Saturday, November 3rd, 2012.

Yo. I'm updating today. I haven't in a while (I also have writer's block. I'm only 1 1/2 chaps ahead of this one!) and lot's of b-days have passed and are going to before I update again.

So. Here's the b-days that I mentioned: They're not only from Naruto:

Sarutobi Asuma: Oct. 18th.
Suzume (one of the Academy Teachers): Oct. 19.
My mom: Oct. 20.
Mizuki: Oct. 21. Didn't like him much, but hey.
Senju Hashirama (1st Hokage): Oct. 23rd.
Mitarashi Anko: Oct. 24th.
Kakimoto Chikusa (Katekyo Hitman Reborn): Oct. 26th.
Orochimaru: Oct. 27.
Byakuran (KHR): Oct. 28th. LOVE YOU 3!
Tumeric (KHR, in CEDEF) and Gekko Hayate: Nov. 2. RIP, Hayate.
Bianchi (KHR) and Sasori: Nov. 8th.
My friend Kaili, (mentioned her before in my profile), Hoshina Utau (Shugo Chara!), Kusakabe Tetsuya (KHR): Nov. 9th.
Jiraiya: Nov. 11.

I'll stop there, since I'm not sure when I'll update.

Oh, for KHR readers: The manga is ending December 12th! I personally thought it was going to end sooner, but hey, I'm not complaining! Oh, and did you know the manga started out as a gag manga then transformed into a combat one? And that Bianchi's actually 17? And Mukuro's 15, and since Hibari's 15-16, he's older than Mukuro? And Chrome's 13? Everyone's a lot older than they look, huh?
Also, Bluebelll doesn't think of Byakuran romantically, despite popular belief. (I already knew) Her older brother died protecting her from a car, and the two were very close since their parents abandoned them. When Byakuran found her, he offered to be her big brother and protect her in her real brother's place, and she accepted. That's why she's so affectionate and clingy.

Also, Oda say's the Stawhat's (One Piece) next member will be a girl. I don't know who and I'm pretty sure we haven't seen her yet. And no, it's not Vivi or Tashigi. Tashigi, as lenient as she may be with them and the fact that Zoro is her rival won't make her join them. She has her place in the Marines. And Vivi's the princess of Alabasta. We already know she can't join them, even though she wanted to and they wanted her to.

Do you guys want me to write a Halloween One-shot? I don't have many ideas for it, except that Team 8 are going to dress up as part of the Kokuyo Gang from KHR, Chrome-Hinata, Ken-Kiba, and Chikusa-Shino. Hinata'd be a perfect Chrome. Oh, and Naruto'd be Black*Star from Soul Eater.

ATTENTION!LOOK!:

I'll be in Kenya for vacation for December 10th-December 31st of this year. Dec. 9th's my b-day, by the way. I'll be turning 14. With my twin sis of course. So, I won't updating in December except once in the beginning of it.

Disclaimer:

Byakuran: Why am I doing it? I'm not even in this anime.

Me: Because I love you and your b-day passed.

Byakuran: Do I get marshmallows?

Me: As many as you want.

Byakuran: Yay! Okay! Echo (EOC) doesn't own Naruto! If she did...she would have been Trick-or-Treating at least once in her life. That's right. She's never been. Oh, and she's have a costume every year. And-

Me: That's enough, Byaku-kun.

Byakuran: Kay! Marshmallows?

Me: They're in the Green Room. Bluebell might be saving them for you.

Byakuran: Sweet! Laters! *leaves; end of disclaimer*

Oh, as I forgot to put in the last chap, there's a bit of SasuSaku in this. The beginning of it. I did my best. Hope you like!


Chapter 16: Mission & Nightmares

Sakura POV

Stupid Sasuke-kun! Playing me like that….how dare he!

It's called "seduction", my dear Outer. And it's 'cuz he knows how to make us give in. I don't mind… *winkwink* *nudgenudge*

Shut up, Inner! None your perverted fantasies now!

Aww…but what's wrong with them?

Well for starters, we're 16 and he's 13 with an generally innocent mind.

He doesn't know that. "Age is but a number." And we love him. How about that?

It's not returned.

Well, maybe we can slowly get him to return it?

That'll never work. Besides, you know I don't mind as long as he's happy and is safe. I'm satisfied being in his "close friend" and "person to protect" category. At least I know he cares.

Quit being so pessimistic. Don't you want him to love us? We won't have to seduce him or anything.

Inner…

Fine. But at least try to be a little more affectionate or give him a hint, please? Or I'll do it myself. And you don't want that. I'll be more than "a little bit more affectionate".

…Alright. But if anything goes wrong, I blame you, Inner.

When my conversation with Inner ended, I went back to paying attention to hearing what the middle-aged Daimyo's son and his wife and 2 children had to say.

Our mission was to meet them a mile from Konoha to take them back to a small village on the edge of the Fire country to make a trade with a popular merchant there and them bring them back to Konoha. Lame, yes, but someone needed to do it.

