Friendships

Sasuke had changed into some long white pants and an open blue robe. Dinner had been cooked and eaten. The kitchen was clean and now he was listening to some music. In front of him was a schedule he'd worked out for himself to try and intensify his training. He needed to become faster and stronger and only hard work was going to make that happen.

Looking at the clock he saw that it was a little after midnight and he wondered about Naruto. It was funny how he worried about him. He wanted Naruto to be happy.

Sasuke glanced at the schedule again knowing that for him, making himself stronger than his brother was the only thing he could concentrate on. Having a girlfriend, adults who cared and good friends he'd leave to Naruto. He wanted Naruto to have those things he couldn't allow himself to have. At least one of them would have a normal life.

Since it was so late Sasuke wondered if the dinner had gone completely wrong. Naruto might have been too messed up and gone straight home instead of stopping by here or back with Lady Tsunade and Iruka-sensei. Maybe he should go by Naruto's place and check on him. Sasuke decided to give him another hour before doing anything.

Sasuke picked up his cup but it was empty. The tea was long gone. He sighed and got up to boil more hot water when there was a knock at his door. "Naruto." Sasuke tried to tell by the knock whether Naruto was in a good mood or torn up by the loss of someone precious to him but it was just a knock on the door. He shook his head at his silly speculation and quickly rolled up the scroll and cleared the table before going to open the door.

"Naruto?" He asked looking out and there he was – smiling. Sasuke returned the smile. "You've still got a girlfriend, huh? Come on in." Sasuke stood aside and marveled at the rush of relief he felt.

"Yep! It's me and we're still together with her father's blessing! Really nice place Sasuke! I think this is the first time I've actually been inside. And big! Way bigger than my place." Naruto looked at all the space his friend had. This apartment was twice the size of his but then Sasuke had come from a prominent family so it was only natural that he'd have a nice home.

"Thanks. Have a seat. I was just making some tea." Sasuke frowned as he moved to the kitchen. It was true – very few people had been in his home. He was a loner and inviting people here wasn't something he'd ever considered doing before. This was…a special case. He and Naruto…well it was just Naruto – his friend.

Naruto went to the couch and collapsed with his legs splayed open while his head and arms hung off the back of the couch. He let out loud sigh. "Man I'm tired. This meeting of fathers and families stuff is worse than an A ranked mission." His hands came up and scrubbed his face and hair.

"Oh yeah?" Sasuke looked over at him. Naruto did look tired. "So tell me what happened?" He got out the popcorn he'd made earlier and put it on the table before Naruto before going back for the tea.

Naruto dragged his hands down his face and plopped them down next to his hips. "You saw Grandma Tsunade and Iruka-sensei right? Well they showed up after 'the confrontation.' Thanks." He sat up to drink deeply of the tea, emptied the cup and poured another.

"Yeah, she warned me to keep my mouth shut. It's a big deal for the Hokage to visit an important clan leader on something not about shinobi business and anyone could see by how she was dressed that she wasn't going there on business, especially not with Iruka-sensei in tow. So Lord Hiashi confronted you about what? And did he do it right there in front of Hinata?" Sasuke sat beside him one leg up on the couch and reached for some popcorn.

"But it was business - personal business." Naruto said staring into his cup. "Lately the two of them have been…acting like my parents. It's…nice having them beside me and supporting me. They're not just concerned adults anymore but family." He glanced over at Sasuke to see how he took the news.

Sasuke was still. Naruto with parents. We're different now – No, actually this kinda fits. I had parents and he never did. Mine are gone now but he's finally got somebody to care for him. Sasuke remembered how good it felt to have family and was glad his friend now knew that feeling. "Good. Hold on to them Naruto – you never get a second chance to have parents." His voice was quiet but he smiled at Naruto.

Naruto had been holding his breath but now let it out. He didn't want to hurt Sasuke but talking about tonight meant telling him some of what had been going on with him lately. "Maybe but in any case, I was damned glad they showed up even if it was a little late." He grabbed some popcorn and wondered what exactly he could tell Sasuke. Someday he owed his friend the truth about himself but Hinata would be told first.

