Author's Note:

Finally! Chapter 2 is here. Hope you enjoy reading this.

CHAPTER TWO

(Naruto's POV)

I don't really know what happened. The last thing I remembered was my battle against Sasuke. The pain I was feeling physically and emotionally. Then nothing.

Here I am right now, sitting on the soft grass of a hill. I stared at the sun and clouds above, trying to recall what could have happened.

A voice interrupted my train of thoughts. "How are you feeling, Gaki?" It was a voice of someone I knew very well. Someone I cared about.

I turned my head towards the voice. And there he was: Still in his usual clothes and his infamous grin plastered on his face. He was somehow younger to look at.

But I didn't really care. "Ero-sennin?" His grin only grew wider.

"You still haven't change your ways when it comes to calling me." Ero-sennin then laughed boisterously when he saw me also grin at him.

"It can't be helped, Ero-sennin." I laughed with him. "I got used to it and it suites you very well." He could've hit me because of that but I guess we just wanted to enjoy each other's company.

The laughter eventually subsided. He sat down beside me and pats my back. "You did great, Naruto." I looked at him with a small smile. "I'm proud to have been you're teacher."

I lifted my head up to gaze at the sky once more. "I couldn't have done anything great without you, Ero-sennin. Thank you."

I heard him chuckle lightly. "You're welcome, Gaki."

It was quiet for a while. But then I realized something. "Hey Ero-sennin." He looked at me. "If I'm here with you and you're dead… Does that mean I'm dead, too?"

He didn't say anything. I knew what it meant. "I understand." I felt his eyes bore into me.

Ero-sennin sighed. "You know, Gaki. You've grown up a lot." I smiled at his statement. "From the brat I met years ago, you've become a man worth people's acknowledgement and respect."

"You think so?" I looked at him once more.

He returned my gaze. "I know so." He then smiled.

The silence returned. We just sat there, looking at the scenery around us.

Lush green fields could be seen miles and miles from where we were sitting. Birds were flying gracefully in the sky. The wind swayed the trees near us.

This place is really peaceful.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. I looked around to the source of the sound. I couldn't find any. I turned my gaze towards Ero-sennin. He didn't seem to have heard it.

I shrugged and returned to my reverie.

Drip. Drip. Drip. Drip. There it goes again. I stood up and scanned the area. There was nothing around us which could have made that sound. I looked down and saw Ero-sennin giving me a confused expression. "I can hear something. It's a dripping sound."

He also looked around us. "I don't hear anything, Gaki." He pats the ground beside him, gesturing me to sit down again. "Must be your imagination."

It must be.

I complied with Ero-sennin's request and sat down. But I kept my hearing sense sharp.

A few minutes had passed; I didn't hear the sound anymore so I let down my guard. But just when I was about to take in air, I felt a tingling sensation on my cheeks. It was like someone was rubbing my whisker marks.

I touched them with my palms. "Ero-sennin, my cheeks…" He looked at me with confusion yet again.

"What about them, Gaki?" He asked with curiosity.

I continued to touch my whisker marks. "It's like someone's rubbing them."

He raised an eyebrow. "What?"

This isn't going anywhere. I dropped my hands and just ignored the tingling sensation. "Nevermind, Ero-sennin."

"You're still weird, Naruto." He chuckled at me. I threw him a glare.

The tingling sensation was still there. It would disappear for a few minutes but it'll be replaced with a feeling like someone was gently tugging my hair.

Then another feeling made me jump that surprised Ero-sennin. "What the?" He gazed at me. His expression changed to that of worry when he saw my expression.

My eyes were wide with shock. "I-I…" I stammered. "I felt something against my lips." I put a finger on them. "Like someone was kissing me."

My old teacher gave me a perverted smile. "Oh, you were thinking of those…"

He's already dead but still he was a pervert. "That's not it, Ero-sennin!" I shouted desperately to reason out. "I felt it. They were real."

My old teacher also stood up to at least be on the same level as me. He shook his head a few times. "How can you feel something like that, Gaki? There's nobody here besides us."

I continued to touch my lips with my finger. "But it really felt… like someone was kissing me." My eyes were diverted to the ground. I slowly lifted them up only to see my old perverted teacher wide-eyed and mouth-parted - a look of total shock. He was looking at the distance behind me.

