OMG... I can't apologize enough for taking so long to write this chapter! I mean how long has it been? A few months... Ugh I really am sorry! But thank you very much for all the reviews you guys gave the last chapter =) I really can't believe it got 16 reviews! Thanks again! Whew I guess I should get this over with and get on with the chapter ne?

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto =(

Chapter 6 – Gomenasai Sakura-Hime

Naruto gently fingered a lock of pink and smiled. Sakura lay comfortably nestled upon his chest while protectively grasping his torso like he was a soft, fluffy teddy-bear. Yet he didn't mind as it allowed him to touch the pinkette. They'd slept in one another's arms the entire night and neither had moved when Naruto had awoken. He'd then slightly adjusted their position so that she lay on his chest as her room seemed to be quite warm in the morning.

It was wonderful to have slept just holding Sakura. There was no need for passion as intimacy was all they required. Naruto sighed in bliss when Sakura mumbled his name and then grinned. She was dreaming about him and it pleased him. To see her happy was glorious and he'd do anything to ensure her happiness.

He didn't know what to name these emotions he harbored for the rosette teen. It was more than a crush, less than love but well on the way there. He wanted to explore these feelings so he could see where they'd take them. It had the potential to develop to love and he wanted that chance. He wanted the chance to love Sakura but he'd take her feelings into consideration too. He'd never force her into anything.

So now he waited for her to wake. He wouldn't wake her as she seemed so peaceful and contempt in her dreams. It was the best way to wake up and after this it would be hard knowing Sakura wasn't with him in his arms when he did. If he had his way he'd pack her clothes into a suitcase and drive her to his apartment where they'd live together.

He smiled fondly at that. 'To be with Sakura-chan 24/7 would be the most amazing thing ever,' he thought and glimpsed at the sleeping pinkette again. Her hair was messy and poked out in odd places, her make-up was still completely smudged but she was still beautiful. He preferred her without the make-up and glamour.

When they lived together he'd beg her to remove the make-up from her face and to dress somewhat plainly. She was naturally perfect and needed no accessories. She'd even look great in his leather jacket. He grinned at that as the image came to his mind. She'd look like a true biker like that and then they'd look like the perfect match.

There was just one tiny problem in that plan.

'I'm marrying Hinata in two months,' he reminded himself and guilt washed through his body. Last night he hadn't even greeted the dark haired teen nor had his entered his mind once. They were engaged but he was not very faithful. His relationship with Sakura could be named a forbidden love affair. Sakura was Hinata's best friend and this was wrong. It'd break Hinata's heart to see them like this. He never wanted to hurt her – she was like his sister. No brother wanted to injure their sister in any form or shape.

But he felt too strongly for Sakura and that overshadowed his guilt. To be with Sakura there was only one option and that was to call off the wedding.

Hiashi would be outraged as this would be the second time he'd called off their engagement and the Hyuuga elder would probably never allow the engagement to happen again. Hiashi would probably blame the Haruno's too and that would end the friendship between Sakura and Hinata. 'Can I do that to Sakura-chan?' he questioned himself. 'Can I ask her to give up Hinata for me?' he asked before frowning.

It was a lot to ask of the pinkette and he didn't know if she felt strongly enough to say yes. He wanted her to say yes but it was asking too much at this point. 'It would be better to explore our relationship,' he decided and sighed. He then glanced at Sakura and noted that the pendant he'd given her was catching the early morning light. Well, not that seven o'clock was early…

Naruto's eyes shot open as he remembered exactly what the date was, the 29th of March and he was supposed to be in Suna. 'Oh shit,' he swore and began panicking. Shikamaru had ordered him to leave early that morning and seven wasn't early. It'd take 5 hours to reach Suna and races began at 3pm.

He swiftly and softly released himself from Sakura and carefully placed her on the bed. He had to leave and was there was no time to waste. He skillfully located his skinny jeans and striped shirt before pulling then on. He then hopped around while trying to put his shoes on.

He knew his appearance was messy but he had no time to fix anything. Soon he located his leather jacket and hurriedly thrust his arms through the sleeves. He'd need it on the ride to Suna. Before he raced out the room he realized Sakura would wonder where he has when she woke. So grabbing a piece of paper on her desk and a pen he wrote her a note:

Dear Sakura-chan

Last night was amazing just spending it with you was amazing =) I'm sorry I couldn't be there when you woke but I have to get to Suna and well I actually overslept so yeah I can't stay. I also didn't want to wake you because you seemed so peaceful.

There are so many things I want to talk about but just know that feelings I have for you are getting stronger and I want to explore them. I don't know about you but if you feel the same then come to Suna. Yes, come to Suna and we'll make a plan otherwise if you don't… I'll know we don't have a chance.

Just had to let you know that

Naruto

He shouldn't have written all that but he felt she needed to know. He quickly moved to the table beside her bed and placed the note there. There'd be no way she'd miss it. Hesitantly he turned to her and laid a tender kiss upon her forehead. He noted the smile that crept to her face at his action and a smile of his own graced his lips. Then he silently stepped to the door and bade her farewell but he knew they'd soon be reunited.