Sasuke noticed his dilemma. Any fool could see that a great many of Kohona's villagers could care less for Naruto. Around about the time they graduated the academy, Naruto changed. He became even more determined in his goal to be better – to rise to the great height of Hokage. Whatever was bothering the villagers, Naruto had learned the secret. It was also apparent that all Chunin and Jonin knew and that meant that Lord Hiashi knew too. Sasuke was about to tell him that he didn't need to know everything but Naruto spoke first.

"You know most people don't like me right? The adults here? Well, Lord Hiashi confronted me about that. He didn't want his daughter to be affected by having any association with me." Naruto pushed up suddenly and went to look out the window. "He didn't even let me in the house but took me out to the garden right away. Just the two of us alone with the flowers and his judgment. It was scary and not just because I might lose Hinata. I thought somewhere deep in the back of my mind, that he just might kill me." Naruto said softly and waited for Sasuke's amused disbelief but it didn't come. Looking into the window he sought Sasuke's gaze.

"I believe you and he certainly could have done it. People do inexplicable things that we never understand. At least…you would have known why." Again their lives paralleled each others.

Naruto shook his head. We're so damned similar it's scary! "Well I remembered Iruka-sensei telling me that I was a man now and how I worked just like every other shinobi to protect this village no matter what and that's what I told him. I swore to die…to protect this village and Hinata from harm and finally he believed me or is willing to give me the chance to prove it." That should have made Naruto happy but changing people's feelings wasn't easy. It would be especially hard to change the way people thought of him.

Sasuke leaned back against the couch arm and stared at Naruto. There was more to it he was sure. This quiet, introspective Naruto was new but just now he sounded a little like he wanted to die so that no one would have any more doubts about him. Enough of this!

"So did you get to eat at all? You're not scarfing down this popcorn so you must have gone to get some ramen, huh?" Sasuke grinned and dropped some of the snack into his open mouth.

Naruto's eyes flew to him then chuckled. Time to let that go. I've got my chance with Hinata and I'll worry about the rest of it later. "Oh yeah, we ate. Hinata's a great cook but let me tell you what happened before Lord Hiashi and I got back to the house! Grandma Tsunade…" In moments they were facing each other on the couch, eating popcorn and laughing.

Morning came and Sasuke woke up with pieces of popcorn in his teeth. He looked over to the couch and laughed to see Naruto curled into a ball on the floor instead. The idiot was clutching one of the pillows and smiling. They'd stayed up laughing and talking – really talking until four in the morning. He checked the clock and was surprised to see it was after ten. He never slept this late even after a mission! Shaking his head, Sasuke got up to get ready for the day. He'd wake Naruto once he felt more human.

"Thanks for breakfast man but we could have just gone to Ichiraku's – it's on the way." Naruto said as he dressed for training.

"No problem and ramen is not my idea of breakfast." Sasuke said looking around. They were in Naruto's apartment now. He'd cooked for them then headed over here for Naruto to shower and change before they went to meet Hinata, Neji and the others. Sasuke had been invited to an impromptu training session with the others. He really wasn't sure about going now in the light of day preferring to train on his own but he'd promised.

"Not as big as yours but its home and clean for a change!" Naruto laughed as he too looked around his place. "Never know when Hinata's going to stop by so I try to keep it clean these days."

"Hinata huh? Things moving along like that are they?" Sasuke asked with a smirk.

"That, I won't tell!" Naruto was quick to answer as they left. They were to meet the others in front of the academy. "Come on, let's warm up!" He started to run and together they traveled through the streets lightly jogging.

Inside the flower shop owned by Ino's family, there was loud complaining. Sakura watched, amused as Ino directed Shikamaru and Choji to where things needed to be moved.

"What a drag! Are we almost done yet?" Shikamaru asked as he put down a heavy potted plant. "This is too much work!"

"I don't mind as long as she keeps her promise to buy my lunch!" Choji said hurriedly stacking pots.

"Oh hush, Shikamaru! It's not like you had anything else to do today. And I'm buying lunch for both of you but Choji, I've got a spending limit so watch it buddy!" Ino warned him for Choji's appetite was practically insatiable.

