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 Nineteen:
Feelings of Transcendence

And to fight this fatal attraction,
Just to sit inside and hang my head too low.
Living in the shadows of the scars.
The past defines just who we are.
~Motionless in White~

Tonight? It was time to take things further tonight?

Naruto stood frozen as the door swung shut, struck absolutely immobile by her comment. He focused on the deep oak beams above the doors, desperately trying to get the image of an almost naked Sakura out of his mind.

Wasn't working. The beams morphed into hips and breasts.

What does that mean? Does that mean she wants to take one step further or does that mean she wants me to make love to her?

Holy Mother of all Shinobi, that wasn't what he'd planned on doing when she joined him in the hot spring. He just couldn't seem to control himself. That girl had hips on her, sweetly flaring out from a narrow waist. For someone so short, her legs looked a mile long when there was nothing covering them. And those breasts?

Naruto scrubbed his palm across his jaw and closed his eyes. They were small, but the size fit her perfectly. He had needed to know if they were as perky as they looked beneath that bikini top and if the tips would be a sweet dusky pink. They were. He needed to stop thinking about her breasts. But because he was a guy and once that image took hold, he pictured them in his hands and her back arching into his touch again…

"Damn," he growled. Lust stirred with a vengeance—that heated, almost-crazed kind of lust that never amounted to anything good. Tonight. It's time to take things further tonight.

What if I try to make love to her and that's not what she meant. She'll think I'm pressuring her and I'll lose her trust.

But the way she'd been looking at him… No. No way. He had to be imagining that, because this was Sakura. She said she wanted to take things slow. It had only been a week since she told him that. Was one week slow enough? 'Was it just wishful thinking or was she really looking at me with those beautiful green eyes of hers filled with want. Like she had wanted me to do something about the fact she'd been standing there with barely anything on. Like she had wanted me to see her, to touch her, to love her.'

Naruto headed into the shower because he just had to do something before he really did do something stupid. "And there is a lot of stupid in me right now—a whole lot," he admitted ruefully to himself. She said tonight so he would just have to wait and see just what she meant by taking things further then.

Why are women so damn complicated?

~o~O~o~

Sakura took great care with her outfit that afternoon. They were going to the Snow Festival together and there was to be a dance in the evening. She had wanted something a little more formal to wear, but this was a mission not a vacation. Still… She made a quick run to a cute shop she had noticed a few times and bought something special that would be able to fit into her pack when they went back to Konoha.

When Naruto came to her door to get her, his jaw dropped. She was wearing some sort of top that pushed her breasts up and it was all he could do not to stare. The skirt was modest, but watching it swish against her toned legs drove him crazy. He had to force himself to stop staring at Sakura's petite little waist and perfectly round ass after he lost his footing halfway down the stairs.

The festival was in full swing when Naruto and Sakura arrived. They wandered around for hours buying food from the carts and watching some of the competitions. Sakura stopped and stared in fascination at one where two men were clasping hands and attempting to push each other over their respective lines. It was a contest of strength so their shirts were off showing bulging muscles.

When one of the men lost, Sakura turned to speak to Naruto, but he was gone. She turned her head, searching for him. Shrugging to herself in annoyance, she turned back to see who the next challenger would be. She gave a gasp when Naruto stepped into the ring, removed his shirt and faced the huge man.

Sakura couldn't believe he was doing that. The other man was at least a foot taller than him, not to mention heavily muscled. Naruto was muscled as well, but he was a shinobi so he was much leaner and lighter.

Naruto grabbed the man's hands, got into the correct stance, and then looked at Sakura. In that moment she knew why he entered the competition. She had been admiring the contestants, but he wanted her eyes on him, so he became a contestant. What a sweet, jealous thing to do… and so foolish. He couldn't possibly win.

Only he didn't lose right away. Naruto had magnificent balance. They were pushing and straining against each other. Muscles that she had never seen so prominently before swelled on the blond. Her breathing quickened as she cheered him on. And when their eyes locked and he was sure she was watching, he twisted and unbalanced his opponent.