"Are these our escorts?" The son of the Daimyo looked to be in his mid-late 30s. He had soft brown hair, hazel green eyes, and a small goatee. His wife had long, beautiful chestnut hair, gorgeous forest green eyes, and a desirable figure. She used to be a model. If you looked at her, you'd think for her to be in her early/mid-20s, but she's actually in her mid-30s. She seemed to take a less-than-innocent liking to Kakashi-sensei. Ew. Although her husband noticed it, he didn't seem to care.

Her son was 14, same age as Sai, a tad older than Sai, who was going to turn 14 in November. (Sasuke and I are 13, Naruto recently turned 13. It's mid-October, btw.) He had dark brown hair and dark blue eyes, and I assumed they came from his grandparents or something, since neither of his parents had that color. He's actually pretty hot…

His twin sister had mid-length dark brown hair, too. She had dark green eyes like her mother, and was also very beautiful. Geez! Not fair! Her chest is bigger than Hinata's! I mean, Hinata's younger, but still…

It's very obviously her pride and joy…

The girl was "discreetly" pushing her chest together while holding her hands together, and trying to get Sai's attention.

"Don't even bother with him. Sai-teme seems to be immune to hormones or something." Naruto noticed. How is it that he notices that but not Hinata?!

Maybe cuz she's gorgeous and actually seeking that sort of attention instead of Hinata?

The girl pouted, but turned to our sensei when he started to speak.

"Yes. This is my team. From your left to right, is Sai, nearing 14. He may be new to our team, but he's not new to ninja life. Next is Uzumaki Naruto, 13, who, despite his appearance, is quite the capable ninja." Naruto pouted after his age was mentioned –he always hated being the youngest. Sai being the oldest doesn't help- but brightened after his praise. "After him is Uchiha Sasuke, 13. Don't take his anti-social personality to heart. That's just the way he is. And finally, is Haruno Sakura, 13. Our brain and the only one keeping 2 certain ninja from killing each other." I beamed. He finally praises me…

The Daimyo's son nodded. "I see. I am Urinoke Riyonosuke. Just call me Riyo-san. This is my wife, Kira. Children, introduce your selves." Long name you got there…

Riyo-san's son came up to me and kissed my hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sakura-san. I am Urinoke Kinoru."

I blushed. As much as I hate it, he's really good looking for his age and I liked it! "N-nice to meet you to, Kinoru-san."

He smiled politely. "Please, no need for the –san. Just call me Kino."

I smiled back. "Then you don't need to call me Sakura-san, either, Kino-kun."

"I look forward to these next couple of days, Sakura." He winked. I blushed again. I really need to stop that.

His sister curtsied. "My name is Urinoke Kayame. Pleased to meet you all." Cue a pleasant smile and a wink in Sasuke's direction.

Cue uninterested grunt and pout.

You know, I have a feeling that this girl and I aren't going to get along very well…

Me too…


*an hour later, with the royal family in the carriage minus the young son. Everyone else is walking beside the carriage*

Sasuke POV

"So, Sakura, with exquisite beauty such as yours, do you have a boyfriend back in home? Or is it one of these three?" Kino asked the pinkette.

How old school…

"Oh, I'm not beautiful, Kino-kun. But I appreciate the compliment. However, I don't have a boyfriend. Not at all."

Sakura, Naruto, Sai, Kino, and I were all walking on one side of the carriage, in which were Kino's parents and sister. Kakashi was on the other side.

"Oh, but you are, Sakura." He picked a lock her hair and gently kissed it. "You have a subtle type of beauty, one that few remember to appreciate. You remind me quite a bit of a fairy or pixie, you know." Sakura blushed. "All those boys at home must be blind to not take an incredible girl like you for themselves. Then again, I have not seen you before now. Maybe I'll just take you for myself." The boy winked, and Sakura blushed again.

I scowled a bit. Why is she letting him talk to her like that? Why is she flirting so much with him? He's obviously no good.

I agree with you 100% for once, Outer.

"Personally, I believe that even though Ugly's actually kind of pretty, I greatly prefer Beautiful. Besides –you haven't seen Ugly mad. She's scary when mad." Sai commented.

"Ugly? Beautiful? Are those nicknames?" Kino asked, confused.

Naruto answered his question. "Ugly, Old Hag, and Hag refers to Sakura-chan. I have no idea how he came up with those names in the first place if he thinks she's pretty, but Sakura-chan doesn't seem to mind too much. Though she hits him for calling her that sometimes. Beautiful is Ino, Sakura-chan's best friend."

Kino nodded. "Oh. Does he have nicknames for the rest of you?"

I answered this time. "The Dobe –Naruto- is Dickless, and Scarecrow's Kakashi's."

Sakura continued. "Sasuke-kun's is Cockatoo. Sai-kun's nicknames tend to be insults, but he means well."

"So, Sasuke-kun," began Kayame, leaning her torso out of the carriage to talk to rest of us. Or more importantly, me. "Do you have a girlfriend? Or interested in anyone?"

"Hn. No."

"Sometimes, I think Sasuke-teme's gay. Seriously. He has a freaking fan club that throws themselves at his feet, and he couldn't care less! He doesn't seem to show much interest in women at all, either." Naruto shook his head, exasperated. "So much for calling the godfather position for his kids. If he HAS ANY! I mean, I doubt Kakashi will ever have kids –he doesn't even have a girl! And Hanare's(1) gone! Besides, if he won't let Gai-sensei be the godfather for his kids, why would he let me?"

