Tiger- -fingers to temples and eyes closed- I am sensing some excitement and possible hostility…
Naruto- Wow! She's good!
Sakura- -hits him on the head-
Sasuke- -annoyed-
Tiger- Anyway, sorry for the long wait. I had a couple essays due for college and this chapter is longer than any of the other ones. I got carried away… ok… maybe a lot. Carry on…
Ch 8: Date
The bell rang at the Yamanaka Flower Shop and Ino, Tenten and Hinata turned their heads to see their fellow pink haired friend. "Sakura!" the blonde shouted as the other two winced. "Is your lunch over already?"
Sakura nodded and the other three noticed the bright smile on her face. "What are you smiling about?" Tenten asked, curiously.
"Ye-yeah," Hinata stuttered.
"Spill it Forehead," Sakura narrowed her eyes at her friend.
"I was getting to that Ino-pig." She started blushing and this only made the girls more inquisitive, "Someone asked me out."
The three girls literally jumped at her, bombarding her with questions.
"Who was it?"
"Was it Sasuke?"
"Is he cute?"
"What's he look like?"
"Do we know him?"
"Where'd you meet him?"
Sakura stopped them from continuing by raising her hand, "I was also getting to that."
"Well?" the three pressed, leaning in.
"After our lunch at Ichiraku, as usual – the four of us, minus Kakashi-sensei – were walking before I helped a boy." She stopped, expecting to be interrupted, but to her surprise they waited for her to continue. "Nou said that he just passed out when they were talking, and he kissed my hand. He is cute, his names Aizen and I have a date with him tonight."
"What's he look like?" Ino screamed.
"Short blonde hair and pale blue eyes," Sakura said a little dreamily.
"A-Are you o-over S-Sasuke?" Hinata asked almost unsure.
"Well, whether I like him or not it, it's not like he would return my feelings. Anyway, this date is only tonight because the whole team is going to the hot springs so we can get spend time together as a team. So I will only see Aizen this once."
"Is he visiting?" the weapons mistress inquired.
Sakura shrugged, "I think so."
"You didn't ask him?" Ino yelled.
"I can ask him tonight. Anyway… I kind of came here to ask if someone would help me find something to wear for tonight. He invited me just as a thank you for helping him out, but I still want to look presentable."
"You came to the right place, Forehead. When's your date?"
"At six."
"Meet me at my house at four-thirty."
"Why four-thirty?"
"So we have plenty of time to find something for you to wear." The blonde kunoichi said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
----
The sun hung high in the sky above the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Sasuke and Naruto were hanging out; Naruto was surprisingly quiet – he must be sick. The two best friends were atop of a building; sitting on the roof under the shade of a canopy and watching as everyone down below went about their lives. Mothers and fathers walking behind their playful children, young teenage couples holding hands, grateful to have found one another. "So what do you think about that 'Aizen' guy?"
Uchiha shrugged, "What do I care, if Sakura wants to waste her time with him, let her."
Naruto turned from his best friend to watch the citizens of Konoha. "I care, I mean, what if he's just playing with her?"
"She said she could take care of herself, and she's not useless like she was before. She can take care of herself; we don't have to waste our time protecting her like when we were Genin." Sasuke said indifferently, eyes closed as he leaned against the wall. His legs were stretched in front of him, ankles crossed and arms folded across his chest.
"So, you thought she was a burden?" the blonde, future Hokage asked. His dark haired teammate opened his eyes turning his head slightly to look at the Kyuubi carrier. "You thought of her as nothing more than annoying teammate? Does she mean anything to you now?"
The last Uchiha answered by glaring at the boy. "Why would she?"
Naruto sighed as he turned from him, "Something about that 'Aizen' guy doesn't seem right. I don't like him. He could be some crazy closet pervert like Pervy Sage. I don't trust him with Sakura… though, you're right…" the boy rubbed his head with a big grin on his face. "She can take care of herself; she packs one heck of a punch now. And personally, I didn't mind protecting her. Teammates are supposed to look out for each other."
