A/N - Alright folks. Chapter five hot and steaming for you.

And Mistique Four, you are totally on point. Keep up the observation of Sasuke.

Unfortunately, a blush being the third constant is not correct. Still, keep paying careful attention. You inspire me to put more twists and turns to this story.

As for the rest, here's another hint: The third constant is NOT a type of reaction. It is more, dare I say, something stated?

So the constant for person is the Grandmothers. The two stories are Romeo and Juliet and The Great Gatsby. Pay more attention guys, but honestly the third constant isn't meant to be extravagant.

I believe in you all.

DISCLAIMER - I do not own Naruto

"You just have to understand that there are some things that we just don't pass on, Sakura." The grandmother angrily told her granddaughter for the hundredth time.

"Why?" The granddaughter demanded, glaring at her grandmother as she threw up her hands and shuffled out of the room. She followed, "Why would any of you, or anyone from the past, keep anything from the other that could potentially help?"

"It's a personal decision for each and every one of us. You would not understand." The old woman replied as she went towards the backroom.

"Then explain!" the girl cried out angrily in frustration, "Try and explain! I'm not stupid and naive anymore, Grandmother. I can understand things now, more than I could before. To keep something from me just because you feel it would be too much for me to grasp is unfair!"(1)

"No matter how old you get, girl, there would be things that you would not understand until the time comes." The old woman spat out the word as if it were something to be frowned upon, "Twelve years old isn't nearly old enough to understand anything, do you understand? Now go get ready, your mother will be here soon."

The granddaughter glared at her grandmother, deep fiery hate swimming within her eyes. "Twelve or not, Grandmother, I can still understand how selfish you are being, along with everyone else who has decided to withhold information that had the potential to help." Then snatching the clothes her grandmother was handing her, she turned and stormed to leave, "I don't need to be your age to understand THAT!" she screamed out as she slammed the door.

X

I walked into our dining room, my thoughts wandering. It seemed that I was earlier than usual, because the room was vacant of maids and Naruto. It was awkward being here before everyone else. I usually came in when it was busy and bustling with chefs placing down plates of food and butlers pouring morning drinks for me and Naruto, and on rare occasions, my mother and father. Now, the silence was almost deafening as it pounded my ears. It was so quiet that the noises of the appliances in the room were the only sounds that filled the air. Still, I counted those noises as silence as well.

I sat down, rubbing my arm to chase away the chill that had stayed with me since before I fell asleep. Maybe I was fretting for no reason, but everything seemed off since yesterday. When I came in from my date, Anna was literally nowhere to be found. I requested her presence twice, and no one could offer me any indication as to where exactly she was hiding.

And Naruto? He was also ghost. The only thing I've seen of him was a note he left me by the door, explaining how all meetings with bachelors were cancelled until further notice.

That's when I honestly started to believe that everything had shifted, but I couldn't pin point when exactly things have changed so drastically. Maybe I was thinking too hard on the matter. Maybe I was trying to find clues that weren't really there. Things like this happened a lot, meetings being cancelled and everyone being busy because of a business deal coming up or an unofficial partnering suggestion that would jump us from being ranked 71 to something a bit higher.

Yet, knowing that everything could just be my imagination, I still couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong.

Just then Naruto had decided to walk in, with Wilson close behind. I looked up and offered him a smile, and just as I was about to say good morning, he passes me and the chair I was sitting in. My smile turned into a slight frown as I turned around to see where he was going.

I watched as Wilson grabbed the keys to the Mercedes and Naruto opened the stainless steel refrigerator to grab an apple. Wilson left the room then, most likely heading the start the car, as Naruto stayed behind and gathered files that were neatly placed on the kitchen counter.

My eyebrows came together, not understanding where Naruto could possibly be going so early in a suit and his Bluetooth already in his ear.

Then, as Naruto turned to face me finally, because it seemed as if he was ignoring me the whole time, Anna walked into the room with three other maids. I turned to Anna, feeling joy slowly bubbling up inside of me as the maids went to the cabinets to grab plates. I opened my mouth to say good morning to her, but again stopped myself when Anna ignored me as well. Instead, she fixed her gaze on Naruto, a hard look on her face.