He shook his head again. Then, a light bulb lit up on his hair. No –seriously! There was an honest to goodness light bulb! I think the others noticed it but they either ignored it or took it as something normal. Or I'm hallucinating. Which I doubt. Wow.

"Ooh! Sai! Oh, wait –he doesn't understand romance. So how's he supposed to get a wife and kids? Damn. Three people I could have been the Best Man for in their wedding and Godfather for their kids. I sure hope Konohamaru finds a woman…what about you, Sakura?"

The pinkette (that's not a word is it? Oh, well. It is now) seemed shocked as the idiot's extreme randomness and didn't answer at first. Why do I bother being surprised? This is Naruto we're talking about.

"Uh…well. Um, let me put it this way. I'd rather focus on my ninja life for now rather than romance or something. But if I do have children and get married, albeit not in that order, you can be the Best Man and Godfather. As long as you don't poison my children with too much ramen, orange, or infect them with your horrid brain density, that is." I had to smirk at that response. Good one, Sakura-chwan!

Who are you, Sanji(2)?

Nah…cooking isn't my thing and we fight more with our hands than we do our legs. Though One Piece is the best anime on the planet. Just sayin'.

"But Sasuke-kun," Kayame tried again, noticing that everyone was forgetting about her. "Surely you'll need a woman to continue the Uchiha lineage."

"Hn." I grunted, again. "Of course. But like Sakura, I'll focus on my ninja career for now. I'll worry about women after I kill him."

Kayame understood what he meant by "him", knowing who killed the clan. "But just so you know, I'll be waiting right here for you, okay?" The girl had gotten out of the carriage and was now walking right next to me, winking and taking a sort of "seductive" pose.

"I'm not interested in girls like you." I didn't even spare the girl a glance. I don't want a girl like her! I like the more innocent types! Not like Hinata, though. Not that she's bad –she's great! But please, no!

I actually agree with you, Inner.

Kayame pouted. Then changed the subject. "Have you kissed a girl, Sasuke-kun? How many times? How was it?"

Against my will, I stopped in my tracks, as did Naruto. But then we continued walking again, to not fall behind. However, Naruto started laughing. What's HE laughing about?

Sakura was giggling, and Sai was smirking.

"What's so funny?" Kino asked Sakura.

"I don't know if I should say." Sakura said between her giggles, trying to keep from laughing.

"Then I will!" Naruto had managed to stop laughing. At least, enough to talk.

"That Teme has not kissed a girl! He's kissed a guy –twice(3)!" Shut up, idiot!

Kayame gasped. "I thought you said he wasn't gay? Damn."

"He isn't. They weren't on purpose. I believe what Dickless forgot to point out that both times that Cockatoo had kissed a guy, it was him. And that Dickless hadn't kissed a girl, either." Sai was smirking throughout his whole monologue.

Naruto's face reddened, then turned green, then back to his regular skin color again. "How'd you know that!"

"Ino told me about the time at the academy. She was going to tell me about the other one, but Kakashi-sempai beat her to it."

"Kakashi-sensei swore to stay silent! Sakura did too!" He turned to the pinkette. "You did, didn't you?"

"Aha…ha…ha…" the pinkette scratched her face with a finger. "Actually, Kakashi-sensei and I crossed our fingers. The only person I told was Ino-pig, and she blackmailed me into telling her."

Kino was barely holding back chuckles. "So…*laugh*….how'd they happen?…*laugh*…" I officially hate him.

I thought our hate was reserved for Itachi?

Yeah, we can add another in that cold heart of yours.

Hn. I'm cool with it. I don't think he's good enough for the "dislike" section, either.

"I was sitting at my desk on our team selection day at the academy, since we were graduating. The Dobe was sitting on my desk and we were having a glaring match when someone hit his back and he fell on me. You can guess what happened." That was all I was willing to say. Aren't I quite the chatterbox lately?

"Long story short, the second was gravity's fault. I'm saying no more about it. But at least I've ALMOST kissed a girl, unlike Teme!" Naruto pointed a finger at me.

"The second was an accident that wouldn't have happened had you two listened to me and Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura interjected. Well it's true…

Shut it.

"And besides, that almost-kiss was when you transformed into Sasuke-kun and tried to kiss me when I was his fangirl. Luckily for me, your constipation came in at the right time. That's what you get. And what happens when you drink sour milk."

Wait a minute…transformed as me? When she was my fangirl?

Suddenly, it clicked. "That's what you did when you tied me up?! (4)" I was so pissed. He's going to get it!

I grabbed the idiot by his collar. "What else did you do looking like me?" I growled.

"Nothing, nothing, I swear! That was it! Seriously! Don't kill me!" Before I can raise my other hand to punch him in the face, I felt a soft hand on the hand.

I turned to see Sakura holding it. "Sasuke-kun, put him down. We can work on payback together later, since he almost stole my first kiss henged as you. But for now, save the violence and bruises for the Finals, kay?" She said it loud enough so only I heard. There was a glimmer in her eyes that made me back down.

I dropped him on his ass. "Watch your back." Then I walked farther ahead of the group.