"Whatever." Shikamaru grumbled but he didn't really look upset. Complaining was something he was good at.

"Looks like you've got some good helpers." Sakura said as she entered the shop.

"Oh hi Sakura. What's up?" Ino stopped counting vases and turned to the other girl.

"Nothing. I thought we might get some lunch but you guys look busy." Sakura had been feeling lonely and had gone looking for someone who wasn't mad at her.

"Sorry Sakura, I can't. I promised Mom we'd get the inventory done then I'm treating the guys to a late lunch and later we're going to Asuma's." Ino could tell Sakura looked a little melancholy.

"It's okay; I just dropped by without warning anyway. You guys really get along well don't you?" She asked staring at the boys.

"Yeah most of the time. When I'm not at home, I'm usually with them – my second family I guess! We still argue but what family doesn't? No, Choji – those go over there by the door!" Ino had to go show him for he couldn't seem to find the spot she was talking about.

"Like family…but with us – I'm the enemy." Sakura whispered to herself. "Look, I'm going to go and get out of your way. See you later Ino. Bye guys!" She waved as she left the store feeling a little down. "I haven't contributed much to my team, let alone treat them like family but now that I know what I've been doing wrong…dammit I'm going to change!" Sakura's fist was clenched tight with her resolve. Just as she looked up she was surprised to see Sasuke and Naruto. They slowed down at the sight of her. "Hey guys. Training?"

Sasuke looked to Naruto who ignored the girl then back at Sakura. "Just about to. What are you up to?"

"Nothing just dropped in to see Ino but she's busy. She's got Shikamaru and Choji in there too helping her. They work well together no matter what they do." Sakura found herself saying and wanting that same thing with they boys before her. "Well I won't hold you up, work hard." She smiled at them. Sakura was determined to be nice and not demanding this time.

"Umm, well we're joining some others so if you want to come along…? Naruto, you mind?" Sasuke was aware of a change in Sakura's attitude towards all of them, had noticed it on their last mission and figured this was a good way to test her. Would she really make the effort to be friendlier to Naruto and others or was it all for show?

Sakura held her breath. She hadn't been expecting them to invite her along, well Naruto hadn't but she waited and hoped.

Naruto looked at Sasuke wondering what was up with him. He still didn't want to hang out with, talk to or even look at Sakura – not yet but there would be other people around. If she stayed out of his way… He sighed and nodded to Sasuke never once looking at Sakura.

"Okay then, let's get going." He felt a twinge when Naruto left his side and ran in front of them but if Sakura was making a real effort to change then those two could finally become real friends - as he was starting to think of himself and Naruto.

Hinata stood with her arms behind her back as she looked for Naruto. Somehow the group of five they'd started with had expanded. Kiba, Akamaru and Shino had been walking by and wanted to join them and now she saw Sasuke and Sakura behind her boyfriend.

What was going on? Naruto's frowning so he isn't happy that Sakura's following him then why was she there? Hinata moved forward. She would ask him later but right now she wanted to touch Naruto and see him smile at her. "Hey Boo!"

Naruto blinked. "Hinata." He said to himself and increased his pace. He ran right to her, pulled her into his arms and kissed her. There were whistles and calls as he did so but he ignored them. The kiss told her he missed her and needed her. "Hey Babe."

"Damn Naruto!" Kiba said with his hands on his hips. He looked impressed and jealous at the same time. "Guess things went all right last night, huh?"

"Obviously Kiba." Shino said. "That was a mating kiss if I ever saw one." He said with humor.

"Hey now, don't go comparing us to bugs Shino!" Naruto said with a laugh as he cupped Hinata's hip and turned to face everyone.

"They are officially a couple approved of by Lord Hiashi himself." Neji told them. "Even Lady Hokage approves of them." He said with a grin.

"The Hokage?" Lee questioned as he waved to Sakura. "What does she have to do with them being a couple?" He gasped. "Don't tell me she has to approve who we date or someday marry!!" Lee looked horrified to think that whoever he fell in love with would have to be approved of by the Hokage.

