Sakura No Yousei: Chapter 8- White Ribbons In The Rain

It was finally the day of the White Ribbon Festival and all of Konoha was stirring with excitement, especially three girls in the local café. The girls sat, talking loudly, the elder women around them grumbling in complaint as their incessant chatter echoed through the courtyard. " Ladies, I'm sorry to bother you, but could you please lower your voices," the waiter asked nervously as the girls eyes fell upon him, his gaze falling to the ground in embarrassment. The timid violet-haired girl spoke up.

" Yes, s-sorry to disturb y-you," she fumbled as she turned back to her excited companions. " So Hinata, what do you think Naruto got you?" the blonde chimed as she drank her tea. " Oh I-I don't know," she said quietly, her fingers playing with the ruffles of her napkin. " I heard you told Gentai you couldn't go with him, Ino," the pink-haired konoichi added. The blondes face fell as she eyes her glass in thought. " I did, and it was soo hard. Gentai is soo sweet and I didn't want to hurt him," she sighed as her fingers smoothed over the rim of her glass.

They sat in silence before Hinata began to fidget in her seat. " I hope the festival is good. I can't wait to see Sasuke's face when he sees you in that dress, Sakura," Hinata said, lightening the mood. " Yeah, I just hope it all goes well. He's been having these dreams that wake him up. I'm a bit worried and he won't tell me what they are. I'm getting annoyed, they're starting to keep me awake," she said as her friends eyebrows raised in shock.

" You're sleeping at his house?" Ino exclaimed loud enough for all to hear. Sakura shooshed her before talking in a low voice. " It's only happened once or twice. Nothing happened, he just likes the company," Sakura said innocently, but Ino and Hinata weren't going for it. " So let me guess, you sleep together in the same bed, in your pajamas, right?" Ino whispered, a devious smile creeping across her face. " Well not exactly," Sakura replied, her face turning a deep red.

" Oh my god, you aren't, you didn't…," Ino gasped. " No! No! I mean, I've slept in my bra and shorts before, goodness Ino!" Sakura answered in a rush, her heart beating rapidly. " Oh, right, sorry," Ino said, her hand reaching up to smooth back her hair. Sakura noticed Sasuke, Naruto and Gentai make their way over to them and felt her face go red. Ino noticed Sakura's eyes wander as her face went red and looked over her shoulder to find the threesome walk up to them.

" Hi guys," Ino said, covering for Sakura's embarrassment. " Hey," they chimed as they reached their table. Sasuke took a seat next to Sakura and she avoided his eyes as he pulled her closer to him. Ino giggled and Hinata pretended to take notice in Naruto's orange jacket. " Did we miss something?" Sasuke asked as the girls glanced at each other. " Um… no we were just talking about… stuff," Sakura answered as she looked into Sasuke's confused eyes. " Oh in that case," he said before kissing her lightly, her cheeks instantly going pink as his lips left hers.

Ino and Hinata giggled before tuning to Naruto and Gentai. Ino and Gentai shared a nervous glance before looking off in the opposite direction. Noting the silence, Sakura spoke up. " So what do you guys want to do, we have the whole day or at least till 6 tonight," she said, everyone turning to face her. " I hear the spring in nice right now," Ino offered, all of them nodding in agreement. " I haven't gone swimming since…" Sakura instantly fell silent as her and Sasuke's face went red.

" Yeah, we figured you've done something bad," Ino said teasingly as Sakura shot her a warning glance. " Okay, then its swimming we're doing," Naruto said to avoid the situation. " I guess we should go get our suits," Sakura said as they all rose. " Meet us back here in 20 minutes, okay?" Sakura said, the boys nodding. " Okay then," she said and she, Ino and Hinata walked away.

The boys stood and watched as the girls laughed loudly, ending in Ino getting hit in the arm by Sakura. " What do you think they were talking about before we got here? I heard Ino yell something, but I couldn't figure out what she was talking about," Naruto said as the girls rounded the corner and they lost them from view. " I can guess," Sasuke said as he turned to walk to his apartment. " What?" Naruto asked as he followed. " I shouldn't say," Sasuke replied, feeling slightly embarrassed at the fact Sakura had been staying at his house for the last few days.

" No really, I won't tell," Naruto pleaded as Gentai rolled his eyes. Sasuke sighed as they trudged up the hill. He figured if he refused to tell, Naruto would go to any length to find out, even if it meant spying on him, which meant a free show of him and Sakura sleeping at his place. " Well Sakura's been spending the night at my house and, I mean nothing's happened, but she doesn't exactly wear much. You remember what Kakashi told you that morning before the briefing with ANBU?" he said, avoiding Gentai and Naruto's shocked expressions.

" Oh yeah the whole ' Sakura in her bra and panties' thing. I swear, he still hasn't stopped telling me about it," Naruto said laughing. " Yeah, I bet," Sasuke said as the image of Sakura's ravaged form in his bed sheets ran through his mind. " Um yeah, she's pretty shocking when she's standing in practically nothing in front of you," Gentai said, feeling the heat rise to his face. He noticed Sasuke tense, but he relaxed as he thought about recent nights with Sakura.

" WHAT! You mean you've both seen Sakura naked!" Naruto yelled. An old women passing shot them a dirty look before picking up her pace. " Naruto, do you have to say that so loud," Sasuke said, grimacing as he smiled weakly at his neighbor who leaned her head out her door. Sasuke fitted the key into the door before pushing it open. " We'll meet you there, and you better tell me everything, Sasuke!" Naruto said as he and Gentai turned to run the few blocks to their apartment. Sasuke waved them off before slipping inside and leaning up against the door as it shut behind him.

" God Naruto, my neighbor probably thinks me and Sakura are…," he trailed off before walking to his bedroom to sift through his drawers and pulled out his swim trunks. He changed quickly and slung a towel over his shoulder before heading out the door. He thought it would be a good idea to catch Sakura before Naruto blabbed and headed in her direction.

He arrived at Sakura's house just as she was walking out the door, her towel in hand and bathing suit on. " Oh hey Sasuke, came to escort me to the café to meet the others?" she said smiling as he took her hand. He looked her head to foot, noticing her black bikini top and usual black bottoms, the satchel on her thigh missing, but the one around her hips still in place. A pair of black sunglasses sat atop her pink locks, her hand moving up to slide them over her eyes.