He made his way toward her, signaling to the judge that he wouldn't be participating further. His blue eyes never left hers as he walked. Hot, intense, and predatory - those were the only words that came to mind as she stared at him. But as he put his shirt and jacket back on she thought she imagined it. His eyes were the same bright blue, his smile the same charming and carefree one he always wore.

"Sakura-chan, there's a dance going on over there. Do you want to go?"

"I didn't know you knew how to dance. When did you learn?"

A hint of red crept up Naruto's face and he avoided looking at her. "Oh, uh… you know, just here and there," he said evasively. "Baa-chan said I had to learn for official ceremonies."

The thought of one of his past 'lady friends' teaching him how to dance had Sakura simmering. She knew it was unfair of her, but she couldn't help how she felt. Why didn't he come to her? They were friends. Before she could stop herself, she asked a little waspishly, "Was it the girl who liked to be spanked or the one who meows?"

Startled, Naruto looked down at her. "Neither… It… um, it wasn't a girl."

Sakura rolled her eyes and said unconvincingly, "Tch, sure it wasn't."

Naruto sighed and admitted, "I'll tell you the truth, but you have to promise me you won't tell anyone."

"Of course I wouldn't tell. You know you can trust me."

He mumbled in her ear, but the fireworks had just started and she didn't hear him. "What was that?" she asked.

Naruto heaved a great sigh and repeated a little louder, "It was Sasuke, alright. Sasuke taught me how to dance."

"Sasuke Uchiha? Our teammate, Sasuke?"

"Yeah."

"Tall, dark, and broody. That Sasuke?"

"I don't know anyone else named Sasuke."

Sakura wanted to laugh so badly, but she could tell he was getting uncomfortable so she clamped her lips shut and didn't say another word as he took her hand and whirled her into the revolving circle of dancers.

The floor was crowded; he had to hold her close. So close his strength and that fascinating power he wielded, a potent blend of physical confidence and sexual prowess wrapped around her, a seductive spell she wasn't even sure he knew he was wielding.

Then he guided her through the turns; his thigh parted hers and all she could think was… Sakura closed her eyes and tried to clear her mind.

Her senses were given free rein, sending her nerves leaping when they were jostled and he drew her protectively close and pressed his lips to the top of her head. Down the street the muffled sounds of the people laughing and playing games, and the shrill calls of children enjoying the rides could be heard but Sakura barely noticed them. She was in the arms of a Jinchuriki.

Snow began to fall down as they slowly moved along with the music, thick flakes drifting lazily to the ground. Naruto brushed her hair off her cheek as he leaned back, his gaze mesmerizing her face. Five freckles. That was how many had been sprinkled across her nose and cheeks since she was seven years old. He knew the exact size, shape, and location of each and every one. Thick pink lashes fanned her cheeks and her plump lips were curved in a smile.

Dragging in a breath, he glanced around, unseeing. How he would survive much longer… One thing was for sure - no more slow dances. Not until the pressures that seemed to building inside him, seething volcano-like from somewhere deep within, those emotions he had for her eased. "Sakura?"

"Hmm," she said dreamily, not opening her eyes.

An urge deep within him wanted to ask her if they could go back to the inn and make love, but he wisely decided subtlety would be best. Instead he asked, "So… uh, about this taking things further idea of yours… are you ready to leave now?"

Too bad he didn't do subtlety well.

His eyes met hers; darkly burning, they reflected the thoughts that mirrored hers. Sakura chewed on her lip nervously for a second before nodding her head.

Naruto grabbed her hand and started to drag her off the dance floor. "No, wait!"

He didn't. He pulled her quickly through the crowd and onto the street. Everything looked so different because of the decorations for the festival. They found the side entrance to the inn and entered. He pulled her down one softly glowing corridor, then another, up a flight of stairs, and through another hallway, more stairs, and more hallways. For nearly ten minutes she was yanked along, her heart hammering, her fears mounting, getting her hands squeezed every time she tried to get it back. Finally Naruto stopped, but it was to lean back against the wall and close his eyes. Through her own anxieties, Sakura actually felt a moment's alarm for him.

It didn't come out sounding like concern, however. "What's wrong," she demanded.

"Nothing."