I blinked, my eyebrows coming together for a second time as I looked back at Naruto. He was standing up straighter than he was before, his jaw hard and flexed. With a shift motion, he grabbed his suit case and allowed it to fall to his side as he gripped it hard.

Before anything else could happen, he looked down at me and said in a flat tone, "I'll be gone for most of the day. Could you entertain yourself today, or should I see if Temari has some free time on her hands?"

My eyebrows rose. Temari was our cousin who had a business not too far from here. She usually came over to hang out with us. The last time I saw her was two weeks ago when she came by with her new puppy.

"I should do fine by myself," I reply, rubbing my arms again, "You won't be gone for all day, will you?"

His hard look went a tad soft as a strained smile curved his lips, "Course not. I'll be back and we can watch a movie or something."

I nodded, "Yeah that sounds good."

His lips twitched as he attempted to give me a bigger smile. And his eyes, they locked onto mine for a moment, as if he were taking everything in, trying to remember everything that was happening now. Then, before I could question why he was staring so hard and where he was going; why he was up so early with a suit and why my meetings were cancelled yet again; he left. Smoothly turned away from me and walked out, waving his hand as exited without another word.

I watched after him, my nerves prickling. I didn't like the look he gave me, like he wouldn't be coming back at all.

A shiver ran through me.

"Set the table for one," Anna ordered to the other maids, her voice even and strong, "Ino will be having breakfast alone this morning."

I blinked and swirled around, my eyebrows together, "Wh-what? Why?"

Anna slid her eyes to me, making me cringe back. It wasn't her hard expression that had me shrinking away, but the authority in her eyes that forced me to swallow all the other questions that wanted to rise from my throat.

"Because, everyone else is busy. Your brother is off to a meeting, your father and mother won't be returning for another month," She spoke simply as she counted off the only options I had, "And I will not be joining you today."

I opened my mouth, not able to help the question that wanted to blurt out, but I was stopped again by Anna's eyes. In mid-opening I paused, then shutting my mouth I chewed on inside of my cheek.

"I have business to attend to, Ino." Anna said in a flat tone, " Maybe tomorrow."

Then, just as Naruto had done, she turned around and left me as well.

Blinking, I sat alone and in silences as the maids bustled. My mind was still trying to comprehend what had just happened. Biting my lip, I looked behind me from where Naruto had left then back to where Anna had left.

Strange. It was like both of them had-

"Oh!" I sit up straight as the idea hits me. Then, quickly turning to one of the maids, I whisper rapidly, "They had an argument?"

The maid cautiously glanced towards the door in which Anna had left through before nodding, placing down my plate in front of me, "A disagreement of some sort. All the maids have been gossiping about it."

I almost wiggled in my seat in accomplishment of making the correct guess. It had looked as if both of them had stormed out just to get away from each other, which caused me to think that some sort of altercation was made between Anna and Naruto. Honestly, someone should start writing a book on me; I am way too clever for my own good.

Smugly, I grab my cup of coffee and take a sip, "How could I have possibly known? Do you know about what?"

"Well," One of the other maids started as she placed down the napkins at my table, "it all started with a simple suggestion-"

"Oh shush, Emmy," the other maid interrupted as she placed down a bowl and spoon next to my plate, "you know nothing of what happened, you weren't even there!" then, smiling at me, she started, "It wasn't a suggestion, it was an idea that Naruto was particularly taking a liking to-"

"Is that not what I had just said, Maggie?" The maid, known as Emmy, asked with a roll of her eyes.

"You know how Frankie gets when it comes to gossip," the other maid, known as Maggie, replied as she patted my shoulder and walked around the table to take away one of the chairs away, "the spot light simply must be on her."

Standing up straight and looking peeved, Frankie crossed her arms with an 'hmph', "That is not true!"

Emmy giggled as she nudged my arm from the right of me, giving me a wink, "Ask any of the other maids, Miss Ino, she is one for the books."

I glanced at Emmy and tried to contain the bubble of laughter that was tickling my throat as Frankie huffed and turned back towards the cabinets.

"As I was saying, Miss Ino. It all started with a suggestion," Emmy paused to glance at Frankie, "or an idea, if you will."

