"You're such an idiot!" She cried in frustration, her sobs getting louder. "Why didn't you just let me die?"

"You still don't understand." I responded wearily. "I'd gladly give my life to save you."

"How can you say that, Naruto?" She exclaimed. "Do you not value your life at all? What about your dreams? Becoming hokage?"

She had her hands on my chest, her face inches above mine. When I saw the amount of concern in her eyes, I couldn't believe it. I never realized how much she cared about me.

I smiled slowly, blood trickling down the side of my mouth.

"Sakura - chan... you just don't get it do you? Y-You are my life. I made a promise that I would always protect you no matter what. I never go back on my word." My grin widened.

"That's my ninja way."

Authors Note:

Hey, I'm back! I know I haven't updated in a bit and that's because I had to take a summer course to get an extra credit so I have a spare next year! I wrote my exam today and I feel awesome that it's finally over! :D

I want to apologize for all of the italics in this chapter in advance! Sorry!

Also I just wanted say I appreciate reviews, but seriously if your just going to be rude/ a jerk...don't write anything at all. I make stories because writing is a hobby I love and I want to share them with other people. Putting me down just makes me not want to use fan fiction. So please, if you do dislike it just state why and give me some advice. That is much appreciated.

P.S I've noticed a lot of the people bashing my stories are all college kids O.O I'm going into grade ten next year, so trust me I know I have much to learn to improve my writing. Please remember that and be kind.

Thanks (L)

Story is rated T for teen.

Mixed Emotions

Naruto's POV

~FLASHBACK~

"S-Sakura chan." I whispered. " Sakura chan, you're going to be okay, right?"

"I'm fine, but you!" She sobbed. "Look at you! When you were unconscious...I-I... why would...Naruto ..." She dropped her head and arms onto my chest, tears streaming down her eyes.

I lay there on the cold, stone ground, trying my hardest to keep breathing. Pein had been so close to finally capturing me, but alas he failed. The cruel Akatsuki member had come so close to killing me, but I had stopped him; with my own power. Even I was amazed by how far I had come, even though I was drenched in blood. The good thing now was... it was finally over; Pein was dead.

My thoughts wandered. I wondered how Kakashi - sensei was holding up back in the hospital, along with captain Yamato. The two had aided me in the battle to kill the evil 'leader' of the Akatsuki. We had taken down almost all of the Pein's, yet the one with the spiky hair remained. Both Yamato and Kakashi -sensei had ended up in critical condition and at that point and had been forced to return to the village. I was in the same situation, lying in my own pool of blood and just clinging onto life.

Then there was Sakura. I opened my eyes to look at her. Sakura had refused to leave my side during the fight; her stubbornness had convinced me to allow it.

Now she just continued to cry, her arms and hands covered in blood; my blood. My eyes wandered to her torn clothing and scratched up legs. Cuts and bruises of all sorts covered her body and her light, pink hair was matted with a combination of dirt and blood. The main thing was she was going to live, knowing that made me feel a pang of relief.

"You're such an idiot!" She cried in frustration, her sobs getting louder. "Why didn't you just let me die?"

I would have, if I had the strength to, shaken the hell out of her. She clearly didn't understand...

Moments before now, Pein had been just about to collapse, but before dying he used the last bit of his chakra to conjure up a shadow clone. His target...had been Sakura.

"You do not know what pain is, Naruto. Maybe if I destroy your village and kill the ones you hold close to your heart...then you might understand what it feels to suffer from true pain."

Pein's words had been ringing in my ear as I watched. It had all happened so fast, I couldn't react properly. I remembered seeing Sakura's pink head turn slowly, and her jade eyes widening as the sword in clone's hands was coming at her. The sharp point of the blade aimed straight for her chest.

"SAKURA!" I had roared, moving as fast as I could; my body aching from the intense battle.

She had screamed just at that second, the same moment I felt the cold steel pierce through my abdomen. Droplets of my blood splashed onto her face and the shadow clone vanished.

In sync, Pein and I had fallen to the ground. I heard Sakura whimpering helplessly in the background. With the sword still inside my body, I began to pull it out carefully. Wincing, I gave it one last harsh pull to remove it, and then let it clatter to the ground. Sakura had immediately rushed to my side, using her medical ninjutsu to try and treat my wound right away.

"It's no use." I managed to say. "H-he... he hit a vital organ. I'm done for, Sakura-chan."

"Don't say such things!" She shrieked. I could feel her putting more chakra into her jutsu, straining herself immensely. "I'm not giving up on you!" She stated.

"Stop it." I said softly. "Don't waste your chakra on me."

She didn't listen. "No...no!" She cried. "You can't die Naruto! I won't let it happen!"

