Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Wow! Thank You all so much! Those were some awesome reviews. I think that was the most reviews I've had for any chapter so far. And as a reward, here is the next chapter. Thanks again, and keep reading and reviewing =D

Chapter 17: Betrayed

Thoughts/ Inner Sakura

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The sun had just set as Sasuke walked Sakura to the steps of her apartment. The pink haired beauty stood beside the mysterious Uchiha, his jacket hanging loosely around her small shoulders. The evening had become cooler, and Sasuke had removed it from himself, and draped it around Sakura, to keep her warm. As always, he was the picture of a perfect gentlemen. Now, they stood in an awkward silence, each waiting for the other to speak.

"This was nice." Sasuke's words broke the silence.

Sakura nervously shifted from one foot to the other. " Yeah, I had a nice time. I'll see you later Sasuke."

She turned to make her way up the steps, but Sasuke's hand gripped her wrist. "Sakura wait. I wanted to give you something." Sasuke released her arm and reached into the pocket of the jacket that still hung around her frame.

He pulled out a small velvet box. Sakura's heart was pounding in her ears. She knew what it meant when she had agreed to go out with Sasuke, but he couldn't be, she didn't know if she could handle that right now. She had thought she was ready, but was she really?

She tried to speak,anything to delay him. "Sasuke...I..." Her voice failed her.

Sasuke flipped the box open revealing a beautiful silver charm bracelet. Sakura had to muffle her sigh of relief. "Sasuke, it's beautiful."

Sasuke gave her his typical cocky smile. "I hoped you would like it." He removed the bracelet from its soft bed, and slipped it onto Sakura's wrist.

Sakura moved her wrist back and forth, twisting it to get a better look at her present. From the stunning silver chain hung three delicate charms. A miniature cherry blossom tree, a small silver kunai, and the symbol of the Uchiha family, a fan, encrusted with sapphires, rubies, and diamonds.

Sakura didn't know what to say, she had never received such a beautiful, and expensive present, even if it wasn't a very practical gift for a kunoichi.

"Oh Sasuke, Thank you so much. I love it" She leaned in and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek. A gust of wind lifted her hair and caused a small shiver to run down her spine.

"You should go inside before you catch a cold." He brushed a stray piece of hair away from her face.

Sakura nodded. "Good night Sasuke."

Sasuke wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him. Gently pressing their lips together, for a soft kiss. He pulled back and stroked her cheek. "Good night Sakura."

She continued up the stairs, and entered her apartment, as Sasuke walked down the street and out of sight. She closed the door behind her and shrugged out of the over sized jacket.

"About time you got back forehead." Ino sat comfortably across Sakura's sofa. Her arms folded across her chest.

Sakura jumped at the unexpected voice. Her hand clutched her chest, where her racing heart banged painfully against her ribs.

"Ino! What are you doing here. Don't you have better things to do than break into my apartment?" Sakura laid Sasuke's jacket across back of the couch, and looked expectantly at her best friend.

Ino just rolled her eyes " What could be more interesting than your date with Sasuke? And it's not breaking in when you leave the door unlocked." She slid over and made room so Sakura could sit next to her. "So, how was you date?"

Sakura sighed and sat down, folding her legs underneath her. "It was wonderful, as usual." She leaned back and rested her head on the cushion.

Ino threw her hands up in frustration. " Sakura, I swear, you are the only person who could go out with someone as hot as Sasuke, and not be happy about it." She let herself slump back into the couch, with an audible 'umph'.

"I know. And he has been so wonderful. He always brings me flowers," she motioned to the vase of yellow daisies on the counter, "he takes me to the most romantic places, and he even buys me things." She raised her wrist to show off the bracelet.

Ino's gaze locked on it for the first time. " Wow. Thats beautiful. Sasuke gave you that?" Sakura nodded in confirmation. "It looks like he really is different. The old Sasuke would never do anything so sweet."

Sakura rolled her eyes. " I remember." She absentmindedly stroked the shimmering charms.

"Sakura, whats the matter." Ino reached out held her hand. " You have been going out with Sasuke almost every night for the last two weeks."

"And you always have a good time, right?" The blond squeezed Sakura's hand gently.

"Yes, but..." Sakura let her voice trail off.

"But what? Two weeks ago you were prepared to marry Sasuke." She looked at her friend like a teacher scolding their student. "And you ranted and raved that it was none of Tsunade's business who you married."

"I was hurting, and confused." Sakura's soft voice held an edge of defense.

Ino raised her voice in frustration. " And you wont even tell me what happened between you and Kakashi."

Sakura's jaw tightened as she held back tears. " It doesn't matter. There is nothing between us anymore."

Ino leaned back into the couch, crossing her arms over her chest. " Then why do you keep distancing yourself form Sasuke."

"What are you talking about? We just got back form a date." Sakura presented her adorned wrist as proof.

"Yes you go out with Sasuke. You hold his hand and even kiss him sometimes. But your not there. Your mind and heart are always elsewhere." Sakura's shoulders slumped at Ino's words.

