A/N: Thank you everyone for your encouragement and faith in me and all that good stuff.

Notes: Holy Hell look how long this chapter is! Oh, and the whole explanation thing about Naruto and Kyuubi and all that jazz? Yeah, I totally just pulled that all out of my ass. I realized that I really should give some kind of reason as to why Kakashi and Iruka believed Sakura and that is what I came up with in a record time of five minutes.

Lyn: And here I am, finally updating this Kami forsaken story.

Naruto: Let's skip the formalities so you can get on with this story! Let's hear those reviews!

Lyn: Right, right. But I'm going to have to do this slightly different though…

Sasuke: Do what differently?

Lyn: Remember how we had an unconscious Sakura in the last chapter and I was letting everyone hit her with a stick and-

Naruto: Oh my God!

Lyn: -Jumps back- What? What is it?

Naruto: Lyn you've been gone a really long time…and Sasuke and I haven't been to this story since then and we left Sakura tied up so-

Lyn: Oh no don't tell me she's dead already!

Sasuke: Hn, no she's not. While you two idiots forgot about her I left her in more…capable hands.

Lyn: Rock Lee?

Sasuke: Try Gaara.

Naruto: …Then she's dead.

Lyn: Probably.

Sasuke: It sounded like a good idea at the time. I was really debating just leaving her alone.

Lyn: Somehow I think you may have done more mercy in just leaving her be, maybe.

Naruto: What do you mean by maybe?

Lyn: Oh you'll see. Anyways, first review is from lazeee an demented, I think I would become the richest person alive if I made people PAY to hit her, but I feel that such joy should be free for all!

Naruto: And what could be more fun than hitting Sakura like a piñata?

Lyn: Exactly.

Sasuke: Lyn, I think I hear something coming from your room. It sounds like someone's dying…

Lyn: Crap! Gaara's going to get blood all over my bed sheets! God, I don't know what's worse, blood or sperm, either way neither comes out easily if at all! –marches over to room- On with the story!

Chapter 5: To be in like and to be in love

-Earlier before Naruto showed up in chapter 1 so we can answer the unanswered questions-

Sasuke's P.O.V

My Dobe has been acting strange lately. He's a lot more quiet than usual, not that I'm complaining or anything, it's just that-wait did I say MY Dobe? Well, I guess in a way he's mine. Like hell I'd let anyone else have him. I've seen some of the looks he's given me, they don't call me a genius for nothing, I at least know he's got some feelings for me. It's like we're already dating, all I have to do is make it official but there are a few problems I have to get rid of before that can happen.

"Sasuke-kun!"

Speak of the devil in all her pink annoying self. I keep staring over the bridge hoping that she'll get the hint that I'm not interested in talking to her.

"Sasuke-kun!"

Of course she doesn't get it and attaches herself onto my arm while wiggling on it. What have I done to deserve this? …Don't answer that, it was a rhetorical question.

"Good morning Sasuke-kun! How has your morning been?"

"Hn."

"What did you have for breakfast?"

"Hn."

"That sounds delicious!"

I raise an eyebrow. 'Hn' sounds delicious? Is she that dumb or is she trying to translate my Hns? Either way it doesn't matter, the only one who can do that is Naruto. Speaking of which is that his chakra I'm sensing? Of course I'd never mistake that anywhere.

There's a slight jitter of panic going through my body as I look at Sakura still hanging on my arm. I don't like him seeing things like this; I'm afraid he'll think I'm straight or that I like someone else. Even though we're not going out and I don't enjoy this kind of attention unless it's from him, I feel like I'm cheating on him, betraying him…again and I really don't want to do that.

So I shake the she-beast off of my arm before his chakra is close enough that I know he'll see us. I peek over at Sakura to see her disappointed face and I almost feel bad, almost. And not because I think she really likes me, no, she doesn't even know me, but because even I knew how close her and Ino had been and now it almost feels like I ruined their friendship; again, almost.

I know I didn't, it was their foolish mistake to try and get me to love them when they, themselves, do not really love me. It's a pointless mission really. How can you retrieve someone's heart when it's already been stolen? I close my eyes and see blonde hair and blue eyes staring back.