" Just thought I would walk with you since you live close," he paused before he blurted out," Sakura, were you and the others talking about you staying at my house earlier?" he asked quickly as she linked their fingers. " Um… yeah, actually," she said, her face glowing a bright pink again. " Just wondering. I figured, besides, the guys were wondering," Sasuke said as Sakura lowered her sunglasses to look into his onyx eyes. " Did you tell them about me in my underwear?" she asked casually as she searched his eyes.

" Yeah, sorry. I think Naruto already knew something was up though. Kakashi told him about us in the ANBU hideout," he said sheepishly as Sakura's eyes went wide. " Oh I see…" she said as she lowered her glasses, the others coming into view as they walked through the crowded street. " Well, I assume they would have found out sooner or later," she said calmly, although her grasp on Sasuke's hand tightened.

" Ready to go?" Ino asked as they approached, Naruto and Gentai eyeing Sakura before they all walked in the direction of the spring. They had only walked a ways into the forest when Naruto and Gentai began to peer back at Sakura every few steps. " Sasuke, they keep looking at me, make them stop," Sakura whispered to Sasuke as Naruto and Gentai's eyes scanned Sakura for the millionth time. " Its like they can see through my bathing suit, its making me uncomfortable," she sighed as she shot them a nasty look, causing them to turn their heads back around.

" Hey you two, keep your eyes on the path," Sasuke said in a tense tone, causing Naruto and Gentai to focus ahead. " What was that about," Ino whispered to Sakura as they walked. " Sasuke told them about me in my underwear," she whispered back, her narrowed eyes meeting Sasuke's. He looked at her apologetically before she returned her eyes to the path. " Oh really? That's risky, Sasuke. Sakura may deny you rights to her bra if you mess with her," Ino said laughing. " Not funny," Sakura snapped at her, although a faint smile spread across her lips at the thought of her resisting Sasuke.

Sasuke simply smiled, the picture of Sakura walking out of his bathroom without her bra fresh in his mind from the night before. ' Hn, risky business is all it is,' he thought as Sakura read his mind and punched him in the arm. " Ow, what was that for?" he asked as he rubbed his sore arm. " I saw that smile, Uchiha. Do not say anything to Naruto, understand," she warned as they arrived at the spring. " Yeah okay," he said as Sakura left his side to join Ino and Hinata.

The girls sat on the grassy bank, each lying on their signature colored towels, the suns ray glistening on their skin. " So what do you think Sasuke got you?" Hinata asked as Sakura rolled onto her stomach and rest her head on her folded arms. " Goodness, I don't know. But I'm sure I'll love whatever it is. Lately he's been acting really weird, like romantic weird. I'm starting to worry," she said as the two laughed at her.

" Why worry, I think it means he's in love, Sakura," Ino said as she watched the boys splash and tackle each other. " Well, the other night I went to his house after shopping and I sat with him, but he freaked out when I noticed something in his pocket. It felt like a little box or something, but he flipped and practically ran to his bedroom to hide it," she said as she eyed Sasuke who was busy sending a tidal wave of water at Naruto and Gentai.

Ino and Hinata looked at each other and gasped, Sakura looking at the two in confusion. " What, what did I say?" she asked as the two shared a smile before looking back at her. " I think it's a ring, Sakura-chan! Why else would he freak out?" Ino said in a whisper. " Oh I don't think so, Ino. I mean, we're only 17. He wouldn't ask me to marry him. It's probably nothing," she said calmly although her heart beat painfully in her chest.

" Hn, okay, I guess we'll see tonight, won't we," Ino said as Hinata giggled at the thought of Sakura getting married. " Seriously you two, that's ridiculous, it's probably just something he got me but didn't want me to see," she said, dismissing the unnerving thoughts of Sasuke proposing. It wasn't uncommon for people in their village to marry young, but the thought of settling down so soon scared her. She wanted to have a life with ANBU before marry anyone. Not that she wouldn't mind being with Sasuke for the rest of her life, but it was just a daunting thought when she hadn't even taken her Jouniin Tests yet.

" Are you guys going to swim or just sit there all day!" Naruto yelled at them, snapping Sakura out of her thoughts. " Oh um yeah, we're coming," Sakura said hurriedly before setting her sunglasses down and taking her satchel off. " Does she take that with her everywhere?" Gentai whispered to Sasuke as Sakura folded her satchel and laid it on her towel.

" It's either that one or the one on her thigh. I remember sleeping one night and feeling something stab me and found Sakura wearing her satchel on her thigh. A kunai had fallen out in the bed. I think she just doesn't want to be unprepared if ever caught in a bad situation," he said as the image of Sakura unsnapping and snapping her satchel pocket came to mind, causing a smile to form on his face.

Hinata and Ino slowly entered the water, wading in to get used to the water while Sakura sprinted around the deep pool to the high cliff that over shadowed it. They all watched from the water as Sakura climbed the sheer cliff wall before hoisting herself to the top and disappearing from sight. " Where did she go?" Naruto asked, but his question was quickly answered as Sakura came running off the cliff and leaping off the ledge in a swan dive.

Sakura fell fast to the water as they all watched her speedy decent, her form slipping into the cool water and disappearing into the dark water below. " She worries me. One day she's going to kill her self pulling crazy stunts like that," Ino said as Sakura's pink locks and face broke the waters surface.

" That was fun," she exhaled as she caught her breath. Sasuke smiled at her as Naruto and Gentai shared a devious smile and swam to the rock wall, climbing up the steep wall to the top. Each jumped in cannon ball form, hurtling to the water and sending wave after wave as they hit the water.

" We should play a game," Sakura said as Naruto and Gentai surfaced. " Like what?" Hinata asked, Sakura's eyes narrowing, a smile breaking across her face. " Chicken," she said as her eyes glowed white and a pillar of solid water rose beneath her. The water lifted her high above them and she sat cross-legged on the top. Her eyes returned to normal as she gazed down at them. " Whoever wants to play, raise your hand," she said, a hesitant Naruto inching his hand upward.

