Second Chances
A/N: I just want to say to Kyuubi-sama that before you give your opinion you should wait to see how the actual outcome of Sakura is because as of now she's with Naruto and I never said that she was going to Sasuke. I'm not angry or offended because you're entitled to your own opinion but until the end of the story I think it's kind of unfair to judge a story's potential.
- Hatred Never Stops Growing -
The ball room was becoming filled with more and more ANBU unit members. Sakura saw some people that she never in a hundred years thought would be apart of the group. Naruto grinned when he saw her looking at one of their old friends from school.
"Yeah sorry I never was allowed to tell you about Kiba because it was prohibited," said Naruto as he moved her through the crowd so that they could get to them.
"So what does Kiba-kun do?" asked Sakura.
"He's in the missing person's unit. He helps find any missing people, he's one of the best," said Naruto as he looked at his childhood friend.
Kiba saw them coming and grinned at both of them. His brown hair was left dishevelled and contrasted really nicely with his suit which was a snazzy brown suit that looked rather stylish. "Hey Saku how are you doing?" asked Kiba as he gave her a hug. "You're looking mighty fine tonight."
"Thanks Kiba-kun. You're looking really good yourself. I didn't know you were in the police force at all though," said Sakura as she returned his hug.
"Oi no touching she's mine," said Naruto as he snatched back his girlfriend.
"So how come you didn't bring Hinata?" asked Naruto as he looked around for his friend's girlfriend.
"She's here. Her cousin is apart of the Recon and information and so he took her away to introduce her to his captain. I gotta tell you I never thought he would let me go out with her. He's kinda scary," said Kiba with a laugh.
"Oh are you talking about Neji? I had that problem with him when we were in high school," said Naruto. "And trust me I know what you mean about him being scary. For the longest time he thought of me as kid especially when Hinata and I went out, but now he thinks I have no place being in the dispatch unit. But I proved him eh baby?" Sakura looked at him and laughed giving him a kiss. She had almost forgotten that Naruto went out with the shy girl named Hinata. She wondered why it never bothered her that they were still friends.
"Yeah you sure did," said Sakura as she looked around the ball room. She saw Sasuke looking at her and she just glared back as he gave her a smirk. He made a point to look her up and down just to annoy her. She just stepped closer to Naruto and turned her attention back to him.
"Is something wrong?" asked Naruto as he turned his attention back at her.
"Oh yeah I'm fine. Hey Kiba do you mind if I take Naruto away? I feel like dancing and I like this song," said Sakura.
"Sure no problem I think I'll go find Hinata and I'll see ya on the dance floor." Kiba turned around to go look for his girlfriend.
"A slow song eh?" asked Naruto with a grin.
"Yeah," she said with a smile as she pulled him into the middle of the ballroom floor. There was barely any people dancing so the couple stood out.
Sakura wrapped her arms around his neck while he brought his hands around her waist pulling her closer. Sakura tilted her head up to look at him and just smiled. He grinned back showing his boyish charm that she found so adorable.
"What's gotten into you Sakura?" he asked with a raised brow as he swayed to the music.
"What do you mean?" asked Sakura as she pulled him closer to her.
"I don't know you seem up in the clouds. Is something wrong at work?" asked Naruto.
"Oh no everything's fine. I think it's just all this splendour, I'm not used to it," said Sakura with a sheepish smile.
"Oh I see," said Naruto as he continued swaying to the music. He took a glance around the ball room and saw that many of the occupants were staring at them. "We're gathering a crowd."
Sakura who had been lost in his arms hadn't noticed. She was just looking at him. She took a step closer and rested her head on his shoulder and continued to sway. There were a few 'aws' heard throughout the crowd and Naruto just grinned when he saw his captain giving him the thumbs up. "You know I don't think I've told you how gorgeous you are tonight."
Sakura looked up at him now and just smiled. "No I don't think you have. But I don't mind hearing it," she said trying to be cheeky. Naruto let out a laugh.