"But not every mission."
"I just wanted her to be safe, Sasuke. I also wanted you safe after finding out about Oro…" he trailed off, looking away from Sasuke as he turned toward him. "It's just; I've always been afraid of loosing my friends once I had some. You two were the only ones who accepted me when no one else did, though it took a while for us to actually become friends. But it was all worth it for me. I don't know everything that happened between you and a certain someone, but I'm just glad that that's over. I found happiness with you guys. At the Academy, I was jealous of you, Sasuke, I just wanted to prove myself and would have done anything to be your equal or surpass you. But I'm glad we became friends." Naruto turned and smiled brightly for a few seconds. "I don't want my other teammate to get hurt, that's all. She's like my sister."
Sasuke continued to watch the people in the street, taking in every bit of information he had collected.
"Yo," the familiar voice rang in both teens ears as a cloud of smoke appeared and none other than Kakashi appeared.
His visible eye observed the two as they remained silent looking elsewhere, as if they didn't want to talk to him. "What's with the long faces?"
"Nothing, Kakashi-sensei…" Naruto answered, not even blinking.
"Sai told me about some guy hitting on our female comrade. You two wouldn't be sulking, now would you?" he watched for any actions. Sour faces formed on both.
"Sai told you, huh?" Naruto looked up at him. "I don't trust him."
"That makes two of us," Sasuke added indifferently, his gaze fixed on something down below.
"What? Why not? Is he that bad?"
"We just don't trust him." The blonde snorted, getting annoyed with the conversation.
"Well, Sakura is a growing woman and someone is taking notice in that. Though I agree with you two," both looked up at him, "with her parents gone, I am the only father-figure she's got."
"AAAGGHHH!" Naruto shouted suddenly that Sasuke and Kakashi jumped. "I'm so stupid I forgot!"
"What, Idiot? Not to scream in my ear?!" Sasuke demanded.
Naruto shook his head before lowering it, ashamed. "I promised him…" the Uchiha and copy-nin looked at him curiously. "Sakura's father asked me to promise to watch who pursues her just before he died." The feeling Sasuke felt was back at the mention of her parents. "I promised him that I would and watch who she goes out with. I'm so stupid."
The other two sweet dropped, "You can still do that, Idiot." Naruto looked at his dark haired comrade – whose arms were again crossed and his eyes narrowed straight ahead.
"Well, I don't like the thought of Sakura being alone with a guy she doesn't know," Kakashi looked down at his students. "We've protected her from any heartbreaks, at least," his gaze to the Uchiha for a brief moment, "most of them. At least talk to her before she goes on this date of hers and the boy. Can you two do that for me?"
"Sure thing, sensei," Naruto said.
"Good, I have a short mission before our trip tomorrow. See you then." With that, he vanished, leaving the boys to think.
"You want to come with me, Sasuke?"
"Why should I? You can do it yourself. Sakura will listen to you."
"…Maybe…"
----
It was five minutes to six, and Sakura was walking to the spot where she was to meet her date. Few people were in the streets. For some reason she felt as if she should have declined, or at this moment sent someone to tell Aizen that she was sick. Shoot if she did that he may just show up with flowers and have the date there and tell her to get better. Perhaps what she was feeling was nervousness, just butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She placed and hand on her stomach to try and calm herself, little good that did.
Memories of her younger years when she was chasing after Sasuke flooded her mind. Those were the only times she felt butterflies and now they were flying for some other guy. Weird. Maybe she was over Sasuke Uchiha, the last member of the Uchiha clan; something she never thought would be possible. Sakura felt more butterflies when she thought of him. She wished desperately when she was twelve that he would accept her offer on a date. 'I was stupid.' The kunoichi sighed, defeated. 'No matter what I did, it was never good enough for him. Even being the one there for him all the time. I would have given my life for him, and he wouldn't care what happened if I did. Perhaps there is someone better out there for me. Even if I wanted Sasuke, there has to be someone better. Hopefully, there is someone better than me out there for Sasuke. I just want him to be happy. Happier than I would be able to make him." Her pace slowed to a halt when she thought more on it. A small sad smile present on her face.
