DISCLAIMER: No matter how much I want it, I do not own Naruto. I am still only borrowing the characters and promise to return them in good condition – well, maybe slightly battered...
Chapter Sixteen:
The Problem with Flowers
Just give her back to me
You know I can't afford the medicine that feeds what I need
So baby what if I can't forget you?
Collide invisible lips like a shadow on the wall
~Pierce The Veil~
They both looked up as Sai burst into the clearing with a triumphant look on his face followed closely by Ino who was shouting something about dirty, rotten cheaters. Both of their jaws dropped as they took in the scene before them.
Sakura was lying in the mud with Naruto on top of her. Her skirt was hiked up nearly to her hips and it was very obvious where his hand was. Ino quickly closed her mouth and hastily turned around.
Sai was not as considerate. He asked, "Are you sure this is the proper place and time to engage in coitus? I do not believe the weather is conducive for a proper coupling."
"Idiot!" shouted Ino as she slapped the back of his head and jerked his arm to get him to follow her. "Give them some privacy!"
~o~O~o~
Sakura shoved Naruto off her and scooted back, looking at him warily. She was furious at Naruto. Furious at herself too for the way she reacted. Although to be fair, Naruto had never looked so ashamed of himself before.
"What was that about?" she hissed.
"Sakura-chan… I'm so sorry. I… I don't know what came over me."
"What, are you saying you had no control over your actions? Are you saying Kurama took over or something? I thought you and he were friends or something."
"No… yes… I don't know…" Naruto wouldn't look at her. Too embarrassed to tell her the truth about the whole mating thing, he hung his head and evaded, "I'm not really sure what happened. I just lost control. I was having fun chasing you and then this." He pointed to ground where her imprint lay and then ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "Do you hate me?" he asked and then hastily added, "Not that I would blame you."
Sakura was silent for a minute, thinking of everything that had happened. Slowly she said, "I don't blame you for all this. While we can't pretend it never happened, we can choose to just move on from here."
"You don't hate me?" he asked incredulously, still not looking at her.
Sakura gently grasped his chin and forced him to look at her. "No," she said softly, "I could never hate you. I want to understand what's going wrong though."
Oh yeah, now he felt guilty.
"I just want to help you."
Very, very guilty.
"Has this ever happened to you before?"
"Um… nothing like this."
"Something similar?"
"Uh, well… maybe once or twice when I was dreaming."
Sakura looked at him thoughtfully. There was definitely something he wasn't telling her. She asked, "Do you remember what you were dreaming about?"
Naruto flushed deep red and mumbled something.
"What was that?"
"Um, I was in the hospital."
"Were you hurt?"
"Uh… I'm not sure… uh, but I was moaning."
Sakura frowned, tapped her chin and paced around him. After a few minutes she looked up and said, "I think I might understand what's happening to you. I think that having the beasts inside you is influencing you a little… probably when you get too excited or stressed to be able to maintain control. I don't think they want to harm me or you. Maybe they were acting on instinct… you know, the thrill of the hunt. When we get back to Konoha, I'll do some research to see if I can find anything that could help."
She reached out to take his hand, but Naruto avoided her touch. He said quietly, "I don't want to hurt you. I don't want you to be afraid of me either."
"You would never, Naruto. Of that, I'm sure. I'm not afraid." She could still see the immense guilt on his face and wanted to do something to lift it. There was only one thing to do. Sakura took a deep breath and with a deep, red flush staining her cheeks, shyly admitted, "You startled me before. Maybe… maybe I kind of liked it… a little."
Naruto's head shot up and he stared at her as though he couldn't believe what he just heard. She held out her hand and quickly said, "But… I don't want you to take this the wrong way. It's just that this is all so new to me and I don't want to rush things. I know my actions that day in my apartment and well… what just happened between us contradicts that, but…I'm not explaining this very well, am I?"
The relief coursing through his body made him feel happier than he thought possible. Naruto hurriedly assured, "Sakura, you don't have to explain. I understand what you're saying. I will wait as long as you want to." Patience was never one of his strong suits, but if that's what it took to earn her trust, he silently vowed he would do it.