"Well you are the most beautiful woman in this room you know that? And everyone is admiring you tonight," said Naruto as he looked around the room. Sakura followed his gaze and had to blush because of all the people staring at them. But she had brought him on the dance floor so that she could be seen with him. So that people would know that they were together. So that, a certain someone would stop staring at her like she was a piece of meat.
"You're just saying that, and I only want to be looked at by you," she said looking into his blue eyes.
"Yeah?" he said with a smile. "Well then how about we show these people that you're mine and only mine?"
Sakura just raised a brow wondering what he meant. Her question was answered when Naruto's put his hands on her thighs; lifting her higher so that she was now eye level with him. He gave her a wink and pressed his mouth onto hers. Sakura let out a laugh as she buried her fingers in his hair and deepened the kiss in the middle of the dance floor.
"I love you, you idiot,' she said when they broke apart. He just laughed as he held her in his arms. She let out another laugh as she rested her forehead on his. They were lost in their own world not taking any notice to the hooting and hollering of Naruto's colleagues.
"Damn Naruto I didn't know you two were that crazy!" said Kiba, who had walked up to them when they just stood there.
"What are you talking about! I've always been like this," said Naruto with a grin.
"Heh I guess that's the truth," said Kiba.
"So what happened to, 'I'll see ya on the dance floor'?" asked Naruto.
"Hey, I was finally able to get Hinata to leave her cousin and then I see you two in the middle of the dance floor. We didn't want to ruin the moment."
"Well yeah I guess it was our moment right?" Naruto looked at Sakura to find confirmation but she just blushed. She may have become a more mature woman but she never had expected to do something like that. So all she could do was blush.
"I guess that answers that," said Kiba with a laugh.
"Okay well now that Hinata is here, why don't we leave the ladies to talk while we go find other men?" asked Naruto.
"Oh sure just leave me here after that show so that you can go boast to all the guys," said Sakura crossing her arms.
"Oh come on don't be mad," said Naruto. He leaned back down and gave her a kiss for good measure. It seemed to sate her so he took Kiba's arm and took him towards the refreshments table. Sakura just watched him go and couldn't help but wonder how she had such a good man.
"Come Hinata we have to catch up!" said Sakura with a smile as she took the young woman with dark blue hair twice as long as her own with her. Hinata gave Sakura a shy smile and nodded.
"You know sometimes I still don't understand how you fell for such a rambunctious guy like Kiba. Then again I could say the same thing about myself being with Naruto." Hinata laughed at that becoming more comfortable.
"Kiba is a sweet man. He just gives off that persona of the rowdy boy. But I know that he's sweet and kind," said Hinata as she watched Kiba walk away with his friend.
"Yeah I guess only someone in love could see all the good sides that others don't always notice," said Sakura.
"Was that the same with you and Naruto? Because from all the stories I've heard from Kiba; Naruto could be worse than Kiba at times. I've only seen a bit of it during that weird period during high school where we went out. For like three weeks, it was the weirdest three weeks," said Hinata. Then she felt like biting her tongue for even saying that especially in front of his girlfriend.
"Oh its okay I know about you guys and I have no problems with it. Also I know he's a total child at times but that's just one more thing that I love about him. He has an abundance of love and showers me with so much of it. He knows just what to say and when to say it, he just understands me and I love him for it."
"That's so sweet. You two look really cute together too. I would have died if Kiba had done that to me though," said Hinata referring to the dance.
"I didn't even notice the other people until you and Kiba came, that's how easily I get lost in his world," said Sakura with a wry smile.
"Oh how romantic!" said Hinata with a sigh. She had been going out with Kiba for almost six months now but she hasn't experienced something like that yet. She just hoped something would happen soon.
"Yeah, he has his moments. Hey Hinata do you want to go in one of the sitting rooms? My heels are starting to pinch my toes," said Sakura.
"Oh sure, let's go," said Hinata.
The two women walked over to the door on their far left and entered the separate room. There were already occupants in the room but they were on the far end of the room. The room was large and had many sitting areas. Sakura and Hinata went towards a small love seat and sat down. Sakura loosened her heels and let out a sigh of relief.
"So Hina-chan tell me how is work going? Have you gotten anywhere with that little boy who was being really difficult?"