"Sakura." She snapped her head upward to see that she was at her destination, but it wasn't Aizen who called her name.
"… Naruto? … Sasuke?" she asked, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
Both of them were walking up to her, Naruto not as bouncy as normal and Sasuke – as always with his hands in his pockets. When they reached her, they stopped. "Sakura, we want to talk to you." Naruto continued.
"About what?" her green eyes were curious.
"About Aizen…"
"What about him? Did he cancel?"
The blonde shook his head. "You remember just before your father passed…?" his voice grew quieter as she nodded. "He asked me to watch out who you date, remember?" she nodded again. "I will not hesitate to kill him if he messes with you." A hint of anger was in his voice.
"Not like I would let him…"
"We just want you to be safe, Sakura. We don't trust him."
"Why is that?"
"He doesn't seem like the person who he's pretending to be."
"Pretending to be?"
"We just don't trust him, that's all. I've seen what people are capable of, Sakura." Naruto looked at her worriedly. "I don't want to see you get hurt again. Guys don't act all truthful every time they are interested in a girl."
Sakura smirked, "Are you speaking from experience?"
"Sakura this is serious." Naruto spoke sternly, taking both Sakura and Sasuke by surprise. "If he tries anything I'll kill and he'll see your father and he can kill him again. I made a promise to your father and I intend to keep my word, I never go back on my word."
"I know you don't, Naruto." Sakura placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling up at him. "I just want to experience new things for myself. Perhaps find someone like the way you have Hinata. You two are so happy together. I just want to be happy, even if it's just for tonight. Please?" she was begging him with her soft emerald eyes. "Just this once? I'm tired of being alone. I hate it." Naruto's eyes softened as her voice sounded as if it was on the verge of cracking.
"You've never been alone, Sakura."
"I know what it's like, Naruto. When you were gone with Jiraiya… I was depressed. I've never felt so alone. If you ask any of the others you'll hear it from them as well."
"I've already heard…" his voice held sadness. "Fine, just this once, at least until it's someone I have a say in. After all, your father asked me to be his eyes. If Aizen touches you I will kill him and send him to your father." Sakura smiled happily and hugged Naruto with all her might.
"Thank you, Naruto."
Sasuke watched the two in front of him, Naruto had done all the talking and he was ok with that. 'Alone? Depressed?'
"Just don't do anything." Sakura pulled herself away from the blonde.
"Of course, you know you've been with Jiraiya too long. You're starting to act like him." Naruto's eyebrow twitched. "Fine, I promise we won't do anything."
"Sakura!" the pink haired girl turned around sharply and the two males looked ahead as they watched the boy running up behind their teammate. "I'm glad to see you here, Sakura." He was dressed nicely. Dark blue t-shirt and blue jeans and shinobi sandals covering his feet. His blonde hair was combed neatly on his head and he greeted her with his smile. "These are for you." He held out a bouquet of cherry blossoms, which were beautifully arranged. "Since your name means 'Cherry Blossom'."
Sakura slowly grabbed them from his large hands. "… Thank you, Aizen." A blush finding its way on her face.
"Aizen," Naruto said, grabbing the boy by the arm and dragging him away, "we need to talk."
"Please excuse us, Sakura, while your friend and I have a talk." Aizen excused himself as he followed the other blonde.
A genuine smile graced itself on Sakura's lips as she lowered her head to smell the flowers of which came her name. Sasuke observed her, never taking his dark eyes off of her. It was then he noticed her outfit. She was still wearing a summer kimono. Pink and from the back of it was a branch of cherry blossoms running up and over her left shoulder and ending just over her front. The obi was designed with falling cherry blossoms. Pink tresses framed her face as her short hair was held in a bun with two senbons holding it in place. Sasuke had never seen her so dressed up. Sakura lifted her head, a smile of content on her face.