"But the suggestion," Maggie paused as well to look at Frankie, "Or the idea, if you will, did not sit well with Miss Anna at all."

Pouting, Frankie came back with another glass, this time filled with orange juice, "Would you quit teasing already."

Laughing, Emmy continued, "The idea didn't just not sit well with Miss Anna, it outright infuriated her."

I listened with much interest as I sat forward, nodding for her to continue as the other maids bustled, "Infuriated her?" I probed.

"Oh yes," Emmy nodded, "To the very core."

I frowned slightly, "What could get her so angry?"

"Well that's just it, Miss." Maggie cut in as she passed by, wiping her hands with a small towel, "They never mentioned what they were disagreeing about. They danced around the subject completely, as if they knew we were able to hear from the next room."

"Able to hear or not, though, they utterly refused to lower their voices." Frankie commented. When Maggie and Emmy snickered, she only sniffed and held her head high, looking me in the eyes, "I was toying with the idea that they wanted to be heard-"

"Which is downright ridiculous," Maggie interrupted, rolling her eyes as she walked over to the counter to lean against it. Crossing her arms, she commented to me, "The whole time, Naruto was trying to reason with her-"

"But once you've gotten Miss Anna started, there is no hopes of turning her off." Emmy said with a shake of her head. I turned my gaze to her and she smiled, almost apologetically, "She is a wonderful person, to say the least, but even you, Miss Ino, must agree."

I smiled slightly and nodded, "Best friends or not, she scares me once she gets in a certain mood."

"Yes alright. So Naruto was trying to calm her down, but even for Miss Anna, she was acting strangely." Maggie and Emmy gave Frankie doubted looks, but she only pressed her point further, "You have to admit this wasn't some ordinary tantrum that she has had in the past. Her fury was brought from the fiery depths of-"

"Frankie, not in front of Miss Ino!" Emmy interrupted, looking at Frankie with horror.

Frankie only rolled her eyes as she looked to me, "My apologies, m'lady, I was only trying to prove a point."

I shake my head as I lean back in my chair, "No it's quite alright. I don't care. To be honest, I prefer when people are more comfortable with me anyways," I admit with a slight blush, "Doing otherwise makes me a tad nervous."

Frankie smiled with triumph at Emmy, who completely ignored her.

"I have to admit, Miss Anna did seem wholly furious with Naruto…" Maggie commented in deep though as she stared at the floor.

"Oh, not you too!" Emmy groaned, looking exasperated, "Even you said it was a completely unbelievable idea."

"Yes," Maggie nodded, finally looking up, "but Frankie is right, you weren't there. You didn't get to hear how livid she sounded."

Frankie grinned as she crossed her arms looking at Emmy. Emmy scowled at her before throwing up her hands in defeat, "Fine! Believe her ridiculous idea."

"It's not the idea I'm agreeing with, but that Miss Anna was angrier than usual." Maggie explained but Frankie cut in, "She was far angrier than livid, and I bet no one here can even fathom why she could have possibly been that angry."

That caught everyone's interest, including mine. I leaned in against the table as I raised my eyebrows in surprise, "And you do?"

Frankie glanced at me with a smile, "Well, it's simple, isn't it?"

I shake my head, my eyebrows furrowing together as I try to think of a reason. Whenever Anna was angry with me, it was usually about manners, etiquette, and time management. I never usually got on her bad side by purpose, it sounded more like a promised death then getting in trouble. So, to think of something Naruto could have possibly done to have pissed her off that badly was hard to do.

"Oh, come on. It's obvious!" Frankie exclaimed as everyone pondered the idea with no success. Then, taking in a huge breath and letting out a giant sigh, she rolled her eyes and said, "It was clearly because of-"

Just then, the main chef burst into the kitchen, three full trays full of nothing but steaming hot food carried by other chefs behind him. He beamed down at his audience, almost expecting applause, as he began to boast proudly, "And here is our breakfast galore! Nothing but the finest…" He trailed off as his eyes scanned the room, his eyes running over me, Maggie, Emmy, and Franky, but no one else.

He blinked, "Where is the family?"

I opened my mouth, and then scrunching my face, I looked around. As if noticing that Naruto, Anna, and Wilson wasn't here for the first time, I blink. "Um," I start, feeling unsure, "It's just me today, Raphael."