"I can't tell you exactly when I might be ready for, well, you know, but hanging out and getting to know each other better as more than just friends wouldn't be so bad." Sakura laughed softly, but he could tell she was anxious to hear his answer. "Maybe you can give me a little warning next time you feel your control slipping."
"I'll try. And like I said, I'm not in a hurry. I know my reputation isn't exactly great, but I'm doing what I can to change it. Even if I get to do is have a few kisses, I'm okay with that. There's still going to be a little kissing, right?"
This time when Sakura laughed, it was full of joy. "Well…I may have to insist on that as a condition. It's the least I can do to repay you for all of your patience."
"You're very kind-hearted, Sakura-chan." They shared another snicker and Naruto was happy Sakura had told him what she wanted. He picked up her bag from the ground, handed it to her, and then said, "We should probably find Ino and Sai. If we hurry, we can make it to the inn at the next village before nightfall. It'll be warm and dry." He glanced down at his muddy clothes and added wryly, "It even has hot showers."
"Then what are we waiting for?" asked Sakura as she linked her arm through his. "Just lead the way."
~o~O~o~
Ino looked up at the dark sky and frowned as the rain continued to fall lightly. Getting impatient to leave, she huffed, "Are we supposed to sit here twiddling our thumbs while they are having a good time?"
"Well, we can always find a nice, dry spot and you can twiddle my…"
"Don't you dare finish that sentence."
"Well, you have proved yourself deficient by performing ineffectively to achieve victory and thus I have earned my recompense."
"What?! For the last time, Sai, what freaking language are you speaking?"
"You failed to win the race, Ino Yamanaka."
"So what, you cheated."
"That is an incorrect statement. I did not attempt to deceive you with any sort of trickery nor did I violate any rules deliberately, as there were none. Therefore, one must conclude that there was no form of cheating involved. You owe me a kiss."
"I'd rather kiss a pig."
"Well, you did call me a swine last week…"
"I. Will. Not. Kiss. You… Ever."
"You are a sore loser."
"What?"
"It means to lose at something without any dignity or grace."
"I know what it means, you idiot! I'm still not kissing you," she growled in warning.
Sai gave her an appraising look and then said, "Did you know, Beautiful, that rejection can lead to emotional stress for both parties involved and emotional stress can lead to physical complications such as headaches, ulcers, cancerous tumors, and even death. So for my health and yours, you really should just do it."
"I hate you."
"So… does that mean no to the twiddling?"
Ino raised her fist menacingly and took a step forward. It was the creaking of a branch being moved out of the way that probably saved Sai's life.
Naruto walked up to them, grinned widely, his eyes crinkling with laughter while Sakura smothered a giggle and loudly cleared her throat. "So, uh, is everyone ready to go?"
Ino shoved past Sai and marched over to her roommate. "Men suck!" she declared as she walked away. Sakura turned her head and gave Sai a hard look before patting Ino's shoulder and agreeing.
"What just happened?" whispered Sai. "Why is Sakura looking at me that way?"
"It's because they are women." Naruto gave a lift of his hands, his expression resigned. Not surprising. Discussing women tended to bring that expression to most men's faces. "Sasuke once told me that they band together far more fiercely than any other creature and will tear a man to shreds if he dares to harm one. Believe it."
~o~O~o~
The inn was barely a rest stop for travelers. There were no other businesses in the tiny village, but Naruto was right; it was warm, dry, and had showers. She and Ino shared a cabin while Naruto and Sai shared another next to them. And after a long, hot one she met up with Ino in the lounge.
"How did you get here before me? You look like you took a shower," said Sakura as she sat down beside the blonde.
"I did," said Ino. "I kicked the boys out of their room and took a shower there. I couldn't wait. Look I got you your favorite," she added in a sing-song voice as she nodded to the tall fruity drink.
"Ino, we're on a mission. We shouldn't be drinking alcohol."
"We're on 'C' rank missions, forehead. Not to mention, we're still in the Land of Fire. It's acceptable and you know it. Now drink up and tell me all the gory little details."
Sakura swirled a straw through her drink and wondered if she should just suck it down. "I really don't want to talk about it."
"Yes, you really do."