"How long will you be out?" she looked at Sasuke.
"I had forgotten you were here you were so quiet, Sasuke." The kunoichi smiled. "To answer your question, I don't know."
"Make sure it's not too late, so you won't be tired on our way to the hot springs."
"I'll remember that." She took a quick glance at the other two. Naruto looked as if he was threatening the blonde with something he said, a fist held in the other teens face. "So… what are you and Naruto going to do?"
"Hn."
"Again with the 'Hn', huh Sasuke?" she giggled softly. "You haven't changed so much, only your attitude toward us a while back. You and Naruto will find something to do. I know you will."
"Don't do anything," Sasuke advised. The medic looked up at him.
"And what do you think I would do?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow with a slight twitch. "I wasn't planning on anything and I am quite capable of holding my own. Besides, he's too much of a gentleman to try anything."
Sasuke eyed her, "Be careful who you trust, Sakura."
The kimono clad female nodded, "My father always told me that, I guess I'd never really thought I'd have to until now. You, Naruto and Kakashi-sensei were always the ones watching my back so I never had to worry too much, but I will. Shinobi should always be on guard." Sasuke gave her a small smirk, pleased with her answer. "…But I did trust you once, also." His face fell to his normal stoic expression. "It's always the ones we trust the most, huh Sasuke? I trusted you and you trusted a certain person." He knew she meant Itachi.
"But I am glad things are different between Team 7." Sakura added positive thoughts. Her words had stung, somewhat, though Sasuke was a master at hiding his emotions – or so he was until a certain incident earlier that day.
"Are you ready, dear Sakura?" Aizen walked up calmly – unfazed by Naruto's threatening. Sakura and Sasuke looked at the blonde, the other behind him with a serious expression.
The kunoichi nodded and Aizen lifted his right arms to her. "Shall I escort the Lady to our destination?" he smiled brightly. The other members of Team 7 noticed that Sakura blushed as she looked at his arm, thinking it over before smiling.
"I would like that," she looped her left arm through his.
"You look beautiful," the gentleman complimented earning another blush.
"… Thank you…" she looked at her teammates, "I'll see you two later." She smiled genuinely before turning her head forward, again taking in the scent of the bouquet.
Both boys watched cautiously for any disapproving gestures toward their companion in the company of an unknown boy.
"Wow," they heard a familiar female voice, "she was right, he is hot." Both turned to see three girls walking up.
"I know, he came to the flower shop to pick up some Cherry Blossoms. So I figured that had to be Aizen." They both recognized that voice. Ino.
"Hinata!" Naruto jumped, excited as he seen his girlfriend, Tenten and Ino sneak up.
"N-Naruto?" the Hyuuga stuttered, taken aback as her long time crush embraced her tightly.
"Whoa, Naruto." Tenten said. "Let the poor girl go, she can't breathe with you squeezing her to death."
He immediately released, "Sorry, Hinata." He placed a gentle kiss on her lips – she blushed. Sasuke was watching the scene unfold before him.
'He kissed her?' he thought. It was so weird seeing such a thing. Shoot, he didn't remember seeing his parents kiss in front of him. This was just awkward to watch, but he did.
Naruto asked, "What are you doing here?"
"Sakura came over to my flower shop today and told us about her score." Ino blabbed.
"Score?" Naruto asked for both of them.
"T-That's 'catch' in-in g-girl talk, Naruto." Hinata answered.
"… Oh…"
"She told us about what happened and that he asked her out, even when we were helping her get ready for her date," Sasuke was now paying more attention to this girl, "she told us about the kisses and the questions if she likes anyone or vice versa, her being beautiful, an excellent medic-nin, and possibly wife and mother someday. Did she say anything else that I forgot?" Ino looked at her friends, who shook their head.
"I don't think so." The weapons mistress replied.
"H-He sounds a-awfully n-nice for Sa-Sakura."
"Well, Sasuke and I don't like him, heck even Sai doesn't like him, even Kakashi-sensei."