"Oh yes Kenji has actually been very good lately. It seems he was like that because his older brother was away and he wasn't happy at home. You see he is from a wealthy family so his parent's both work. He is taken care of by hired help and he hates it. His older brother was the only person who talked to him and helped him so he looked up to him. But his brother had left for a couple months for a school program so Kenji was acting out. He just missed his older brother," said Hinata.
"Oh that's so sweet. Brotherly love is so rare these days," said Sakura.
"Yes I know. Kenji is actually a really bright child. For a ten year old he is mostly really mature," said Hinata with a laugh.
"Oh I can't believe you get to work with kids for a living! I wish I had decided to become a teacher, but then I don't have the patience to teach," Sakura said with a laugh. Hinata just smiled.
"So have you been introduced to everyone?" asked Hinata.
"Oh you mean like shown off to everyone like you were by your cousin?" asked Sakura with a laugh. Hinata just groaned.
"I know. Neji is so difficult. I love him and all like a brother but I don't know why he had to introduce me. I told Kiba that if he introduces me first then that's all I'm not going to be paraded twice," said Hinata.
"Oh poor you and Kiba, instead of you being addressed as Kiba's girlfriend you'll be addressed as Neji's cousin. And such a gorgeous girl too Kiba must be annoyed," said Sakura.
Hinata just let out a very unladylike and also un-Hinata-like snort. "Those guys consider us trophies or something don't they?" asked Hinata.
"Yeah they do. Naruto showed me to practically everyone before the speech for the guest of honour was announced. There were so many names," said Sakura laughing all the same.
The two ladies just laughed at the way their men were acting not paying attention to anyone else.
"Excuse me ladies…" Sakura and Hinata looked up and saw Sasuke Uchiha standing before them. Sakura's eyes went cold and jaded as she stared at him. Hinata just smiled warmly. Sasuke grinned as he saw the expression on Sakura's face.
"Oh hi Uchiha-san how are you?" asked Hinata.
"I'm fine. I don't think we've met yet," said Sasuke being the perfect gentleman to Hinata.
"Oh where are my manners. My name is Hinata Hyuuga. I'm Kiba Inuzuka's girlfriend and also Neji Hyuuga's cousin. It's nice to meet you," said Hinata as she out stretched her hand.
"Thanks it's nice to meet you too," said Sasuke as he took her hand.
"Oh and have you met my friend?" asked Hinata as she motioned for Sakura. Sasuke's gaze fell on the beauty in red and couldn't help but wonder why he had ever turned her down.
"Yes we've met before. Haruno-chan was it? I must say you remind me a lot of this girl I once knew," said Sasuke.
"Well that's nice for you, I think I'm going to go find Naruto, Hinata would you like to join me?" asked Sakura.
"Oh sure," said Hinata getting up and heading for the door. Sakura followed not even saying bye to him. She made it all the way to the door before Sasuke grabbed her hand and pulled her back into the room. He had made sure that everyone had left the room before he approached her.
He shut the door and pinned her against it. That sneer was still on his face but she was not stuttering any longer. Her arms were crossed as she looked at the man who she once thought that she loved.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" asked Sakura. Her voice was void of all emotions and her eyes were as cold as ice.
"I've wanted to get you alone ever since I saw you enter the house. I'm sure you felt the same way," said Sasuke.
"This may be hard for you to realize but I don't like you. I don't know why I ever thought I did but that was just a lie. In fact I hate you. And I will always hate you for treating me like a bumbling and idiotic girl, now if you'll excuse me I have a boyfriend to get to," said Sakura.
"Oh come on Sakura, you still have a desire for me I can see it in your face," said Sasuke as he pinned his body closer to her. She didn't change her expression at all. She didn't care about him any more. She despised him and it won't change.
"I have no such thing. Now let me go. I am not going to sully my reputation with you or Naruto's reputation. I. Hate. You. Do you understand that?" asked Sakura. The anger had erupted but she was not strong enough to push him off.
"Yeah, sure…" said Sasuke before he pressed his lips to hers. She shrieked as she tried to push him off. He just grinned before he moved away from her. "You can think about that too while you're with your idiotic boyfriend."