Nothing? She looked around, but there were no immediate doors to enter. Certainly not the door to either one of their rooms. And he didn't look like nothing was wrong. He looked like he was in some kind of discomfort.

More softly, her concern apparent now, she asked, "Naruto…?"

His eyes opened and his mouth twisted in self disgust. "I'm lost."

Sakura blinked at him. "Lost as in 'don't know where you are'? We've been here for a week."

He sighed. "Yeah. It all looks so different right now."

She stared at him for a long moment before she said, "That's kind of anticlimactic, isn't it?"

That got her a scowl which prompted a smile from her, but a moment later she burst out laughing. She fell back against the wall herself, holding her middle, tears filling her eyes. When her amusement started to wind down, she made the mistake of glancing at Naruto's face, which showed his continued disgruntlement, and another round of laughter ensued.

She was gasping for breath which she felt his hand slid behind her neck to draw her over to lean against him. She didn't try to resist. She didn't know what it was about the laughter she got at his expense that made her feel at ease with Naruto, but it did.

He smiled wryly and teased, "You're not being very nice or respectful, Sakura-chan."

"Oh, I'm very nice. And I have a great deal of respect for all your abilities, Naruto." Then she rested her chin on his chest a grin up at him. "Just don't draw me any maps I might need, okay?"

This time they both burst into laughter. Sakura took his hand, let him up two flights of stairs and down a hallway, stopping at her door. "Um… this is it," she said opening the door.

~o~O~o~

This was going to be her first time making love and it was making her a little nervous. Judging by the slightly feral look on his face and the way his eyes were practically glowing, it would happen quickly if she didn't do something. Sakura turned to face him, hoping that would make him ease back a little, but already he was reaching for the buttons on her skirt and his mouth was on hers.

The kiss wasn't soft or gentle. It was deep and scorching, a product of years of pent-up desire. His lips swallowed her breathy moans as his hand landed on the small of her back and jerked her to his chest. The feel of his body flush with hers swamped her senses. Naruto kissed her like a man starved, possessed by need…need for her. Sakura's hands clutched his shoulders as he staked his claim.

She tried to pull back a little, a bit unnerved by the intensity. "Wait Naruto," she gasped, "Please slow down a little." She held out her hand to stop him from moving in again. "You aren't going to lose control are you? This is my first time, you know."

Naruto leaned back in surprise. "Your first time? But what about that cipher corps guy you dated? You were with that asshole for months."

"Vu Nara was not an asshole," admonished Sakura, " He was a very nice man and you know it. We didn't… uh well… he just…" Sakura sighed, put her hand over her heart and admitted, "I just didn't feel it here. He was very smart and kind, but he didn't make me laugh and he didn't make me want to scream in frustration like you do."

Naruto took a deep breath, took off his jacket, and led her over to the couch."Don't worry, Sakura-chan. We won't do anything you don't want to." He lay down on the couch pulled her on top of him. "We can just sit here and talk if you want."

Talking was the last thing she wanted to do right now.

Naruto shifted and pulled her closer, one hand settling on the small of her back, and the other cupping her neck. Like he cherished her or something. She sighed and ran a single finger under his shirt, tracing the jagged line that marked the location of his heart. It was the only scar he had.

"You're killing me, Sakura-chan."

"I'm sorry." She froze, her finger less than an inch from his nipple.

"Don't be." He chuckled and pressed a kiss to her temple. "I'm not."

She lifted herself up so she could see his face, but the move shifted her body so that his erection was suddenly pushing against her lower stomach. Oh wow. Sakura froze, torn between the desire to get off the couch and the need to rock against his length. Good God, did the man have a soft spot on his body? Even with her on top, she felt delicate, feminine, and completely out of control. Sakura trembled when his one hand slid down to cup her behind.

He traced the thumb of his other hand over her bottom lip. "You really are gorgeous." With him touching her like this, as if he really cared, she actually believed it was true. Even more than that, when Naruto said it, Sakura felt like the most beautiful woman in the world. He must have seen something on her face, because Naruto pulled her up his body until his lips brushed her ear. "Don't look at me like that. Please."

"Why not?"

"Do you really want to know?"