He'd wait for her in Suna.

----

Ayami watched as the sun-kissed blonde exited Sakura-hime's room. The teenage brunette gulped and snuck over to Sakura's room. She shouldn't disturb the pinkette's privacy but she brainwashed herself into thinking it was important she found out what had happened between the queen and the peasant.

She felt like a crook as she slowly turned the door's handle. 'What if Sakura and that blonde really did what I think they did?' she questioned herself and halted her actions. Sakura-hime had said that she'd wait until she married before sharing a bed with a man but had she thrown that away last night? Had the queen lost her innocence to that blonde stranger?

Ayami shivered at the thought. That wasn't possible. Sakura-hime would never go against her morals because she was stubborn like that. This soothed Ayami somewhat yet the girl persevered and opened the door nevertheless. She sighed deeply and boldly stepped into the room with her eyes closed. She was expecting the worst.

Slowly the girl opened her eyes and was greatly relieved. Sakura was sleeping soundly, alone, in her bed with no-one beside her. She smiled and walked over to Sakura before softly moving a stray hair from the pinkette's face.

"Hmmm Naruto," Sakura mumbled at her action and Ayami jumped back in shock. Naruto wasn't Sasuke's name. She then realized that Sakura did seem to be wearing a shirt from her position. Her shoulders were bare and the blanket covered the rest of her body.

It was then that she saw the small, folded note on Sakura's side table. With trembling fingers she lifted it and unfolded the paper. She read it and her eyes widened. With an anguished cry she tore the note in half. Sakura stirred but Ayami merely stood at the pinkette's bedside, trembling. She looked at each half of the note she gripped in her hands.

Sakura wouldn't find out. Never would the pinkette know of the letter's existence. She then placed the two halves in her pocket and crept from Sakura's room, trembling as she did. 'Gomenasai Sakura-hime,' she whimpered, 'But this is one time I will have to lie to you.'

----

'Ugh,' Naruto complained, 'Does Suna have to be so… sandy?' he questioned, realizing it was rhetorical. He sighed and shook his mass of sun-kissed blond locks, shaking out the dust. Then he locked his Hayabusa and walked to the hotel where he was staying. It wasn't too fancy, yet not too cheap.

An air-conditioned reception greeted him and he grinned. He continued to the front desk where the receptionist awaited with a smile. "Name please?" she asked brightly, her fingers idly tapping the keyboard.

"Naruto Namikaze," he cheerfully responded and grinned. She seemed to widen her smile before her fingers flew across the keyboard.

"Room number 73," she told him and then handed him a key card. He gratefully accepted and smiled before walking toward the elevator. He'd get his luggage later, now he only wished to rest before thinking of the numerous tasks he needed to complete. 'I can almost imagine being asleep right now,' he blissfully thought and momentarily closed his vivid blue eyes.

'And soon,' he grinned widely, 'Sakura will be with me.' He knew she'd come. He didn't know how he knew yet he didn't ponder the matter. He was satisfied knowing Sakura would be with him. His heart raced from the mere thought of Sakura, gentle, beautiful, intoxicating Sakura. Holding her throughout the night was what he wished to do every night of every day.

The elevator beeped, announcing his arrival on his destined floor. He sighed and trudged to room 73, eagerly awaiting the ability to flop onto his bed. He reached the wooden door and swiftly slid the key-card through the slot, opening the door when the light shone green.

'Finally!' he thought and quickened his pace before the comforting bed came into his sights. The pillows, the sheets and the mattress all welcomed him. Everything was perfect.

Except the brunette girl lying on his bed

He raised an eyebrow before wearily approaching the bed, his grin gone. He leaned over to observe the sleeping girl, not daring to touch her. She seemed somewhat peaceful, her lips parted and her brow un-creased. Her brunette locks were securely fastened in two buns with some of her fringe covering her forehead. She wore a pink bandana around her forehead and he frowned deeply when he recalled its meaning.

It was the mark of a rival racing club – Iwa Feminique Motor Club, a club solely dedicated to female racers.

"Oi," he grunted, gently shaking the racer's shoulders, "Get up."

The girl mumbled and changed positions before shrugging off his hands. Her eyes hadn't even fluttered nor had she shown any attempt of rousing herself. Naruto raised both eyebrows in slight annoyance before shaking her yet again, with added force, repeating his previous sentences.

The girl grunted loudly before cocking open a chocolate coloured eye and blinking. She flipped herself and yawn audibly before stretching. She then pushed herself upwards and promptly yawned again, still blinking, and turned her face to look in his direction.

"Who are you?" she questioned emotionlessly, her eyes now opened. "Is there a reason you woke me?" she queried and glared vehemently. She folded her arms over her chest and narrowed her lips.

"You're in my bed," he bluntly stated, returning her narrowed glare. "I think that's a good enough reason," he continued before placing his hands on his hips and baring his teeth defensively. "I shouldn't even have to give you a reason."

"Your bed?" she questioned in slight confusion, her tone softened as she relaxed her gaze. "Are you Naruto Namikaze?" she asked and seemed hopeful. The girl bit her bottom lip and altered her position to lean towards him. "You almost fit the description they gave me."