" Great, Naruto it is," she said, her eyes lighting the eerie white as she forced the water below Naruto into a pillar. Naruto lifted out of the water to match her height, his frightened eyes begging Sakura to stop. Sakura's eyes tuned back to emerald as the pillars moved towards each other.

" Okay, you know water jutsus right?" she asked as Naruto clung to the ledge to look at the water below, his friends looking up at them. " Y-yeah," he stuttered, his frightened gaze turned to Sakura. " Okay, the deal is you have to force your pillar higher than mine before we reach the wall's ledge. First to the top wins. And the pillar with stay solid as long as I have chakra left and since it's a shadow jutsu, you shouldn't worry," she said reassuringly as Naruto eyed her.

" Okay," he said nervously. Naruto stood shakily, his hands ready. " Did you all hear that?" Sakura asked as she stood atop her pillar. " Yeah, we got it!" Sasuke yelled up to her. Sakura and Naruto began their race, each ones hands forming jutsus. " I think we should get out of the water," Ino said calmly as the two performed their jutsus, the water around them turning turbulent. " Yeah that would be a good idea," Sasuke said as they all swam to the grassy slope.

They sat and watched as the two's hands move quickly in water jutsus, each ones pillar growing foot by foot. Sakura seemed to maintain a good speed while Naruto struggled, his eyes avoiding the frightening ledge of his pillar. " Come on Naruto!" Hinata cheered as Naruto closed his eyes tightly and focused on the jutsus.

His pillar shot up quickly to match Sakura's and passed it slowly. Sakura noticed Naruto gain the lead and quickly formed the dragon jutsu. The pillar below her transformed into and enormous dragon, leaving her sitting atop its head. Its body slithered around Naruto's pillar before meeting his height. Naruto peeked to find Sakura directly beside him.

" Wha..how… Sakura where did you come from, weren't you over there," he stumbled as Sakura smiled, her eyes an intense green as the dragons head appeared below her, Naruto practically stumbling off the edge of his pillar.

" Hey no fair!" he yelled as she rose above him, the dragons body climbing to the top of the cliff. Sakura stepped off its head and it slowly sunk back into the water. " Hey come on, don't leave me here," he yelled up to her as she looked over the ledge to find Naruto still standing on his pillar. " Hold on tight," she yelled down to him and she formed his pillar into another dragon, Naruto clinging to the watery scales at it rose to meet her.

Naruto practically leapt into Sakura's arms as the dragon slid toward her, its nose meeting the ledge. " Naruto, you're alive, okay? Now let me go," she chuckled as Naruto clung to her. " Thanks," he sighed as he crawled to the ledge to see the dragons head slip below the water. Sakura backed away form the ledge and broke into a run. " Last one down is a Naruto!" Sakura shouted as she jumped off the cliff.

" Hey, not funny!" Naruto yelled after her as he jumped off. They hit the water, sending a spray of water at the four sitting on the bank. " Ug, I was almost dry," Ino said as she wrung her hair out. " Sorry," Sakura said as she swam towards the shore, Naruto behind her. " I think we should go," Hinata said as she looked into the sky, the noon sun descending in the sky. " Yeah, I've got to shower now," Ino said, Sakura nodding in agreement.

They all gathered their things and left, following the path through the forest. Sakura dried her hair on her towel before slinging it over her shoulder and looking over at Sasuke. " Have fun?" she asked as she eyed Sasuke's silent form beside her. " Oh, uh.. yeah," he replied blandly, his mind lost in thought. " Sasuke.." " Hn" " What's wrong," Sakura asked as she took his hand. The others walked ahead as Sakura slowed, causing Sasuke to slow with her.

He looked down at her as the others disappeared into the trees ahead. His throat clenched as he searched for the words to say. " Sakura, do you ever dream about something and it seems so real that you think it might happen," Sasuke said as the recurring nightmare lit in his mind. He had been reliving his nightmare from their mission each night, ignoring it each time it reared its head.

He didn't think it possible to come true now he was back in Konoha, but the image of Sakura's death was beginning to get to him. Sakura's emerald gaze pierced his eyes, her face settling into a worrisome frown. " It's that dream isn't. The one you keep having each night before you wake up sweating and calling my name," she said as his eyes peered into her own. " Yes. I can't make it go away Sakura, but I can't tell you what it is," he said as she opened her mouth to speak. She grew silent as he looked away from her.

" I worry something bad will happen, but I know it can't because it's not real. I just want it to go away," he sighed as he met her eyes, a smile spreading across his face. " I know nothing will ever hurt you, so I don't know why I worry. You can save yourself, you shouldn't need me," he said, his fake smile causing Sakura to anger. She pulled away from him and turned as she held back her tears.

" Sasuke, I still need you to save me. Maybe not from danger or being attacked, but you save me each day in a way you don't understand. Without you, I'm lost. I feel safe and complete with you. You save me from heartache and sorrow, Sasuke," she whispered as a tear slipped from her eye.

" I love you Sasuke, and nothing could take me from you, I promise you," she sighed as she turned and pulled herself into his warm body. His hands rest on her back as she held him, a smile finding its way onto his lips. " Sakura, you're everything to me, and I need you by me always," he said as she lifted her head, her eyes meeting his warm smile. " Sasuke I want to be with you forever, no matter what life brings," Sakura breathed as his lips met hers, letting them drift into their own world where it was just them.

" God, did they sneak off again!" Naruto yelled as they stopped on the bridge, Sakura and Sasuke gone from their group. " I'm sure they're talking or something," Ino said as she leaned her back against the bridge railing. " Yeah, or something," Naruto mumbled. " It's okay, you two go get ready for the festival, we'll wait for Sakura and Sasuke," Hinata said.

Naruto stared at her, making her blush as his eyes explored her. " Hinata, what time should I get you for the festival," he asked as he smiled widely, his hands reaching behind his head. " Oh um how about 5:45, that should give me enough time," Hinata replied smoothly.

Naruto's eyes widened as he noticed her stutter was gone. " Um okay 5:45 it is," he said as he leaned forward and kissed her cheek softly, causing her to grip the railing as her knees desired to give way beneath her. " R-right, s-see you t-then," she breathed as Naruto and Gentai turned to walk away.