Behind me, I heard Kino compliment Sakura. "That was great, the way you handled them, Sakura! You must do that a lot, huh?"

"Yeah. Those two are always at each other's necks, so I'm usually the one to break them up. Sai has a habit of pissing people off, so I have to stop whoever's trying to kill him –if it wasn't me of course." A giggle.

"You're cute when you giggle, Sakura." Cue blush…

Kino again. "You're even cuter when you blush." I practically heard his wink. Can we use our new technique on him? The Chidori?

No. It's not completed yet and we can't kill him. How good would it look if the aspiring, final Uchiha killed a Daimyo's grandson? Not so great.

Hmph. Fine…

"Hey! Quit flirting with Sakura-chan, you bastard!" I smirked. Looks like we weren't the only ones upset.

"Don't call him a bastard, Naruto-kun!" I heard Sakura hit the moron over the head.

"I don't appreciate the incessant flirting either, Hag." Now I was surprised. I rose my eyebrows. Him, too?

"You too, Sai-kun?"

"Yes. Sasuke-kun and Kakashi-sempai, too, I'm sure."

By then, I had drifted closer to the group. Sakura tapped my shoulder. "Sasuke-kun?"

I nodded. I whispered in her ear. She smells so good…like her namesake… "Personally, I'd rather like to burn his ass off."

When I pulled back, I saw her face didn't redden from the proximity. Is she getting immune to me? What am I saying? I was just whispering in her ear.

"I agree with Sasuke's statement, too, Sakura." We heard our sensei say from the other side of the carriage.

"How'd you hear that?!" Sakura inquired. He's on the other freaking side! And Kino, who's stuck to Sakura like glue didn't even hear me!

"When you've had dog summons for years, you pick up some things." Oh. I wonder if his hearing is as good as Kiba's, who's as good as his own damn dog, Akamaru.

"Although I'm not nearly as good as Kiba. If it wasn't for the fact that I knew better, that I've known Tsume for a long time, had heard her howls of pain when she gave birth to Kiba –yes, she was in the hospital, and I was not- and had known his father, I'd think that Kiba was part dog."

"Quit doing that! And TMI, man!" Naruto hollered to Kakashi.

His only response was a chuckle.

"You guys are so protective. You know that, right?" Sakura stated, crossing her arms.

"I believe Dickless proved that this morning." A blush that went unnoticed –except for me of course- finally appeared then quickly disappeared on Sakura's face, remembering what else happened that morning. This is off-handed, but is her face going to stay like that if she keeps blushing all the time?

Doubt it. If that could happen, Hinata's face would be red permanently, instead of pale.

Oh. Right. Totally forgot.

"We only want to protect you, Sakura-chan. And besides, why are you letting him flirt with you like that?" I've been wondering about that for a while.

I took a glance at Kino to find that he was just fine with being talked about like he wasn't there, waiting for the right moment to speak and Sakura's answer.

"W-well…" Sakura started.

"Well, what? You sound like a certain Hyuga around a certain noodle-for-brains." Sakura and I both turned our heads to Sai. So he knows about Hinata's crush on Naruto, too? Geez! The dude she likes is basically the only person that knows her that doesn't know!

Sakura fake coughed. "Anyway. I let him because I'm okay with it."

"Eh?! Why?" The Usuratonkachi and I were watching Sakura like a hawk, equally confused and curious.

"B-because…" Cue adorable blush… "…I kinda like it. It makes me feel confident and pretty…God, this is embarrassing!"

"But you are pretty, Sakura-chan! I mean, Sai even said so! And he's -…he's-…well he's Sai."

"Hearing it from you guys doesn't exactly count. You guys said it yourselves –you don't want me hurt. And I don't think any of you besides Sai is stupid enough to call me something and mean it to my face."

Naruto and I sighed –although I did it quietly enough so no one knew- seeing her point, but exasperated. "Besides, the only person who's ever flirted with me is Naruto, but he failed and he had a crush on me at the time, and Kukuo(5) –remember, from the Academy?- and he hoped to get Sasuke jealous. I have no idea why he thought that'd work. A girl wants to feel pretty and confident once in a while, you know? A genuine compliment or even flirting once in a while isn't bad at all." Women…Shikamaru was right. Men will never understand them.

"This book here says that women tend to be very insecure, despite how they may act around their friends or family. Being complimented or flirted to raises their self-esteem and makes them feel better about themselves. Beautiful said that, too. The first part at least."

More books? Seriously, Sai?

"The book also says that women often strive for love and such fantasies, although they don't make it all they care about. It says the girls greatly treasure their first kiss so it will be with someone they love, or at least like. Same for their first time in intercourse-" Sakura had stomped over to him and ripped the book out of his hand before he can read more. I saw her eyes skim pages as she flipped through the pages.

"Girls are self-conscious….girls are vain…girls are very envious and possessive and will often flirt or even date other boys in hopes of making a certain one –which she made a point not to date- jealous. They are very-" She threw the book on the ground. "That is not true! In a lot of cases, yes, but not always! That book is so general! I'd like to give that author a piece of my mind! 'Women 101: The Female Encyclopedia' my ass!"