"How dare you!" said Sakura as she slapped him hard across the face. "You have no right to touch me like that, and Naruto is not idiotic. You asshole!" yelled Sakura before leaving the room. She was fuming when she found Naruto.
"Sakura what happened? Hinata said she lost you in the crowd and now you look like you're going to kill someone."
Sakura looked at her boy friend and just wanted to go into his arms. She felt repulsed and disgusted that Sasuke had touched her. And as much as she wanted to go to him she felt like she had betrayed him. But how could she tell Naruto that the guest of honour had made a move on her. She couldn't put Naruto in a position like that. What if he got mad it could cost him his job.
Sakura took some deep breaths, to calm herself down. "I'm fine someone just stepped on my feet with their heels and it pissed me off," said Sakura.
"Oh are you okay? Do you want to sit down?" asked Naruto.
"No I think I'm going to go outside. I saw a stair case going down to the garden. I think I'll take a walk," said Sakura.
"Hey we can go home now if you're not up to staying here," said Naruto as he grabbed her hand before she left.
"No you're having fun I don't want to ruin that. I'll just get some fresh air," said Sakura. Naruto let out a sigh but let her go. Did she actually think that he could have fun when she wasn't?
He watched her go and was about to go after her until he felt a hand stop him on his shoulder. "Naruto nice show you put on," said a man. Naruto knew that voice and turned around.
"What are you doing here old man?" asked Naruto as he looked at his dad.
"Hey I was once apart of this unit so I got the invite and I wanted to see my son. You've been too busy to come home and visit your mom and me," said Minato Uzumaki, Naruto's father.
"Well what do you expect? I'm in a relationship with Sakura and works been taking all my time," said Naruto as he grinned at his father. "Wait did you bring mom with you?"
"Yeah she's around here somewhere. You know your mother has been very worried about you," said Minato as he hooked his arm around his son's shoulder.
"Why? I call her every now and then," said Naruto.
"I don't know, you know how your mother gets; now where did Sakura get to? I haven't seen her in quite some time," said Minato.
"She went outside, she didn't seem too happy I think I might take her home. In fact I was just on my way out when I was interrupted by someone," said Naruto as he eyed his father.
"Oh well then how about I come with you to say hi before you take her away?" asked Minato.
"There's no way I'll be able to stop you anyways," said Naruto as he walked with his father towards the balcony.
-x-
Sakura walked down the steps into the garden. She relished the cool breeze that cooled her skin. Her mind was turning as she thought of the event that just took place.
At one point in her life she had wished that she would be kissed by Sasuke and now she felt dirty and cheap. She was so angry with him, she had never thought that he would force it on her. Clenching her fists she walked across the lawn and found a stone bench. She sat down and looked up at the sky.
She was lost in her world when a shadow approached her. When Sakura heard the footsteps she glared thinking it was Sasuke. When she looked up she saw that it was Kushina Uzumaki Naruto's beautiful mother, and her whole body relaxed.
"Sakura are you alright?" she asked with a kind smile. Her long red hair was twisted into a chignon. Even in her late forties she was a beautiful woman.
"Oh hi Kushina-san, I'm fine just felt a little stuffy in there especially after… well," Sakura trailed off thinking about the kiss she shared with both Naruto and Sasuke.
"Oh yes… my son is just like his father, very spontaneous and romantic," said Kushina as she looked down at Sakura. "Do you mind if I sit? I've gotten kind of bored with the party."
"Yeah sure take a seat. So how have you been? I haven't seen you in so long," said Sakura as she smiled at the older woman.
"Oh the same as always. I just worry about Naruto sometimes. He never comes over anymore and I worry with his dangerous job if he'll be alright," said Kushina.
"I know I feel the same way but I believe in Naruto. He always comes back home in one piece, but I'll try to get him to come over one day," said Sakura.
"Oh that would be lovely dear," said Kushina.
Sakura smiled and then just turned her attention back to the sky. The stars were dazzling against the dark sky. The thoughts all jumped around in her mind and Kushina could see that she was thinking.
"Is everything alright with you and Naruto?" asked Kushina taking Sakura out of thoughts.
