters into the circular pool, creating enough brightness to light the room. It was just the right size to hold them for the night.

Sasuke noticed Sakura had vanished, but saw a shimmer of pink through the clear waterfall. Finding the path she had taken, he joined her in the room. She had already set her pack down against a wall and was busy taking in the radiant glow from the water. Sasuke leaned his pack next to hers and stood next to her. She lowered herself and dipped her finger carefully into the water. The water rippled beneath her fingertips, the small waves crashing into the ones created from the water flowing from the roof.

" Its so beautiful here, hopefully we can stay the night. Its much warmer here too," she said, pulling at her shirt that was still slightly clingy and looking up at him. He smiled down at her as she fell to her bottom and slipped her boots off, her pink painted toes resting on the ground.

She stood up and walked around, enjoying the feel of the cool stone beneath her naked feet. Walking out from behind the waterfall, she located Kakashi-Sensai and informed him of the room. He smiled at her and followed her, along with the bridge-builder. Naruto was busy pulling his shirt over his head and removing his shoes, ready to dive into the heated pools.

" This is perfect Sakura, we shall definitely stay the night here," said the sensai as his eye explored the cavern. Sakura smiled in glee and ran out to the pools that were calling her name. Sasuke followed, ready himself to relax after their tiring few days. Sakura sat at the waters edge with her feet dangling in the water.

Sasuke sat beside her and pulled his sandals off to join her. Naruto was busy jumping off a high ledge into the deep, clear water, laughing the whole way down until the water swallowed him up. Sakura watched him anxiously and stood, removing her satchel at her thigh, carefully unwinding the fabric that held it to her leg. Folding the strands of cloth, she tucked them inside the satchel and set them high upon a rock to protect it from getting wet.

She undid the buckle at her hip, removing the many-pocketed satchel and placing it next to the other. Sasuke watched her, entranced, but turned away. He didn't want her to think he was a pervert or anything. Seeing as neither of the boys were paying attention, Sakura pulled her shirt over her head, revealing a strappy pink bathing suit top. She knew better than to come unprepared in case there was a place to bathe.

Sasuke turned to see where Sakura had gone and gawked as she stood in a hot pink bikini top and her black bottoms. She smiled, blushing furiously and walked over to him. Rising rather quickly, he stumbled forward.

" You look great, Sakura," he said, his face a bright red. " Um, its just a bathing suit, Sasuke," she said, laughing at his embarrassment. Stepping to the side of the water, she spied Naruto with his back to her. Quietly she jumped out at him, splashing him as she fell into the water. He turned, water dripping in his face, to find Sakura in a small pink top, her hair soaked and her eyes sparkling.

She grabbed his shoulders, pushing him under the water. She felt him swim below her, his hands grasping her legs as he raised her out of the water on his shoulders. Sakura laughed at him as he walked around in the water, her towering above the water. Suddenly he slipped into the deep end and Sakura toppled from his shoulders, splashing into the water. Sasuke watched as Sakura swam below the surface towards Naruto who was unsuspectingly rubbing the water from his eyes. Sakura grabbed his leg and he screamed. Sasuke laughed at Naruto's reaction when Sakura rose from the water.

She smiled slyly at Naruto who slapped the water with his hand, a spray of water hitting Sakura. She laughed cheerfully, joining in the water fight. Sasuke stood and watched as they played like children, but some part of him wanted to join into the fun. Sakura beamed at Naruto as the both refrained from sending tidal waves at each other. Sakura looked over at Sasuke, waving him over, but he remained motionless, a smile on his face.

Sakura decided it was time for Sasuke to let loose for once and swam away from Naruto to persuade Sasuke to join them. Naruto stared at her as she swam away from him and stepped out of the water. Her body glowed in the warm light revealing her muscular legs and toned stomach.

' Sakura looks like a goddess, those four extra hours of training a day are really paying off for her' he though to himself, not realizing that's exactly what Sasuke was thinking at the same moment. Sasuke simply stared as she made her way over to him.