" What was that about, Hinata?" Ino asked as she helped Hinata stand up straight. " I don't know," Hinata said, smiling the biggest smile as she watched Naruto and Gentai walk away. Her fingers caresses the spot where Naruto's lips had touched her and she felt the swirl of excitement fill her stomach.

he underbrush behind them rustled as Sakura and Sasuke emerged from the trees, Sakura holding Sasuke's arm closely and Sasuke holding her hand tightly. " And where were you two?" Ino asked as she rapped her foot on the planks of the bridge. " Just talking," Sakura replied as Sasuke kissed her cheek. " Pick you up at 5:30, okay?" he whispered in her ear, Sakura nodding in agreement.

Sasuke released her hand and walked up the street to his apartment to get ready. Sakura watched him depart before turning her eyes to her friends. They both stared at her, waiting for an answer, but none came. " Just talking…" she sighed as she walked past the two and made her way to her house. " See you two at the festival!" Sakura said, walking forward and extending her hand in the air and she turned the corner. " Man, she is acting weird," Ino said as she and Hinata made their way toward the village. Hinata walked in silence as Ino mumbled under her breath, the thought of Naruto's kiss still filling her every thought.

The fork in the path signaled their separate ways to home. " See you there," Hinata said as she departed from Ino and walked off. Ino watched her go before shrugging and heading to her house.

" Oh man, here she comes. Okay, look sharp, get ready," Shikamaru mumbled as took a deep breath and stood, a bouquet of deep blue roses behind his back. Ino slowly made her way up the street before noticing Shikamaru on her porch. " Hey, what are you doing here?" she asked as she climbed her steps to stand in front of him. " I just wanted to know when to get you for the festival tonight," he said calmly, a bead of sweat running down his face.

Ino giggled, noticing his shaky legs. A hint of blue behind his back caught her eyes as he looked at her nervously. " What's behind your back?" she asked as she tried to look around him, but he moved and prevented her from seeing. " Shikamaru, what is wrong with you, will you just relax," Ino said as she touched his face, forgetting about whatever he was hiding.

" I um okay…. Gah this is so troublesome. I don't even know why I'm doing this," he said casually, his usual cynical tone returning, causing her to smile. " So what do you have behind your back?" she asked again. " Oh right," he said as he pulled the flowers from behind him and held them out to her. Ino's eyes lit as she stared at the deep blue roses. Her fingers caressed the velvet petals before she took the bouquet from Shikamaru's hand.

" Oh Shikamaru, they're lovely, thank you," she said as she leaned up and kissed his cheek. His eyes went wide at the feel of her soft lips on his cheek and his face flushed a deep red. " Uh yeah.. Ahem, so what time should I get you?" he said, clearing his throat and looking away as she beamed at him. " How about 5:30?" she asked as he looked back down at her. " Oh okay," he said quickly as he moved past her.

" I'll be here later," he said, stumbling over his feet as he walked backwards, still gazing at Ino. She raised her hand to her lips and blew him a kiss, his face growing red as he smiled and turned, almost falling over. " …troublesome," she heard him mumble as he walked unsteadily down the street. Ino suppressed a giggle as she opened the door to her house and slipped inside to get ready.

Sakura stepped out of the steaming shower and pulled a fluffy towel from the rack, wrapping it around her wet body before turning the water off. She brushed out her hair quickly, dried off her body and wrapped her hair in a towel before heading to her room. She opened the bag sitting on her bed and pulled the black dress out and laid it on the bed, her fingers moving over the soft material before she turned to the mirror.

She lightly applied her make up before removing her towel around her head, drying the ends of her hair before throwing the towel in the corner. Sakura moved to her dresser and pulled out red bottoms, much like her black ones she wore during training and pulled them on. She glanced down at her thigh satchel, but decided against putting it on, figuring there was no need for it.

Her eyes wandered over her dress, her hands lifting it before she stepped into it, zipping up the back and tying the strings. She pulled the top of the dress over her bare chest and fastened the neck, retying the string in the back to form to her curves. Sakura walked back to the bathroom, drying her hair quickly before lightly curling the ends of her pink strands.

She tossed her silky hair over her shoulder, fluffing it lightly before walking back to her room and slipping on her black heels. Her eyes turned to the mirror in her room and she gasped. She stood mesmerized at herself in her full-length mirror. Slightly out of disbelief she was looking at herself, she reached out to the mirror, feeling the cool glass beneath her fingertips.

A smile spread across her face as the sound of a knock met her ears, her eyes glimpsing one last time at herself in the mirror. Her eyes fell to her satchel and something urged her to reach out to take it. She took it from the dresser and quickly tied it around her thigh, pulling the hem of her short dress over the white cloth. She quickly ran to the door and caught her breath before pulling it open slowly to find a handsome Sasuke standing in the doorway, his hair messy as usual, a black suit on his frame, a white tie hanging from his neck.

" Sakura, you look amazing," he sighed as he looked her head to foot, noticing the short length of the dress revealing her lean legs. " Thank you, you look very handsome," she replied, a gentle pink creeping into her face as she took his arm and shut the door behind her. They walked down the street, the evening sky displaying light vibrant oranges and pinks in the clouds as the sun slipped below the horizon. Sakura sidled up to Sasuke before realizing the ominous box was in his pocket. She casually moved away from his side, her heart and mind racing with dread and excitement.

" Ino! Open up!" Shikamaru yelled as he banged on the door for the forth time with still no answer. " Looking for me," came Ino's voice from above him. His eyes met Ino who sat on the overhang of her porch, watching his futile efforts to get her to come out of her house. " Wha.. how… Ino, have you been sitting there this whole time?" he stuttered as she dropped from the overhang to crouch in front of him.

His eyes simply took her in as she stood up straight. Her long blonde hair was down, a sapphire colored dress hung tight around her slim form, its low neck instantly catching his eyes as well as the long slits up each side of her thighs. " Wow, Ino, you look great," he managed to say after moments of silence.

