Title: One Leads to Another

Author: Regal Baring

Fandom: Naruto

Disclaimer: I don't own these suckers, I don't make any money, so don't sue me. I'm poor.

Pairing: Sakura/Naruto. Or issss it? Okay it is.

Chapter 2

In which the dog lets the cat out of the bag

Naruto trudged home, sweaty from having slept in his jacket all night with Sakura on top of him, smelling like booze and baby powder and a little confused after free-falling from a window. He rubbed his belly underneath his jacket, splaying his hand against the rippled muscle of his stomach. It felt as if there was a little spot of warmth that wouldn't quite go away. He wondered if he was getting sick or if the Kyuubi had heartburn.

When he had fallen asleep last night, he thought that his and Sakura's relationship would take a turn to the more…active side of things. It's not that he was expecting anything when he woke up. Maybe hoping was right word.

He had been hoping there would be a little more closeness between them. After all, he thought huffily, she had said she would pick him over Sasuke. And that was a HUGE breakthrough.

Maybe she just needed a little bit of time to think it over. He had learned that Sakura was delicate when it came to emotional girl-things. He couldn't bombard her with too much at one time.

It really was rather cute, he thought with a small, happy grin. He laughed aloud, stretching the kinks out of his shoulders and back as he raised his hands above is head in a long arch.

Yep, that's what he would do. Just give her a little space, a little time to adjust to the change. Because there was a change.

He was not going to just go back to their usual playful fighting, the almost-but-not-quite-flirting, and the little touches and petting that she would give in to when she wasn't thinking about it.

The smile faded as his eyes grew solemn and thoughtful.

He had once vowed to himself privately that no one, no one in the world, would take Sakura away from him. No while he lived and breathed and had a chance to love her even if it was from afar.

He knew what it was like to have no one around to love, to share happiness and laughter with. He had gotten his first taste of having someone care enough to protect him with Iruka-sensei. He learned discipline from Kakashi-sensei, and had become a family with his teammates. He even had a mean sort of mother (or grandmother) in Tsunade-baa-chan.

He had earned understanding and competition in Gaara. He had friends who could count on him as backup in a fight. While people were still scared of him and what was inside of him – and had every right to be – he wasn't such a stranger anymore. People smiled at him, waved to him in the streets, called out his name in greeting.

But maybe now it could be time for him to have someone to call his. Wasn't he allowed to be selfish once in a while?

He had always cared for her. When he had been twelve, it was just a small crush – an attraction to the girl who seemed to have everything. She was smart; she aced all of her classes; and most of all, she had parents who loved her. It seemed that she was the girl that had nothing bad happen to her.

And after a while, even though it was painful to watch, he had tried to let her go just a little bit. She had loved Sasuke for so long, and so passionately. Just once, he had wanted to see that shine in her eyes directed towards him.

But he had kept quiet when she thought that Sasuke had been the one to save her from Gaara. He didn't want to force her to feel grateful. He had done everything to protect her, and it was okay that she didn't know about it. He was just happy that he had saved her in time.

And later, when she had come to him, tears streaming down her cheeks, begging him to bring Sasuke back, he could do nothing more than to give her a promise – a promise so powerful, he lived his life by it.

It was after he had risked his life for that promise that he had hoped she would see just how much he treasured her. As his teammate. As his friend. As one of the people he cared most for in the entire world.

After they had spent two and a half years training apart, when he had finally seen her it had been a relief and a comfort to see that she could smile at him in her special way. It hadn't always been like that, but after having gone through so much, he was proud that she trusted him enough to let him see her friendship in that smile.

After his personal battle against Orochimaru, and Yamato had told him of how he had hurt Sakura, he knew he could never willingly allow himself to be swallowed by the Kyuubi again. Not if he was going to keep his promise to protect her.

Last night had changed so many things. Last night, for one the very first times, she had chosen him. Him -- not Sasuke. He had waited six long years to get that one sign.

And now, he promised himself, he would somehow convince Sakura that he was worthy of her love if it was the last thing he ever did.

Seriously, what was that Naruto thinking? Sleeping with Sakura in her own bed! Having her draped all over his chest, wrapped in his arms…

Why, it was almost as if Naruto had those kinds of feelings for her! Which was totally and completely ridiculous. They had been friends for so long that Sakura had thought Naruto had given up on those feelings for her.

And, really, anyone with eyes could see that Hinata was head over heels in love with him. Naruto never seemed to notice, but if he realized her feelings, he'd probably fall just as in love with her back.

Sakura tried to ignore the little pang in her heart at the thought of Naruto loving someone else. But, really, it was selfish of Sakura to want to keep him all to herself. Even though their friendship had started out in a jumbled mess (little Sakura head over heels in love in Sasuke, rude and degrading to Naruto), Sakura didn't delude herself into thinking he was anything less than one of the most important people in her life.

She loved her family, but they were merchants, not shinobi. They didn't understand their daughter. They knew she did things normal citizens couldn't do, and they were proud of her accomplishments. They understood that she was in danger on her missions. They were happy when she came back alive and healthy. But it didn't mean they could comprehend the life of a shinobi, of being so scared that one of your friends would die that sometimes you would rather not have friends at all.