" God, you two are so ridiculous," she said sarcastically, playfully smiling at Sasuke. " Aren't you going to join us, Sasuke?" she asked innocently enough, but something in her tone made him anxious. " Um shu… sure," he stuttered as she laughed, ringing out her long pink locks, the water forming a puddle at her feet. Kakashi-Sensai and the bridge-builder stepped out from behind the waterfall to find a half dressed Sakura and two terribly flustered boys.

" Well Sakura, you're dressed… reasonably enough," he said chuckling as Sasuke and Naruto pretended they hadn't even noticed Sakura's startling bathing suit. " Me and the bridge-builder are going to see what's at the other end of the ridged. We'll be back later," he said as they walked down the stone pathway. Sensing Sakura was up to no good, Naruto jumped out of the water, grabbing his shirt as he ran after them.

" I'm coming too," he said, catching up to them, but not before stealing a glance at Sakura. She waved politely as they headed down the ravine, turning a corner and disappearing from sight. Turning to Sasuke, she smiled and walked toward the waterfall, her skin slowly growing cold. Sasuke watched her as she stepped under the waterfall, the water cascading over her shoulders and flowing down her body.

Lifting her hands, she ran her fingers over her wet hair as it shimmered. Even if she had her back to him, it was unnerving. Sasuke turned around and tugged at his shirt nervously before pulling it up over his head and dropping it onto the rock next to Sakura's satchels. " Focus, don't get distracted, relax…" he said to himself in a whisper. " Focus on what?" said a soft voice behind him.

He whipped around to find Sakura inches from his face. A devious smile was stretched across her pink lips as she trailed her fingers up his bare chest, feeling the muscles of his lean form, her wet chest pressed against him. He looked at her, his eyes wide as she turned from him and waded into the water. Her hair fanned out as it floated on the steaming water. She ducked under water and rose, her pink hair slick and glittering.

She looked over her shoulder at Sasuke who still stood at the waters edge, debating whether he should get in or not. She smiled at herself for flustering the unbreakable Uchiha. She knew he thought she had an amazing body, so why not tease him. It was mean, she knew it, but why shouldn't she have a little fun.

She decided he had a bit of enough, letting him let down his guard before jumping at him again. Trying to be nice and returning her innocent smile to her face, she turned back around to face him.

" Sasuke, come on, its just water," she said laughing heartily. He noticed the seductive tone had left her voice and he relaxed. Stepping into the water he swam over to Sakura who smiled at him, her green eyes reflecting the light from the crystal water. He hadn't realized Sakura could act like that. He had always thought Sakura was a fairly modest person, but moments before, she had been teasing him, knowing she was attractive to him and using it to gain an advantage over him.

It startled him at how well it had worked. He was trying so hard to resist her, and he had done a fairly good job, but if she hadn't stopped, he didn't know what would happen. But there she was, the same innocent Sakura that he was used to, the Sakura he knew how to handle, but the other Sakura, the seductive one, he had no idea what to do. She had all the control in the palm of her hand and he knew it.

Sakura seemed to read his mind as he swam over to her. She knew she could make him uncomfortable, she knew she had a sense of power over him, and just because of the way she looked and talked. She chuckled, thinking of the startled look on his face when she had snuck up on him. She had a feeling he would react the way he did when he saw her in her swimsuit, but what was she to do. She wouldn't skip out on the hot springs because Sasuke couldn't control his hormones.

" So, um what's so great about the springs again," Sasuke said nervously in a cynical tone, a smile on his face. Sakura laughed and swam closer to him. " Wanna jump off the ledge Naruto found?" she asked excitedly. Sakura had always been one for fun and danger, especially the two together, this he would come to know quite well. Sasuke smiled at her courage. The ledge had to be at least 20 feet above the water.

Sakura grabbed his hand and pulled him from the water and led him to the small path that led up to the cliff. Water dripped from their bodies as they stood at the edge and looked down at the pool beneath them. Sakura looked at Sasuke, a wide grin on her face. Sasuke stepped toward her, but before he could react, she leapt into the air, falling into the pool below, small waves disturbing the placid water. Sakura rose to the surface, sweeping her hair out of her face and looked up at him.