She picked the book up again, looking for the author. "I knew it! It's a guy! How many girls are named Arthur Stone!?"(6) She put the book into the backpack she was carrying. "I'll burn this later."

She turned to Sai. "If you want to know about girls, then just ask one! I mean, all girls are different just like guys so answers might differ, but it's better than reading a book. What have I told you about experience?" She almost sounded like a teacher.

Sai sighed. Haha…it rhymed! "'Experience provides better lessons than a book ever can.' I know that, but you know it's still so hard…humans are so complicated…" He looked down. Geez…with such an sad face, I almost want to hug him.

That, Sakura did. But I doubt it's because she fell for his upset expression. Maybe those two are closer than Naruto and I thought… For some reason, I felt my stomach twist.

"I know it's tough, Sai. That's why Ino and I are here to help you. I'm sure Naruto-kun, Sasuke-kun, and Kaka-sensei would, too. What are friends for?" I noticed the corner of his lips quirk up. Not into a smile –more like a half one. It was almost weird to see. I thought he only knew how to do fake ones, since that's all we saw.

Then, he whispered something in Sakura's ear. She whispered something back, then nodded and smiled brightly at him. His eyes lit up. "Thank you, Sakura." It was the first time I've heard him say her name to her directly. The way he said it…proves my theory of him only saying her name when it's serious, to an extent, unless he was explaining who he was referring to when he calls her by her nickname. Maybe her nickname is endearing to them….

My stomach clenched again.

Sakura squeezed Sai once more, then went back to talking with Kino.

"I see you are very close to your teammates, and they rely on you a lot. How admirable." Again with the flirting. Thank god we're as young as we are…who knows what he'd be saying if we were like 17 or something…now that'd be shameless…he'd be talking about her body and bed for sure…and thank goodness for his royal-ish heritage. At least he has shame now.

Don't give me that sort of image, Inner.

"So anyway, Sasuke-kun, I was like, thinking, since we're both from high-class families, that we'd be perfect together." Kayame said. I sighed. I almost forgot about her. I was wondering when she'd come right out and say it.

"This is going to be one long 2 days." Naruto sighed.

Looks like there's another thing to add to the list of things we seem to agree on today…


*that evening at the campfire. Way after sundown.*

Sakura POV

"So here's the sleeping arrangements." Kakashi started. Everyone was around the campfire, minus Riyo-san and is wife. It's so creepy to see her leering at Kakashi. And her more-than-innocent stances and touches…

And her daughter's following right in her footsteps…EWW!

"Naruto and I will sleep with Riyo-san and Kira-san. Sai will sleep with the twins. Sasuke and Sakura on their own. You two will be called if needed, but a little bit closer to the woods than us, so you two will be the first to alert us if anyone happens. I'll be on watch for part of the night. Understand?"

I'm with Sasuke-kun? Huh. He might have put us together if he heard that I stopped his curse mark. Maybe he hopes I could do it again if he can't at the moment…

I don't mind at all! As long as Sasuke-kun's with us, I'm set for life…X3

"Aww, can't Sasuke-kun sleep with me? Sarublah can sleep with Kino." Kayame whined, trying to push her chest up to "seduce" Sasuke. It was failing miserably. He just wasn't attracted to her at all. That made me glad. Take that, bitch!

"It's Sakura." I said.

"Whatever." Kayame just snorted and looked back at Sasuke, fluttering her eyes. Personally, I think the effect is ruined if you snorted before the eye fluttering. Just sayin.

"I don't care *Yawn* as long as I get sleep." Naruto said. "Now if you excuse me, I have a date with a sleeping bag." And with that, he entered the tent where he was stationed and retired for the night.

"Good night, Sakura. I'll see you in the morning." I turned to Kino, and gave him a smile, waving.

"Good night, Kino-kun." However, he didn't leave. Instead, he took my hand and kissed it, one eye closed and gazing at me with the other. "Sweet dreams, blossom." He said huskily, and then went to his own tent. I don't doubt he caught my obvious blush. Geez. I swear if we keep this up, we're going to either A) turn into Hinata or B) die from all the blood rushing to our face. That can't be healthy.

I choose C) stop blushing. This is getting ridiculous.

Soon enough, Kayame gave up trying to get Sasuke to sleep with her –that sounds so wrong!- and retired to her tent with her brother, Sai following her. However, I was able to catch a glimpse of her winking at Sai suggestively as they entered the tent. She doesn't give up, does she?

Nope. Honestly, she has a better chance of marrying Sasuke-kun than her tricks working on Sai.

Definitely.


*about 2 hours since Sakura and the others went to sleep*

Hey…Outer…Outer…WAKE UP DAMN YOU!(7)

Ugh…I was sleeping blissfully here. What?

I hear something. I think it's coming from Sasuke-kun.

Really?

I woke myself up further and sat up in my sleeping bag to turn to Sasuke, who was in his own sleeping bag immediately to my right. All I can see was his silhouette since it was so dark.

Gradually, my vision improved enough for me to make out his body and sleeping bag. I noticed he was shaking and tossing a lot. His face was scrunched up. He was trapped in a nightmare.

But that's not all. His curse mark was starting to glow, dark chakra beginning to swirl around it. It wasn't enough to alert Kakashi from where he was, but enough for me to almost panic to wake him.