But Naruto knew. He always knew things about Sakura that she didn't want him knowing. Like knowing exactly how insecure of herself she could be sometimes.

She growled low under her breath, scrubbing her hair furiously while the warm water did its magic. Waking up that way had been a major shock of adrenaline to her system, but as it wore off, she could feel the affects of her drinking last night.

But with the shower water sending its soothing heat cascading over her body, she could think a little more rationally. She wasn't sorry for throwing Naruto out of the window by any means – he deserved that for taking advantage of the situation.

Well, she thought while shifting guiltily, it wasn't as if she had been so innocent either. Luckily he hadn't been awake when she copped a feel, but still…

No matter. It wasn't as if Naruto really cared that way for her. He'd probably try to stare at her while bathing, but it wasn't as if he'd really be attracted to her that way. Right?

When she thought of his, er, not so little problem this morning, she wasn't completely sure. But, she reasoned, he's a guy, and all guys have that problem, no matter who the girl. As she had gotten older, she noticed that the guys had always had a habit of getting up either before she had, or after she had moved far enough away that they could sneak out of the campsite. None of the Team Leaders had ever restricted such movements unless it was a dire, potentially explosive situation. And if it was a dangerous mission, which most were, it was usually life or death and people weren't thinking of that stuff.

Still, despite being a little grossed out with feeling more of Naruto than she had ever wanted to before, she couldn't help but to acknowledge a pleased little thrill deep inside where her feminine insecurities still lingered. Pleased even if he had been sleeping and hadn't known it was her. And could possibly have been dreaming about some other girl.

She…suddenly wasn't so pleased.

Her hands tightened in her hair, but before she did any damage, she pulled her hands away and put them up against the wall instead. The shower water dripped down her face and into her eyes, forcing her to close them against the sting.

None of this should matter. It didn't matter that he had grown up, and had turned out kind of attractive. He wasn't handsome, but he definitely had character. It shouldn't matter that his body was long and lean, and the growth spurt he had gotten had finally put him taller than she was. And it definitely didn't matter that he had abs to kill for – even Sai would have been hard pressed to compete, and Sai was obnoxious enough to bare all.

Why was she doing this to herself? This was so stupid. It didn't even matter who Naruto was or was not dreaming about. He was her friend. Nothing else was allowed.

So she had best get her mind out of the gutter before it got her into trouble.

"Yo, Naruto. What are you doing wanderin' around at a time like this?"

"Huh?" Naruto turned to look behind him, and smiled in welcome when he saw Kiba, Shino and Hinata walking towards him.

"Shouldn't you be in Hokage-sama's office?" Hinata whispered, blushing bright red when his eyes met hers. She looked away hastily, staring down at her toes.

"What? What are you talking about? I just woke up a little while ago," Naruto said. "Why didn't she send someone to find me?"

"She did. She sent Sai to find ya, but he said you weren't home," Kiba said. "So we were sent out to find you as soon as possible. Where ya been at?"

"Oh, I stayed at Sakura-chan's," he said absently, ignoring their startled looks and Hinata's soft gasp of dismayed surprise. "I had to take her home last night, she had too much to drink," he laughed.

"Oh yeah, I there was some crazy stuff going on in the street with you and Sakura-san," Kiba smirked.

"What?! What did they say?" Naruto growled, moving so quickly he was a blur. He grabbed Kiba by his jacket lapels, lifting Kiba up to his face.

Kiba didn't seem too impressed, and jerked himself out of Naruto's grasp. He did, however, cast a glance at Shino when they all heard the low rumbling in Naruto's throat.

"Just silly gossip," Kiba said slowly. "I didn't think you'd take it so seriously."

"Who. Said. It." Naruto gritted out dangerously, flexing his fingers. "No one talks about Sakura-chan that way."

"It was just one of the villagers," Shino said, his voice quiet and calm. Hinata said nothing, watching Naruto with strangely glassy eyes.

"Oye, I know there were no villagers out at that time of night. There was no one on the street. It was shinobi," Naruto said, cutting a dark glance at the boy. Shino's sunglasses successfully hid his expression.

"You're right. But I think it best not to tell you who said it."

"Damn it," Naruto said, his fist clenched. "When I find out who did it, I'll beat his ass for sure."

The three said nothing, staring at him.

Finally, Shino spoke up. "What makes you think it was a man?"

Sakura had just finished blow drying her hair when she heard the soft pad of footsteps crossing her bedroom floor.

She sighed, pulling the towel tighter around her body.

"Don't you ever knock, Naruto? Get out of my room, I'm not dressed yet," she called out over her shoulder.

"I'm here to give you a message, Sakura-san."

"What-" Sakura spun around quickly, gripping her towel tighter across her breasts. "Sai? What are you doing in here?"

"I have an urgent message from the Hokage," he said smoothly, his eyes meeting hers steadily. She watched him suspiciously, but his eyes never once dropped from her face. She relaxed minutely, though still wary.

