Hello. Well this one is differnet, but some how I like it. Also my ideas for the rest of the story just don't fit into the plot, so there will be a sequel. It's going to be alot sweeter and more Naruino in there, let's just say that this is the begining of a little story series...I like it more than my Shikaino stuff so I hope you enjoy the last bits of the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto.

1 More Year Passes...

I walked to Sakura's house and knocked on the door. I entered my thoughts while I waited for her to answer the door. Ino invaded my thoughts again tonight, kinda like she did every night, and day. Except right now it was different. She wasn't the same Ino that invaded my thoughts every living moment. She seemed different, worried and distant. I was worried but then reminded myself that I had told myself that I would be there for her as a friend, but nothing more till she was ready for me as a boyfriend. It hurt me everyday to see her pass me, put on a weak smile and say hello. It truly hurt because last year she asked me to go out, I told her no because of Shikamaru and also the fact that I knew she just wanted me to go with her as a friend. Nothing more. Nothing less. Nothing. Nothing at all.

Sakura answered the door, wearing a big smile. It was hard to see that three years ago she had lost her husband because of me, because I had to protect Ino, because I was going to loose my best friend, or the girl who I was in love with. She didn't get mad at me when I told her that I was protecting Ino, instead of him, she only laughed and smiled saying, "Naruto, you idiot, Sasuke was strong, he would've made it without your help, but Ino-pig wouldn't of. She's too weak." She seemed so happy. She acted like it never happened, not once. She only sighed when she'd say stuff like, "But he's never coming home now, is he?" And, "I miss him, I'd wish he'd come home, but he never will." She shocked me when only after a year without him she was back to herself, well mostly. And on the second anniversary of his death, she wore a big smile and acted happy. She went to see him and then spent the whole day like she used to before he came back from the sound village. And today, the 3rd anniversary of his death I figured that she'd act the same. When she came into sight looking the same way she did last year I knew everything would be fine. I smiled as she came out to hug me friendly.

"Naruto how are you?! Man isn't a nice day? So bright and sunny. It's hard to believe that after we see Sasuke, you have to go on a mission and you can't spend the day with me. Sucks, huh?" She let go of me and smiled.

"Yah it does. Say Sakura-chan can we talk about something important on the way?" I needed to tell her, I needed her to know how I felt about her best friend.

"Sure Naruto! Let's get moving, okay, we don't want to waste time." She smiled so brightly, I knew that she would be okay with this. Sure Sakura had taken in the fact that I chose Ino over Sasuke to protect, but she didn't know why. It no longer seemed fair keeping it from her.

We walked slowly through the town to his grave, but before reaching it we stopped by the Yamanaka Flower Shop. We went in and bought forget-me-not's, something that Sasuke always gave Sakura. When we went to buy them, I was surprised to see her mother, not Ino behind the counter. She greeted us with a smile.

"Will that be all today?" She asked in a cheery voice.

"Yes it will." Sakura shook her head. Ino's mother smiled at me. I looked at her and sheepishly began to ask a question.

"Where is Ino, Mrs. Yamanaka?" She looked at me and smiled, while handing Sakura the flowers in exchange for the money.

"Shikamaru picked her up after her shift was over, and Ino said something about them being at her place." She kept her warm smile on and giggled slightly. "Well I hope to see you soon. Come again!"

Sakura smiled and pulled me by my arm out of the shop. After that we quickly walked to Sasuke's grave and laid down the flowers. Sakura told him how much she missed him and told him that he still had her heart, no matter what. I sighed and Sakura looked my way.

"You had something that you needed to tell me Naruto?" She smiled at me, her eyes showing a mix between concern and curiosity.

I sighed. She had to know, even if I didn't want her to. "Sakura, the real reason Sasuke died was because I put my feelings before the mission. I love Ino, and no matter how long I had one sided feelings for you, this is different. I know Ino and I'll work out. I love Ino, and because I love her I got Sasuke killed!" Sakura sighed and stood up.

"Naruto, Sasuke's death was meant to happen, and if you love Ino so much why are you standing here telling me? Shouldn't you be telling her before your mission?" Sakura asked these questions in pure curiosity, in pure concern that I had my chance now, and never would later. I snapped back into reality and shook my head violently.

"You're right! Thank you Sakura!" I hugged Sakura and ran off, as quickly as I could to go find in. I ran effortlessly through the village. I looked everywhere, but couldn't find her, so I gave up and walked towards the village gates to meet up with my team and begin my mission. I set off in the direction of the gate.

I was walking past Ino's now apartment and I heard a faint cry coming from the roof. I jumped up on to the roof and saw a crying Ino. I bent down next to her.

"What's wrong?"I asked with sincerity in my voice.

"Him and that Sand witch!" she sobbed more. I looked at her.

"Ino, you know all I think you've ever needed is time. You needed time to pass for you to see that Shikamaru was going to end up with Temari, and time for yourself to grow. So I'll be here and if you need a friend to turn to I'll be here." I quickly hugged her and left, for I had a mission to get to.

"Naruto...thank you." She whispered to her self.

It seemed that the fourth price was the hardest to pay because, I had the chance to tell her how I felt but I didn't. I just told her the truth, that I was here and if she ever needed anything I was here. But because I left her when she was open and alone I gave her the chance to fall in love with me; and that was truly all I wanted, was for her to fall in love with me.

You have to tell me what you think. I like it alot. i love the ending, I hope you liked it too! Please do review. The next chapter will be the last...short story i kno...but as i said there will be a sequel. I really hoped you liked it and also i'd like to give big thanks to SkyMaiden for inspiring me so much. Thanks again for reading. Withe 3

-Rei-