"Huh? Oh yes everything is fine with us, I'm absolutely happy with him, and I love him a lot," said Sakura the love clear in her eyes.
"If it's not Naruto then what's bothering you my dear?" asked Kushina touching her arm in comfort. Sakura wondered if she should tell her. There was a chance that it would get back to Naruto but she was always able to trust Kushina with everything. Even before she got together with Naruto they were really close and Sakura had confessed to Kushina that she liked her son before she told Naruto. She didn't see any harm in telling her so she let out a sigh and turned her full attention to Kushina.
"Okay so what I'm going to tell you is in confidence okay?" asked Sakura.
"Of course you know I keep what we talk about between us always."
"Yes I know but I just gotta make sure you understand," Kushina nodded and Sakura continued. "Well you know the guest of honour? Well he used to be an old classmate of mine in high school. I kind of had a crush on him back then but when I told him he rejected me in the most hurtful way. He tore up the letter I gave him and dropped the chocolates I made for him on the ground. Then he laughed… saying… 'Well sorry Haruno I don't like annoying little girls like you' I was so heart broken because I always thought he was so nice and kind underneath that cool exterior. But I was wrong," said Sakura thinking about that day five years ago.
"Oh sweet heart, that's truly very mean for a guy to do to any girl even if he didn't like her, so is that's what's bothering you? Oh no do you still have feelings for him?" asked Kushina looking at the young woman.
"No well I do have feelings for him but they're feelings of hatred. And that's not what's bothering me. He stopped me in the sitting room and pinned me against the door. I tried to push him away but he was stronger than me. And he forced himself onto me. He just smirked and then let me go. I slapped him and then went straight to Naruto. I was going to tell him but I didn't want to ruin his night or the fact that he could get in trouble if he were to start anything here of all places with him," said Sakura.
Kushina was shocked. The guest of honour seemed like such a nice person. He was charming and gentlemanly so she was shocked to hear this side of him. Especially when he did that to Sakura. She put an arm around Sakura and pulled her closer.
"Oh dear you should definitely have told Naruto… but I agree he would probably get angry and then you'd have to deal with his anger here, not to mention jeopardizing his job, but I cannot let what that man did to you go unpunished. To force himself onto any lady is just wrong. I'll have to talk to Minato. Maybe he could talk to Sasuke's older brother."
"It's okay Kushina-san I can handle him now. I don't want you guys to get involved. But thanks for listening. It feels better to get it off my chest," said Sakura.
"Are you sure dear? I don't want you to have to carry this on your shoulders," said Kushina.
"Yeah I'm sure and besides I have strong shoulders," said Sakura with a smile.
Kushina just laughed. She knew Sakura was a strong woman she had seen it countless times when they were younger during their college years. Naruto was always approached by girls and Sakura would always just ignore them knowing that it was none of her business. He had gone out with a few of them but they all lasted less than a month. He had never gone out with any one for longer than a month except for Sakura. They've been going out for almost two years now and were still most definitely in love.
"You're a strong girl I know you'll be fine. But if ever you need someone to listen to you, then you know that I'm here okay?" she said with a reassuring squeeze.
"Of course. Thanks Kushina-san," said Sakura with a sigh of relief as she stayed in Kushina's arms.
They sat like that for a while just basking in the companionable silence until they heard two pairs of footsteps coming their way. They looked up and saw the father son pair of Uzumaki. Minato had his arm around his son's shoulder and both were sporting their identical boyish grins.
"Well look what we have here," said Minato.
"Yeah two beautiful ladies. I'll take the red head and you can take the pink one," said Naruto with a laugh as he walked over to his mother and pulled her into his arms. She just laughed as Naruto lifted her into his arms effortlessly. He gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek and then just looked at his mother. She was just as beautiful as when he was growing up. "You look amazing mother."
"Thanks son. I'm glad that you're looking rather sharp tonight. I was worried that you'd have reverted to your old slob-ish self," said Kushina with a laugh as she brought both of her hands to his face and studied it. He was beautiful the spitting image of her husband who she loved with all her heart. "You become more and more like your father every day."