"I think they get it, Idiot." Sasuke spoke up, his voice held irritation.
"Why don't you like him? He sounds nice, like Hinata said." Tenten questioned.
"Something doesn't feel right about him. When we met him this morning something was off."
"Well, Sakura seems to like him. What will you do if she goes out with him again?"
"She won't," the Uchiha said, getting all their attention. "Sakura told us that this was a one time deal. He's probably visiting Konoha anyway. Besides, our team is leaving tomorrow."
"Leaving, where?" the blonde female asked.
"The hot spring." Naruto answered.
"Oh, right."
"Well we should get going," Tenten ushered her friends to leave. "See you two around when you get back." The brunette and blonde turned on their heels, Hinata stayed behind with Naruto for a moment.
"W-Well, I, uh, b-better go with t-them." She too turned, "See you wh-when you g-et back."
Naruto grabbed her hand just before she could run after the other two, lifting her hand to his face. "I can't wait to be back already." The back of her hand brushed his whiskered cheek. "Have fun with your friends and we'll have ramen when I get back." He smiled brightly leaning down and giving the Hyuuga heiress a kiss, one that last a little longer than their greeting.
Hinata blushed not because of Naruto's gesture of affection, but because behind Naruto and in front of Hinata, Sasuke watched them, seemingly confused. Eyebrow raised as his best friend pulled away and smiled. "B-Bye N-Naruto…" Hinata dashed off after her friends as her cheeks flushed red. If it was just her and Naruto, she would be fine, but with Sasuke watching she could only get more nervous.
The Kyuubi vessel waited until she turned around a corner before turning to his friend – scratching the back of his head and giving off a foxy grin. "I don't know what just happened; she doesn't usually freeze up like that."
Sasuke rolled his eyes, "You are so clueless."
"Oh and I suppose you know about dating?!" Naruto glared.
"Whatever," Sasuke walked off without a care in the world, hands already in his pockets. Naruto caught up.
"Hey, Sasuke," he started. "What if Aizen tries to kiss Sakura?" Sasuke stopped, followed by Naruto – who was glaring into his back.
"She said she can take care of herself." Came the reply.
"…What if … what if she doesn't?" Sasuke didn't like that question and he could tell that Naruto was reluctant to ask. Both wore the same expression: protectiveness.
"We're going to be her back up." Sasuke walked off, regaining his calm, cool and collected exterior heading in the direction where Sakura and her date went. Naruto beamed at this. He didn't really want to leave her alone with the guy they didn't even know, and he was sure Sasuke didn't either – no matter how much he didn't want to show it. She was a sister to him and he'd do anything for her. The guy could be some pervert, but who could be worse than Pervy Sage? Honestly?
----
"So, you three have been on a team for about four years?" Aizen asked the pink haired girl.
She swallowed before answering, "We were… but Sasuke left to join… someone we met during the Chunin Exams. He had a goal and after he turned his back on us… he returned."
"I understand, if it hurts to talk about him you don't have to."
"No, I don't mind it. Anyway, I was never anything more than 'annoying teammate' to him." The boy could hear sadness in her voice.
"You like him," he accused.
"When I was a Genin, I was a fan girl, no wonder I was annoying. We're friends now, nothing more." She raised a glass to her lips.
"Glad to hear that your friendship is improving."
"What about you?" Sakura looked at him, "The injury you had earlier, you were in battle, right? What rank are you?"
"Chunin, I'm visiting a relative. I was attacked on the way here and forgot all about the wound I had acquired. When I arrived, my uncle wasn't home so I left my things and decided to have lunch." He smiled at her, "Though meeting a beautiful woman is something I hadn't expected." Sakura blushed.
'Why am I blushing so much?'
'Maybe he's whispering 'sweet nothings' in your ear!' her inner self exclaimed, disgusted.
'Is there a problem with that?'
'Uh, yeah, if you ever want to get with Sasuke!'