I clasped my hand around her frail wrist. "Don't worry about me Sakura -chan. You're alive, as long as it stays like that...I will be happy..."

I had passed out at that moment, my vision blurred and soon I saw nothing but black. I thought I had died until I heard Sakura's voice again. That was when I began to regain consciousness.

"Whoa." I had thought, realizing I had been close to death. I was still lying down, and Sakura was hovered over me, eyes brimmed with more tears. Then that's how we ended up at this point.

"You're such an idiot!" She cried in frustration, her sobs getting louder. "Why didn't you just let me die?"

"You still don't understand." I responded wearily. "I'd gladly give my life to save you."

"How can you say that Naruto?" She exclaimed. "Do you not value your life at all? What about your dreams? Becoming hokage?"

She had her hands on my chest, her faces inches above mine. The amount of concern that appeared on her face, I couldn't believe it. I never realize how much she cared about me.

I smiled slowly, with blood trickling down one side of my mouth. "Sakura -chan... you don't get it do you? Y-you are my life. I made a promise that I would always protect you no matter what. I never go back on my word." My grin widened. "That's my ninja way."

"Naruto... you..."

Sakura hadn't been able to speak another word after that, all she could do was stare at me in surprise. My blue ones held hose beautiful green eyes of her, I knew I was probably going to die any minute now. That's when I decided had to tell her how I felt at this moment, or else I would never have another chance...

"I love you Sakura-chan. I always have and I know that you never felt the same way, but despite that... "I paused, watching a tear slide down her cheek. "I still could never stop loving you."

After those final words my hand fell to the ground, limp. I tried to fight back, but then once more, my vision blurred. The last thing I saw was her face and the feeling of her tears hitting my skin.

"NARUTO!"

Her screams filled the air, but alas my eyes shut. I couldn't see anything anymore, but I could still hear her faintly.

"Listen to me! After Sasuke left... " Sakura sputtered. "I never thought I would be able to love anyone else, Naruto."

"Teme." I thought to myself, the image of Sasuke in my head.

Sakura grabbed my hand and squeezed it tightly. "But...Naruto."

Her voice cracked. "I never thought it would be possible, but I do love you. You always risk your life for me like a reckless fool...you have protected me so many times." She hesitated. "Why can't I do the same for you? I want to protect you, but I can never do anything for you!"

I clenched my teeth and mustered up some strength to squeeze her hand back.

"I don't need you to protect me, Sakura. Also, without your medical skills, I could easily be dead You gave me strength during that battle against Pein just by being at my side; that is something no one else but you can do for me."

I felt her withdraw her hand and I braced myself. I often said the wrong things to Sakura at the worst times. I felt my heart sink...

Suddenly, her cold hand pressed against my cheek. It caused tingles on my skin.

However, the real sensation came from when I felt her soft lips against mine. My body felt numb from the pain of and blood loss, but I feel her kissing me tenderly.

I couldn't believe this. Sakura Haruno, Sasuke loving Sakura , had feelings for me. I could feel her lean into the kiss more, her body now on top mine. My heart rate was starting to go up...

"First... I thought it was just as a friend." she said withdrawing. "But, it's so much more than that. I'm sorry I treated you the way I did. I can't lose you now!" More weeping followed, but I couldn't say anything as she cried. I was in shock; my body from the pain and my mind from the kiss.

I felt Sakura grab my hand again, squeezing it tightly. "Please..." She begged. "Don't you dare leave me like Sasuke did!"

I wasn't entirely sure of how it occurred, but I could feel my heart beating properly again. My breathing started to return to normal and I could feel my strength doubling throughout my body. My eyes changed to the colour of blood and red chakra was flowing all over me. The kyuubi. The chakra was healing my wounds at a rapid rate, even Sakura was speechless.

When it felt like the process was complete, I sat up. The red chakra disappeared and my eyes returned to their normal blue.

"...Careful." Sakura coaxed. I could still see the tears forming in her eyes.

Abruptly, I pulled her onto my lap, watching her green eyes widen slightly. I placed my hand on her chin, tilting her head upwards; towards mine.

"Don't... ever compare me to Teme. I would never purposely abandon you Sakura-chan."

"Naruto... " I could feel her trembling. "You're okay Naruto. I-I'm so glad."

I placed a hand onto her face, using my thumb to wipe a smear of blood that had oozed from one of the many cuts she had.

"You really...love me Sakura- chan? "I asked the question quietly, feeling my own eyes water with tears. This was what I longed for; this day. The day Sakura would finally return my feelings.

She looked up at me slowly. "Yes, Naruto. I...could never admit it. It was hard to even admit to myself... after how I used to treat you , but I..."