"No, what I want to talk about is you and Sai. I want all the gory little details."
"Fine," she huffed, "We made a bet, he cheated, and then wanted me to kiss him, end of story."
"I saw how mad you were. You need to stop being his toy."
"What? What do you mean?"
"He winds you up just to watch how you react. If I didn't know him better, I'd swear he does it because he enjoys it."
"Well, that's just ridiculous."
"Is it? From here, it looks like you enjoy it too."
"Oh well now you're just being ridiculous, Forehead."
"Am I? Just think of it Pig, he's young and impressionable."
"So."
"So, that means he's highly trainable."
"Look, if I wanted to train something I'd get a puppy. Forget that ass. Tell me what happened between you and Mr. Future Hokage."
Desperate to talk about anything other than what really happened and what she really thought of it, she waved down the bartender. He grinned and waltzed over to them, the very picture of tall, dark, and handsome.
"Ladies. How're the drinks coming?"
"I think we're ready for another. I'm Sakura, by the way. This is my friend Ino." Sakura downed her drink in a single gulp as the two eyed each other. Though her friend claimed she was too busy with work to date, it didn't stop Ino from surveying the possibilities. Even if she never took advantage of them.
Sure enough, when he went back to fill their order, the blonde leaned in. "If that guy isn't the hottest thing I've ever seen, I don't know who is. If I had the time…"
"There's nothing wrong with a little harmless flirting."
Ino held up a finger. "I know what you're trying to do and it won't work on me. Stop stalling and spill the details."
"It was no big deal. We where racing each other to the valley when he got a little carried away. Like I said, it was no big deal."
"Carried away." Ino's blue eyes practically lit up. "Oh, do tell."
Okay, so maybe this story wasn't so easy to tell. Sakura looked for a napkin to shred, but there were only the heavy-duty coasters. "He kissed me."
"Oh. My. God."
Sakura jumped, feeling guilty for no reason at all. "What?"
"You wanted him to kiss you."
"I did not."
"Yes you did, you little hussy." Ino grinned, held out her hand and teased, "I don't judge."
She bit her lip, temporarily saved when the bartender brought their drinks back. As soon as he was gone, however, there was no denying it. "Okay, yes. Maybe a little. You have to understand, he was so forceful and a little scary. It was so wrong. But…"
Sakura took a hasty drink and nearly choked. This was way stronger than the last one. Maybe it was alcohol loosening her tongue, or maybe she just needed to get it out in the air, but she didn't stop there. "I don't know, Ino. There was something really, really compelling about it all. Maybe it was the fear factor, but it was so exciting."
Holy crap, she couldn't believe she'd just admitted that out loud. But it felt kind of good to say it so Sakura kept going, toying with her straw as she went on. "I mean, sure he's rough around the edges, it's Naruto after all. And that mouth is just sinful."
"Yes…yes it is."
She frowned at the weird look on her friend's face. "Ino?" Then she realized Ino wasn't looking at her. She was focusing on some point over Sakura's shoulder.
The room swayed as all the blood rushed from her head and foreboding slammed through her system. This couldn't be happening. There was seriously no way this was happening. "Please tell me he's not standing right behind me."
Ino put her elbows on the table and propped her chin in her hands as if getting ready to watch a show. "He's totally right behind you."
Sakura turned, feeling as if she were swimming through molasses. Sure enough, Naruto stood not two feet from her, holding… flowers? From the grin on his face, he'd heard every single word. She waited for lightning to strike her dead, but apparently God wasn't in an obliging mood tonight.
When he held out the flowers, she took them with numb hands. She lifted the flowers and inhaled on reflex, still unable to tear her gaze from Naruto. Tonight he wore a basic black T-shirt, but it clung to every single freaking muscle. The pants did the same thing. It wasn't fair—not by a long shot. Sakura definitely needed another drink.
"So, you think my mouth is sinful?"
Good God, he really had been close enough to hear everything. "No." Behind her, Ino sounded like she was choking on her drink. Good. She deserved it for not warning Sakura he was here and close enough to eavesdrop. "Your lips are way too thin, practically nonexistent."