Sakura sighed, 'You're still obsessed. There is no way that would happen. It's only a fairytale and not reality. A figment of my imagination.' She argued. "There is no such thing as a happy ending."
"Sakura…" the girl looked up to see Aizen looking at her curiously.
"Huh?"
"There is such thing as a happy ending." He answered.
"Oh… I said that out loud?" she grinned sheepishly and he chuckled.
"You did."
"Sorry."
"Don't apologize; there is no reason for it. Is there any way I can make you feel better?"
"Oh, no. I am having fun. Not many people ask me out. Other than Rock Lee."
"Rock Lee?"
"Yeah, bowl shaped black hair, big eyes, bushy eyebrows, wears green spandex." She giggled when she seen Aizen shudder at the thought.
"Not exactly what I expected. Well, at least some people are normal… to some degree. He sounds nice though."
"He is he saved me from Sound ninja during the Chunin Exams in the Forest of Death when Naruto and Sasuke were unconscious. I wasn't as much of a fighter as I am now, but Lee protected me from them until he too lost consciousness. I tried to do what I could to protect the three of them, sacrificing my hair in which I had grown to impress Sasuke. And I tried to keep him from leaving but that didn't turn out so well."
"You loved him." The blonde stated, looking at her and grabbing her attention. "I can tell it's in your voice." Sakura nodded sadly before brightening up. "To me it sounds like you made so many sacrifices for him. All for one person, now that is love. So many that he should have acknowledged it at least. That was foolish of him, to hurt you the way he did, but I can't judge someone by knowing so little about the person. So I'll keep my comments to myself." The saddened smile returned to her face and the blonde Chunin noticed. "I would protect you, if it cost my life."
Sakura was taken aback, looking at his smiling face. 'He doesn't even know me and he's saying this?'
"Are you finished?" Sakura nodded as Aizen stood up and walked to her side of the table, extending his hand. "Shall we?"
"What about the bill?"
"I already paid." His eyes seemed to smile at her. "While you were lost in your thoughts." She accepted his outstretched hand and was led out of the fancy restaurant he had treated her to.
Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched.
----
"Did you hear all that crap, Sasuke?" Naruto whispered. "What a bunch of bull-"
"Shut up or we'll be caught," an annoyed Uchiha replied. He and Naruto had heard the whole conversation between the two, through a special jutsu Sasuke had learned for assassinations. Both shinobi stealthily followed the couple. 'Who is he to tell me what I should have done?! I had my reasons for leaving these two.'
----
Konoha was now surrounded in darkness. "So…" the blonde began. "Does Sasuke or Naruto like you?"
Sakura giggled, "Naruto used to, when we were Genin when I was crushing on Sasuke and he's also dating a friend of mine – one who's had a crush on him since the academy. And Sasuke most definitely not. He's not one for social gatherings, I guess it's just the way he has always been. I can't blame him for any of that."
"You sound like you still love him." Aizen inquired.
"I honestly don't know," she answered truthfully, "the time he was gone, I don't know if I still do or if I'm over him." Sakura looked up at him. "Can… can I ask you something?"
"Ask me anything you wish."
"Have you… loved someone so much you'd willingly die for them?" both were looking at each other now.
"… Yes…"
"Can I ask what happened to this person?"
Both stopped, "… She was killed on a mission when I was the main target. She was my world. I can still hear her screams…" he shook his head to get rid of whatever was flooding his mind.
"I'm sorry-"
"Don't worry about it, it was long ago. Actually… she was a lot like you… perhaps that's the reason I'm attracted to you…" both resumed walking. "Can I ask of your parents?"
"My parents aren't alive any more."
"I'm sorry, were they shinobi like you?" Sakura nodded. "I know the feeling. My parents were killed on a mission." He looked at her to see that the subject had upset her. "To change the mood what else should we talk about?"
An hour had passed as they arrived on Sakura's doorstep. They had talked about just about everything. Missions, memories – funny, painful – family, friends and anything else there was to talk about. "Thank you," Sakura smiled, facing him in front of her door. "I had a really good time."
