I've rewritten this chapter a billion times and I still don't feel good about it but it's up to guys, so I hope you like it. Fingers crossed! (The ** in this chapter will be explained at the ending/bottom of the page)

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Naruko's POV:

He didn't come back all day. I was left to myself, pacing in and out of the cave. I had a better mind to return to my team and tell them what I did, who I met, and where he is. But I didn't. I didn't listen to my team. Instead I listened to him, to Sasuke. My chest lurched when I thought like that. Choosing Sasuke over... or is it choosing myself?

I rubbed my face. See, this is what I'm saying when I get so confused when I think about about him.

A tiny voice inside me said he wasn't coming back. But I didn't want to let go just yet. I'll wait for him in this spot forever if I have to until he returns.

I also had the time to think about why he was going so easy on me, as well as his team. None of them were fighting with full strength... it was as if they were letting me win. Why would Sasuke do that? He could be hiding his true strength for a bigger fight to come... Or could it be that he is going to kill me with his team backing him up?

Even with shadow clones, I won't be able to overtake all their different jutsus at once.

I'm panicking right now. No, Sasuke would never do that. He couldn't.

—

It was cold and I was alone when I woke up. It was dark out.

Sasuke was nowhere to be seen.

I got up and ran out looking for him.

I didn't see anyone else out here either. None of his new team. He really may have left me here.

"Are you looking for someone?"

Sasuke was on a little cliff overlooking the stream and cave. I couldn't stop my heart from fluttering or a smile from blossoming on my face at the sight of him. I went up to where he was.

"Hey."

"Hey." I knew he'd come back.

He was looking up at the sky, much like I do when I think of him.

I sat next to him.

"This is a nice view." You could see just over the tree tops and overlook the horizon. Stars were out. The moon was glowing.

"Yeah."

The air was quiet other than the bubbling brook below and the chirping crickets.

Say something, Naruko!

"You come here often?"

What! Not that! I'm going to die of embarrassment now. He already thinks I'm dumb. Just deepen the cut.

"What?" He asked in a very bewildered tone.

I waved my hand in the air.

"Ah nothing. It was a joke. Haha."

Now it's even more awkward. Why is there this silence between us? We used to be able to talk forever, whether we were just talking or arguing. I wish it was like that all the time.

"Do you miss it?" I blurted out. Great. No turning back from that. But it's been on my mind so I wanted to bring it up sometime.

"Hm?"

"Any of the Leaf."

He shrugged and exhaled through his nose.

If only he wasn't so hard-headed about everything. I know I am too but he's worse. I have to change the subject. I thought of something that's been bugging me all day.

"Why were you and your team slacking off while fighting me? You guys are all stronger than you are letting on, I can tell."

His shoulders tensed. It seemed like he didn't want to tell me this. I went into panic mode. He is going to try to kill me.

No! No, bad Naruko. No he isn't. Why was he holding back then? Because I'm a girl? That doesn't make any sense considering he's never done that in his entire life. Especially to me.

I punched his arm. "You know I can take it, you idiot. I'm not a dainty flower."**

I'm pretty sure I saw a smile on his lips. I couldn't help but laugh a little to myself. We both started chuckling at my choice of words.

Now that I'm here with him, I don't think it'd be too unrealistic to talk to him about how I feel about everything. He's here and this is happening. I need to know what's going on. I know I know him but I can't get to him right now.

"Why are you making that face?"

I raised my eyebrows. "What?"

"Why do you look so upset?"

My face dropped again. I chewed the inside of my cheek and averted my eyes away.

"I just don't get it. I know I'd regret leaving someone behind."

"Like who?"

"Like Sakura..." I muttered away. She is my best friend. I wouldn't keep anything from her. Him and Sakura were close right? How'd she got those feelings for him if she weren't...?

I trailed off, gazing up at the sky.

"Sakura is...not worth my time."

That's kind of a shock considering how highly she speaks of him. I've seen him protect her on some missions but that may be because she lacked the skill back then. You'd think they were on the same page. I wonder if he'd like her now that she's grown a bit.

I picked a rock up in my hand and squeezed it hard into my palm. My heart is racing so hard. Why am I so dizzy? Is he using a-

He sat up and really stared at me. "What is up with you today? You seem-"

"Confused?"

"Angry," he answered when I did.

His answer caught me off guard but I think mine did too. I'm angry that I'm confused.

"I'm sorry. I just don't know how I'm feeling." My voice trembled as I spoke. I rubbed my chest, trying to ease the tension there.

"I do." He had that stupid smirk again.

"You do?"

His hand grabbed my chin, forcing me to face him. He's too close!

"Yeah."

I stared right into his eyes. His smirk dissipated to a calmer, softer expression. Does he really know what I'm thinking about? That I'm thinking about him? His eyes were dark and deep.

I blinked slowly and Sasuke licked his lips. A jolt went through me, making my skin prickle and burn.

Sasuke...

Wait.

I should be focused. But he's so close and touching me.

He started speaking through the heavy air between us.

"You know, there's only been one person I ever considered. But she has most likely long given up on feeling anything for me."

He brought his other hand up to the side of my face.

His eyes searched up and down my face and his thumbs brushed my cheeks.

I was losing my breath and my heart beat was quickening. He has no idea what he's doing to me. I wanted to pull away but I also want to know his answer.

My body was being pulled towards his like a magnet.

It hurt to think of another woman on Sasuke's mind. But he can have whoever he wants so of course he'd choose someone from the pool.

"Who-"

His lips were on mine before I could finish my sentence.

My eyes were wide with shock. Sasuke was kissing me.

It took me a second until I caught my brain up with my body.

Warmth enveloped my entire being. My arms went around his neck as he kissed me. His hands slipped away and around my body, crushing me against him.

Kissing him came easily.

He broke away to speak for a second.

"I want you," he mumbled on my lips. The words froze me to the bone.

He kissed me again and again. His lips were soft and welcoming and I think I was happy. Tears running down my face told me otherwise.

He pulled back, wiping them away with a smile.

"What's wrong?"

I shook my head.

I jumped off the cliff and ran away to breathe.

—

**dainty flower-Sakura is a type of flower. They're making fun of Sakura. Sorry Sakura fans.