Curious, I turned around to see what caught Ero-sennin's attention. "What are y-" The question I was about to ask was forgotten as I laid my eyes on something that was running towards us.

It can't be.

"Gaki… Can you see what I see?" I barely heard Ero-sennin speak. My whole being was focused on the blur that was coming towards us.

It was getting closer to us. Just a few more meters.

And then, it stopped a few feet in front of me. Body bent, probably to catch its breath.

But it wasn't an 'it'. It was someone I knew very well. How could she be here?

"Sakura-chan?" I finally managed to say.

The person with pink hair slowly straightened her body. She was still panting a little when she looked at me. But a smile was evident on her face. Her beautiful jade eyes were twinkling.

"Naruto…" She stated tenderly.

I opened and closed my mouth a few times. Not really sure of what to say. But there was something I want to know. I parted my lips once again to finally speak.

Unfortunately, I was beaten to it.

"Why are you here, Sakura?" Ero-sennin was now beside me. He was probably as shocked as I am to see my teammate here.

Sakura smiled to both of us. But her eyes were more towards Ero-sennin. "I came to pick Naruto up." Her eyes then shifted to me.

"What?" I asked, confused.

She laughed lightly. "I'm going to get you back to Konoha, Naruto."

My mouth was agape as I continued to stare at Sakura. What is she saying? "I don't know what you're talking about, Sakura-chan."

She turned her whole body to face me. "Everybody's waiting for your return, Naruto." I furrowed my eyebrows.

Sakura continued. "Konoha still needs you." Then her eyes glazed over because of unshed tears. "I need you."

My eyes widened. "You need me?" I said disbelieving.

She nodded her head. "Yes, Naruto."

"But… Why?"

She smiled once again. "Because you're a teammate. A friend."

"Oh." I said with disappointment, hoping it could be something more than that.

I hung my head low enough to hide my face so that Sakura couldn't see my sad expression.

I then heard her laugh lightly. Great! Now she's laughing at me. I hung my head lower.

I heard her shift her feet. She was walking towards me.

She stopped right in front of me. I then felt her hand caressing my cheek which forced me to look at her.

What I saw confused me. Sakura was still smiling. And her eyes still has some unshed tears but nonetheless they bear happiness and something more. Something I couldn't decipher.

I was about to ask what the problem was but she spoke first. "I need you, Naruto, because I've realized…" She stepped closer to me. "I've fallen in love with you."

My eyes widened. If it was possible for them to bulge out, they could have right now. I was in total shock.

The expression I had on must have had alarmed her. Sakura's concern immediately took over. Her brows furrowed.

"Naruto!" I heard her call my name out. She had her hands on both side of my cheek. "Naruto, are you alright?" Her jade eyes locked with mine. I could definitely see concern.

My mind tried its best to process the words that came out of Sakura's mouth. "I've fallen in love with you." It repeated again and again in my head. It was a simple statement. But, here I am, trying to come out of my trance because of the words.

I could see Sakura getting impatient. I knew what was coming after. I wonder if I could still feel physical pain now that I'm dead…

BAM!

Yup! Still painful even in death. I landed several feet away from the spot I was formerly standing on. But, at least, I'm back to the real world.

Well, not exactly…

Sakura was standing there, feet slightly apart and arms at her side slightly shaking. There was a vein popping on her forehead. "You idiot!" She bellowed at me. "Here I am, confessing my feelings for you and the only reaction I get from you is this!"

Propping myself on my elbow, I got up slowly. I realized Ero-sennin has rushed to my side, helping me. But, if you ask me, he just wanted to get away from my fuming pink-haired friend. "She reminds me so much of Tsunade-hime." My old teacher spoke in hushed tones so that only the two of us could hear.

Once I was up, I cleaned myself up and prepared to face Sakura again. She was still standing there but I could see her angry subsiding. I chose my words carefully as to not upset her once more. "I'm sorry about my earlier reaction. I was just… shocked." I grinned nervously at her while scratching the back of my head.

I see she completely got over her rage. "I guess you have the right to act that way. The feelings I developed for you was really unexpected. Even I was surprised." Sakura also laughed nervously.