"Sasuke-kun…" I shook him, gently at first. "Sasuke-kun…wake up, Sasuke-kun!" Now I was shaking him harder, and it wasn't working. Then, I got an idea.

I pinched the skin directly under his chin, at his jaw. He was always sensitive skin-wise there…at his jaw…I have no idea why I know that.

He woke up immediately, his Sharingan blazing in the darkness and his had immediately reaching for my own jugular.

"W-wait…Sasuke-k-kun…" I choked out. "It's m-me…S-sakura…" I struggled to breathe, but I did my best to gently pry his fingers off my windpipe.

Slowly, recognition awoke in his eyes, and he let go of my throat, and I took in harsh breaths on instinct.

Damn! That is one strong grip he has!

I turned back to Sasuke after my breath came back and found him looking at the ground intently. Then he looked back up at me and I noticed how close we were.

His eyes…there were unshed tears in them, and one running down his cheek. He must not have noticed because he was too busy holding his hand to his shoulder in pain.

I took my thumb and wiped the tear. He stiffened, but before he can back away I pulled him to me and started using a bit of medical ninjutsu to stop his pain.

After a moment, I stopped the flow of the green chakra when the purple one surround the mark disappeared.

I lied down and pulled him with me; he was now inches from me, each of us on our sides, looking at each other.

That must have been a nightmare of the Massacre…nothing else could bring him to tears like this…or at all.

"…I'm sorry." I snapped out of my thoughts. I was surprised that he apologized, but I didn't let it show on my face.

"It's alright. It's not your fault." I gave him a reassuring smile, though I doubt it reassured him.

"…What's wrong? Why are you up? Hear something?"

I shook my head. "Not that I know of." I unzipped the tent a bit and stuck my head out on both sides, not sensing, smelling, or hearing anything but everyone in the tents.

That is, sans Kakashi-sensei.

He had a brow raised as if asking something. Then, I realized he must be alerted every time the curse acted up, with his seal and all. He was asking if Sasuke was alright.

I nodded and mouthed, "He's calmed down."

I stuck my head back in and zipped up the tent. "Nope. Nothing." I took my place back on top of my sleeping bag, inches from Sasuke, facing him again.

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, too. "Who were you nodding at?"

I sighed softly. Of course he noticed. He's Sasuke-kun.

"Just Kakashi-sensei. He must have sensed your mark acting up and maybe even my chakra. I nodded to let him know the mark's gone."

He nodded. You know, it's weird to see someone nod when they're on their side…and you're on yours…

How completely random was that?

That's just how I roll!

I sighed at my Inner's antics and looked back at Sasuke-kun. I scooted closer to him.

"I woke up because you had a nightmare, and tried to wake you from it. You can take it from there." I couldn't say it any other way but like a whisper. Maybe it's because I'm surrounded by silence and it's dark. Things like that have an effect on you.

He nodded, understanding it now. He sat up and was about to turn over to get into his sleeping bag and sleep -which I knew he was going to be unable to do- when I sat up too and put my hand on his shoulder and stopped him.

"You can tell me if you want to, you know." He looked confused. "What the nightmare was about."

He just looked at me, his face and eyes unreadable. "There were tears in your eyes, Sasuke-kun." I said this even softer than how I had before. "I think I have an idea of what it was about, but you can trust me not to repeat anything you say to anyone."

I placed myself closer to him, my gaze meeting his in the dark. He didn't move back so I took that as an "okay" for our close proximity. "You haven't told anyone before, right?" I subconsciously moved a lock of hair from in front of his eyes, unable to stop myself. "You shouldn't keep everything bottled up, Sasuke-kun. If it's any incentive, it is bad for your health."

I pulled him to rest the side of his head onto my shoulder, so he was facing my neck. His torso was leaning against my chest and our legs we against the other's.

"There. Now you won't have to look at me." Really, Outer? Are you serious! You're just lucky it's dark and he can't see our face, cuz we look like a damn tomato! Wait! He loves tomatoes…nevermind…

Ugh…Inner.

I felt Sasuke's strong gaze on my neck, knowing he was contemplating whether to tell me or not. He must be really shaken up to not push me away or something…

Before I knew it, I felt a tug at my waist and then my back on the ground. Sasuke-kun must have pulled us onto the sleeping bags…

"Ever since I was little, I looked up to my brother." I was startled. See? He's speaking…I knew he'd open up to us!

"He was 5 years older than me, and my beloved Itachi-nii-san. He graduated the academy early and was an ANBU captain by the time he was 13. He had two teammates; our cousin and his best friend, Shisui, and a girl. Shisui and Itachi graduated at the same time, and Shisui was a jounin when Itachi became ANBU. The girl graduated a year behind them, and became a jounin at 14. Even though she was ranks behind them, the three were obviously very close. Their sensei was Shisui's father, Garuto.

"Regardless, every time brother came home from training -or the academy if he was still in it- I would run up to him and hug him. I would ask him how his day was, and demand that he train me. Often, he poked my forehead with his pointer and middle finger of his hand and say, 'next time, brother.' I always pouted.