At this angle, she couldn't see his face, wasn't sure she wanted to. Hell, Sakura didn't know what she wanted in that moment. No, that was a lie. She'd wanted this from the beginning, but her need had doubled after their slow dance. Her lips moved of their own accord. "Yes."

His teeth closed over her earlobe, just shy of actual pain. Naruto soothed it with his tongue and then kissed down her neck. "Because when you look at me like that, all I can think about is getting you naked and tasting every inch of you."

Oh wow. Wait, this was bad. No wait, this was good. He sounded calm… he looked calm… She should get up. Or move. Or…something. "Every inch?"

"Yeah." His hand trailed up her back. "Down your spine." Naruto flipped her so Sakura's back was pressed against his chest, his erection nestled against her bottom. She whimpered as both his hands dipped under her top, tracing over each place as he named it. "Around your hips—you have really sexy hip bones—and up your stomach."

He stopped just short of her breasts, his breath harsh in her ear. Sakura thought she might scream if he didn't touch her, but she couldn't bring herself to say it. He knew though. His palms were rough against her nipples, and she arched her back, needing more.

"Naruto…"

"You have the most perfect breasts, Sakura-chan. They fit so perfectly as if they were made for my hands. And your nipples… ah your nipples just beg to be teased." Too soon, his hands moved away, leaving her aching. "But, to tell you the truth, there's only one place I want my mouth right now."

It wasn't until he touched the waistband of her skirt that she understood. Again, he seemed to be waiting for her to…something. She had no idea. Sakura couldn't think beyond the all-consuming need to have him touch her there.

He hiked her skirt up and slid one hand beneath the silk to cup her. She held her breath as he toyed with the edge of her panties before finally pulling them aside and then… wow , it was just his hands on her heated flesh.

A single finger traced her opening and, despite every effort to stay still, Sakura couldn't help opening her legs a bit wider. Naruto pressed his forehead against her shoulder, his body shaking as his finger entered her. It wasn't enough, and when he withdrew, it pulled a whimper of protest from her.

Naruto's voice was so low and hoarse, she could barely hear him. "Once I was here, I'd take my time. I'd taste you, play with you, and when I finally let you come, you'd damn near black out."

Spreading her wetness, he found her clit, circling it and then withdrawing, before starting the process again. Over and over, as if he had all the time in the world.

Sakura reached for him blindly, digging her nails into his upper arm. "Please."

He went still and she had the wild terror that he'd leave her like this, on the edge and nearly mad with wanting. But then he cursed and plunged two fingers into her, using the heel of his palm to relentlessly drive her to oblivion.

"Oh, God, Naruto."

As the aftershocks hit her, he gentled his touch until it was almost too much to bear. He slid his hand out of her skirt and Sakura turned in his arms, needing to touch him.

"Just let me hold you for awhile, Sakura-chan. Please."

Hold her?

"But…" She could feel the length of him through his pants—this had been completely one-sided. Again. He was going to stop again…

Naruto sat up with her in his lap and wrapped his arms more securely around her body.

She wanted to argue, but the desire couldn't hold out against the languor spreading through her body in the aftermath. It was too good to be tangled up in him like this, especially after what was one of the single most erotic moments of her life. It wasn't a comfortable thought, but there it was.

She didn't know what to think about that.

~o~O~o~

He was hanging on by a thread. Naruto stroked her hair and mentally went through all the reasons having sex with Sakura right now was a bad idea.

She was a virgin. There was no getting around that fact. He had never been with a virgin before. All the girls he'd been with before knew the game. Sakura wasn't a woman who gave away her body without some intense strings attached.

Then again, he wanted those strings, wanted them badly. With her. With Sakura. Naruto shifted his hold on her, running his hand down her legs and back up again. He wanted this woman with a passion he hadn't felt since becoming a shinobi. Sometimes it didn't make any sense. Two people could not be more different—or bicker more.

Up to this point in his life Naruto had never been the forever kind of guy, but every time he was around Sakura, she made him forget all of his reservations about a significant other, and what he could leave behind if he lost his life on a mission like he had seen happen so many times.