Sorry girls but my heart has already been stolen.

Sakura's P.O.V

Alright, so he shoved me off again, no big deal right? I sigh. He always pushes me away when Naruto's chakra shows up. Maybe that's it! Sasuke just doesn't want Naruto to feel bad knowing the love of his life, me, and his rival, Sasuke, are together!

It would just utterly break the poor idiot. I glare at the ground. But he deserves it! Keeping us a part like this isn't fair! Today is the day I finally win Sasuke's heart! And that idiot will definitely not ruin it this time!

It's kind of funny actually. I kind of feel like Naruto is now in Ino's position. If they both would just back off and move out of my way I bet I could get over how annoying they both are and we could be friends.

But that's not the case. Ino is not a challenge but Naruto, no Naruto isn't much of a challenge either. I just have to have Sasuke alone for a while and then maybe Naruto and I could be friends…maybe. It depends how I feel and if the idiot can shut the hell up for a while then maybe.

I stare up in determination. That day is not today Naruto. In fact you better stay out of my way today because today is going to be the day I win Sasuke. And I will let no one stand in my way without ripping their world apart.

And Naruto, even if it's just for today, you're an iron wall in my way, challenging my love for Sasuke. I smirk.

But I accept your challenge.

Kakashi's P.O.V

I wave goodbye to a sleeping Iruka and leave to go to the bridge where two loud ones await my tardiness and an angsty child is indifferent. I frown as I think back to the conversation Iruka and I had.

Naruto... What was going on with our Naruto? For weeks he's been acting oddly. He's been a little colder more anti-social and honestly it's got us both worried. Worried that something has happened, that something will happen…

I still don't want to believe that the Kyuubi might be taking over but what other reason could there be? He's been so off that he's given new meaning to him being number one at surprising everyone. I'm just really hoping that it's just that time of the month again. I smile and poof to the bridge with that thought in mind.

"You're late!"

"Well you see I-" Wait a minute that was just Sakura why isn't Naruto saying anything? As if all of us were thinking the same thing all three of us turn and what we see is quite a shocker.

"Naruto what are you wearing?" Naruto dressed in something not orange. Hm, maybe this change is good, he looks nice in that color.

"It's called clothes Sakura, think once in a while." Nope, strike that, something is very different and very wrong. Or maybe it really is that time of the month again and Naruto's just henged one too many times. Either way I better say something before this gets bad.

"Well I just wanted to tell you that there are no missions today so-" Before I can even finish my sentence Naruto starts walking off. Okay acting cold and indifferent is one thing even insulting Sakura but when Naruto starts walking away before the meeting is done, something isn't right. Naruto; the boy who's always here on time awaiting missions and even if there isn't one always wanting to spare is walking away. Not only is that something the Naruto I know wouldn't do it annoys the hell out of me and I'm not going to stand for this.

"Naruto! I wasn't done." I can't help the annoyance that's on my face and as I glance around Sakura looks angry and Sasuke's rolling his eyes. At least I'm not the only one who doesn't like where this is going. But the thing that almost made the annoyance slide off and shock come in place was the coldness in Naruto's eyes. No, that wasn't coldness in his eyes, no, his eyes were empty. Void of emotion, void of anything that once was Naruto. And that almost made my face twist in fear at the thought.

"I know. I don't feel like sparing today. So go back to reading your stupid perverted book and let Sasuke and Sakura spar. It's what she'll want. Of course Sasuke will want to spar while she bugs him about some date." Even though his eyes hold no emotion his voice seems to be getting colder the more he speaks. And my heart feels like it might freeze as he locks his gaze in Sasuke's and Sakura's direction.

"Frankly I don't want to be around to watch." With that he turns around and continues to walk away from us without another glance back. At first I kind of thought maybe he was trying to be cooler in the beginning of his little speech but the pure bitterness in his voice was more than evident that he meant what he said.

And the sad thing is that all of the assumptions he made were probably right.