" Come on, its great!" she yelled up to him. Sasuke hated heights, but for Sakura, he would do anything. He jumped out into the open air, falling down into the pool, the uneasy feeling in his stomach disappearing as he met the water. Sakura laughed as water rained down on her.

She waited for Sasuke to rise, but he didn't. Sakura began to panic. Her eyes scanned the clear water, but she couldn't find him. Suddenly she felt Sasuke grab her leg and pull her under. Gasping a mouthful of air, she sunk into the warm water, opening her eyes to find Sasuke smiling at her. His hands slid up her thighs to rest at her hips as he pulled her to him.

Her ample chest pressed against his muscular upper body as he tangled his arms around her lower back. He covered her mouth with his lips, hungrily kissing her as he felt her hands press against his back. Her hair floated around them, creating a concealing pink cloud as they lost themselves in the pristine waters. Sasuke pulled her into him, his hand reaching up her back, taking hold of one of the small strings at her top and pulling it gently.

Sakura took no notice, but pushed hard against him as he kissed her. Sakura gasped as she felt the strings from her top undo itself in the water. Breaking her hold on Sasuke, she pressed her hand against her chest, holding the triangles of fabric to her as she broke the kiss. Rising to the surface, she hurried to the water's edge and climbed out, one hand securely holding her top to her, making sure not to expose herself.

Sasuke submerged shortly after, his eyes falling on Sakura who was attempting to retie her top, but with no luck. She slapped her hand to her forehead in frustration. ' I knew I should have double-knotted it,' she thought, reprimanding herself for being so careless. Sasuke stepped out of the water and walked toward her. Noticing him making his way to her, she turned from him, just incase she was indecent. He stared at the smooth curvature of her bare back, the strings from her top hanging limply at her sides. Placing his hands on her soft shoulder, he turned her to him. Her other hand shot up to her chest as she stood there facing him, her top undone.

" This is so wrong," she said, " I'm sorry, I… umm… can you help me?" she asked, her cheeks a deep pink. Sasuke looked down at her, her chest half exposed, her hands holding the fabric to what she could cover. He nodded, slightly embarrassed, and she turned around. Slipping his hands around her to find the strings, he ran his fingers up her waist.

She inhaled quickly at the feel of his finger on her bare skin. His hands brushed the fabric under her chest as he took the strings in his fingers. Carefully pulling them around her back, he tied them in a bow, letting it hang limply at her back. She turned to face him, her hands still holding her chest protectively. Smiling at him she leaned up and kissed his wet lips gently. He pulled her into him, her hands still at her chest.

She pulled her hands from herself and slipped them over his shoulders. He slowly walked backwards towards the water, taking her with him. The warm water lapped at his heels as he backed down the slope. Sakura walked slowly forward, lips still on his, the bow on her top loosening slowly. She felt the strings start to slip, but she held tight to Sasuke, hoping that if she pressed her chest to him, her top would stay on. He clumsily fell back into the shallow water, taking her with him.

The strings unwinded themselves and fell against her bare back. Sakura arched into him as the top slipped down her chest, slowly sliding off her slick body. Sasuke felt the fabric loosely pressed against his chest and pulled back, letting her top fall into the water before pulling her back to him.

Sakura let a gasp escape into his mouth, but kissed him back feverishly. Sasuke ran his fingers over her velvet skin, his hands pressing her to him as he licked at her lips, begging entrance to her mouth. Sakura opened her mouth, letting his tongue explore hers. Sasuke waded deeper into the water with Sakura still held to him. Her hair fell over her shoulders as he gained footing and stood. Her cherry strands tickled his chest as they stuck to her skin, hiding her cleavage in a pink curtain.