"If he didn't and decided to train me, I'd run and get my things, and wait for him at the door to go to our training area. He'd teach me how to properly through kunai and shuriken, some minor jutsu, a bit of taijutsu, and help me improve my fire jutsu.

"Shisui came and helped, too. Itachi's female teammate helped some, too, but she was free less since she had her own younger brother."

Sasuke shifted against me, trying to get comfortable before he continued. In the end, his head was still on my right shoulder and he was facing my neck, but this time, his right leg entangled with mine, and his right arm –hesitantly- was across my waist. I turned red, but didn't move, knowing even though he was physically comfortable, he was still uncomfortable being in such a position so close to me. That doesn't make a lot of sense, does it?

"I had a favorite green dinosaur(8) stuffed animal that my mother had given to me when I was 2 according to Itachi, since I was too young to remember. He often joined me in my training. Of course, the stuffed animal watched, or I played with it at home, but whenever it got cut or something, it was either Mother or Itachi's girl teammate that patched it up for me."

I ignored my urge to ask who this other teammate was and why he's not saying her name, and instead listened to Sasuke tell me one of the times he made Itachi swear on his dinosaur that he'd train with him the next day.(9)

He was such a cute, innocent, little child. The Massacre truly changed him…

"Out of both my parents, I'd be quick to say that I loved Mother much more than Father. I mean, I loved him and all, but we had a sort of…strained relationship."

I felt that hand that was across my waist scrunch itself into a fist into my clothing.

I rested my cheek against his forehead. He didn't move.

"My father always was comparing me to Itachi, saying that I should be like him, and asking rhetorical questions as to why I wasn't. Because of this, I grew a not-so-hidden jealousy to my brother; he always had everyone's approval, especially Father's. It was not-so-hidden because Shisui, Uncle Garuto, Mother, Itachi, Father and even Itachi's female teammate knew about it. Was I that easy to read?

"Mother always comforted me, though. She said even though father acts like this, it doesn't mean that he didn't love me. It made me feel a bit better. The few times I saw proof of this was when I showed him my complete Katon: Fireball Jutsu(9) when I was seven. He said, with a proud glint in his eyes, 'Good job, Sasuke. You made me proud.' I was so happy that I was practically jumping off the walls for the rest of the day. I stopped when Shisui threatened to cut my hair at dinner."

I couldn't stop myself and giggled. Then I froze. Oh, no. Is he mad?

He wasn't. I felt Sasuke smirk against me.

"Mother also told me that if she had a favorite son -even though she shouldn't- it'd be me. She always made me feel better. When I was a toddler, she'd always smother me with love and…cuddle with me. She said that was one of the reasons I was her favorite rather than Itachi. 'Itachi isn't and wasn't very cuddly', she said. She was kind, beautiful, and wasn't afraid to discipline my brother, Shisui and I if we ever got out of line. Shisui's mother died when he was 4 and Garuto…he wasn't the best fatherly figure, even though he ended up becoming Shisui's sensei. As a result, Shisui often spent time in our house of the Uchiha complex and Mother treated him as her own son. Whenever she saw her, she also treated Itachi's female teammate as the daughter she always wanted but never had. Itachi's teammate's mother was okay with it, since the two mothers were friends."

Unconsciously, I shifted my body to be partially on its side and to stroke Sasuke's hair. His arm was still around my waist. Since he didn't push me away when I realized what I was doing, I continued, taking it as an okay. No fair…his hair is almost softer than ours…

"When she held me, she liked to stroke my hair. Like you are." He sighed.

"Nearing the…Massacre, I noticed Itachi was more stressed and distant than normal. I tried to make him feel better, and even let him sleep with my dinosaur. But it didn't help much. I asked Shisui what was going on, but he didn't know either. All he could think of was that, and I quote, 'Maybe that stick up his ass is stuck in even farther than usual.' But knowing how close he was to Itachi, he might have known. His other teammate heard us, and yelled at him, telling him to watch his language around me. I was eight, after all. I asked her if she knew, and she said, 'Despite that I've knowing him almost as long as you've been alive, half of the time, I don't know what's going through that head of his. Like now.' Unlike Shisui, I'm positive she didn't know.

"I was worried. Then, when I came home from the academy on my own one day, I had a bad feeling upon entering the Uchiha complex. I immediately ran to our home, and found the walls coated in blood. When I entered the living room, I found my mother and father in a pile and covered in their own blood. I looked up to find my brother sheathing his sword in his ANBU uniform."

"He spoke to me, saying I should curse him; hate him; live a long; unsightful life; run, and cling to my pathetic life!"

A tear fell down my cheek, but I didn't notice since too busy feeling Sasuke's tears on my shoulder. His arm tightened on my waist and he pulled my tighter against him, and I wrapped my own around him, my other hand still stroking his hair, trying not to sob at his anguish.

Shaking against me, he told me everything else he recalled of that night and about a bloody Uncle Garuto carrying Shisui, who's right eye was bleeding –but not gone- and his barely breathing mother.

"Those three were the only ones that survived, that we knew of at first. Shisui says that Itachi lashed out and tried to take his eye, but he was able to avoid it somehow. That's all he could remember.