"As did I, Sakura. And also," he reached for his pocket, "I have a gift for you." Aizen handed her a small pink box. "Go ahead, open it." There in the box was a necklace, a medium sized cherry blossom made of a soft pink diamond. "Specially made."
"You… You didn't have to get me anything."
"But I wanted to, it's not everyday I get to buy a beautiful woman a gift. Please just take it, again as a thank you for earlier."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
----
"Can we go now; nothing else is going to happen." Sasuke asked, bored and turning away. He and Naruto were currently on a rooftop laying down watching.
Naruto snapped his head over to his best friend. "What? How do you know Sasuke? Is that Sharingan able to see into the future or something?"
Sasuke tilted his head just enough to see a scowl grow on his blonde teammates face and his eyes narrowed in one direction. So, curiosity got the better of him and he rejoined his best friend. His face fell with what he was seeing. Naruto was to busy to notice, because he was furious.
A few stories below, Aizen was kissing Sakura! Sasuke could see her wide green eyes as she was confused for a second just before he pulled away and a blush on her face. The Uchiha couldn't watch any more, he looked away, feeling the Sharingan flash as he readied to leave. "Hey Sasuke, where are you going?" Naruto hissed quietly.
Sasuke, however, didn't answer. Naruto turned back to glare at the one who had kissed Sakura as the boy left Sakura after she walked in her apartment.
----
"I hope to see you again, Sakura."
"I have to leave tomorrow and I'm not sure when I'll be back."
"Oh, well if you come back and I'm still here we'll have to get together again." He smiled.
"Sure." The kunoichi smiled back, but was caught off guard as he kissed her. It was quick and sweet, but he stole it – and she didn't know if she cared?
Aizen looked at her, "I hope to be…"
By now Sakura had unlocked her door and was facing him as she shut it, but not before whispering, "Good night," just before closing the door and locking it.
"… Good night, Sakura…" the boy answered, his voice low as he walked away with a contented smile on his face.
Sakura had stayed behind the door after she closed it, hand to her lips still slightly dazed. 'Whoa,' she thought.
'I would have killed him!' inner Sakura shouted, crossing her arms. 'Such a gesture is supposed to be for someone you love.' Sakura ignored the other being in her head, irritating her more. 'You two don't even know each other; one date cannot count as a lifetime. What if Naruto and Sasuke find out?'
'Would they care?'
'Naruto would and… Sasuke…'
No answer.
The voice sighed and gave up after a few moments, leaving Sakura to her own thoughts. 'What a night…' continued on her way to her room, jumping on the bed and lay on her back. 'I did have fun, but where does my heart lie? With Aizen… or still with Sasuke? I've never been so confused. Its times like these I miss my parents.' She exhaled the deep breath she didn't know she was holding. 'How will I know who I want?' Sakura didn't even know she closed her eyes just before she sleep consumed her.
----
Darkness filled the room and dark eyes were wide awake looking up at the ceiling. Arms folded back behind his head as he lay upon his dark bedspread, he hadn't even removed the covers from under him. A familiar scowl ever present on his handsome features. 'Hn.' He had been home for only a few minutes. After seeing something he wished he had never witnessed he walked away. His best friend trailing behind, asking what he was thinking about this situation concerning their female comrade. Sasuke just brushed him off without a care or even knowing he was actually hurting his friend, when friends should be able to tell each other anything what's wrong without feeling judged. The Uchiha has always pushed people away when he was troubled, actually whenever someone was trying to pry it out of him. It hurt those who cared to see him not trust them completely.
His thoughts were still on this little incident. Naruto had convinced him to follow the couple and he went through with it. Who cared who Sakura was out with? He didn't but something wasn't right with this 'Aizen' kid who he claimed to be. Sasuke and Naruto only followed to make sure the idiot wouldn't try anything. But he did… and for some reason it was painful to see that she didn't pull away before he touched her. His scowl deepened. 'Why should I care?!' Sasuke asked himself. 'She's a big girl; she doesn't need us to protect her. I shouldn't waste my time thinking I have to. If she likes him then she could run off with him and I couldn't be happier. She can marry him and have her own family for all I care! At least that'd give me some closer.'