His hands ran through her wet, tangled hair as he sank into the water. Sakura followed him into the water, her lips leaving his for a moment to gather air before she disappeared under the surface. Her eyes opened under the water as she felt Sasuke's hands reaching up her sides, his thumbs brushing the sides of her breasts as he kissed her neck gently. Sasuke trailed his lips up her neck, meeting her lips again, his tongue roaming her mouth freely. Sakura rose out of the water with Sasuke at her mouth.

They parted to breath, their eyes meeting each other's momentarily. Sakura emerald eyes glistened in the pale light of the water, her hair hanging over her chest. Sasuke, backing slowly to the shore, pulled her with him. He lifted her out of the water, her hair still sticking to her breasts as he led her away from the warm waters. Sakura realized she had lost her top in the spur of the moment between them.

Finding it washed up on the ground, she lifted it with a finger, carrying to the rock. Sasuke watched her move gracefully. All she wore were her black bottoms, her hair covering her ample chest. He desired so much to push the hair away, but he knew she wouldn't let him. Instead he pulled her into him, kissing her passionately, sliding his hands down her arms and linking his fingers with hers. Her lips pushed against his gently before leaving. She looked up at him before laying her head against him and wrapping her arms around him.

" Sasuke, what are we doing,' she asked, the seduction in her voice returning. She felt so good, she never wanted this feeling to leave. He brushed her hair over her shoulders, but made sure she was against him before doing so. The feel of her breasts against his chest made him anxious, but he refrained from touching her there. He didn't want the trust between them to be broken, he didn't want to cross the line. He loved her and he wanted her to know she was safe, even when they were messing around and thing led further than either expected.

" Sakura, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have let it get this far," he said, turning his eyes away. " Maybe you should put your top on before Naruto and them get back." His voice sounded disappointed to her and she sighed. She trusted Sasuke completely and she knew he would never hurt her, but he was right. This was expected to happen, but just not as suddenly as it did, but she had no regrets.

She pulled away from him, letting his eyes rest on her as she backed away. She didn't care anymore, she wanted him. He watched as she moved away, his eyes beheld her magnificent body, shocked that she was letting him see her like this. He moved towards her, his hands meeting her hips and sliding up her sides. He stopped short as he felt the swell of her chest at his fingertips.

She breathed in quickly as his hands slowly moved over her breasts, his soft touch raising the desire in her. She looked up at him, his onyx eyes on her. She smiled as she kissed his lips softly over and over. He stood motionless as she sprinkled his face with delicate kisses before she wrapped her arms over his shoulders, sinking her fingertips into his back.

His hands caressed her gently before moving down her sides, resting at her hips as he pulled her into him. She laughed as he kissed her shoulders, the feel of his soft lips on her skin tickling her. He pulled back, holding her at arms length, her damp hair falling over her breasts, hiding them from his sight. She grinned deviously before walking around him.

Gathering up her satchels, shirt and top, she walked over to Sasuke and took his hand, her face lit in a mischievous smile. She led him back behind the waterfall, letting him watch her as she set her satchel and clothes down before turning around. She found him in front of her, his eyes roaming her body as he pressed her up against the wall, one hand on her thigh, the other beside her head, resting on the stone wall.

He dipped his head, taking her lips in his. She pulled him into her, her fingers running up and down his smooth skin. His hand left her thigh and trailed up her waist before meeting her breast. She breathed heavily as he kissed down her neck, his lips getting closer to her chest. Suddenly, Naruto's voice could be heard a ways away.

Sasuke let his lips leave her skin before he reached his goal. Sakura quickly stooped, wrapping her top around her and tying it quickly before pulling her shirt over head. She was quite calm even at the extent they were fooling around. She smiled and winked at Sasuke who chuckled into her hair as he pulled her to him, his fingers interlacing with hers.

Sasuke lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. Sakura looked at him, smiling adoringly. Leaning forward she brushed her lips against his in a sweet kiss. Sasuke leaned in to kiss her back, his hand wrapping around her waist.

" Ha I Knew It!"