She smiled as she looked over at her husband who was hugging Sakura.
"Honey I think you should take Sakura home. She doesn't seem to be having a good time. I think the best thing for you two is to spend a nice quiet evening at home," said Kushina.
Naruto looked over at his girlfriend and just smiled. "Yeah I think I will. Something's bothering her, and I don't think she likes it much here anymore. Thanks mom… oh and I'm coming over tomorrow okay? Is that alright?" he asked.
Kushina beamed at her son and took him into a hug. "Of course it's alright. I've missed you in our house. Make sure to bring Sakura with you okay? I'll keep your father from going anywhere and we can all spend the day together, we haven't done that in a year now, ever since your job promotions and such at the unit," said Kushina.
"Yeah I know. Don't worry I'll call the hospital and tell them that Sakura needs a day off then we'll head right over. But I think I'm going to take her home now," said Naruto.
"Yeah you do that son, I'll see you tomorrow," said Kushina. Naruto walked over to his dad and Sakura and told her that he wanted to go home. So she said bye to them and followed Naruto back to the ballroom.
Kushina and Minato watched them go. Minato had a smile on his face as he went behind his wife and wrapped his arms around her. "They look so happy together. Just like us," said Minato.
"Yeah you know they kind of remind me of a younger version of us sometimes," said Kushina looking at the younger couple walk away.
"Yeah Sakura has the same beauty that you have and Naruto seems to become more and more like me," said Minato with a laugh as he turned his wife around in his arms so that they were face to face. "You look beautiful in the moonlight."
"Yeah?" asked Kushina with a laugh.
"Yeah, very appealing. I just want to eat you up," said Minato as he brought his head down to her neck and nuzzled the crook. Giving her soft kisses. "Would you like to dance in the moonlight?"
Kushina laughed and before she could give an answer Minato was swaying with her under the starry sky.
-x-
Naruto and Sakura walked back into the ballroom and was heading back to the stairs when they were stopped by the devil himself: Sasuke Uchiha.
"What, are you two leaving already?" asked Sasuke with a pleasant smile. Sakura knew that he was mocking her and she was very tempted to say no but Naruto beat her.
"Yeah I'm not really feeling all too well so I'm taking Sakura home. It was nice meeting you Sasuke-kun. I'll see you at work on Monday," said Naruto holding out his hand to Sasuke.
Sasuke took it and gave Naruto a smile. "It was nice meeting you too Naruto-kun. And you're lovely girlfriend. It's a shame though I was rather looking forward to asking her for a dance tonight," said Sasuke.
"Well I'm sorry but Sakura is my girl," said Naruto with a grin pulling her a little closer to him to make his point.
"Ok I get it. Well it was nice meeting you too Haruno-chan, maybe we'll see each other again."
Sakura was cordial but very cold. She said thanks politely and then turned to Naruto. They left the ballroom and were led out of the house. Naruto's car was already waiting at the front of the entrance. They got in and Naruto drove off towards their apartment.
"So what do you say we go rent a movie and just cuddle on the couch?" he asked with his boyish charm.
"That sounds perfect," said Sakura as she looked at him.
"Yeah and then after we can take it to the bedroom and get in bed…" he left the sentence hanging and Sakura just smirked. He had gotten so many qualities from his godfather, Jiraiya. He was such a perv at times.
"Yeah that sounds good. We should definitely get to bed early… since I have work tomorrow morning," said Sakura with a laugh when she saw his face fall.
"Oh come on Sakura we haven't had any time alone together in so long," said Naruto as he glanced at her.
"We'll see as for now let's go to the video store," said Sakura. She leaned over to him and gave him a peck on the cheeks and all the hostility that was in her from Sasuke started to vanish.
"Yeah let's," said Naruto happy that she gave him the kiss. He drove with a wide grin on his face.
-x-
A/N: Okay so this is the next chapter! I know that my characters are all OCish but that's how I usually write them. And as for Sasuke I can see him being a jerk since he was one since the beginning of the show! Anyways tell me what you thought of this chapter? I tried to get it up as fast as I could. Well thanks for reading!