And, damn, Naruto wanted to follow through on everything he'd told her he would do to her body. This girl had him so twisted up, he didn't know which way was north anymore. Maybe it wouldn't ruin this fragile peace they had going if he did it. They didn't have to have sex. Hell, she didn't have to do a damn thing except let him get her naked and go over her body for as long as he wanted to—which, at this point, would be hours.

Fuck it, he was going for it.

Naruto moved his hand down her leg again, this time rotating and coming up the inside of her thigh. Sakura whimpered and spread her legs just enough that he could touch her through her skirt again. Well aware she might be overly sensitive after just coming, he kept it light, until she was making little movements, rubbing herself against him on the upstroke. He was pretty sure she had no idea she was doing it—and would have been horrified if she realized she was.

"Can I, Sakura-chan?"

She looked over her shoulder at him, her lips just begging to be kissed. "Can you?"

"Will you"—he pressed a kiss to each corner of her mouth—"let me do what I just described?"

"Oh." She bit her lip even as her hips kept up their steady movement. "Um…yes?"

The bottom of his stomach dropped out. "Yes? Are you sure?"

Sakura nodded, not quite meeting his eyes. It was enough. He lifted her and set her on the couch, then slid backward, taking her skirt off with him. His brow lifted upwards and his eyes brightened when he saw her lacy red panties.

"It's stupid," she said. "Don't ask."

"You and I have very different definitions of the word 'stupid."

She tried to think of some smart reply, but then his hand was in her panties, and anything resembling coherent thought vanished. His fingers were cold. Sakura gasped, but they warmed as he slid them slowly down and off one leg, leaving it dangling off the other. "Those stay," was all he said.

Her face went crimson and she closed her legs, looking everywhere but at him. But she didn't scream bloody murder and demand he leave her room, so Naruto kissed her knee, nibbling until she giggled. "That tickles."

"Sorry."

"No, you're not."

He moved a little higher up her thigh and her breath hitched. It was slow going, but he wasn't going to dive on her like a starving man, even if that's how he felt right now. He nibbled and licked, each little sound she made unraveling his control further. Still, he held on. Finally, finally, Naruto settled between her thighs, right where he wanted to be. And she was beautiful. Perfect.

The first swipe of his tongue earned a moan so loud, he was glad there was no one else in the vicinity. It was his last thought before he gave himself over to the glory that was Sakura. She trembled underneath his mouth, her body so responsive to his every touch that he wondered if that ex-boyfriend of hers gone this far with her before. The thought of being her first in this sent a possessive rush through him. And even if his wasn't the first mouth on her, he'd make damn sure she'd never forget about him.

Sakura's hands crept into his hair, tentative at first, as if she thought he'd protest. When he sucked on her clit, her hips jerked and her hands held him in place, demanding more.

Having this man's mouth on her was enough to make Sakura lose her mind. He took his time exploring her, as if he spoke the truth when he said he could go on for days.

She didn't know if she could survive days of this. It was too good. Sakura rarely ever lost control, never was anything less than poised and polished. Naruto was the only person who made her lose it. And he was doing it to her now. She couldn't stop herself from lacing her fingers through his hair and riding his mouth, desperate for more, for less, for something.

Her orgasm bowed her back, and Sakura shrieked, her nails digging into his scalp and holding him in place. For his part, Naruto didn't stop, teasing out the aftershocks until she wasn't sure she could remember her name. She started to push him away, body screaming that it was too much, but somehow he knew and pulled back to nibble his way up and over her hip bones.

"I'll never get enough of that."

Never? The word would've terrified her if she could string a single thought together. Instead, Sakura held him close as her body shook. Naruto traced a wandering path over her skin, running his hands over her until she'd recovered enough to touch him back. She explored his broad shoulders, the large arms that had no difficulty sweeping her off her feet, the body she'd begun to want more than anything.

Finally, he pressed her forehead to hers, his ragged breaths almost a perfect match for her own. "I'm going to ask you a question, and I want you to be honest with me."

Questions? Sakura didn't know if she could handle much more. "Yes?"

"Will you let me make love to you?"

There was no question. None of her worries or fears could hold up to the desire beating in time with her racing heart. Unwilling to give herself the opportunity to sound like an idiot, she only nodded.