Sakura's P.O.V

That was defiantly not what I was expecting to happen when Naruto arrived this morning. Something really has changed in that idiot. Even I've noticed how he hasn't been taking too kindly to the way people treat him. It's like he's finally decided to no longer take what people are doing to him. And that makes him all the more dangerous, not only to my cause but to everyone else. It's high time someone put him in a cage before it's too late. But I can't worry about that now! Sasuke! I have to act quickly while Naruto-baka isn't here!

"Well that was unexpected, but with that aside I guess I've got no choice but to prove him at least partially right. Sasuke and Sakura, this means you two shall spar with each other." I see Kakashi hesitate before pulling out his orange book and give us a quick nod before flipping through the pages. Might as well prove him all the way right seeing as, no matter what, today is the day Sasuke will agree with me to a date!

"Sasuke-kun, this is so perfect! No Naruto today, just me and you." I say sweetly as Sasuke gets into fighting position. Crap I have to stop him or I might not be conscious to ask him!

"Um wait Sasuke-kun! I was wondering if you would like to go and get some ramen with me!" He looks at me before standing straight up and slowly starting to walk away.

"No."

Crap this is not how it's supposed to be! Think Sakura think! Damn it I guess I'll have to use my last and greatest resort of desperation.

"Wait! I-I have a proposal that I want you to consider!"

He stops and asks, "What kind of proposal?"

"If you come with me to the ramen bar I'll make a deal with you. A deal I know that you will not resist."

"I highly doubt that."

Damn it, stop walking away! "What if it's a deal for me to leave you alone from now on and give up on you?"

Yes, he stops. Now all he has to do is accept and…

"Alright, meet me at the ramen bar in about ten minutes."

Bingo. This time Sasuke I won't lose you! Because I truly love you!

"Of course Sasuke, whatever you say." I turn to leave as does he. I think I'll make a quick stop at my house to freshen up and then it's off to take Sasuke's heart!

Iruka's P.O.V

I didn't want to tell Kakashi what I knew but since cleaning always makes me think about things, which is what I'm doing now is cleaning; I think I need to tell him. Tsunade had told me that it seems something is causing the fox demon in Naruto to push out bursts of its chakra every now and then and that may be the cause to his new attitude.

She was telling me that he may be influencing Naruto in a subconscious way and that Naruto is extremely unstable. Something is triggering these bursts of chakra and according to Tsunade there is only one way to help Naruto and unfortunately there is one key point of information that we're missing, I just hope we find it before it's too late.

Sakura's P.O.V

Let's see; first I need to get home and freshen up a bit, then I'll be on my way to getting Sasuke's heart! Hopefully Naruto won't be at the ramen bar or else, I really need to think of something to make sure he stays out of my way or-

"-So as you can see that's the situation with Naruto right now."

What? That sounds like Lady Tsunade talking about Naruto. I think I should hear this. Is that Jiraiya?

"I see so that's what's been happening to him. The Kyuubi has been pushing out chakra and subconsciously making Naruto that way?"

"Yes, that is my theory."

"Well is there anything we can do to stop this before it gets out of hand?"

"Well the other doctors have come up with something. They believe that since it's been his mood that has been changing then emotion must be the answer, we're not sure what triggers the reaction but we believe if a certain emotion is forced on to him that he will subconsciously shut Kyuubi out and we can then seal away the Fox's chakra again."

"Why can't we just seal its chakra now?"

"Because if we seal the chakra before pushing Kyuubi out of Naruto's subconscious he may stay the way he is now for good."

"But I thought Kyuubi was already part of his subconscious."

"Baka he is! But we're talking about his conscience. In Naruto's subconscious he takes the form of Naruto's conscience, and in turn makes Naruto believe that it his own thoughts and feelings."

"So then what emotion are we supposed to push on him?"

"We don't know yet but I'm hoping that maybe happiness is what will save him."

"Me too Tsunade, me too."

Wow, Naruto really is a freak. I'll just keep this bit of information locked away for now. As I turn the corner to my street I pause in horror as a great big blub of green comes towards me. "Oh no, I have to hide before-"

"Sakura-chan, my beautiful flower, how wonderful it is that I have been graced with your presence!"