" Thanks, you look nice too," she said slyly as he fixed his red tie against his black suit. " Yeah, so should we go?" he asked timidly as she walked over to him, her eyes searching his. " Shikamaru?" she whispered as she stopped, inches from his face. " Yyes," he stuttered as her bright blue eyes gazed at him, a hint of mischievous flare glinting in her sapphire stare. He could feel her hot breath on his lips as she inched towards him.

" Let's go," she said as she leaned forward, her lips slightly touching his. He leaned forward to take her lips, but she turned and smiled over her shoulder as she walked away, his eyes following her swaying hips. " Y-yeah, let's g-go," he stuttered as he ran up to her side, a blush creeping across Ino's face as he took her hand.

' Oh God there he is,' Hinata thought, her eyes gazing through her window at a nervous Naruto who stood outside her door in a black suit with an orange tie. I small rectangular box was held in his hand, his finger toying with the slim white ribbon that hung limply around it.

" Oh I hope I look alright," she said in a hushed voice as she looked in the mirror once more, fixing the violet locks hanging at the side of her face. She adjusted the revealing neckline, hoping it wasn't too risky. Sparing one last glance in the mirror, she turned to the door and held her breath as she pulled it open.

Naruto's jaw went slack as Hinata stepped out into the evening light, shutting the door quietly behind her. The gold dress shimmered in the light as she walked carefully down the steps to Naruto. Naruto stuttered, trying to speak, but not able to find the words to say. Hinata blushed a bright red before she took his free hand. Naruto shook his head and his goofy smile crept onto his face.

" Oh right, hey Hinata-chan! This is for you," he said quickly as he held the black box out to her. Hinata smiled timidly at him before taking the box from his hand. She pulled at the silken bow and opened the lid, her eyes going wide. " Oh Naruto, its beautiful," she gasped as she took a silver necklace out of the box, an elaborate purple gem hanging from it.

Her eyes took in the glittering gem, a hint of orange fire burning in its center. Naruto smiled wide, his face reddening as she placed it around her neck and clasped it, her fingers feeling the teardrop at her neck. " I thought you would like it," he said as he shuffled his feet, his eyes looking at the ground.

Hinata moved forward and embraced him tightly, forgetting her shyness. Naruto instantly returned her hug and slid his hand down her arm to grab her hand. " Thank you," Hinata whispered as she brushed her lips against his cheek, Naruto's face flushing. " Y-your w-welcome," he stuttered before leading her to the village square, each red in the face.

" Glad to see you all here, I guess we were a bit early," Sakura said as Ino, Shikamaru, Hinata and Naruto took a seat at their table, Gentai arriving a few moments later with one of the many fan girls he had acquired. The whole square was strung with ornate white lanterns and bows, the twinkling lights glowing dimly as the Genin teams arrived and seated themselves at the many tables. The Kage sat at a long table at the squares front, numerous other chairs stretching down the long table, each beginning to fill with each teams sensais.

As usual, Kakashi was nowhere to be found. The center of the square was empty, saved for dancing, a small orchestra placed in the corner, the soft music filling the warm night air. " Oh isn't it lovely," Hinata said in awe, Naruto nodding in agreement as he stared at her. Sakura noticed his eyes on Hinata and elbowed him lightly. He turned his eyes to her and smiled.

" You look nice, Sakura-chan!" he whispered to her. " Don't tell that to me, tell it to her," Sakura sighed as she nodded at Hinata. " Oh right.." he said as he turned to her. He coughed slightly to gain her attention and shifted in his seat. " Yes Naruto-kun," Hinata said as she turned her ghostly lilac eyes on him. " Um… Oh I just wanted to tell you that you look really, really nice! I mean, you look really, really.." Sakura cut him off by kicking him from under the table, whistling, as no one would take notice.

" Thank you Naruto-kun," Hinata giggled as Sakura winked at her. Sakura turned her eyes to Ino, which was gazing at Shikamaru. He was busy talking with Chouji as he got Ino a drink, Neji and TenTen joining into the conversation. " So you kissed him, didn't you," Sakura whispered as she seated herself next to Ino. " Almost.." she sighed as her eyes remained locked on him. " What do you mean almost?" Sakura asked quietly. Ino's eyes broke their gaze on Shikamaru and turned to Sakura.

" I almost kissed him when he came to get me, but I chickened out. It didn't feel right, you know," she said as her eyes turned back to him. " Yeah I know," Sakura thought as she remembered her first kiss with Sasuke. He had almost said he loved her, but Sakura felt it wasn't the right time, it was too soon. So she had cut him off and kissed him. Her first kiss. The best kiss she would ever experience.

Sakura turned to smile at Sasuke, who wrapped his arm around her waist and drew her to him. He kissed her cheek softly, causing her to blush. " I hate when you do that," she whispered happily as he hugged her tightly.

" All right everyone, please take a seat," the Kage said as he rose from his seat, the sound of his spoon tapping his wine glass echoing through the square. All the Genin took their seats and grew quiet as he spoke. " Alright, it's soo good to see you all here. All of you have been growing and learning, so for your efforts, we celebrate. Please enjoy the festival!" he finished as the numerous teams rose and clapped.

" This should be interesting," Ino whispered to Hinata and Sakura as cheers rang through the girls and boys. Couples filled the center of the square as the sweet music filled the air, the low chatter creating a peaceful atmosphere. " Do you want to dance, Sakura?" Sasuke asked as Sakura looked at the dancers. Her eyes glittered a deep green as she nodded and took his hand.

He led her to the center of the people, whispers floating about them as they watched Sasuke hold Sakura to him as they swayed to the music. Sakura smiled weakly at the odd looks she and Sasuke were receiving, her feelings spinning uncomfortably. " Sasuke, why is everyone staring," she whispered in his ear as they moved to the melody, the many eyes still upon them. " I don't know, just ignore them. If they have a problem, that's tough," he replied, Sakura cheering a bit by his comfort being with her.

Her smile widened as she leaned her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes, the sound of the soft music all she could hear. " Sakura, good to see you and Sasuke are enjoying each other's company," Kakashi suddenly said in her ear. Her head snapped up and smack Kakashi in the face. He instantly grabbed his masked face in pain as Sakura stood shocked. " Oh goodness, sensai, I'm soo sorry!" she said as Kakashi held his bleeding nose, the dancers around them stopping to watch.