Sakura pulled her lips from Sasuke's and turned her head, finding Naruto, Kakashi-Sensai and the bridge-builder standing in the "doorway" to the cave. Sakura just smiled at them while Sasuke held to her waist, looking as casual as he could. Naruto laughed at them, but Sakura noticed Kakashi didn't seem surprised at all. ' He must have seen us in the forest,' she thought, his eyes reflecting the moment.

" Going soft on us, Sasuke?" Naruto said teasingly. Sasuke simply shrugged and pulled Sakura closer to him. Naruto was shocked at his response. Disappointed he didn't get a reaction, he walked over to his pack, unrolling his blanket before sitting down.

" I don't know about you two love-birds, but I'm beat. Night," said Naruto before lying back on his bed, soon snoring loudly. Sakura and Sasuke chuckled at each other, knowing the others were oblivious to what they had been up to. Sasuke walked over to his pack and unrolled his blanket as Sakura took hers from her pack. Sasuke walked over and took her free hand, leading her back to his blanket, where they both laid comfortably under Sakura's blanket, soon falling asleep.

Sakura rose to find a bright light flooding the cave floor. Hearing the calm splash of the waterfall, she sat up groggily, stretching her arms over her head. Sasuke was still asleep next to her, his arm resting on her stomach. She beamed down at him, kissing him lightly on the forehead before moving his hand to his side and rising out from under the covers.

Standing up, she bent over and pulled shampoo and soap from her pack and walked out of the cave, rubbing her eyes sleepily. Kakashi-Sensai sat on the tall rock, already dressed and reading his book.

" Hope you don't mind," she said casually, shaking the shampoo bottle in her hand. He looked up from his book and shrugged. Taking it as a yes, she pulled her shirt off, letting it fall to the ground beside her, adjusting her pink bikini top before stepping under the hot waterfall. The water poured over her silky strands, soaking them as she ran her hands through her hair. Leaning down, she picked up the bottle, tipped it upside-down and let the contents flow into her open palm.

She set the bottle down then brought her hands to her head, rubbing the sudsy shampoo into her hair. Inhaling the sweet fragrance of cherry blossoms from the bubbles that floated around her, she began to awaken, her droopy eyes now lit and bright. Stepping back under the waterfall, she let the water wash away the pearly pink suds from her hair. Sasuke emerged from the cave behind her, watching her as she washed her hair.

Tilting her head back she let the water flow over her head and shoulders, trapped in the enticing warmth of the waterfall. Sakura opened her eyes, wiping her face with her hands to remove the streaks of water. Sasuke sat down on the rock next to Kakashi who was peering over his book, watching Sakura as she lathered her skin, rubbing her arms, legs and waist with the foamy soap.

" Tempting, isn't she," Sasuke said, grinning at Kakashi who quickly diverted his eyes from Sakura who was rubbing the soap around her neck and chest. Sasuke smirked, knowing that even his sensai noticed how attractive Sakura was, but pleased that she was with him. Sasuke was relieved this morning after his horrific dream seemed to have disappeared from his mind completely.

Sakura rinsed the suds from her front and stepped out from under the water, her hair a shocking pink, it's tangled ends now silky and smooth. She walked over to Sasuke, wringing her hair out, smiling happily at the chance to shower. He smiled back, taking her hand and pulling her to him. He was happy to have their relationship out in the open instead of sneaking around.

He breathed in the sweet-smelling fragrance that surrounded her, his hands combing gently through her sleek pink locks. She kissed him lightly on the cheek before turning and walking away, returning to the cave to retrieve her towel. Sakura walked quietly over to her pack and pulled a red towel out and began to dry herself off. She was busy wiping the water from her backside when she felt a warm breath on her neck. Smiling, she turned.

" Sasuke, what are you… Naruto, what do you want," she said impatiently as Naruto sniffed her. He just smiled wide at her as she toweled off the ends of her dripping hair.

" You smell good, Sakura, like cherry blossoms. Its nice, that's all," he said sincerely. Sakura smiled at his kindness. He remained standing in front of her when she began to think of something she hadn't noticed before. She remembered when Naruto had found them on the bridge and then realized something, but she had to ask to make sure.