-Too late. I put on the biggest smile I could muster, which wasn't much.

"Hello there Lee, how are you today?" I ask slightly hesitant.

"I am great! Today has been nothing but wonderful and has inspired my youthful soul to take a walk around the village before lunch time and if I cannot do that I will walk around the village on my hands before dinner and if I cannot-."

"That's wonderful Lee, really it is. I guess I should be on my way so I don't keep you from your… youthful walk. It is almost lunch and I'd hate to keep you from your goal."

Lee paused only a second before the most amazing thing happened. He smiled a regular smile, not that creepy grin he has but a soft and gentle smile. "Sakura-chan, you could never hinder any of my goals, in fact you are my inspiration." He takes out a single red rose, from where I'm not quite sure, and places it in my hands.

"The fact that I was able to see you on this walk Sakura-chan has made my day all the better and has fueled me with even more youthful energy!"

I look down at the flower and it kind of stings when I look at it. It stings my heart because even though I know about Lee's feelings I'm very avoidant of him and he's never done anything wrong to me. But why does he go so far for me? "Why…"

"Why, what my dear Sakura?"

"Why, even after all the times I've said no or avoid you do you think so highly of me?" Lee looks to the side with that same smile on his face.

"Why? Sakura-chan I could never look down on you or anyone for that matter."

I snap my head up and at a slightly louder voice then I intend I asked, "Well you like me don't you? Don't you hate all the people that like me too? Don't you have rivals that you wish would just disappear? Someone else could sweep me off my feet and you would do nothing about it? That doesn't sound like your feelings are strong at all!" Just as I snapped my head up he snaps his head towards me. I expected anger to be lit in his eyes but instead an emotion I couldn't name and a tad bit of sadness dwelled in his eyes.

He reached out and rubbed a petal between his fingers and at a low volume I didn't even know Lee was capable of he whispered, "You can say such cruel things sometimes Sakura, but that would never make my feelings for you any less. I could never hate another person for liking you like I do for the fact that I know just how they feel. You are so beautiful and smart and, when you wish it, the kindest person in my eyes and if someone else sees the same thing I could not hate them, I'd understand their affection more than you know." He stopped rubbing the pebble and paused for a second before continuing and for some reason my heart seemed to beat a bit faster.

"I have many rivals for you love my dear Sakura and I would never wish them to disappear, for it would only prove how much I cared for you if I were to win your heart while others tried to win it as well. Rival, to me, does not mean enemy. Sakura I have been after your love for a long time now and I have never wavered with my feelings. I have never once doubted how I feel about you and I never will. If someone else sweeps you off before I do then I would like to meet this person. I will only give up my courting for your love if you were to fall in love with another and be happy with them."

He looks up at me and for some reason I had the urge to cry but not out of sadness, what's wrong with me? "Sakura I do not wish for you to be taken by another but if you are happy then so am I, even if I am not the one who is making you so."

"But-but why? Why would you be happy knowing I'm with another?"

"Why, because when you like someone Sakura you want them to be just yours and no one else's. You want them to be happy with only you and you wish harm or sadness to those who want the same heart you do. You seek their love and never consider their feelings or the fact that your feelings may be false. That is what people 'in like' do. But Sakura I do not like you-"

I feel a tear slowly fall down my cheek and I'm not sure why. Lee brings his fingers to wipe it away before softly whispering words that made me wish to cry more tears but not those of sadness, those of something else. Something I cannot name.

"-Sakura I love you. And when you love someone, your happiness comes second to theirs. If you can have happiness with someone else Sakura then I would never dream to do anything to stop you from achieving it. If you fall in love with someone else then I will gladly step down."

"But I love Sasuke. With what you are saying shouldn't you already leave me be? I love Sasuke!" Lee looked to the side and for the first time ever I saw Lee frown. And I've never felt more inclined to make him smile then I do now.

"But can you be happy with Sasuke?"