"Are you sure?"

She could have laughed at the repeat of their first exchanged words. But things were different now and, as unsure as she'd been earlier, there was no room for doubts here. "I'm sure."

Naruto pushed off her so fast, she had a terrified second of thinking he was playing with her. But then she caught sight of him rifling through his wallet. He came up with a silver wrapper, looking all too pleased with himself.

Sakura shook her head at his antics, and held her arms out. Instead of obeying, he grinned at her, took off his shirt, and unzipped his pants. She had to admit to herself that watching him slip out of them was way sexier than she could have imagined. Naruto ripped open the condom and rolled it on, his hand sliding over his length. "Last chance, Sakura-chan. Say you're not ready and we're done. No pressure."

"Shut up and get over here."

He chuckled and crawled onto the couch, settling between her legs. If Sakura had thought they'd get to it, she was sorely disappointed. Naruto kissed her slowly, thoroughly, his tongue lazily twirling around hers.

He kissed her again and again. She returned his passion with her own, grabbing the back of his head, grinding her hips against his. He pushed her shirt to her shoulders and bowed his head to her breast. His tongue darted out, flicking her nipple. It hardened immediately. She gasped.

"Naruto—"

He glanced up at her as he bit down on the skin beside the peak of her nipple. Then he sucked it into his mouth, and she clutched his hair with her hands, head bowing over the arm of the couch.

Her thoughts were a messy jumble. His hot tongue on her skin felt incredible and she thought she might explode when his teeth grazed her areola. She barely even noticed when her shirt was removed.

When she finally angled her hips, unable to wait another second to have him inside her, he reached between them. Then he was there, the broad head of his cock pressed against her entrance. He worked into her slowly, giving her body plenty of time to accommodate him.

Sharp pain flared between her legs. Sakura gasped, her fingernails digging into his flesh. She had expected it to hurt. But the word "hurt" seemed all wrong. The pain was brief and unique, and within seconds, it blossomed into something much better. Something incredible.

He stilled, seated deep inside her. One hand came up, brushing the damp hair back from her forehead. "I'm sorry…" His voice was guttural, near animalistic. "Are you okay?"

She nodded and then wrapped her legs around his hips. Naruto tipped his head back, groaning, and then she rocked her hips up. The veins in his neck protruded, as they did in his arms. And then he started to move, slow and languid strokes that drove her crazy. The friction of their bodies moving together, the sounds in the otherwise silent room, heightened her pleasure.

Sakura was wet, but she was tight, and she could feel all the little ridges of him as he stroked within her body. Every time he almost pulled out and pushed back in, ripples of heat washed through her body.

Her hands clutched his shoulders, and he made a little grunt as her fingernails dug in, but it barely registered. Sakura writhed under him, twisting, searching for the right spot. She caught Naruto watching her as if he were memorizing her face, but there was no time to worry about it because the wave rolled over her, sucking her under.

Lost… Sakura was lost.

How had she never known it could be like this? She bit his shoulder, trying to muffle her moans. Naruto's rhythm grew jagged, rougher, as he shoved his way into her again and again. Above her, his face was lost in passion, his expression slack. His mouth fell open. His eyes clenched shut. And there it was. She could only cling to him as he shuddered, gathering her close.

Oh my God…

Ecstasy erupted through every fiber of her being. He drove himself into her, deeper than she thought physically possible, and for one blinding instant, Sakura wasn't sure if he was inside her or if she was inside him. She pressed her face to his shoulder, unable to piece together any coherent thoughts. The music from the festival on the streets suddenly seemed like it was roaring, but her thundering heart was still louder. Naruto panted in her ear. There was a rush of wind like a storm all around them.

Stars flashed in her vision. Her fingers dug into Naruto's shoulders. He swallowed her scream of pleasure with a searing kiss, continuing to pumped into her shuddering body until he stiffened with his own release. Then, as he arched beneath the force of his climax, the pictures exploded from the walls, a vase of flowers shattered, and the windows cracked.

