Warning: Lots of OOC and some fluff! Enjoy!!

Chapter 7

"Kakashi-sensei, what are you doing here?" timidly asked Sakura.

"Well, it is a park and people are known to come here!" answered Kakashi like it was the most logical reason. "I glad I ran into you, we need to have a serious talk. Sakura, it's about your recent behavior."

"It's nothing, sensei; I just got carried away with my new job promotion. I worked really hard to get it." replied Sakura as she cheerfully rambling on and poking at his shoulder, "I saw the light and gave up chasing Sasuke. So, I thought that more than enough reason to celebrate."

Kakashi nodded disapprovingly, he knew she wouldn't confess. He gentle took her hand, "Sakura, I have know you since you were twelve. I can tell when you're hiding something."

"Well it's not that important," muttered Sakura. The last thing she wanted was for her sensei to think she was an idiot for believing a complete stranger about her lifestyle. She paused for a brief moment waiting for the best excuse to come to mind. "You see, it is guy problems; Tenten likes Neji and Neji asked me out in front of her. Now she plans to kick my ass." as she waved her hands, "I don't need help; I can handle it on my own. It was just a few bad choices."

Feeling this was not the time to push her, Kakashi gave a look of understanding, "When you are ready to talk, I'll be waiting. Now, get so rest you look very rundown. No training either."

"Thanks, I'll see you around." Sakura felt the need to hug him, but settled for a playful jab.

As she dragged her tired carcass home; Sakura was emotionally drained from all her encounters of the day. The event that kept playing in her mind was when the Hyuuga prodigy asked her for a date. The thought alone made her giggle like a little school girl. Since Sakura didn't have much experience with the opposite sex, in part to the chasing of Konoha's number one block of ice. Given that her time was limited, it was nice to know a good-looking man wanted to be with her. "Maybe he will help me with my final to do task."

Unfortunately rest would be the last thing she would get; as her "babysitter" rounded the corner, looking very flustered, "Where have you been, Sakura?"

"It is called work, Sasuke," smartly remarked Sakura, "You should try it sometime, who knows you might like it."

He was getting tired of her attitude and wished for the days were she was still a fan-crazed girl. "You mentioned you were suspended," irritated snipped Sasuke.

"Yea, from missions and leaving the village; but not the hospital," replied Sakura, "They were swamped today, so I helped out."

"Whatever, come on; you look like you haven't eaten anything," calmly spoken Sasuke as he grabbed her hand.

"But, Kakashi-sensei said I should go home and get some rest," mumbled Sakura, "Besides Sasuke, I ate at the hospital."

Sasuke did not buy her lame excuse, "Whatever; I don't want you to drop from lack of nutrition."

The couple walked in silence, and Sasuke never let go of her hand. Sakura might have been jumping for joy, if her mind was not so occupied about all the recent events that plagued her mind. "Uh, Sasuke where are we going?"

"To a proper restaurant, none of that fast-food junk." responded Sasuke.

He could not help notice the little pout Sakura's lips gave. This girl was notorious for always have take-out food, vending machines, or just add water meals. The raven hair ninja often wondered if she knew how to cook. "Sasuke," spoke Sakura in an unsure voice, "I didn't bring any money."

"It doesn't matter, I invited so I'm paying," playfully retort Sasuke, "You might be the best medical ninja in the village, but your eating habits are awful. Seriously Sakura, as long as you are with me you will eat healthy."

Sakura slightly laughed, it wasn't everyday an Uchiha made fun of her, "You try working 36 hours straight, and then we'll talk. Beside I do eat healthy."

"A banana does not balance the candy bars, chips, or instant ramen," preached Sasuke, "It is amazing how alike you and that dobe are." Sakura pull her hand free from Sasuke's grip, and teasingly ran her fingers though his hair, "Not everyone can be as perfect as Sasuke Uchiha."

Sasuke quickly snaked his hand around her waist, effectively pinning her arms to the side, "Maybe, some things are worth trying," whispered Sasuke into her ear. Being this close to her former crush, Sakura couldn't hide her blush, "Sasuke-kun, don't we need to keep moving?"

The Sharingan master released her, and held her hand. Sakura smile slightly, and lend in closer to her companion, "Sasuke, thanks for staying by my side. If any happens, I just wanted you to know how much this means."

"Nothing is goes to happen, you said it yourself; that man is full of shit." confer Sasuke, "Besides I'm not going to lose any more precious people."

"Just in case, I know you have given up important things for me," softly spoke Sakura.

"Let's just drop it, I have no regrets about the last few days," answered Sasuke, "Well, maybe one regret."

Sakura stopped in her tracks and curiosity got the best of her, "What is that, Sasuke?"

Without hesitation, he promptly replied, "I wasn't there to protect that night. The idea of Hyuuga taking advantage of you makes me sick. I'm glad Kakashi knocked his sorry ass out."

"Well it was partly my fault too, I invited back to my apartment," her eyes staring at the ground, "It just made sense at the time. Now it cost me a dear friend."