" No, no Sakura, I should not have snuck up on you," he replied as he wiped the blood from his mask. The few girls around them turned in disgust as drops of crimson splashed on the ground. " Good to see you still don't let your guard down, even when relaxing," he said as he vanished from sight in a puff of smoke.

Sakura turned after he had gone to find everyone was watching them. " Sorry about that," she said grimacing, everyone chattering before returning to dancing with their partners. " Come on," Sasuke said as he pulled her by her hand away from the nosy people. Sakura followed him to the bridge, the music from the square echoing through the meadow.

" God I hope Kakashi is okay," Sakura said as she glimpsed over her shoulder, the tiny forms in the square moving about as she and Sasuke stood alone on the bridge. " Sakura?" Sakura turned to see Sasuke standing in front of her, his hand reaching into his pocket to retrieve the box. " I thought I should do this alone," he said as he pulled the small black box with the white ribbon on it from his pocket.

" Oh Sasuke, I…," she began to say, but he pressed his finger to her lips. She grew silent and nodded as his eyes gazed into hers. " Sakura, ever since the first day I met you, there was something there that I couldn't understand. No matter how many times I told you no or hurt you, you stayed by my side faithfully, and I didn't deserve it. No matter how grateful I am that you stayed with me until I finally realized the truth, I never deserved you. You deserve the world, Sakura, and even though I can't give that to you, I know one thing that I can. I can give you love, Sakura, the one thing I thought I lost the day my family was killed. Everything I felt was gone, but each day that you graced me with your smile and laughter, it comes back to me."

" The joy, the happiness, and for every time that I hurt you, I felt sorrow and guilt. Even then I realized you would change me in a way that would scare and amaze me. Sakura, I can't say I'll always be perfect, but I can be the next best thing, I can be here for you. Anytime you see this, you'll know how much I love you," he said as he held the box out to her.

Sakura stood silent. He had never said anything as deep as that, it was purely from his soul that he spoke. He really meant every word, each confession. Sakura held out her shaking hand and took the box slowly from his. She eyed the white bow tied around the box, her fingers gently tugging the bow free. She grasped the ribbon in her hand as she held her breath. She could feel her heart beat in her chest, the sound of her blood rushing in her ears.

" Oh god Sasuke, I can't," she said as her hand trembled above the lid. She looked up into his warm onyx eyes, her emerald gaze blurring as hot tears clouded her vision. He simply nodded and she smiled slightly, a small nervous laugh escaping her mouth as her eyes met the box once again. Her fingers inched the box's lid open.

She felt a tear fall from her eye as she stared at the bracelet in the velvet box. Its emerald gems reflected in her eyes as the tears streaked down her face. Her fingertip traced over the small silver heart engraved with her name. She turned it over to find more writing on the back. She sniffed and wiped the tears away as she read the engraving.

' Just one kiss, Just one breath, Just in case there's just one left… I love you, Sasuke.'

Her eyes filled with tears as she smiled and looked up at Sasuke. " Oh Sasuke, I-I don't know w-what to say," she stuttered as she sniffed, the tears flowing down her cheeks. " You don't have to say anything, Sakura," he said as he leaned down and kissed her.

Sakura met his lips and kissed him back, her wet tears mingling on their lips. She pulled back and let a small laugh escape. " Oh Sasuke, thank you," she said as she pulled the bracelet from the box and slipped it over her hand, letting it gleam delicately on her wrist. She smiled wide before lunging into his arms and embracing him tightly. " I love you, Sasuke," she whispered in his ear as he held her to him, her warm breath tickling his neck. " I love you too, Sakura," he said as she pulled back and sunk her lips into his.

" I swear, we can't go anywhere with those two," Ino laughed as she looked at the two shadows on the bridge, Sakura's bright pink hair the only way they recognized them. " He must have given her the bracelet," Naruto said as he and Hinata danced beside Shikamaru and Ino. " What bracelet?" Ino asked curiously.

" Well Sasuke bought Sakura a really pretty emerald bracelet. He had it engraved and everything. He must really like her," Naruto said as he watched Sakura and Sasuke kiss on the bridge. " I don't think he likes her, Naruto. I think he loves her," Hinata said, Naruto's jaw slack with shock as they watched Sakura and Sasuke run from the bridge toward his apartment.

Sakura and Sasuke ran through the dark street, their laughter filling the still night air. " Sasuke, what if your neighbor hears us," Sakura said as they sprinted up the road to Sasuke's apartment. Sakura's dress skirt fluttered around her thighs, her pink strands riding on the soft breeze as the neared his front door.

" I don't think she's here," he replied as his eyes searched the dark windows. They stopped at his door, Sasuke pulling Sakura to him and kissing her roughly as he pinned her against the door. Her hands ran up his chest to rest at his shoulder as she dug her fingers into the soft material, his hands pulling her waist to him. He let one hands leave her side to reach into his pocket to retrieve his key, pulling it out and fumbling before it slipped into the lock.

He clumsily turned the handle, Sakura flying inside the door to fall against the hallway wall, Sasuke still at her lips. His foot found the door and closed it behind them as Sakura's fingers pulled at the white tie. She tugged it free and let it fall to the floor as Sasuke hands reached up her thighs, pushing away the silky fabric, his hand meeting her satchel.

" Sakura, you alwash wear thish thing," he said into her mouth as he yanked the cloth free and let it fall loudly to the floor. She giggled against his mouth as she unbuttoned his black shirt, the feel of his warm skin meeting her hands as she smoothed her hands over his chest and pulled the shirt down his arms.

He pushed her away from the wall, leading her to his bedroom as they stumbled through his dark apartment, running into the occasional chair or table. They finally made it to the door to his bedroom, Sakura pushing him up against it as Sasuke's fingers inched around her neck to unfasten the clasp to her dress.

He managed to undo it and let the fabric fall from her chest. His hand moved down her back and pulled the criss-crossed tie, drawing it free as his other hand undid the zipper at her midback. She let a moan escape her lips as the dress fell over her hips and slid to the floor in a heap, Sasuke lips trailing down her neck. He let his tongue taste her velvet skin before sinking his teeth into her soft flesh. Sakura inhaled at the pain, but allowed him to continue, as she trusted him fully. He licked away the blood forming on her peach skin and moved his mouth to her jaw, his tongue swirling over her flesh causing a breathy moan to slip through her lips.