Naruto took a step forward and leaned on the back of her chair, nearly overwhelming her with his closeness. "Oh, really?"
"Yes." Sakura coughed, belatedly realizing her throat was kind of itchy.
"Because I'm pretty sure you just said my mouth is sinful."
This was so not okay. She rubbed her nose. "You misheard."
"I don't think I did." He leaned sideways around her. "How's it going Ino?"
The traitor smiled sweetly at him and waved her hand for him to join them. Feeling a bit magnanimous, she told Sai to join them too. "We were just talking about you."
"Ino," growled Sakura.
"What? I'm only speaking the truth."
She could tell Naruto was having far too much fun with this. "You heard her call my mouth sinful, didn't you?"
"Don't you dare answer that, Ino." Sakura sneezed. What the hell? She tilted the bouquet, stared at it in dawning horror, and then groaned. "You bought me aralia."
"I bought you what?"
"Aralia flowers." It was as if, by finally seeing what it was, her symptoms suddenly became ten times worse.
Sakura's eyes started watering and, if the itchiness of her arms were any indication, she was in the process of breaking out in hives. Awesome. Just freaking fantastic. She sneezed and then tossed the bouquet at Ino. "This isn't funny."
The blonde girl failed miserably in her attempt to stop laughing. "I'm sorry. It really isn't. This is horrible. But, holy crap, it's so terrible it's hilarious." Ino crowed, You should see your face!"
Sakura rubbed her nose with the back of her hand, which, of course, only made the itching worse because the damned aralia was all over her. "I hate you."
"No, you don't. You love me." Ino finished off her drink.
Naruto rushed around the table and blanched. From the way his eyes bugged out, Sakura hazarded a guess that the blotchiness had reached her face. "What's happening?"
"Sakura is allergic to aralia." Oh great, now Ino could be helpful. "She puffs up like a blowfish whenever it gets within a feet of her, and you just handed her a whole bouquet full of the stuff."
"Holy shit. I'm so sorry. I just…"
"It's not a big deal." Sakura scooted off the chair and grabbed her purse. "And to you, Ino, I only have one word: karma."
Sakura marched out of the lounge, trying to pretend that she couldn't see the stares and hear the whispers as she walked by. That didn't work, just like she couldn't pretend that she didn't hear the light footsteps following her out. "Please Naruto, leave me alone right now."
"Can't you use your medical jutsu?"
"Not on something like this. I need some herbs though."
"This is my fault. You gotta let me make this right." He jogged up until they were even, but was forced to fall back when Sakura wove through garden statuary and bushes towards her cabin. "Please, Sakura. I'm really sorry."
Considering her eyes were starting to swell, it probably wasn't the best idea to walk around half-blind. Being safety-conscious was the only reason she said, "Fine. Whatever. There are some herbs I need to make a tonic. Fast."
"Fast I can do, Sakura-chan." He hooked an arm around her waist and steered her back toward the front desk.
Sakura let him lead her and closed her eyes, focusing on breathing. All she wanted right now was a great herbal remedy, a shower, and a bag of ice for her face. And sleep—a whole lot of sleep. It would be okay. A quick stop at the market and she'd be home free. She could do this.
Naruto whisked her through the lobby and shouted at the man working the front desk, "Where's your market at? My friend here needs to make some medicine."
The man warily backed up at the site of the shinobi. His voice quivered as he said, "There isn't one here. The closest market is twenty miles away in the village of Hotaru. I can give you directions."
"No, we know where that is. That's where we were headed tomorrow anyways." Naruto bent down and gathered Sakura in his arms. "Don't worry," he said softly. "I'll take care of you."
"Put me down, Naruto. It's okay. I can take care of myself. I'll be alright."
"Stop being stubborn."
He ran out of the inn and down the road. His body changed direction so quickly, Sakura was thrown back against his chest. "Hey, watch it!"
"You said fast."
She had, but she didn't want him to kill her in the process. "I'm not going to die—I just need some herbs."
"Die? Is that even possible from flowers?"
"Yes." She clutched his jacket as he violently twisted, narrowly avoiding a low hanging branch again. "You keep running like this and I'm going to vomit all over your favorite jacket."