"They will get over it." spoke Sasuke as he lifted Sakura's chin, "We both know you were not thinking clearly."

"Come on, we have wasted enough time, the restaurant is around the corner," as he gently nudged her to move.

Sakura could not believe her eyes; Sasuke had picked the most expensive place in Konoha. "Sasuke, there has to be cheaper places to eat," babbled Sakura.

"Maybe, but this is my favorite," casual replied Sasuke, "This serve is top rate and they have the best Tempura in town. I promise a healthy meal so quit being annoying and enjoy."

"Only if I pay for the next outing, Sasuke-kun," confidently spoke Sakura.

Sakura was surprised at the serve they received, from the friendly greeting and prompt seating arrangements. Making small conversation, "How much do you come here? I've never send this type of serve."

"The owner is an old family friend, my mother would take me here after training," retort Sasuke. Sakura was surprised how open Sasuke was being. Usually he would say a handful of words before leaving her in the dust. She couldn't believe how much things could change in the span of a week. Sakura wanted to pinch herself to make sure she was awake. Having a civil lunch with her crush, was like a dream come true. Quickly pulling herself together, she looked over the menu. This place was really pricey and wanted to order something eatable. "I told you Sakura, Tempura is best item on the menu. You are going to like it," as Sasuke pushed the menu down to the table."

"If you say so, I can always hit the vending machine afterwards," openly joke Sakura. "What's to drink?"

"I usually order red wine, but given your track record. I think green-leaf tea would be the best substitute."

"Wine sounds perfect, I promise not to have sex with you!" gestured Sakura as put her hand to her heart, "Beside that only happened once."

"Twice, once with Inuzuka and Hyuuga." chimed in her onyx-eyed companion. "I plan to have wine, you should have the tea."

"One glass, then I'll have the tea," replied Sakura. She couldn't believe Sasuke was questioning her judgment. But she couldn't argue, the last couple times she chose to drink, it ended in disaster. The waiter came and hastily took their orders. To pass the time, Sakura babbled on about the most memorable events at the hospital. Sasuke could not believe some of the traumas the pink-haired ninja treated. She definitely deserved that promotion; she sacrificed plenty to make it to the top. When the meal came, they ate in a comfortable silence, enjoying the others presence. Sakura did not want to admit, but the Tempura was awesome. It had been awhile since she has a proper meal, but one thing she craved more, dessert. "I have been a good sport, how about we split a dessert, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke wanted to ignore her last remark. She only added the suffix, when she wanted something. "I don't care for sweet," he watched her eyes dim somewhat, "But I guess I can make an exception." Sakura's eyes perked up and hastily flagged their server and order a slice of strawberry shortcake.

When the dessert arrived, Sakura grabbed her fork and took a chunk of the cake. At the last minute, she pushed her sweet filled fork into Sasuke's mouth. Notice the cream around the prodigy mouth, she couldn't hold her laugh. Without even thinking, Sasuke dipped his two of his fingers into the cake and pushed it to her face. It was a good thing; the couple was in the secluded area. Little by little they were causing a ruckus. Not wanting to be out done, Sasuke ordered entire strawberry shortcake and the two playfully swiped pieces at each other. By the time it was over, both of them were covered in Strawberries icing and whipped cream. Sakura's hair was caked in icing, while Sasuke's clothes had red finger print stains. Sakura excused herself to the bathroom, as Sasuke paid for the meal, and a little extra for the distraction they caused.

As they strolled out of the restaurant, they walked hand and hand. In the restaurant something changed between the two of them, but Sasuke was not sure of what. The more time he spent with her the less he saw her as a friend and wanted something more. The last thing he wanted to do was to take advantage of her. "I'll walk you home, you're all sticky."

"I wonder how that can be," pouted Sakura, "If that was what it means to eat healthy I could get use to it."

"Don't get me started," teased Sasuke, "It's been awhile since I've had this much fun."

"Who are you, this is not the Sasuke Uchiha I see everyday for the last four years."

Wrapping his arms around her waist, not caring about the stickiness, "You're not the Sakura Haruno I see everyday; So I guess that makes us even." Taking pleasure in the closeness and security his arms offered Sakura closed her eyes to take in the moment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A very pissed kunoichi watched from the background. Who in the hell does she think she is. It's not enough the Neji wants to date her, but she has a lone avenger to worship her. "I wish there was a way to destroy your love life just as you have destroy mine," fumed Tenten.

"Unrequited love sucks, don't you think, Miss;" spoke a figure hidden the shadows, "I have been there for her, even bought her drinks to celebrate her job. But not one thank you. I think we need to show her the world does not revolve around Sakura Haruno."

With the intrigue rising, Tenten coldly replied, "I'm listening."

"The night of the Masquerade; it will be a memorable night for both of us. I'll be touch about the details," as the shadow figure walked away. "If this get me Neji, and no one gets hurts; I can be a little wicked." replied Tenten to no one in particular.

This was my first fluff, let me know how I did.

Thanks,

Rae