Can I be happy with Sasuke? Of Course I can! Right? After all these years chasing after him I never even considered how we'd both feel if we were together. But we would have to be happy right? That's how these things work right? You fall in love with someone, chase after them, receive their feelings and live happily ever after right?

"I-I don't know." And just like that whatever magical spell was cast was broken and Lee returned to his hyper bubbly self.

.

"Goodness it's already lunch time! I will now have to return to my starting point and walk around the village on my hands! Goodbye my beautiful flower I wish to see you soon!" Lee did a quick stretch in front of me and started to walk past me and just when I felt that I could move again Lee stops right beside me and whispers, "As long as you have that doubt in your mind, no in your heart, I will not give up because it is that doubt that makes me believe that I still have the chance of making you happy."

With that Lee jogged away, again leaving me stuck in one place to think over his words. Damn you, Lee.

A/N: I am making this longer than seven chapters. It's still my lucky number, but I'd prefer to have a story that's more enjoyable than just trying to shove everything into my favorite number.

Lyn: -Banging on door- Gaara, I know you're in there! If you got blood anywhere in my room I'll-

Gaara: -opens door- …Did you want something?

Lyn: Yes! I want my room back and-

Naruto: Hey Gaara! Wow, this is the first time you've been in Lyn's conversations, huh?

Gaara: -Nods-

Sasuke: You seemed to have known your way around when I first asked you to… take care of Sakura. Why is that?

Gaara: Lyn and I play poker together every Friday night.

Naruto: -turns to Lyn- You play poker with Gaara?

Lyn: Yup, I win a fair amount of the time but, damn, Gaara's poker face is way better than mine!

Sasuke: And why aren't we invited to this social event?

Lyn: …Because you guys aren't cool enough to play poker with me and Gaara. Right Gaara?

Gaara: -Nods-

Sasuke: What? I am way cooler than him! I am Sasuke UCHIHA! That's right; I'm the badass who must avenge his clan. I'm sexy and smart. And I-

Lyn: Sasuke…shut up. See this is why you aren't invited. What was I doing before we started talking about Friday night? –random pain filled scream from inside Lyn's room- Oh! I remember... Gaara you owe me twenty bucks!

Gaara: No I don't. I already paid you.

Lyn: Liar! Why else would we be having this kind of conversation –random scream again- when it is clearly not –more screaming- Friday? I mean really Gaara –louder scream followed by loud crying- what the hell is that noise! It's being rude and obnoxious!

Naruto: I believe that's Sakura. You know, that was the whole reason we really came up here.

Lyn: It was? Oh yeah that's right. Gaara, you better not have gotten any blood anywhere! –runs into room and sees Sakura strapped to a table with water drops falling on her forehead- What the hell kind of torture is that?

Gaara: Chinese water torture. No blood.

Lyn: You sick, sick bastard. Who knows how many weeks she's had to endure that kind of torture? I would give you a hug if I didn't think you'd kill me in the process. Well, unstrap her.

Sasuke: What? Why do you want her unstrapped?

Lyn: Because while I was away I invented a machine to appease some fans. –Walks over to closet and pulls out a machine-

Naruto: What's it supposed to do?

Lyn: Good question my dear Watson-

Naruto: Naruto.

Lyn: -Naruto. You see the brick, hammer and baseball bat on the sides? Well the machine will swing them around at an ungodly speed hitting Sakura in the process. Now let's hook her up.

Sasuke: Why did you feel the need to invent this? –Straps Sakura to the machine-

Lyn: Well you see so many people wanted to hit her or were giving me huge numbers that they wanted her hit and I just thought this would be easier. Now let's all watch Sakura get hit multiple times continuously.

Sakura: HELP –smack- ME –hit- SOMEONE –smack-

Lyn: Damn forgot to tape her mouth. Oh well. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Will you be staying with us for a while Gaara? –looks around room with no sign of Gaara-

Naruto: I think he left.

Lyn: Not even a damn goody bye...Oh well. I'll see him Friday anyways. End this please Sasuke.

Sasuke: Ja ne.

-To be continued…-