"My father's body was found in one of the mansion's rooms, unconscious. He must have been hit in the head in addition to an almost fatal stab wound in the stomach. He fell into a coma and didn't wake up until 2 ½ years after the Massacre. He's fine now, though.

"The funeral for my family was held when they were all recovered enough to attend. It was a private funeral, consisting of Lord Hokage, the survivors, and Itachi's final teammate and her brother, though she almost didn't attend. Her eyes were completely blank, and she was like a puppet. Her bother was nearly in tears, though I think he was more worried about his sister than anything.

"Days later, she soon fell a bit mad, talking to herself, –even though everyone does it(10), she did it like a madman- hallucinating, laughing at odd times, twitching, scaring us. Her younger brother was terrified and tried to calm her down, but his mother forced him to move in with his best friend, and not see his sister until she was better.

"He wasn't the only one scared. To me, she always seemed like a rock. A pretty, kind, soft rock. She was like my older sister. She even taught me, Itachi, and Shisui –though he didn't do it often- to play the flute, though Itachi took up the metal flute, clarinet, and piano while Shisui was more of a guitar man. I was given a bamboo flute -that I still own- when I was 7. (11) Though, since the Massacre, part of me blamed her for what happened. I still love her like a sister, but she knows about my discontent toward her, and we've been distant. But she always sends me a birthday present and Christmas present every year -though anonymously- and helps me whenever I ask, which is rare. I do the same, though her brother grew hostile toward me, knowing I hurt her with my hatred. We weren't very close, though friends, thus, I wasn't very affected by it.

"In the end, after some therapy and Shisui having to use his Sharingan on her occasionally, she calmed down and regained her sanity. She was soon back to the girl we knew, although, for a long time, her eyes were still empty and distant. Her brother inadvertently grew much closer to his sister.

"I asked Shisui why she had become the way she did for those few months. He said that even though they were young, she had fallen in love with my brother, though she knew he would never return it. She blamed herself for part of his betrayal, thinking she hadn't done enough for him to stop him before something happened. He said out of anyone, the event probably hurt her the most, if not me, Mother, or himself.

"Today, I'm still not sure what that sort of 'love' means, or why she was so hurt, but I could tell from her eyes, that she still feels for my brother."

We lied in silence for a while, still holding each other, and my stroking his hair.

"Thank you for opening up to me Sasuke-kun." I whispered, getting up. He remained lying down, as I stretched.

He got in his sleeping bag.

I was about to do the same, but he pulled me into his sleeping bag with him, my head on his chest.

Maybe he wasn't ready to let go yet. He probably still needs some comfort…

"Th…thank you for listening, Sakura." He whispered. His voice was putting me to sleep.

I nodded, snuggling into him for warmth. "I'll always be here for you, whenever you need me…"

I reached up, and kissed the corner of his mouth on impulse. His eyes widened, but I was too tired to think further on my actions.

I rested my head comfortably against his chest again and let myself get pulled into the darkness of sleep.


(1): Remember her from the filler Konoha History Arc in Shippuden? I think I'm going to pair her up with Kakashi instead of Shizune or Anko this time. I might add her in later...
(2): Yup. Sanji from One Piece. He calls (in the sub) Nami "Nami-swan" and and Robin "Robin-chwan" sometimes. Or just "Nami-san" and Robin-chan". Which I find weird since he's known Nami longer and Robin is also older. Whatever. Still love him, though.
(3): Again, an episode from the Konoha History Arc. Ep 194, for those who want to see it. (It never would have happened if those two had listened to Sakura and Kakashi about waiting the 2-3 days...) It was hilarious. And since Sakura's hair was long, it was before the Chuunin Exams.

(4): That was an ep in early Part 1. Remember it?
(5): Some may recognize him from my other Naruto story that I let go. He won't play a part in the story really, though. For those who don't know, that story I started writing was a High School AU where Kukuo was Sakura's boyfriend and she started to fall in love with him. She dated him because she thought it was time to move on, since she knows Sasuke will never love her and she doesn't want to be loveless forever. However, Kukuo was playing her an cheating on her with Sakura's childhood tormentor and mortal enemy, Watanabe Ami.
(6): I made up that name. Personally, I think it sounds pretty bad-ass. Stone. Arthur Stone. I was tempted to name the author Alfred F. Jones, aka America, in Hetalia, but I didn't. Or Kiku Honda. (Japan) He looks and sort of acts enough like Sai.
(7): I got that from Patti's "GET UP DAMN YOU!" to Kid in Soul Eater. Man, I love him...
(8): Remember it from flashbacks? He was so cute when he was little...
(9): It's in the first chapter of my 3-shot. Please read it, people. And REVIEW it.
(10): When I right jutsu names, I mix the Japanese and English name together sometimes, for cooler effect.
(11): There's is some miscellaneous art Kishimoto drew of Sasuke playing a bamboo flute. And Sasuke's character song is flute music. So I made him a flute player.

I know Kino's flirting sucks. I did the best I could. Sorry. And don't forget, it can't be very dirty or street flirting because Kino's a noble. And a gentleman.

Don't forget to review! I'm a review whore! (Forgive language)

And R&R A Couple Moments! The link is on the last chap, if you don't want to go to my story list! I think it was my best work so far!

Um...I think that's all.

Laters! With LOVE!