He blinks again. Then scans the room again. Then looking back at me, he frowns, "Just you?"

I glance to my side, which is where the maids stood, and then slid my eyes back to the main chef, "Um. Yeah. Just me." I smile in a confused sort of way, "Weren't you told?'

His face began to turn a pale red as he slowly became furious, "No, Miss Ino, I was not told."

I opened my mouth in surprise, "Oh…Well…yeah…" I say uncertainly as I watch him carefully, "Just me…eating breakfast…alone…" I take a breath, not knowing what else to say. As he continues to stare at me, I start again, " Anna should have definitely-"

"She did not!" He bursts out, slamming his towel, which was in his hand, down to the floor. "She absolutely did not! How on earth do you forget to tell the chef that he is cooking for one today! How completely rude can someone be! Once I get my hands on that woman-,"

His broken English then turned into his native language, promising furiously something we didn't understand. Then, before anyone could do anything else, he stormed out, mumbling as he went.

I blink, looking at the chefs that were left there. Watching as they glanced at each other awkwardly before placing all three trays down on the table, I say nothing as they leave.

"Well, that was…interesting." I comment, glancing to the maids to see what they thought, only to find them gone as well.

I blink, and then smiling slightly, I sigh, "Welp. Might as well start eating all this food."

Looking at the table full of food, I decide to start with the tray to the right.

X

I walked alone to my room, the maids having disappeared, the chef upset, and the rest of the house soundly doing their chores and responsibility. I was full, and a little drossy, but otherwise completely bored as to what to do next.

Anna was, yet again, nowhere to be found. I am ashamed to say that, even after the scene this morning, I still sought out her company before departing to my room. Obviously, I wasn't able to find her.

It would seem that everyone had just plainly wanted to get away from me, which is ridiculous I know, but facts stated otherwise. The maids, the chef, Naruto, Anna, when I close my eyes I can almost see them scrambling to get away.

Ridiculous, as said before, but facts, again, would state otherwise.

Opening my door, I entered my room with a sigh. My bed was made, my shoes in their respected place, and my fresh towel with soap and shampoo sat neatly on the chair next to my bathroom door. I knew what I had to do next, what my normal routine was, but I couldn't bring myself to start with my daily ritual; it would simply be too depressing to start then finish with sitting on my bed and staring at my walls.

I walked towards my window, the leaves on the trees rustling as I came closer. The sun seemed to want to smite my mood even further with its bright rays and warm sunshine. Staring out at the huge acres of land behind our mansion, I took in the brightness and the pure joy the outside life seemed to be having without me.

Frowning, I turned around and crossed my arms, sitting on the windowsill with a sigh, "How utterly depressing," I mumbled to myself, staring at the ground as my mood seemed to drop even lower, "what am I suppose to do all day by myself? Maybe I should have taken Naruto's offer in calling Temari to visit for today."

Sighing, I looked up to my computer and the stack of books that sat next to it, "Maybe I should research that old company…" I muse in thought as I stare. Then biting my lip, I look past my shoulder to outside again, "Or maybe a nice stroll…by myself?"

Just as I was about to groan and give up, something spots my eye. Turning, I squinted slightly as I stared at a woman reading right under one of our trees, back against the trunk and book perched on her crossed legs.

Eyebrows furrowing, I turned around and slid my window open, "Sakura?"

She looks around at the sound of my voice, and then as common sense hits her, she looks up at my window and grins, "Hey there! I've been waiting for you."

I blink, shaking my head as I try to understand, "Waiting for me?"

She nods as she stands up and holds up the book she was reading, "Patiently waiting, yup. Ever read The Life of Pi?"

I frowned and shook my head again, "No, I don't think I have."

Shaking her head in disapproval, she calls, "You must take the time, Ino. It's actually really good."

I smile and lean against the windowsill, my head poking out slightly, "What's it about?"

She scrunches her nose and glances at the book, "It's about a young boy. And a zoo." Then shrugging, she looks back up, "I can't tell you much, I'm only on page 36."

I laugh, rolling my eyes, "Then how can you suggest it if you haven't even read it."