"Never mind Lee, that just 'cause Naruto's so special. You know how simple he is - he needs all the help he can get." Sasuke said as he moved to Naruto's side.

Naruto knew he was trying to get them to back off but, "Gee thanks Sasuke – I think." Everybody laughed. "Well it looks like our little group grew. We still training or what?"

They were up for it. It was rare that they trained outside their squads so today would prove interesting. Moving away from the school they headed for the training grounds. Each squad separated into their usual groups and at first did their own thing. Naruto kept watching Hinata and soon went to her to improve on her form. The others watched curiously as the two practiced moves and noticed some improvements in both of them.

Tenten went to Sakura. "You know you could be a lot more effective with your kunai if you threw them like this." And showed the other girl what she was talking about.

From that point on, the teens mixed up and worked with each other. They learned that another view point could show them a weakness they were not aware of. Secret moves were of course not shared but everyone got something out of the combined training.

It was later when most of them were taking a break and Hinata had gone for some water when she felt someone behind her. She turned with a smile expecting it to be Naruto but it was Sakura. Hinata paused wondering what the other girl wanted.

Sakura had waited for this moment. She still couldn't talk to Naruto. He'd worked with or spoken to everyone there today but her. Even now she wasn't expecting much but she thought that maybe if she apologized to Hinata, Naruto would at least know she was sincere in trying to be a better friend.

"Hi Hinata – please don't say anything!" She said quickly when Hinata's mouth opened. "I wanted to say I'm sorry. For the way I've treated Naruto over the years. You were a better friend to him than I ever was. And I'm sorry for being so noisy about your relationship. If it hurt Naruto, then it must have hurt you too. He won't talk to me but I thought if I told you, then you could tell him that I'm going to change. I wasn't a friend, maybe I didn't know how to be one but I'm going to try to learn what it takes to be one and when I do, I hope you and Naruto will give me the chance to be a friend to both of you." Sakura's expression was sincere as she promised to change.

"Really? Well, now I guess that gives us something to look forward to doesn't it? You - actually being a friend." The words seemed to burst from Hinata. "What you did before, it annoyed me more than anything." Hinata spoke plainly. "But you're right it did hurt Naruto. I was too shy before to say anything and I'll have to live with that but now – you were so damned selfish Sakura!" She moved closer to the taller girl.

"All he ever wanted was for you to like him and be nice to him. It hurt to watch that but we weren't together then so I really had no say. He wanted you or the idea of you and all you gave him was your back or a fist!" Hinata stopped to take a breath. "I'm sure there was more to your relationship after all; even my eyes couldn't see you when you weren't around. There must have been times when you were nice to him or you needed his help and you were a likeable person but I remember most the disdain and total disregard for his feelings!"

Hinata stepped ever closer to Sakura. She could see the hurt in the other girl's face and noticed that Sakura wasn't saying one thing in her own defense. "Maybe you finally know now what you did to him – how you hurt him! He'll forgive you, he will because his heart's that big and I will try to forgive you but let me tell you something Haruno Sakura," Hinata wasn't as tall as Sakura but that didn't stop her from crowding the girl and staring her in the eye. "You hurt him again - ever and you'll have to answer to me. Do you understand?" Hinata's held her arms to her sides with rigid control. Never had she wanted to hit someone so badly.

Everyone had stopped moving. Not only could they feel the increase of chakra but feelings of intense anger and all were surprised to feel it coming from Hinata. Plus she was directing that anger at Sakura! It took Naruto an extra minute to focus on something other than his training. What he noticed first was everyone quietly staring at something over by the river then he became aware that something was off with Hinata's chakra. He was very attuned to her chakra these days but hadn't paid any attention since they were all working hard but now it was jagged and red, not her usual cool gray fire. "Hinata!"

Sasuke had been watching the little scene with some amusement but seeing Naruto running towards them, decided to interfere before things got physical. He turned on the speed and collided with Naruto just feet from the two women. The guys spun around in a circle before stopping in a cloud of dust.

"She's okay! Hinata's fine Naruto! Dammit calm down!" The other teen was struggling to get to his girl and Sauske was afraid what he would do if he didn't hold on to him.