" Naruto, did you see Sasuke kiss me on the bridge yesterday?" she asked. His smile disappeared, a look of slight hurt on his face. He looked down at his feet before answering her. He wrung his hands together nervously, avoiding her eyes.

" Yeah I did, I didn't want to say anything though," he said, his voice clenched as though he was holding back tears. ' He really likes me,' she thought,' and it must have hurt him pretty bad to see me and Sasuke kiss.' She reached forward and touched Naruto's face, lifting his chin so his eyes met hers.

" Naruto, I'm soo sorry, I never wanted to hurt you."

" Its okay, I guess I was just hoping Sasuke would keep ignoring you so you might give up on him and… well, go out with me."

" Oh Naruto, I'm really sorry. But if it makes up, I'm very happy to have such a wonderful friend," she said smiling at him encouragingly. She noticed him attempt to smile, but saw it fade. " Yeah, friends," he said meekly, turning from her.

She sighed sadly as Naruto shuffled out of the cave. It broke her heart to hurt Naruto, but she loved Sasuke. She stood there, her towel held limply at her side, her wet body dripping, when Sasuke entered shortly after Naruto had left.

" What's with Naruto?" Sasuke asked, taking the towel from Sakura's hand and began drying off her shoulders. She thought about what he had said to her. ' I guess I was just hoping Sasuke would keep ignoring you…,'. Sakura pushed Naruto's comment out of her mind and looked at Sasuke who was drying off her back, the soft fabric caressing her skin.

" Naruto saw us kiss on the bridge and he's pretty hurt," she said as painlessly as possible, even though she felt horrible. It was hurting her more than she thought. Although she had no feelings for Naruto, he was still important to her. " Maybe I should go talk to him," she said, tears burning behind her eyes.

It was important not to hurt those that were close to her and she cared for Naruto. They were close, but there was just nothing there for her. She turned her face away from Sasuke as a tear slipped down her cheek. He was worried. Sakura usually never got this upset when she told Naruto she didn't want to date him, but obviously this was different to her.

She had broken his heart and it was slowly breaking hers. Sasuke wiped her tear from her cheek. He was concerned about her. She couldn't control herself and threw herself into Sasuke's arms, the tears overwhelming her. Sasuke kissed the top of her head and held her as she wept for another boy.

Naruto walked sulkily down the path he, Kakashi and the bridge-builder had taken the night before. He was so broken inside. Sakura was everything to him and now she with that teme Sasuke. All he's ever done was treat her lower than dirt and now he's suddenly involved with Sakura. How could he even hope he had a chance though? All she did was worship Sasuke, so it was inevitable he would give in to her beauty and charm.

But Sasuke didn't deserve her. And maybe he didn't either, but he didn't care about that, all he knew was Sakura would never be his he would never feel his heart beat again. He let his tears fall onto the stone under his feet as he walked out of sight, never wanting to turn back. Turning around the bend in the canyon, he followed the rushing water to the secret cavern he had found the previous night when Kakashi-Sensai and the bridge-builder were busy talking.

He sat against the wall, resting his head in his hands as he thought about the first day he met her. She was the pretty little konoichi she always was with a slightly bigger forehead and lighter green eyes. She had sat next to him the first day of ninja school and they had become fast friends, his first friend.

She didn't seem to care he was a goofball or an outcast, he was special to her. That was until He came. The instant Sasuke had stepped into her life, she pushed Naruto out of her mind and heart. He was alone again. She cared for nothing he did and he grew to hate the dark Uchiha. For some reason Sakura was drawn to his brutal attitude and brooding nature. He was mysterious and all the girls seemed to fall in love with him at first glance.

Over the last few years, he tried so hard to push his way back into Sakura's heart, with no success though. She started to yell at him, ignore him, treat him like he never thought she would. And then came the day she said the words that would haunt him. They had just become Squad 7 and he was overjoyed to be in the same team with her, but unfortunately, so was Sasuke.