He frowned and nodded slowly, "Yeah I'm Naruto Namikaze." He noted the gleam her eyes gained, "And you are?"

"Tenten Kunai," she informed him and grinned positively. "Number one female racer," she playfully stuck out her tongue and then leaped off the bed and stretched. She bent and twisted her muscles and whimpered blissfully. Naruto watched in amazement. 'I never knew someone could move their body like that,' he thought in slight awe. 'I never knew stretching could be,' he blushed, searching for the word, 'I didn't know it could sexy.'

'I wonder if Sakura-chan can move her lithe body like that?' he pondered and replaced Tenten's moving body with Sakura's. His blush deepened as he imagined the pinkette twisting in such a manner. He felt his heart racing at the mere thought of Sakura bending so sensually.

He could clearly visualize her rib and hip bones protruding through her creamy, silken skin. She wasn't anorexic, just perfectly shaped. He could see imagine her hips grinding gently as she stretched them. He gasped softly and his eyes fluttered momentarily. He knew his blush was deep yet he ignored it.

"Hey Naruto," Tenten called and waved a delicate hand before his daydreaming face. "Anybody in there?" she mocked and lightly flicked his forehead. "Or are you one of those people who randomly just go off like that?" she queried and tilted her head sideways.

His eyes widened and he backed from her, "So…rry," he stammered and looked away, hiding his embarrassment. "I wandered for a moment," he mumbled, willing his blush away. He didn't want her to get the wrong impression. "Just thinking of someone," he explained and looked down.

"A girlfriend?" Tenten teased before giggling. She rolled her eyes and then sighed, "But that's not what I snuck in your room for," she said seriously, surprising Naruto with her changed tone. "I'm here for a reason." The playfulness dispersed from her face, replaced with a grave expression.

He folded his arms protectively before his chest and nodded for her to continue. 'She's here for a reason?' he questioned himself and hid his inner curiosity.

"I'm not going to play games with you Naruto," she stated and sighed, "I'm going to be blunt." She paused and temporarily scanned him, "I need you to ride as me in a race."

----

Sakura yawned audibly as she roused herself, smiling as the sunlight engulfed her. She flickered open her emerald eyes and swiftly observed her illuminated room. Her smile widened as she checked each crevice of her pink-coated room. Then, she tilted her head to the side and hid her excitement. 'I wondered what Naruto looks like when he's sleeping?'

Only she was disappointed as the sun-kissed blonde wasn't there beside her.

She frowned and bit her bottom lip hard as she hoped he'd only gone to eat something or he'd gone to the bathroom.

Only problem was that she'd never shown him neither the bathroom nor the kitchen

'He'll be here,' she firmly thought and pushed herself from her smooth, silken sheets. She briefly muttered a curse as her muscles protested against the sudden movement yet she ignored their pleas.

"Naruto?" she called and looked around her room for any sign of the blonde racer. Yet nothing of his remained within her room. She felt her heart drop and she furiously shook her head. He hadn't left her. He hadn't played with her feelings.

Well, that's what she wanted to believe.

She searched for any evidence of a note, a message or symbol that he was here or he had been here. Her hand went to the bike-charm silver chain that was draped around her neck and she gripped the bike-diamante charm.

There was nothing

It was one of those movie scenes, where the girl woke and the man was gone – gone with the wind. She'd been a fling, yet last night when she'd refused to submit herself to him he left without a word – after pretending he cared enough to wait.

'He used me,' she thought as tears welled. 'He tried to break the friendship between Hinata and I and I was willing to help him. I nearly broke Hinata for him,' she felt her body wrack with tremors as she stood, barely clothed and her appearance messy.

'He made me fall in love with him,' this caused the tears to fall.

She crumbled to the carpeted floor, wailing loudly. Her cries filled her room and her face was instantly soaked. She'd been deep in thought last night and she had realized that she had fallen in love with Naruto, a love that overpowered her love for Sasuke and Hinata.

Yes, she'd fallen in love with Naruto Namikaze and it overpowered and demolished her senses. She was going to tell him and ask him to love her as she loved him. She would've given away her integrity and begged him to love her. Yet now she wouldn't give him the time or the satisfaction. He'd never know she'd fallen for him, he'd never know of these feelings she harbored.

With new-found resolve she shakily rose and stumbled to her desk. Once there she fumbled for her phone, her tears blurring her vision and her anger clouding her mind. She found located her Chatterbox and forcefully slid it open. With practiced ease she located her contacts and identified Naruto's number. With a malicious grin she punched a few buttons and within moments the number had been blocked.

She slid the phone shut and felt victory claiming her veins. He wouldn't fool her feelings anymore. No longer would he break her, no longer would he have a hold upon her.

'It's over Naruto... before it even began.'

Uh-oh... We have a problem... You're probably thinking, 'You have an insane hiatus and then go and make them break up when you post a chapter?!?!' Um yeah... Well just to let you know that it is all part of the plot and all will be solved in the end =) Sorry, I'm really into smilies right now 3

Loreylock