Sasuke smirked before retuning his lips to her mouth. Sakura pressed herself against Sasuke, her hands clumsily taking his belt from his waist and undid the button and zipper. She opened the door as he pushed away from it to hold Sakura to him as their fiery kiss made them crazy with desire. They quickly pulled their shoes off as they fell into the room in a frenzy, Sakura the first to leave her black heels on the floor before pushing Sasuke to the bed as he managed to tug his last sock off.

She giggled as he stared up at her, her wavy pink hair messy and hanging wildly about her face. " So, what does the Great Uchiha want to do tonight," she said as she moved slowly towards him, her near-naked form lit by the street light pouring through the window. A mischievous grin spread across his lips as Sakura twirled a strand of her pink hair, her other hand playing with hem of her red shorts. ' She cute when she's being playful,' he thought as he eyed her. " I have an idea," he said as he grabbed her and pulled her on top of him.

Naruto, Hinata, Shikamaru and Ino and Gentai with his date finished dancing as the night grew darker, a few of the couples leaving to head home. A few stragglers stayed to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and enjoyable dancing as the night approached midnight. " Shall we go? It looks like Sakura and Sasuke beat us when it came to leaving, but I don't want to know what they're up to," Ino said as Shikamaru took her hand and led her away from the square, Naruto and Hinata behind them.

" Did you have a good time, Hinata-chan," Naruto asked as he shyly took her hand in his, her face turning red. " Yes Naruto-kun, thank you," she replied. A lot seemed to change with her time spent with Naruto. She wasn't as shy and she seemed to have opened up a lot more. They walked a ways before coming to the street that would lead to Ino's house.

" Well it was really fun, guys. See you tomorrow?" Ino asked as she turned to face Naruto and Hinata and Gentai with the girl by his side. " Yeah, sure! Sounds fun Ino, bye Shikamaru," they all replied as they went their separate ways.

Ino and Shikamaru waved goodbye before walking up the steep hill to Ino's house. A dark cloud settled over Konoha as they reached Ino's house, thunder breaking the silence as the call of rain echoed through the mountainside. " Looks like we finally get summer rain," Ino said nervously, trying to break the silence between them. " Hey Ino, does this mean, I mean… well what I mean to say is, are we.. together?" he stuttered as Ino giggled.

Without hesitating, she leaned forward as the rain began to fall around them, her hair and dress becoming soaked as her wet lips met Shikamaru's. His eyes went wide before closing and returning her kiss as they stood in the cool downpour. Ino pulled back slowly, her sapphire eyes bright and somewhat shocked she had actually kissed him. Shikamaru simply gawked awkwardly, before she turned, her face a bright pink.

" Does that answer your question?" she asked as he stood in shock. He reached his hand forward to grasp her hand and she turned to face him, only to meet his warm lips again. He held her to him, his hands wrapping around her waist. Ino, caught slightly off guard, wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss, the rain still falling on their wet bodies. " You are soo… troublesome," he said as they parted, their lips tingling from the contact. " So are you," she replied as her lips found his again.

A raindrop landed wetly on Naruto's nose as he and Hinata ran through the streets to reach her house before the rain fell on them. The sound of pouring rain hitting the ground met their ears as they spotted Hinata's backyard ahead. They quickly ran through the open gate and stopped under the shelter of her porch just as the rain enveloped Hinata's house, the soft patter of raindrops on the roof making it a calming mood.

Hinata smiled as Naruto looked at her. " Hinata, I just wanted to say I had a really good time with you. Thank you for saying yes to coming with me," he said, a light pink finding its way to his cheeks. " Oh Naruto, I had hoped you would ask me. The truth is, I, um… w-well, I l-like you," she confessed, her fingers poking each other nervously as Naruto smiled wide. " Really? I like you too Hinata-chan!" he replied, Hinata's ghostly lilac eyes twinkled as he spoke the words she longed to hear.

Naruto stepped forward, Hinata's eyes retreating to the ground as he reached forward to lift her chin till her eyes met his. Hinata felt her heart beat wildly as she stared into his blue eyes, his face coming closer and closer to hers. She felt her eyes close as Naruto's lips covered hers in a sweet kiss. Hinata's stomach swam with butterflies as her lips seemed to move on their own to match the rhythm of the kiss. Naruto could feel the swell of joy bubble up as Hinata returned his kiss, every shy moment they spent together changed forever.

His eyes opened slowly as their lips parted, Hinata's lilac eyes peering into his own as a smile spread across her lips. Naruto, lost for words, smiled back, his face growing red as the silence between them grew. He cleared his throat as they stood quietly for what seemed like ages. " So um you want to do something tomorrow? With me, that is," he asked, the familiarity of the situation lightening the mood.

" Yes, I would love to," Hinata replied as Naruto smiled wide. " O-okay then, I'll come get you here, how about we have breakfast together and then go somewhere?" he asked as he back away and stepped into the rain. Hinata giggled and nodded as the rain soaked him. " Alright then, I'll be here about 10?" he asked, still stumbling back toward the open gate, his hair now matted to his head, his eyes still lingering on Hinata.

" Alright," she replied, a small laugh escaping her lips as he ran into the fence. " O-okay, I'll be here," he said, looking to find the way out, his eyes returning to Hinata as soon as he stepped out of her yard. " Goodbye, Naruto-kun," she said, waving as he smiled and backed down the street. " B-bye, Hinata-chan," he mouthed, suddenly lost for words. She brought her hand to her mouth to suppress her laughter as he smiled weakly before running down the street, his happy hollering echoing through the night.

" So Sasuke, we finally meet. I've been waiting a long time for you," Orochimaru hissed through his fangs as Sasuke's hand released the kunai, letting it fall beside Sakura's lifeless body. " What have you done?" Sasuke whispered as Orochimaru stepped forward. " Why, I've given you all you wanted, Sasuke. You desired power to protect and avenge those you loved, and that's what you have. You are far more capable than you ever have been. Now that I have granted your wish, it is time for you to return the favor," Orochimaru said as Sasuke backed away.