"Sorry? I didn't catch that." When I rolled my eyes, she grinned, "So my fair maiden, can you come out today?"

I glanced around my room before poking my head back out, "Actually, yes I can. How did you know?"

"How did I know what?" She asks as she leans against the tree, crossing her arms.

"That I had the day to myself today." I reply, my head tilting in curiosity.

Raising her eyebrows, she shrugs, "I didn't. Do you really have the day to yourself? What luck."

Blinking, I open my mouth then shut it. Then, opening my mouth again, I call, "So you were just simply… hoping that I would have time to spare?"

She then opened her mouth then shut it. Then opened it again, "Sorry, I didn't catch that."

Smiling, and laughing slightly, I shake my head, amused, "Well, I need to shower and fix my hair. Could you wait a tad longer?"

"For you madam," she calls back with a bow, "anything."

I blush before backing away, stammering back, "I- I'll try to be quick."

X

I walked out of the backdoor with caution, my eyes constantly scanning and my head whipping back occasionally to check if I were being followed or watched. My sundress, which seemed appropriate for the warm weather and bright day, ruffled and blew slightly with the wind. Biting my lip, I tried to keep from scratching at my feet, my toes being tickled by blades of grass; The sandals did little to protect me.

As I continued to walk, unsure as too where I was walking to, I glanced around for Sakura.

Then from right behind me, a voice said gently, "You look stunning."

I whirled around, heart racing, only to find Sakura standing there, her gaze fixed on me and my dress. Blushing, I smiled nervously, "Don't you always think so?"

She smiled slightly, taking a step towards me, "You would be correct, but that is because there are no words to describe you, so I merely use one."

Biting my lip I look away, struggling to gain my composure, "Well. Thank you."

"You're quite welcome," she replies, her fixed gaze unmoved, "Anything for a princess."

Smiling softly, I look towards the ground, "Now you are just exaggerating."

Frowning slightly, she took another step towards me, "Why would you think that?"

I shrugged, turning to walk further into our fields of land, "Because it isn't true. I am far from a princess. I have so many flaws and faults; it's almost too much to count." Glancing towards the ground again, I watched as a butterfly fluttered and landed on a blade of grass. Smiling slightly, I watch it carefully, loving it's bright colors and beautiful wings.

Warmth engulfed my wrist as Sakura's hand enclosed it. Her strong fingers felt gentle as she gripped me carefully, tugging only slightly so I would turn to look at her. Turning towards her, I tried to keep my gaze as she steadily watched me, "Just then, though, you looked like a princess."

I blinked and opened my mouth to question what she meant, but she continued, her stare finally breaking as she slid her eyes down to the ground, "That butterfly. The way you watched it, it was like you thought it was complete perfection." Then, moving her eyes back up to mine she states, "That, Miss Yamanaka, is what it means to be a princess. Viewing the world as beautiful, and allowing yourself to think that, in the presents of its beauty, you are incomparable."

Then, twisting her hand in a way that allows mine to slip within hers, she takes a step towards me and says softly, "But, Ino, you are among the infinite beauties of the Earth."

Blood rushed to my face as I blushed furiously, my heart skipping a beat at her last words. I opened my mouth, struggling to catch my breath, as I try to think of something, anything, to say. But nothing comes out. I felt frozen, even though my temperature was rising.

So, instead of looking like a fool any longer, I take my hand back and turn away, squeezing my eyes shut for a moment to try to gain my composure.

"Did I… say something wrong?" Sakura asked from behind, respecting me and keeping the distance that I made.

"No," I assure her, my heart still hammering, "No you haven't. It's only…" I fell silent, still unable to string words together.

"If you believe I've gone too far, you can tell me," She presses, her voice sounding strange yet comforting at the same time, "but I won't apologize for what I said. I won't feel sorry for something I wholly believe."

I turned around suddenly, biting my lip, "That's just it. You honestly believe that I'm utterly beautiful."

She paused, watching me carefully as she continued cautiously, "Is it that a bad thing?"

I shake my head mutely, still unable to express my feelings and thoughts.

"Am I wrong for thinking so?" She tries again, trying to catch my eyes as she tilts her head and steps forward.

"No." I say, taking a breath and looking up at her, "No, you have the right to think whatever you like."