Ino continued. " And even though he doesn't say anything, he notices. He can tell that when your with him, you're really wishing you could be with someone else. Imagine how hard it must be for him, trying to impress a girl who has already been swiped off her feet by someone else."

Sakura's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "What should I do?"

Ino's response was automatic " Do you love Sasuke?"

Sakura chewed on her lip, deciding how to answer. "I don't know. I used to think I did....but now, I'm just not sure."

Ino shrugged her shoulders. " But you still plan on marrying him. Because 'it's what's best for the village' right?" Ino quoted Sakura's words.

Sakura slowly nodded her head.

"Then I think you should make more of an effort. Stop comparing him to that no good Copy Nin, and give him a real chance." Ino's posture relaxed as her lecture ended. "You liked him when he was a jerk, he has to be easier to like now."

Both girls shared a brief laugh at Sasuke's expense. "You know what Ino, your right. I have been treating him unfairly." Sakura stood, grabbing Sasuke's jacket from the couch.

Ino sat there confused. " Where are you going? It's already dark outside. And I want to hear all about your date." She stuck out her bottom lip in a mock pout.

Sakura flashed her a mischievous grin. " Sasuke forgot his jacket. I think I'll return it to him." She gave her friend a wink and headed towards the door. " See you tomorrow."

She closed the door behind her leaving Ino on the sofa, with her mouth hanging open.

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Stars were sprinkled across the sky as Sasuke opened the door to his apartment. His date with Sakura hadn't gone exactly as he hoped, but things were defiantly improving.

It wouldn't be long before they were married and he could start rebuilding his clan again. After all, that is why he returned in the first place.

He sighed as he flipped the light on, illuminating his meager apartment. Soon the repairs to his family home would be finished, and he could finally move back into the Uchiha compound.

He began to cross the room, then stopped suddenly.

His body tensed, as he detected the presence of another chakra signature. " Come out, I know your in here. I can sense your chakra." His confident voice didn't falter.

A slender silhouette slipped out from the shadows behind him. Her arms wrapped seductively around his waist, while her soft lips caressed his exposed neck.

A chill of anticipation ran down his spine, and he turned to embrace his intruder. "What are you doing here?" He wrapped his arms tightly around her, forcing their bodies together.

"I think you already know." She fisted her fingers in his raven locks, and crashed her lips desperately to his.

Sasuke reached around her and turned out the lights.

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The night sky was slowly being decorated by brilliant stars, as Sakura walked the two blocks to Sasuke's apartment. By now she knew the way by heart.

The streets were quiet and empty, most people were at home in their beds. A cool breeze whipped around Sakura causing her to shudder. She took Sasuke's jacket and wrapped it tightly around her.

She could smell his scent on every fiber of the jacket. He smells so good..... Sakura's pace quickened. Now that she had made up her mind she was excited about her little outing.

She turned the corner and her eyes soon fell upon Sasuke's apartment. Her heart was racing, as the adrenaline pulsed through her veins. Soon she would see him, and he would know exactly how she felt.

It would be nice if I knew how I felt.

Your excited, your heart is beating like a race horse.

I know, but why am I so excited all of a sudden?

Because he's hot!

Uh, is that all you think about?

No, thats all you think about.

Whatever.

Admit it you know you want him. His lips brushing passionately against yours. His hands freely exploring your body, sending waves of pleasure through your very core....

Thats enough... How am I supposed to think straight with you in my head?

She shook her head trying to rid herself of that line of thinking. But it was too late, her body tingled, longing for his touch.

She continued walking towards Sasuke's building. His apartment window was dark, causing her to stop in the middle of the street. Maybe he's asleep.....perhaps I should just go home.

Then, a light from inside illuminated his window. Good, he's awake.

She started towards his apartment again, just as the light went back out. She could see his shadow moving towards the window. Her mind was filled images from Romeo and Juliet. With Sasuke standing before the window calling out for his true love.

Her delusions were quickly shattered by another figure wrapped in his arms.

Sasuke's face was buried deeply into her fiery locks, as his hands greedily removed her clothing. Sakura watched in horror as Sasuke ravaged her naked body, his hands sliding along her supple flesh, as his mouth devoured her every inch.

Her pale skin glowed in the soft moon light, as her body was forced against window frame. Sasuke's form melted with her, and she could delicate hands fisting in his hair. Sakura could only stand and watch, shock prevented her from looking away. She couldn't see the mysterious woman's face, but she could see Sasuke's, and now he was looking right at her.

Even in the dark, he could see the betrayal etched on her face.

Finding her strength, she turned and began running down the street, ignoring his voice as he called her name into the night. Sasuke's jacket fell from her shoulders, and landed softly on the pavement, she left it there.

She continued running until she reached the familiar steps of her apartment. Then, broken hearted, and out of breath, she allowed herself to collapse into her sorrow.

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Ok so not real long, but I wanted to give you a little something. Poor Sakura. Hopefully there are not too many mistakes, I was too tired to re-read it again. Remember to review.