Sasuke growled, for some reason, thinking about those two together mad him angrier. That was something he couldn't explain. 'I can't get that image out of my head. That idiot!! Even thinking about him ticks me off to no end. What's this feeling? I hate it!' Sasuke rolled over to his right, arm still under his head. 'This is something I have no clue about. No one could ever help me understand this. Parents should be the ones to pass down advice to their children, but I have none. So I'll have to figure this out on my own.'
He remembered something Sakura said, 'She doesn't know if she still loves me? This is so stupid. Who cares who she loves? I don't!'
It would be a few hours at the most before he would get to sleep, so many thoughts on one thing that even a prodigy can't understand on his own.
----
"So… how'd your date go?" an older man asked, his face was concealed with a cloak.
Aizen bowed, "Master…" he straightened up before continuing. "It went well."
"Excellent." All that was seen was a menacing grin on the cloaked figure. "What have you found out about her?"
"Her name is Sakura Haruno, pink hair, will be sixteen in a few weeks and the oldest of her teammates from the original Team 7. Most recently trained under the Fifth Hokage, Lady Tsunade one of the legendary Sanin, Sakura has possibly surpassed Tsunade in the medical field and has perfect chakra control. Instructor Kakashi Hatake, also known as the copy-ninja with the Sharingan eye, though not a member of the Uchiha clan. Naruto Uzumaki, blonde spiked hair, hyperactive and loud-mouthed, orange jumpsuit, loves ramen. Has dreams of becoming the next Hokage, and knows the Rasengan created by the Fourth Hokage from this village. Sasuke Uchiha, the last member of the great Uchiha clan after his older brother, Itachi Uchiha killed them – former member of the organization Akatsuki who has been successfully killed by his younger brother. He is also a wielder of the Sharingan, dark hair and eyes, quiet and calm, annoyed easily by his best friend Naruto, and left the village to obtain power in Sound under Orochimaru one of the legendary Sanin, former teammates Jiraiya and Tsunade. Sai, replacement of Sasuke Uchiha, looks like the Uchiha in many ways, and is a member of the ANBU Black ops. Yamoto, fill in sensei for Team 7, also a member of ANBU, brown hair, white forehead protector framing his face."
"My, you do contain so much information…" the man was pleased.
"But I believe we have a situation on our hands, Master. Her friends seem wary of me. And also… I have reason to believe that there is one who loves her, or may have some sort of feelings toward her."
"Explain."
"When I induced that fainting justu and I had come to, the other three males accompanying her weren't quite convinced with my act. Second, I believe one of them has discovered how protective he is toward her. Though all of them are protective, he seems to become more than he has shown, perhaps not even knowing he is."
"That gift of yours truly amazes me. What is all of their relationships?"
"Kakashi is more of a father figure, after her parents were killed on an important mission. Naruto is more of a brother, though as a Genin had a crush on her. Sai insults her due to lack of emotions, but is also a brother. And Sasuke is not so easy to read, but my presence is proving otherwise. He may have discovered those emotions he locked away after his clans' massacre. He and Naruto were spying on us throughout our date; I could sense both of their hostilities toward me." The man grinned.
"When will you see her again?"
"She's leaving for the hot spring tomorrow with her teammates, and doesn't know when she'll be back."
"Have you given her the pendant?"
"…Yes…"
"Perfect, now we wait. You've done well, Aizen." He then gave out a menacing chuckle and the teen inwardly winced with its malice.
Naruto- -whistles- Wow! Almost twenty pages…
Tiger- So, how'd you like it. Did you guys like it longer, I got really carried away… obviously. I hope you enjoyed and extra sweet chapter for being so patient. Anyway, please review on this chapter of sweetness the next one won't be as long though XD