"Then where exactly does the problem lie?" She asks, steadily keeping my eyes.

Biting my lip, I struggle to get out, "It isn't a problem…it's… different." Sighing, I pause and attempt to understand what exactly I wanted to say, "It's… It's weird." I finally spit out, sighing in frustration when that didn't exactly express how I was feeling either.

"How so?" She questions, patiently waiting.

Chewing on the inside of my lip, I stare down at the ground and force myself to replace my feelings with words, "I… I have been called beautiful, pretty, stunning, and gorgeous so many times by so many people, that it would be impossible to count… Each and every time I smile, and nod, and state how gracious I am to have them think so, but each time… I know they speak of my features and nothing else…"

Sighing, I look up at Sakura's soft emerald eyes. Then, smiling slightly, I allow my words to flow, "From you it's different, and it's hard to explain why, but I've noticed how different it is from the very moment you kissed my hand. When you express how beautiful I am, I know you don't only speak of my features. When you preach how stunning I look and how I am equal to a princess, I know it isn't only because of my supposedly 'lovely' smile or 'captivating' eyes. You speak from what you see within me, as if you know me, and have known me for awhile..."

For a moment I fell silent, almost breathless, after everything I had just said. But every word I spoke felt right, as if someone had just placed the last missing puzzle piece within me and made me whole; complete. How, completely…strange.

"That's because I do speak from what's within you, Ino." Sakura replies, smiling at me with bright eyes as she watches me, "I'm glad you've realized it. And if you'd allow me too, I would like to spend more time trying to know you even further."

I smiled, nodding, "I'd like that."

Grinning, she steps forward and offers me her arm, "Well, this way, my fair lady. The day is still young and I have much to show you."

Laughing, which almost sounded like a giggle, I take her arm and look forward with my head held high, "Please show me the way."

X

We strolled down the mansions fields, birds chirping and sun shining. We chatted the whole way, taking slow steps that seemed meaningless, but I haven't forgotten that Sakura promised to show me something.

It was breathless being with Sakura, still holding onto her arm. I smiled and laughed so much that I felt like I had just taken a short jog. She was charming, clever, and funny to say the least. She was also so good hearted and sensitive to everything there was about the sky, the ground, and me.

Also, no matter how many times I looked away to laugh, or to sputter out words as I blushed, whenever I looked back towards her, her eyes were there, still on me.

And, if I were to tell in absolute confidence, I would admit it was when her eyes were on me that I felt most breathless; her gaze caressed me in ways arms would never be able to. They showed so much affection that I should have been slightly scared, but instead it drew me in more into her endless charm, musical laughs, and sweet comments.

In these timeless moments, even as the sun continued to cross the sky to set in only an hour or two more, I felt completely at peace. It was so calming, so serene, to be next to her. It was as if she had known me for years, as if we were childhood friends or-

"Star crossed lovers," Sakura said, bending down to pick a flower and offering it to me. I smiled, taking it with a small thank you as she continued, "Are the most peculiar to me. You hear about them all the time, yet you hardly see a marriage last these days."

"That's pretty dark of you to say," I comment, looking down at my flower lovingly.

She chuckles, "Maybe, but don't you think I speak truth? It's like a paradox. We gush about love at first sight, but we hardly see proof of it lasting."

"Alright," I start, entertaining her theory as I tear my gaze away from my flower, "then how do marriages last. Better yet, why do we hear so much about these lovers if they aren't true?"

"Well, I don't think they aren't true," She corrects with a smile towards my direction, "I just feel like they are missed titled."

I blink, "Oh?"

She nods as she looks back ahead, "Star crossed lovers are not the name of the very few who stumble across each other and love each other so much that it carries on even beyond this life."

"Then…" I start, trying to understand, "what are their names…?"

"They are the 'Eternals'." her reply was so sure and confident that I take note on what she's saying, as if to correct myself in the near future if I made the mistake of calling those few people 'star crossed lovers' again.

"But…why?" I question vaguely, not knowing how to word my inquiry.

"Because those who stumble upon such love are not by some mere accident," she explains, knowing exactly what I was asking, "it's been written already."

I brighten, finally understanding, "You mean like fate?"