"What's that?" she asked when it appeared he would not say anything further.

"Did Naruto stay here last night?" he asked instead.

"Er…did Tsunade-sama want to ask me that?" she asked cautiously, staring at him in puzzlement.

Sai didn't bother to reply, simply looking at her with his dark, indifferent gaze.

She huffed in irritation. "Yes, yes, he stayed here. What's the big deal?"

Sai moved away from the door to her bedroom to stand close to Sakura. Close enough that Sakura considered taking a step back because he had clearly invaded her personal space.

"If I had known you wanted company last night, Sakura-san, I would have been more than glad to have met your needs."

Sakura's mouth dropped open in stunned surprise. "What in the hell does that mean?!" she asked, taking a sharp step away from him. She clutched the towel tightly to her chest in defense.

"Don't act like you don't understand," he said softly. He raised his arms to trap her against a wall she hadn't noticed she had backed into. With a single punch she could blow him through the wall. He knew it too. But he had a look in his eye, like he was certain she wouldn't.

That look made her want to hit him hard enough that she would have been able to feel his teeth cut her knuckles. Through her glove.

"I don't know what's gotten into both of you recently, but you can stop teasing me right now!" she said shrilly.

"You don't know?" he asked, his pale face angled down towards hers. "You can't even guess?"

She huffed angrily, shoving at his shoulder with one hand while gripping the towel tighter to her chest. When he didn't move away from her, she shoved him harder and he finally stumbled back.

"Look, I don't know what you mean, but I'm sure this is just some elaborate prank you're pulling on me. You don't even like me, much less want…er…that from me." She waved a hand airily in the air, trying to tamp down the vivid blush staining her cheeks. Too bad her voice cracked.

He simply crossed his arms, staring at her with his usual calm, expressionless face.

"If that was all you wanted to say, you can just get out now," she hissed, pushing her fluffy hair out of her face. She walked as steadily as she could to her closet, ripping out her usual clothes and stomped back towards the bathroom.

He hadn't budged an inch, watching her. It was creeping her out big time.

She hurriedly changed her clothes, watching the door handle intently to make sure there was no surprise door-opening sprung on her, but all stayed quiet in her bedroom. So she slowed down, taking her time. But as her mind wandered, she wondered what the Hokage would have sent Sai for. It wasn't just so that she knew Sakura had made it home okay…there had to have been some urgency.

She turned quickly towards the door, rushing out. "What did Tsunade-sama want, Sai?"

"Took you long enough," Sai said, a fake smile lighting his pale features as he sat complacently on her rumpled futon.

When Sakura and Sai stepped out onto the road, hoping to find Naruto on the way to the Hokage tower, she had the uncomfortable feeling everyone was staring.

And when she caught the eyes of several gawkers, she knew she was right.

"What's wrong with everyone today?" Sakura asked self-consciously, touching her hair. Was it frizzy? Was her forehead protector askew?

Sai, of course, didn't bother to reply and simply moved forward as if nothing were the matter. Sakura tried to match his cool, but when the third group of young girls walked by snickering and pointing she had had enough.

"What is going on?!" she fumed, crossing her arms belligerently. She stopped, turning to glare at the girls who moved forward, whispering furiously and shooting her smirking looks.

"Who the hell was it?!" Both Sai and Sakura turned to look down the road. Naruto had Kiba by the jacket lapels, lifting him up against the wall. Sakura gasped, hurrying towards the group.

"Naruto," Sakura called out, "what's going on?"

He immediately dropped Kiba, turning towards her. He ruffled his spiky blonde hair, aggression and irritation easily recognizable in the stiff lines of his body.

"Nothing, it's no big deal," he said, obviously trying for a smile.

No one was fooled for a moment.

"Well…" Sakura paused indecisively, wondering if she should push the issue when they had such an important meeting to attend. Tsunade-sama would not appreciate dallying.

"You can figure it out later," she finally said. "We really have to go the Hokage Tower. Pronto."

"What's wrong?" Naruto asked, coming to stand at her side. She looked up at him, smiling, hoping he couldn't feel her tense up as he rested a hand on her shoulder. She needed to remain calm. Nothing happened last night. They could all move past this – now was not the time for personal issues.

"No time to explain," she said. "We have to go now." She gave the 3 other shinobi a nod of acknowledgement before she and Sai took to the rooftops.

"We're not through with this," Naruto said, glaring at Kiba. "You'll tell me who said such things about Sakura-chan, and they'll pay. That's a promise I intend to keep."

And without waiting for their reply, he hurried to catch up with his disappearing teammates.

Team 8 watched the retreating backs of Team 7 bemusedly.

"Change…there is change coming to Konoha," Shino said quietly.

"Let's hope we're ready for it," Kiba answered grimly.

"We will be. But will they?" Hinata asked, her eyes following Naruto's blinding hair and swift movements until he finally vanished from sight.

TBC

Sorry for the long-winded character thoughts. However, I needed it to set the stage. :-) Hope you guys stay with me! Stay tuned for the next installment…