With tears streaming down her cheeks, she shut her eyes and buried her face into my shoulder. "If you had died just then I would've died too! I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you!"

I held her close to my chest as she still cried. This feeling was like nothing else I had ever felt before. Sakura had been the first to ever make me feel this way; feel like I needed her more then anything else in the world.

"Everything will be fine now, Sakura." I said softly. "I always be here for you."

I flinched, nearly dropping the picture frame. It took me seconds to realize I was still sitting on the edge of my bed, the picture of team seven laying on my lap. It felt like Kakashi-sensei had just left after telling me to go to the Hokages office. I scratched my head, looking around my room.

"What...?" I mumbled to myself confused. That flashback had happened a year ago. I glanced back down at the picture, my eyes wandering to Sakura. Her image had triggered back that memory; it was a painful one to remember now.

I placed the picture frame back onto my night table and stood to my feet. Sakura had told me it was over... but did she really mean it?

"Choose now. Me or Sasuke?"

I shook my head, trying to banish those thoughts. She couldn't be mad still, could she? The whole argument had seemed really stupid to me, I knew Sakura hated Sasuke, but did she really not want the possibility of him returning to the village so bad she was willingly to end our relationship?

As I exited my home, I stood frozen in place by the front door. The village was so full of life today with people laughing and the sun shining. This wasn't a day to be depressed I decided; the atmosphere not being the only reason.

She traced her fingers along the rough bark of the tree, sighing heavily as the green leaves fell onto her lap. Sakura had been trying to enjoy the nice weather by sitting under a tree near a local training ground, yet all she could seem to do was the opposite.

"Why hasn't he said anything to me yet?" The kunoichi asked herself quietly, gazing up at the bright blue sky. As the clouds floated slowly in the sky, a gentle breeze blew through her pink locks.

Naruto hadn't spoken to Sakura since his return to the village; after the Sasuke incident. The blonde had even been quiet at the funeral, sure he had been sneaking small glances at Sakura, but not a word escaped his lips.

Sakura had been determined to let out all of her anger the day he came back. She wanted to tell him how much it hurt to know fighting Sasuke was more important than losing her.

She lay down on her back, her gaze remaining above. The sounds of laughing children and chirping birds surrounded her. Oh, how she used to love to hear the cheerful sounds of her village, but now it was distracting her from her thoughts. Sakura closed her eyes, trying to shut everything around her out.

She wanted to let Naruto know how much it hurt to come second to him. Yet at that funeral, the boy that stood next to Sakura was one she didn't recognize. His posture had been slouched, his hands balled into fists at his sides and his once bright, blue eyes had become dull. It had seemed the life had been sucked out of him, in return leaving behind a walking corpse of a boy with no soul.

Sakura had wanted to yell at him more than anything; that was until when she saw him after he had returned. The boy next to her looked so fragile that Sakura thought by just touching him, he would shatter into a million pieces. So weakened and vulnerable; he looked more like a homeless puppy than a ninja who took down an Uchiha.

That's when she had realized what Tsunade had told had been true after all; Naruto was feeling more pain then she could imagine. Sakura could easily tell that just by looking at him. She wasn't sure to feel sorry for him or just plain out angry that he wasn't even making an effort to try to talk to her.

"Sasuke...he's my friend, Sakura. I will make sure he comes back home no matter what!"

He had sounded so confident when he used to tell her that and it used to reassure her, that someday the Uchiha would return. But over time, Sakura had grew a deep hate for Sasuke, learning about him joining the Akatsuki and how he had slaughtered so many. She had figured out there was no place for him in Konoha anymore; that he wasn't the same person anymore.

"You think you can magically change someone Naruto? In this world, things don't work like that!"

She had been enraged when Naruto had told he was going after him. Sasuke had also killed one of Sakura's close friends one year ago, Kasumi Kimora. Kasumi had lived next door to Sakura and had outstanding ability in combat. Kasumi was more of a fighter then a medical ninja, having mastered taijutsu and wielding a silver sword in battle. She was one of the strongest kunoichi's in their age group.

"Best friends forever!"

That was what Kasumi would always say to her whenever she hugged Sakura.

The girl had long, light, brown hair that hung just under her bust and big, hazel eyes. Kasumi had full bangs that covered her small forehead and thin eyebrows. She had also been taller and more slender then Sakura, which often made the pink haired kunoichi jealous. Though, Kasumi was so sweet, Sakura realized she couldn't hate her, no matter how envious she would sometimes feel.

Killing Kasumi while she had been out a mission had been the last straw. Sakura had lost all little feelings she had left at that point for Sasuke and tried her hardest to convince Naruto he wasn't worth wasting his time over.