Neji arrived on the scene and stood in front of the two struggling guys. "Forgive me." He hit one of Naruto's chakra points and the boy fell limp in Sasuke's arms.

Sasuke grunted at the sudden dead weight of Naruto. He got Naruto's head over his shoulder then gripped the teen about his waist to keep him from sliding down to the ground. Sasuke could feel Naruto's heart beating quickly as well as the anger that came off of him in waves. "Cool it Naruto. Really, she's okay." Cheek to cheek, he spoke into the boy's ear.

Hinata blinked and gasped only now realizing how this must have looked to Naruto. She forgot about Sakura and moved quickly to Naruto's side. "Neji you didn't have to do that!" She looked into Naruto's eyes and saw his anger as he looked not at her but over at Sakura. "…Maybe you did. Thank you brother. Give him to me Sasuke." She knelt and held out her arms for Naruto.

Sasuke hefted the dead weight of Naruto then gently laid him down into the girl's arms. He wanted to laugh for the blond teen was little more than a talking doll.

"Release me! I don't know what she did but I won't allow her to hurt you too!" Naruto growled. "Sasuke if you hadn't invited her along! What did she say Hinata?! Tell me!" Anger flowed from Naruto and all it of it was directed at Sakura.

"Hush! Sakura didn't do or say anything to me! She apologized for hurting you! Naruto! It was me! I was warning her off!" Hinata cupped his face as his head lay in her lap.

Naruto's blues blinked in confusion. "Huh? You're okay? She didn't hurt you? Didn't say mean things to you?" Naruto was bewildered. He couldn't move his body and he had no idea what was going on.

"I'm fine and no, I said mean things to her. I believe Sakura got my meaning, didn't you?" Hinata's concerned tone disappeared as she looked up at the pink-haired girl.

"I did. I did indeed." Sakura was trembling from head to toe and everyone's stares were only making things worse for her. "I should probably go now. I'm sorry everyone for ruining your training. Sorry Hinata, Naruto – for everything. I'm- I'm going now!" She turned then disappeared up into a tree.

"What the hell just happened?" Kiba asked with his hands on his hips. He was staring at Hinata and wondering about the power he'd sensed from her. Not just her power but her anger too – it was kinda scary. He looked down at Akamaru and saw his dog peering around his leg at Hinata. If Akamaru was wary of Hinata then the girl was definitely giving off some intense feelings.

"We should leave these two alone for a moment, I think." Shino said gesturing for Kiba to follow him but they didn't go far. She was their team mate and if something was going on between her and Sakura then they should be aware of it in case something else happened.

"Sakura…" Lee looked at the place where she had disappeared. "Umm, I'll see you guys later okay?" Lee said then took off after the girl before anyone could speak.

"You okay Naruto?" Sasuke asked grinning. "You look even more the idiot."

"Sasuke! Why did you invite Sakura?" His head lolled to one side making the teen laugh. "Hinata please?" His eyes begged.

"Not just yet, I want to hear this too. Sasuke…" Hinata now had one question answered. Why Sakura had been with them.

"She's trying." He shrugged loosing his smile. "I noticed that she's backed off trying to get Naruto to talk to her. I wanted to see how she handled herself today, to see if her feelings were real. Sorry she got in your face." Sasuke said quietly.

"No, it was time we talked and she did apologize for hurting you, hurting us both." Hinata stroked her hands over Naruto's face and hair. "In return I told her a few truths and warned her."

"Warned her?" Neji asked. He and Tenten had remained behind. He was again seeing a new side to his cousin. He'd always thought her too timid to take direct action but she was blowing that theory wide open.

"Yeah not to do it again. She'll think twice before hurting you again Naruto or she'll have to face me and answer for it." Hinata looked off into the distance where Sakura had disappeared.

Naruto blinked repeatedly then a slow grin appeared on his face. "You're going to protect me huh? Hear that Sauske, I got my own bodyguard and she's pretty damned tough huh? Didn't need any help from me at all! What a woman!" His words broke the tension and had everyone laughing.

Hinata blushed but she too was smiling. "I will protect you Naruto – Believe it!" She had to chuckle as Naruto's eyes widened as she use his catch phrase.