Wrenching open her eyes, she regarded him in astonishment. She thought she might have mumbled something like, "What was that?" but she couldn't quite feel her lips—or any of her extremities, really. Naruto seemed to be having the same problem, because his arms trembled around and then gave out. He dropped his full weight on her, his forehead hitting the pillow beside her head.

She looked at him, and his blue eyes were so close to hers. A brush of hair fell across his forehead. He rolled over, tucking her head beneath his chin, Naruto wrapped her tightly in his arms, his gaze ruefully taking and the shards of glass and shattered pictures over the scattered rugs.

He never lost control. Certainly not during sex.

Not that what he'd just shared with Sakura was just sex.

It was… hell, he didn't even have a word for the astonishing sensations that continued to quake through his body.

They lay in silence for what could have been forever. She drifted on post-orgasmic euphoria, half-asleep and relishing the intimate contact. Sakura had thought about cuddling with him when she was having bad days, but never acted on the urge. Now that she had the opportunity to actually do it, she was going to enjoy the experience.

She thought she should say something, but she didn't know what. What could you say when you just lost your virginity to your best friend? After such a long time of denying her attraction to him, it seemed stupid to finally admit to it. Words of love would have been weird. Even a kiss didn't seem right, which was funny, considering what they had just done.

Naruto saved her from her silent self-questioning. He propped himself up on his elbow, gazing down at her. He curled a lock of her hair around his finger. "That was…"

She tensed. Horrible? Awkward? A bad idea?

"Amazing," he finished. Sakura hadn't expected that. For a moment, all she could do was blink at him stupidly. "Amazing?" Her brain finally caught up with him, and a warm glow spread through her.

He picked up her lacy panties, which must have fallen off her leg at some point. The warm glow turned into a blush. She tried to grab them, but he held them over her head. "These are mine now."

"You'll look stupid in them," she said. She was wonderfully sore and satisfied, and she couldn't seem to shut her mouth.

Naruto laughed, and then; giving her a wicked look that had her blushing, pressed the panties to his face, taking a deep breath and giving a guttural groan. "You smell so incredible, Sakura. I should have done that to you a long time ago."

"What, the dance at the festival?"

"Sakura. Shut up." He bent down to kiss her so she wouldn't have any other choice.

She didn't care. She didn't have to ever speak again as long as he let her occupy her mouth with something else—his lips, his probing tongue, hell, maybe even his cock. Sakura hadn't ever done that before, but she was more than eager to learn.

Naruto sat up, and she reached over and grabbed her skirt to her chest. "I guess I should get dressed."

His eyes glinted. "Sakura," Naruto said, "If I get my way, you are never going to be dressed again."

He pulled her off the couch and threw her over his shoulder. Her head swam as she flipped upside down, playfully punching at his back.

"You're a caveman," she giggled, kicking her legs.

"And we're so not done yet. By the time I'm through with you, you'll forget you were ever a virgin." Naruto carried her toward the bedroom, refusing to let her down.

"What about our mission?"

It slipped out before she realized what a stupid question that was at a time like this. Sakura slapped her hand over her mouth, but she couldn't take the words back.

He didn't lose a step."We can multitask." Naruto kicked open her bedroom door. "Now, what other kinds of sexy underwear have you been hiding in here?"

AN:

Thanks to everyone that followed/favorited/commented on the last chapter!

My recommendations this week are Lost in the Rain by wolf's paradise : They were called to help Amegakure vanquish ronin. As part of the mission, Naruto and Sakura infiltrate the "ninja school" and are forced to room together, providing situations both would rather avoid. Even as many people become suspects for progressive murders, Naruto and Sakura grow closer and closer before the rogue group of ninja move in to attack.

Also I want to recommend Drunken Space-Time Ninjutsu by Igornerd : The day after a wild party to celebrate the end of the war against Madara, Naruto, the remaining Konoha 12 (and some guests) can't help but wonder what happened last night as they wake up in a different Konoha. Time-Travel. Rated for language, alcohol and just to be sure. Now this one isn't a romance. Naruto and Sakura are paired together. The reason why I'm recommending it is because it is one of the funniest, and best written story I've read in a long time. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Thanks to Logan Locke, who gave me the title for this chapter.

Ja Ne,

AZFAERYDUST