"Yeah…"Was the only word I can muster. What followed next was an awkward silence.

We could have had stood there for weeks if it wasn't for Ero-sennin faking a cough to get our attention. "I believe the two of you need some time alone." He said as he slowly walked away. "Call me when you're done talking."

After Ero-sennin left, we still haven't said anything to one another. We just stood there, looking at the grass beneath our feet. This is really uncomfortable.

"Naruto," My head snapped up because of the sudden sound from her. "I'm sorry I said those words out of the blue. I just had to say it." I realized she was struggling for words. "When I saw your unconscious body on the field where you and Sasuke fought, my heart kept on aching." Sakura was close to tears again. "It was like a part of me was taken without my knowledge. It was slowly killing me." Then a tear cascaded down her still rosy cheek. "That's when I've realized that you're not just a teammate and a friend anymore, Naruto." She locked gazes with me. "You're something more. Much more." She dropped down to her knees and her sobs racked her slim body.

Without knowing it, I was walking towards her. There was just a sudden but strong need for me to hold her close. To comfort her.

"I'm afraid to lose you. I don't want to lose you, Naruto." She said in between sobs. I got down on my knees, on the same level as Sakura, and just slithered my arms around her, hugging her so close. "I'm sorry for pushing you away; sorry for doubting your abilities; sorry for not treating you right; sorry for setting aside your welfare; sorry for hurting you; sorry for rejecting your offers on dates; and I'm sorry for putting you in hell."

I kept on listening to her while I rub her back to make her stop crying. "My confession doesn't matter anymore. You can reject me for all I care. Just come back, Naruto." Her petite form was still shaking because of her sobs. "I can't imagine a life without you."

"Ssshh… It's alright, Sakura. I never took any of the things you've apologized for personally." I assured her. "And, you've never put me in hell." I smiled a small but contented smile.

Sakura's sobs slowly subsided. "In fact… You've done the opposite." I parted from our close contact only a little to look straight in her eyes. They were bit red and puffy from crying but, to me, she was still the most beautiful being I laid my eyes on. "Every time I look at you, it's like a part of heaven has presented itself to me." I wiped away her tears while still making eye contact.

"Every feeling I have for you happens without me fully knowing it." She was now calm. "I found myself wanting to meet you; found myself wanting to be in the same team as you; found myself wanting to befriend you; found myself wanting to be closer to you; found myself wanting to protect you; found myself wanting to make you happy no matter what the costs are; and…" I cupped her cheek. "I found myself loving you so much."

The girl in my arms was silent for some time. I waited patiently for her response.

Sakura then smiled a smile filled with pure happiness and love. It was a smile I wanted to see all the time; a smile I'm willing to die for.

She pulled me for another hug. "This is one of the reasons to why I've fallen in love with you." Her voice was slightly muffled because of her face buried in my chest but, still, I could make it out. "You've always been so gentle and caring, especially to me."

Parting a little, Sakura gazed at me with a playful smile. "So this means you're not rejecting me?"

I squinted my eyes and pretended to think about it. "Hmn. Let me think about it."

She then smacked me on the shoulder. "Idiot!"

I winced a little. Even if she's controlling her strength, she can still make people cringed.

But I got over the slight pain of her smack just as soon as it started. Sakura cupped both of my cheeks and rubbed then with her thumb. Weird. I think I've felt this before.

"But you're my idiot." She gazed at me lovingly.

Then I found myself inching my face towards her.

I got closer and closer. I saw her close her eyes. I smiled. At least I know that she wants this, too.

Our lips then met. I closed my eyes automatically to savor the moment all the more.

Our kiss was innocent but it wasn't at all awkward. It was strangely familiar. It was like I've felt this before.

My heart was pounding furiously. My stomach felt like it was containing a hundred butterflies. But it was a wonderful feeling.

I instinctively licked her bottom lip with a hesitant tongue. I want to get feel and taste more of her but I was afraid she might have a negative reaction to it.

All my worries faded away when she slowly but willingly parted her soft lips.

When I entered her mouth, a surge of sweet taste greeted me. A mixture of strawberry and cherry. It suites her perfectly.

I can't believe I'm saying this: Sakura's taste was even better than ramen.