"Small price to pay if I can help you be less miserable faster. It'll be okay. We'll be there before you know it."
Thank God, because she didn't think she could deal with this much longer. His concern might have been endearing under different circumstances, but Sakura was about ready to freak out and start scratching every part of her body she could reach. Compared with that kind of annoyance, Naruto just needed to shut the hell up and get her some allergy meds.
AN:
Sorry everyone for this long author's note but I truly felt this needed to be said. I rarely get angry at negative feedback; however, I did this time so I felt it was important to express my feelings.
To the guest that commented last chapter,
I always try to respond to everyone's comments whether they are good and bad, but as a guest I could not. That being said, I found your review to be distasteful, misleading, inaccurate, insulting, and boorish. Yes, I do value the opinion of Logan Locke. He is articulate, kind, intelligent, witty, and someone I truly wish I could meet face to face.
However, he is not the only person who's opinion matters to me. Here is a list of those who's opinion matters:
yellowflash-reincarnated, Kusarigama1, Aka-Manto, Pakkun101, Zero-Tails317, Hanmac, CynicalNinja, Rakasa, Gamma89, The Whirlwind Jinchuriki, Tony Blu, SamusOlderBrother, XxAshishxX, dbzgtfan2004, inu-babygirl1, SEELE01, kyuubifan1000, Czar Ryno, Mangaka Shuzen, DragonPony022, ineversleep123, DarkinocensDLT, imaginativefool, kl, maxslayer10, Q-e17, Isuzumi, HaveManners, Dudtheman, prithi 666, Konoha's Crimson Fox, Deza-chan, Majin-kun, kidloco, bedpostmonster, ahmadaziz, Cherrybomb-liv, Izzyyzzi, midnightscar17, twwistedimagination, JTW2014, minniemousemom, Kor Anders, loganhunter2, thunder3swords, Bellum, Shadowwitch042190, BHgamefreak375 , Mad Rollinstone, Sage-of-forbidden-arts, chelsea-chee, afilley, Timberwolfe, SourxApples, mefree, OmgItsAzia, sortofbored, firetemplar415, narusaku143, dark-wolf-howl, Deus Namikaze, TDI-Ryro-Eclares, stormwolf3710, Exor, hopelesslysingle, Arsenalfan99, narusakufanficfan1, MiniWolf666, guest - myself, , Sensuto, Shadow2700, DZ, Adonna2424, silentdragon2k8, BladedRose, MaximalCatPossible, Minttyfresh, M, Akari-chan, demonfox2140, and all the guests that didn't sign in. (Hopefully, I didn't miss anyone!)
If you look up any of these reviews from this fic, you will note that not all reviews are complementary. The world is filled with unique and beautiful people and I value everyone's opinion. I have learned a lot from everyone and I hope to continue in that vein because one can never move forward if they stay stuck in place. (That especially includes you, guest M, for your information. I truly didn't know all that & found it quite informative)
So, to you, guest reviewer, please take into consideration that I value everyone's opinion whether I agree or not. Your timing couldn't have been better though because it's Thanksgiving - A time when we are supposed to reflect on the past and give thanks. It was this time 3 years ago that I started writing so I need to say thank you to all my reviewers. It is because of all of you that I continue to write in the first place. Fanfiction is a community where I truly feel like I belong… A place where I'm not weird or strange. You cannot begin to imagine the warmth and sense of belonging I get from all of you.
Again - thank you.
Finally, ahmadaziz has recommended a few fics for your enjoyment. I have read these two and liked them immensely. Hopefully you will too.
1) 'Hand in Hand' by Narudeeds. Now the Hokage, Naruto is watching his villagers enjoy a day of peace celebration. While he should be enjoying himself, he can't stop spotting couples holding hands, and he can't help think about how he has never really done that. Will his advisor be able to cheer him up? Actually Narudeeds is an excellent author so be sure to check out all his other works.
2) 'Marked' by CherrieBlossom73. Sakura is getting married to the prince of Konoha, Naruto, but she does not love him. The night before the wedding, Naruto is determined to change that. This is a one shot, but the author is working on a sequel.
Ja Ne,
AZFAERYDUST