All she did was drool over him. Kakashi-Sensai had asked them about their likes, their dislikes, and their dreams. He had gone first and talked about his love of ramen. It was the second most important thing in his life, Sakura being the first. When it came Sakura's turn to talk, she simply dreamed about Sasuke, liked Sasuke… she hadn't mentioned her dislikes. But when asked, those fateful words had come from her mouth.

They resounded in his head… " I Hate… NARUTO!" she had said, the very thing he feared she would. She had become another person he would have to prove himself to, and it broke him to know she… hated him. Naruto felt the cold tears slide down his face as he buried his face in his hands.

Sakura began to worry, it was getting close to noon and they were all ready to get on the road that led them closer to The Land Hidden In The Mist. Sasuke sat watching as Sakura stared down the same bit of canyon, waiting to see Naruto's bright orange coat, but with no luck.

So she stood for five minutes, for ten, fifteen, staring at the same stretch of land with still no sign of him. She was getting extremely anxious and worried. What if Naruto got so distraught that he hurt himself and he needed her? What if he was in trouble? Sakura paced, wringing her empty satchel pocket in her hands nervously.

" That's it, I'm going after him," she said decidedly, marching off in the direction he had gone down earlier. Sasuke stood to stop her, but before he could get to her, she turned, her face determined. " I need to do this alone, Sasuke," she said harshly. Her face softened as she realized how awful she had sounded.

" I'm sorry, but I have to be the one to talk to him," she said, leaning forward and kissing him lightly before running off down the canyon and turning around the bend, disappearing from his sight. Sasuke stood, confused at what to do. He didn't want to disobey her. He knew she could bring Naruto back, but what if Naruto had run into something and was injured, Sakura couldn't protect herself and Naruto.

He turned back to the long canyon path before he made his decision. He had to go after her. Hopefully she would be okay when he reached her. He began to walk when he heard Kakashi's voice.

" I wouldn't," he said, reading his book calmly. Sasuke ignored him and quickened his pace as he made his way down the ravine.

Sakura was a great deal into the canyon, the walls rising high into the sky above her. She felt the water splash around her knees as she ran through a small stream that cut its way through the canyon floor. Her eyes searched for any sign that Naruto might have been down this way. She slowed when she heard a muffled sob.

Sakura walked toward a dark cave sunk into the canyon wall. Stepping into the small hidden cavern she saw Naruto sitting against the wall at the back, his hands covering his glistening face, small droplets falling onto the ground in soft splashes. Sakura slowly made her way over to him, stooping beside him as his tears fell at her feet.

Reaching out her hand, she set it on his shoulder, careful not to startle him. Naruto looked up at her, his face shining with fresh tears. He turned from her, ashamed she had seen him weak. Sakura pulled her to him, his tears falling onto her shirt as he clung to her, letting his sorrow fall between them in silence.

Sakura ran her fingers soothingly through his spiky, blonde hair, singing to him as he let his pain subside, all his hurt inside him drifting away as Sakura's soft voice filled his ears. He pulled away from her, looking up into her emerald eyes, his bright blue one's glistening with tears.

" Sakura, thank you," he said quietly, embracing her. She wrapped her arms around him as they both healed their wounds. " Naruto, I'm sorry, for everything, ever since we were kids. I want to be the one you can turn to when you need someone and the one I can trust to be there for me, I want us to be best friends again," Sakura whispered as her own tears fell, feeling herself let go of all the resentment she had ever thought she had for him.

Naruto nodded his head, feeling relieved things would go back to before Sasuke came. But he realized Sasuke was still there, but at least he wouldn't lose Sakura again. Sakura pulled away, looking at him, a new smile just for him, the one no one, not even Sasuke, would ever see. Sakura rose and stretched her hand down to Naruto and wiped away her tears with the other.