"Grow up and open your god damned eyes!"

Going over the conversation she had with Naruto in her head, Sakura realized her words had seemed harsh. She knew he cared for Sasuke; but she still couldn't understand why things had turned out the way they did. Naruto had left wanting to change him back into the same state of mind of when he was young; before Sasuke had been consumed by his own hatred.

After she had removed the piece of her heart Sasuke had once claimed; Naruto began to fill it. It was soon enough she had realized she started loving Naruto more then ever loved Sasuke. The Uchiha had good looks, but Naruto had a good heart and Sakura found out that was all she would ever desire from a man. Being in love with Naruto felt different then it did then being in love with Sasuke; it just felt right.

The one thing she couldn't understand was why Naruto had killed Sasuke. He had been so determined to change his "friend's" intentions, yet he ended up killing Sasuke. Sakura wondered if the Uchiha had attacked Naruto and he had no other choice; that would've been the only reason.

She put her arms behind her head. After reading the scroll and finding out Sasuke had died, Sakura had a brief talk with Tsunade who basically told her to be wise when speaking to Naruto.

Naruto.

Sakura sighed again, the blonde wouldn't leave her thoughts. Seeing the image of the broken boy at the funeral made Sakura feel sorry for him. Frustrated, she let out a soft groan. She had no clue of what she was going to say the next time she saw him.

Another nice breeze hit her face, and Sakura felt her muscles relax. The weather was warm and the grass was soft underneath her. She began to lose consciousness, the image of Naruto's depressed face at the funeral the last thing in her mind before drifting into a light slumber.

"Hey! Naruto!"

The blonde turned to see Sai running up towards him. The art skilled shinobi had another one of his books on learning social skills clutched in both hands, and a wide grin was spread across his pale, pasty, white face.

"Are you on your way to the Hokages office?" He asked.

"Yeah. .." Naruto responded distracted; trying to the read the title of the book in Sai's hands.

"You wouldn't happen to know where Sakura is now, would you?" Sai asked innocently.

Sakura.

Naruto's shoulders slumped and his gaze drifted over Sai's shoulder. "I have no idea."

Sai placed his thumb and index finger on his chin as he studied Naruto carefully. He then smiled before saying what was on his mind; as usual.

"You miss Sakura. Am I right, Naruto?"

Naruto's eyes widened. He looked down and then glanced back at Sai. "...Huh?"

Sai widened his smile. "In other words, yes you do. Anyway, I'm going to go find her and see if she knows we've been summoned. See you soon."

With that Sai walked away, leaving Naruto to only watch as he departed. The blonde gave Sai one final glance as he disappeared deep into the village. Sighing, he turned and began to walk towards the Hokages office.

"Geez." Naruto mumbled. "That Sai, I swear..."

Sakura's POV

I opened my eyes, finally awaking up from my nap. I felt my mouth make a small "o" as I stood up.

Breath taking. If I had to describe what I was seeing, that's what I would tell you. My green eyes focused above. The sun was setting, leaving the sky painted with colours.

"I see I'm not the only one who's out enjoying the scenery."

I nearly stumbled backwards as I turned in shock to see Kakashi-sensei standing next to me.

"Yo. " He said putting up one hand in greeting.

"God sensei, you shouldn't sneak up on people like that!" I shrieked, placing a hand over my heart.

"Oh, I'm sorry Sakura." He glanced over at me lazily. "I guess I must have mistaken you for a ninja, my bad."

I gave him a cold glare for the sarcastic remark. "You're too funny." I replied bitterly and then there was a silence. Curious of why there was no response, I turned back to see if Kakashi sensei was still there and indeed he was. Except he had his nose, well more like his whole face buried in one of those perverted books of his.

"Sensei?"

"Hm?" He didn't even look up, not surprising; at all.

"Never mind."

Kakashi sensei wasn't that interesting to talk to, when he was reading his books anyway. He had a hard time dividing his attention.

"Sakura!" Sai called out. I saw in the distance he was running towards me and Kakashi sensei. He stopped in front of us, a smile plastered on his face. "What's up guys?"

"Nothing." I shrugged.

"What about you Kakashi?" He asked.

"I am...Reading."

"Oh, I didn't notice." Sai said dully. It was hard to determine if he had actually meant that.

Kakashi shut his book, abruptly. "Well, it was nice chatting with you kids. Thanks for the lovely conversation, but I must be heading to the Hokages office! You two should be doing the same. Later!"

He then disappeared into a poof of smoke.

"What... conversation?" I asked wearily. "What was even the point of him being here?"