Neji shook his head, "Well I think this training session is over. How about we go get some lunch? Would you like me to…?" He asked pointing at Naruto.

"Please." Hinata said. She knew she could release Naruto but finding the exact spot was Neji's specialty so she watched closely wondering if she could learn to see as he did.

Naruto's body jerked and he sat up quickly. "Don't do that again, okay? Man that's weird being able to talk but not move." He moved his head, circled his shoulders and wiggled his toes. Standing he held out a hand for Hinata. When she was on her feet he took her other hand. "Thanks for having my back Babe." Naruto leaned forward and gently kissed her.

"So is it safe? Hinata's not still angry enough to boil water?" Kiba asked as he and Shino moved forward. They'd been close enough to get an idea of what was going on. They'd ask Hinata for more details later. "I could certainly do with some lunch. We going together?"

Naruto pulled back from Hinata and looked at his friends. "Yeah. Everybody want ramen?" He asked with a smile and got the usual responses of them asking if he ever ate anything else.

The group of laughing teens headed off to eat ramen. Naruto with Hinata's hand in his lead the way.

Lee found Sakura on the bridge weeping. He dropped down silently then moved to stand beside her.

Sakura's head jerked up when she saw Lee. Shame had her hiding her face again. A moment later she felt his arm around her and she turned to him and cried on his shoulder.

He let her cry and patted her back and shoulders as the river flowed beneath their feet. Finally her tears slowed and she got quiet.

"It won't last you know." Lee said staring up at the clouds in the sky. "These bad feelings between the three of you – won't last. I don't know what's going on but I know that Hinata is a really nice person with a good heart and Naruto…well Naruto can have the most intense emotions around but when his anger is gone – it's gone for good. I think his heart is as big as this village and he loves this village. Naruto protects this village and you are a member of this village and therefore whatever has upset him will pass and he'll treat you the same as he always did." Lee said with conviction.

"You're wrong Lee. Naruto will never treat me the same again. Whatever comes next will be totally different than before and it should be." Sakura dug in her pocket for something to wipe her face and blow her nose on. A shivery sigh escaped her. "Thanks for being here but you should know I deserved that – from Hinata and Naruto. I was never a true friend to Naruto. It's taken me this long to realize I'd been treating him as a non-person, like I was too good for him and I only realized it when he wouldn't speak to me." Sakura raised her face and let the wind dry her tears.

"Didn't you notice? He didn't look at me or speak to me at all today. Well not until he thought I was hurting Hinata." She smiled wistfully. "He really loves her. Even when he was following me around, I never received the loving attention she gets from him but I was too much of a selfish fool to appreciate that attention or to at least acknowledge it. I can't get over how awful I was." Sakura's eyes now looked down at her distorted face in the water's reflection.

"Oh Sakura, you are not a bad person. I think you are a very good friend. It is only that Naurto's feelings can be really intense, like I said before. You just didn't know how to deal with him, that is all." Lee tried to give her a reasonable excuse to cheer her up.

Sakura shook her head. "You're sweet but I wasn't always very nice to you either Lee but I did treat you better than Naruto and now I'm paying for it. I told Hinata that I'm going to become a better friend to them so now I just have to prove it. Still…her words, hearing the truth about yourself hurts."

"Well then you will change. You're strong Sakura or you couldn't be a ninja. If you've made up your mind then you will do it! Naruto will be amazed by the new you!" He held up one fist and smiled so brightly that his teeth glinted in the sunlight.

Sakura laughed. Lee was a true friend, she could learn a lot from him. "Right! Would you let me buy you lunch Lee? A sort of thank you for your friendship and support."

"You do not have to buy me lunch but it would be my pleasure to share a meal with you! May I?" He gestured at her arm and took it when she nodded.

"Lee don't ever change – you're just about the perfect guy!" Sakura's hope was coming back. Hinata calling her out had thrown her but she had already made up her mind about changing way before talking to Hinata. Lee was right; now all she had to do was make it happen.

"Of course I leaned from the best – Guy-sensei!" Lee strutted as he escorted the smiling Sakura into town.