Orochimaru's eyes swept over Sakura's bloody body, her fragile features smeared with blood. " Such a beautiful girl, it's a shame your brother had to kill her too. Just one more to add to the list, eh Sasuke," he said as he laughed manically, his gleaming red eyes meeting Sasuke's dark glare. " I will never help you. I know of your treacheries. I will never serve you, no matter what the cursed seal brings," Sasuke yelled as he turned to run.

But the voice that met his ears was no longer part of his dream, it seemed to fill the night air as he slept beside Sakura in his bed. " Sasuke, wake up," he heard Orochimaru say. Sasuke's eyes opened wide in the stifling darkness of his room. His dark gaze searched frantically for any disturbance in his room, but nothing had changed.

" Sasuke, look at her," the voice commanded again, Sasuke's eyes falling to the sleeping Sakura against his body. Her eyes moved peacefully beneath her closed lids, her pink lips in a soft smile as her body pressed against his before her breathing was all he heard. Her silky pink hair surrounded her angelic face, the long locks brushing against his skin as he watched her sleep.

" Do you really want her to die," the voice echoed through the room. Sasuke immediately sat up, sweat running down his face and bare chest. " No...," he choked out as his frantic eyes fell back to Sakura. " Then leave her. You know where you must go," the voice persuaded, Sasuke's mind racing before he finally gave in. He couldn't let her die. This was no longer a dream, reality was taking over and he wouldn't allow himself to lose the one thing he had left.

He rose from the bed silently, careful not to wake Sakura. His naked form moved to his dresser as he pulled out his weapons and clothing. He quickly dressed in the moonlight streaming through his window. Before walking out the bedroom door, he spared one last glance at Sakura lying tangled in his sheets, her smile causing him heartache. He wanted so badly not to leave her. What would she think when she found him gone?

Her body stirred under his thin sheets, her naked form apparent in the light that fell though the glass of his window. He had to leave, he wouldn't let her die, not when he could do something. He quickly left in the stir of a moment, closing the front door behind him, the small click of the lock stirring Sakura from her slumber.

Her fingers groped the warm sheets beside her, finding nothing but air. She sat up suddenly as she realized Sasuke was no longer by her side. Her hands clutched the sheets to her bare chest as she slipped from the bed. She wrapped the sheet around her naked form before walking from the bedroom as she explored the house. The air in the apartment was tense and held a lingering uncomfort. Something was wrong, she could sense it.

She ran to the window, clutching the sheet around her before she stopped at the window. The moon had risen high in the sky. They had only been sleeping for an hour, she figured. The sound of music met her ear. The White Ribbon Festival had still not come to an end, as she watched through the rain streak glass as the soaked ribbons outside billowed in the breeze. She knew where he had gone. The nights of restless sleep and his mumbling had taught her much about his secret.

The memory of Sasuke and the bridge rushed back to her. He had been soo afraid, his mumbling in his sleep clued her that was what he feared most. " That is where he will go," Sakura said as she dropped the sheet and ran to the bedroom. She quickly found her red bottoms and pulled them on and stooped at the bedroom door to pull her dress over her bare skin. The cool material caused her to gasp as she clasped, zipped and tied it hastily to her body.

Forgetting her heels, she ran barefoot to the front door, hesitating momentarily to pick up her thigh satchel that lied on the floor and tie it around her thigh before slipping out into the night rain. Her bare feet splashed through the watery puddles as she streaked through the streets, her mind racing with worry. She had no idea why he left, but something wasn't right, and he was in danger. Her hair splayed out in on the breeze, her soaked strands sticking to her wet body. The dress clung to her bare chest, but she ignored it as she fled to the entrance of the village.

Her breath hitched as she stopped and stood at the guarded pillars. A familiar sad tune met her ears as someone sung, the soft voice filling the damp air. Sakura made out every word, her eyes filling with unseen tears as the rain fell upon her still body. The voice said..

You only see what your eyes want to see

How can life be what you want it to be?

You're frozen, when your heart's not open

You're so consumed with how much you get

You waste your time with hate and regret

You're broken, when your heart's not open

If I could melt your heart

We'd never be apart

Give yourself to me

You hold the key

Now there's no point in placing the blame

And you should know I suffer the same

If I lose you, my heart will be broken

Love is a bird, she needs to fly

Let all the hurt inside of you die

You're frozen, when your heart's not open

If I could melt your heart

We'd never be apart

Give yourself to me

You hold the key

You only see what your eyes want to see

How can life be what you want it to be?

You're frozen, when your heart's not open

If I could melt your heart

We'd never be apart

Give yourself to me

You hold the key…

If I could melt your heart

We'd never be apart

Give yourself to me

You hold the key

If I could melt your heart…

Her tears fled from her emerald eyes as she looked at the token on her wrist. She wouldn't give up. No matter if he would leave forever, she would be by his side, no matter what. She loved him, she would die for him, and that's all that mattered to her now.

A single white ribbon rode the wet breeze, Sakura's hand reaching out to grasp the soaked ribbon as she stepped past the gates. Taking the ribbon and tying it in her tangled hair, she broke into a run down the sandy road, her heart still aching with the songs words that filled her head.

A pair of eyes watched the pink haired girl run from the gates. He sighed quietly as he sat atop the large carved pole. " Save him, Sakura. Only you can now," the rich voice whispered before falling from the pole to the sandy path as Sakura disappeared from his sight. " You saved me, now there's one more who needs you," he said before he turned his brilliant blue eyes away from the path and up to the silver moon.


love the sex scare Ino gets when the whole Sakura sleepin w/ Sasuke comes up! woot so hot grrawr

Okay so I have mush everywhere. Looks like Ino and Shika, Naruto and Hinata, hell even gentai gets mentioned lol I adore the Sakura and Sasuke moment and then his scary dream, the best idea i ever had, i must say. had to have heartbreak. And for all of you who have no idea who the person at the end is, its suprise suprise, Gentai! oh and the song is Madonna. she kicks toosh

Oh Oh chappy 9 is up Run Pll Run! Must read