"Not quite," and when I deflate in disappointment, she smiles at me apologetically, "Fate is very well what I described, so that's my mistake. It's more along the lines of…" She pauses to think, then proceeds, "that type of love can't be stumbled upon, more like that love has always been there for that person, they just so happened to find their other half that responds to that love as well."

I frown, "You speak as if it's completely different from love itself."

"That's because, my dear lady, it is completely different," Then outstretching her hand towards me, because we had broke apart as she picked up my flower, she invites me to hold her hand. When I take it carefully, she closed her fingers around me securely and pulled me towards the woods to the right of us, "that type of love is so much more special and powerful then regular love."

"How come?" I ask as I follow her.

She turns towards me and grins, "Because those lovers always find each other in the end."

I blinked, then smiled slightly and said nothing further as I allowed her to tug me deep within the dense woods.

The Eternals, I tested it within my confined thoughts, tasting the words as I did. It felt right, sounded right, but a strange feeling built up inside of me when I thought of the correct name. It was like a pull, at my stomach and heart, even at my skin as it prickled and brought goose bumps. It was comparable to longing… only slightly different.

I bit my lip as I tried to keep the familiar pressure behind my eyes as at bay, tears threatening to water and damp my cheek. I don't know what was coming over me, but the feeling was almost overwhelming as my whole entire being suddenly pulled with want and need of what Sakura had spoke of.

For that love.

For that connection.

To be granted access to something like that could only be given to the most privileged of people; and as the thought of me being the last one to be presented with such divine gift crossed my mind, my gated tears almost flowed out freely.

Then, Sakura voice whispered across my ears, "We're here."

I looked up suddenly, startled. Then, with a gasp, I took in the scene in front of me.

It was a pond; such a small imperfect pond that curved and swirled around the edges with blades of long grass leaning towards it dense looking waters. But what caught my eyes was all the life that seemed to have gathered to this small pond along with me and Sakura; frogs croaked and sat perfectly still on each lily pad that swam across the water; crickets sung into the night with no guilt of disturbing anyone; and fireflies dotted the each open space, flying about lazily.

I took everything with a held in breath, afraid to disturb the pure excellence that seemed to be happening in front of me and Sakura. But even though I stood completely still, Sakura took a brave step towards me, which caused her to be right behind my right shoulder. She was so close, so near, that I could feel her body heat and the breaths she was taking as it tickled near my neck.

"Some believe that Eternals don't exist." She whispered softly, her hand finding my waist. The touch caused my heart to sputter, and my skin suddenly flared, sensitive and aware to Sakura's presence and hand.

Her hand ran up my waist, fingers whispering across my skin as if she knew how fragile I was right now, "But, I truly believe that they are out there, adding to the many beauties the world has to offer…such as yourself."

My heart hammered within my chest, causing my breath to be short. I stood still, scared that if I moved this moment would shatter.

"And if you are real…" She spoke, leaning into me slowly, causing her to press against me slightly. Her lips moved across my naked shoulder softly, "then that's proof that there are beautiful mysteries in this dull life."

Then, with one searing kiss to my shoulder, my skin lit on fire. So hot, this burning was, that I completely melted into her.

Wrapping her arms around me from behind, she pulled me against me, molding me into her shape as she held me close. I closed my eyes, my entire being smoldering, as I tried to take in everything; her touch; her searing kiss; the way her lips moved against my skin; everything.

"And if you would give me the undeserved chance," she whispered into my ear, her hand wandering down my side to my leg, almost forcing me to let out a sound of pleasure, "I would lead you to such a surreal love."

Breathing slowly and steadily, I turned my head slightly towards her to see if she was telling the truth. Yet, with heavy lidded eyes, I could only remember the way her gaze held mine, how her breath tickled my cheek, and how her grip was tight as she caressed my chin and pulled me towards her lips.

(1) I imagine Sakura to be very educated and smarter than most twelve year olds. Doesn't it seem to suit her?

I hoped you like the chapter. Was sweet right? I thought since Sasuke seemed to get a whole chapter, Sakura should too.

Now I'm getting nervous thinking if i did it good or not. Jeez. Lemme get outta here before i start revising.

Shycadet loves. Out.