He took her hand eagerly and smiled at her wide, happiness washing away his sorrow. He realized just then that he had never wanted Sakura the way he had thought. He wanted the friend back, not the girl. He had thought for so long that he loved Sakura and he did, just not the way he considered. He loved her like his sister, like the one who would be there no matter what. He didn't lose Sakura the girl, he had lost Sakura the friend, the only one who understood him and the only thing precious to him was her friendship.

But now that he had it back, he was whole again, better than new, he was Naruto Uzumaki. Before, he could call himself that, but never really knew what was there that made him that. But with Sakura back in his life, it became clear to him what he valued, what truly made him unique. Sakura grasped his hand and gently squeezed it, the smile for him beaming on her face. Naruto smiled back before running to the hidden cave entrance.

" Race Yah!" he yelled at her. Sakura chased after him, laughter ringing through the ravine, meeting a certain Sasuke's ears. Sasuke turned down the canyon, following the footsteps Sakura left in the dirt. He looked around, noticing the dark clouds that formed overhead, threatening rain.

The laughter came closer as he rounded a bend in the ravine. Suddenly, he saw Naruto running with Sakura at his heals, their laughter echoing loudly off the canyon walls. Naruto had his head turned back as he teased Sakura and hadn't noticed Sasuke standing in front of him.

" Naruto, look out!" Sakura yelled as he turned his head and ran into Sasuke, knocking him over. Sakura ran and stopped beside the wreckage. Naruto had rolled off of Sasuke and was proceeding in apologizing profusely, but Sasuke simply laughed loudly to everyone's surprise. Sakura looked at Sasuke quizzically, wondering what had gotten into him. He simply smiled and grabbed Naruto's hand and got to his feet.

" Its good to see you two are okay, I had gotten worried and decided to come after you," Sasuke said, hugging Sakura to him who was still confused at his behavior. Sakura looked at Naruto as Sasuke hugged her tightly. He simply shrugged, not knowing what was going on either.

" Ummm… Sasuke are you okay?" Sakura asked as he released her. He just looked down at her, his attitude changing entirely to a worried gaze. " Is he okay?" he whispered. She nodded slightly, beaming up at him. He smiled back, relaxing as he wrapped his arm around her and turned to Naruto.

" Lets go," Sakura said beaming at Naruto who gave her a sly look and ran as she gave chase, Sasuke clinging to her hand to keep up. They ran quickly through the canyon before reaching the sensai and bridge-builder at the steps all of them laughing and clutching their sides. After returning their breathing to normal, they gathered their things and climbed the steps out of the ravine, sparing one last sad glance at the enchanted springs.

" We have to stop by there again sometime," said Naruto, Sakura nodding in agreement, Sasuke silently walking beside her, their fingers linked affectionately. Sasuke listened as they talked about things they had never bothered telling each other before. Normally, Sakura never spoke to Naruto unless to scold him, but she was carrying on a conversation with him like they were old friends.

Their relationship had changed while they were gone in the canyon, he could sense the different atmosphere about them. ' They had become good friends, but how did this happen so suddenly?' he thought as he watched the two laugh together. Then he remembered the day he attended ninja school. He had seen them together everywhere they went. They had been the best of friends, but something had broken them apart till now.

' It was me,' he thought guiltily to himself. He realized when he had come, Sakura had ditched Naruto to adore him with the other girls, abandoning her best friend. He was thankful they had rekindled their friendship and joined into he conversation, laughing almost louder than Naruto, finally becoming one of the team. Kakashi looked back at his students.

The couple, Sakura and Sasuke, and the accepted goofball, Naruto. They had finally connected and he felt the strong bonds between them that couldn't be broken. They had developed into the true Squad 7. ' But this is just the first step,' he thought as they came closer and closer to their destination.


OMG total sexiness. So didn't mean for it to be that naughty but it works so it shall stay. Btw Sakura and Sasuke are way older than in the show so please don't think i'm sick in the head and what not. Oh and i HAD to have a mush scene with Naruto cuz he's so gush dern cute! yeah anyways lemme shut up so you can continue to the NEXT CHAPPY!