Sorry for the long lapse in uploading! I got it done a week ago but I had no internet and when I finally did, the site wouldn't let me upload it. Anyway, I've already got the next chapter written already so it won't be another long wait for the next one. This one is a little short too, but I thought it appropriate to stop here. Also: I need advice! Do you guys think what Sasuke does in this chapter is plausible to his character? Maybe I'm making him a little ooc but I'm doing the best I can. Also, tell me if you like the way the story's going so far. Again, thank you for reading!


I dug my fingernails deep into the damp dirt. The action prevented me from digging into my own head and pulling my hair out by the roots. Why did life have to be so complicated? I sighed. Because I made it to be. I leaned back and collapsed into the ground, spreading my legs out from under me, and gazing up at what I could of the sky through thick branches. I was perfectly aware that Naruto was nearby, maybe even watching me, but right now I didn't want to fight, didn't want to yell. I only wanted the two people I cared so much for to forgive me.

"She's finally gone," breathed Naruto.

Anger erupted, fast and hot, inside me. I had some forgiving of others myself, but I admit I want to be a little selfish right now also.

"You had no right to do that, Naruto," I said in a low but passive voice.

"Sasuke," he walked over and stood over me, his head and body blocked out the sun behind him, and his expression deadly serious, "there's gotta be a choice. Me or her."

"You know perfectly well it's possible to have both," I answered, turning onto my side and away from him. "It's normal," I murmured, "hell, look at Lee and Neji. Neji's girlfriend is Tenten."

"Do you know if Lee's okay with that?"

"Lee's always chasing after Sakura, and I never noticed any jealousy from him anyway when Neji's with Tenten."

"But he's also not in love with his Partner like I am, Sasuke !"

I turned back onto my back. Did he just say "love"?

"Partners jobs aren't to fall in love with each other," I countered. "They're only there to provide a food source. That's why there are plenty of pairs that fall in love with humans."

Naruto let out a frustrated growl. He crouched down and yanked me by my collar to look me squarely in the face.

"Plenty of Partners fall in love with each other too, Uchiha. Get that through your thick head." Then he threw my collar down and walked away.

I kept my mouth shut for want of silence. This whole ordeal was messy, and getting messier by the day. Itachi was out there too. Did I really have time for love? I was counting on Naruto to be my friend, my backup, not a lover, and definitely not someone to lose their head so easily over me. Perhaps this thing with Sakura wasn't a good idea-for the moment anyway. I was losing my head for her too, and I still have feelings for her, very much so, especially if she would consider to take me back, but remembering Itachi, and remembering what he did, I couldn't let up on him, not now, not when he's so close. Not when he's right here!

I stood up and dusted the dirt off my jeans and hair. I looked up to the sky a final time, and a crow passed by overhead that sent chills down my spine and anger to well up inside me.

With new resolutions, I asked, "So do you really love me, Naruto?" I walked up stealthily from behind him and wrapped by arms around his waist.

From the corner of his face, I saw his forehead contort in confusion.

"Of course," he answered almost hesitantly because of my behavior.

"Good."

Then I shifted myself in front of him, leaned up, and planted a good one on his lips.

Whatever happens now, happens.