We kissed passionately for a few minutes. I could have stayed like that for a bit longer but the need for air was getting stronger every second that passed.

I parted from her, breathing hard to catch my breath.

When I opened my eyes, my breath hitched. Sakura's expression was heavenly: She was also slightly panting, her cheeks were tinted a bright red, and her jade eyes were so full of passion. "You're so beautiful, Sakura-chan." She blushed a little more.

I then stood up while assisting Sakura.

"Come back with me, Naruto." She stated.

I looked at her then smiled a little. "Let's find Ero-sennin first." She smiled back happily.

"No more need to, Gaki. I'm right here." Sakura and I both turned around. My old master was a few feet away from us. "You're not ready to stay here, Naruto. People back in the living world still need you, especially the young woman beside you." He said motioning to Sakura.

"What about you, Ero-sennin?" I asked worriedly. "You can come with us."

He shook his head while chuckling lightly. "My time there is done, Naruto. My place is here now."

"But-" I tried to convince him some more but a voice stopped me.

"Naruto, let's just understand Jiraiya-sama and respect his decision to stay." Sakura held my hand.

I looked at her. She didn't seem that happy with my master's decision. "Sakura, you also want him to come back with us, don't you?"

She nodded silently. "I do. But we can't do anything more about it. And I can see he'll be fine here."

I returned my gaze to Ero-sennin who was smiling. "Don't you want to come back to Konoha?"

"Of course I do, Gaki. But like what Sakura said: we can't do anything about it anymore. Not like you." His smile faded. "Go back, Naruto. You still have lots to do in Konoha." He plastered his infamous grin on his face.

I was silent for a few moments. I want him to go back with us. But...

I smiled a sad one. "Okay, Ero-sennin. If that's what you decided."

I felt Sakura's hand leave its place between mine. "Go on, Naruto. Talk to Jiraiya-sama. I'll wait for you down the hill." She gently pushed me towards my old teacher.

I spared a thankful glance at her. "Thank you, Sakura. This'll only take a minute or so."

"Take all the time you need, Naruto. I don't mind." With that, she disappeared.

I turned my head and found Ero-sennin staring at me. "What?" I asked, wondering if something was wrong with my appearance.

"Nothing." He shrugged. "I'm just memorizing your features." He then grinned. Though this one failed to hide his immense sadness. "I'm betting that you're not gonna come back here so soon."

I grinned back. But I was far from happy right now. "Yeah. But you still can't be too sure about that."

Silence.

Our grins disappeared from our faces. We just stood there, staring at each other.

"I'm gonna miss you, Ero-sennin." I finally broke the silence that was consuming us.

Ero-sennin smiled sincerely. "Me, too, Gaki."

I then rushed to my teacher and hugged him tightly. "You take care of yourself, Naruto." I heard him say as he returned the hug.

"I will."

Ero-sennin took hold of my shoulders and pushed me gently away from him. "I think it's time you go. Sakura's waiting for you." He smiled once again.

I returned the favor.

We both went down the hill and saw my pink-haired friend sitting patiently on the foot of the hill. I was about to proceed to her but I stopped when I saw Ero-sennin halt. "This is where I stop." He said to me.

I didn't protest anymore. I smiled at him one last time and turned around to walk towards Sakura.

When she felt my presence, she stood up and turned towards me. "You ready to go?"

I nodded.

Sakura extended her arm with hands wide open. "Let's go."

I stared at her slender hand for a moment. But without second thoughts, I took it with my own much bigger hand.

From the instant our hands touched and intertwined, a white glow surrounded both of us. My body felt like a feather.

"Take care Jiraiya-sama." Sakura said aloud so that Ero-sennin could hear.

"You, too, Sakura." Then I heard him laugh boisterously. "And don't let Naruto do stupid things."

She giggled. "I'll try my best."

I couldn't help but laugh along.

"Say 'hi' for Tsunade-hime for me." He shouted.

"Will do." I shouted back.

By this time, our bodies were almost transparent. We were slowly fading away from this world.

I tightened my grip on Sakura and closed my eyes. I knew that by the time I opened them again, I'll be in a different but all too familiar world.

I'll be back in Konoha.

End of Chapter

Chapter 3 coming soon.