"I don't know." Sai responded in the same tone.

That was Kakashi for you.

"Wait a second, what did he mean by "you two should be doing the same"?" I asked Sai.

"Oh." Sai said snapping his fingers. "That's the reason I came to find you. Tsunade-sama has summoned us."

I bit my lower lip. "Who is us?" I asked suspiciously.

Without warning Sai grabbed my forearm and dragged me forward. "You will find out." He said grinning.

I didn't protest and let him lead me. Yet, for some reason I had a bad feeling forming in the pit of my stomach.

"The mission I have assigned for the four of requires travel to the village hidden in the mist." Tsunade stated firmly, her brown eyes darting to each of our faces.

Sakura shifted on one foot to the other uncomfortably, standing in between Kakashi and Sai. "Great, I'm teamed up with Naruto on a mission...just great." Sakura thought annoyed.

She knew better then to complain to Tsunade; Sakura knew that woman's temper better then everyone.

Meanwhile, Naruto wore a big smile. He was pumped for the mission; having not done any for months.

"You guys are to find a man named Mitskuni Sao. He is a very wealthy man who hires highly skilled shinobi's to serve as bodyguards for his own protection, so please be warned. He also holds a scroll that contains confidential information. That information belongs to the village hidden in the sand. You must recover it at once and deliver it to Gaara, the Kazekage."

"How does he have the information if it belongs to the sand village?" Naruto asked dumfounded.

"He stole it." Tsunade spat. "That is why it's up to you four to find the scroll immediately before something terrible happens."

"What is the information?" Naruto questioned.

"It's confidential like I said!" Tsunade replied, immensely irritated.

"Well, sorry! I thought you would know! You're the Hokage aren't you? Geez, I guess you aren't as important as I thought... " Naruto said loudly.

Tsunade's eyebrow twitched and Sakura braced herself; terrified of what her masters reaction would be.

"Ha ha, Naruto...oh you!" Kakashi said stepping in. He smacked his palm on top of the blondes head, ruffling his hair and putting a lot of force on his skull. Naruto complained in the background. "Ouch! Cut it out sensei!"

"We will be going now, Tsunade-sama! Later." Kakashi said smiling and gave a small wave with his free hand.

He released Naruto. "Just like old times, eh, Naruto?" Kakashi said cheerfully. The blonde muttered what sounded like "Yeah, sure" in response.

Everyone then all began to head for the door, that's when Naruto stopped abruptly, to look at the girl behind him. He stared at her for a second; looking as if he was trying to make a decision. Sakura just stared back blankly, unsure of what to do or say.

"Sakura-chan." He finally said,

It was so unexpected, Sakura didn't even know how to react at first. The blonde wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight embrace.

"I can't take it." Naruto thought as he held her. "I have to try to get her back."

Sakura remained still while he hugged her. Her arms hung limply at her sides; but inside her heart was racing.

He let her go, and watched as her expression turned from shock to dazed.

"Sakura, I've missed you so much! But I'm back!" He said happily. "I'm really sorry for leaving you, but you understand now don't you? Let's be together again!"

Those words made something inside the pink kunoichi snap and that was when Sakura finally reacted.

...

The room became silent after the sound of the loud smack. The noise had echoed throughout the room, ringing in Naruto's ear drums. Sakura clenched her jaw tightly as her hand still hovered in the air, next to Naruto's face. The blonde trembled in surprise; his right cheek stinging.

"You idiot... you really think it's that easy?" Sakura exclaimed. "I wasn't kidding when I told you to make a choice before you left, do you not understand that?

Naruto blinked a few times. "Sakura-chan I-"

"I can't believe you." She said shaking her head. "You don't say anything to me since you've come back and then you try this? You left me, Naruto. It was your choice. So, stop trying to act like you fix things by-"

"I only left you to stop Sasuke!" Naruto interrupted.

"You left in order to change Sasuke, but you didn't even accomplish that did you?" Sakura blurted out.

Naruto's eyes widened. "Sasuke he-"

"Don't you dare say another word to me. Talking about our relationship in the past is taboo. We are just teammates now, so let's focus on the mission." Sakura said keeping her voice low. "Let's all head for the village hidden in the mist."

Sai opened his mouth as if to say something, but Kakashi shook his head. "Now is not the time for your remarks, Sai. Let's go."

Obeying, Sai followed Sakura and Kakashi out the door of the Hokages office wordlessly. Naruto though, stood in the centre of the room, watching them leave. His arms were trembling as he slowly brought up his hand and pressed it against his bruised cheek.

From the looks of it, this mission wasn't going to be as great as he had thought.

Omg, this chapter is sooo long! But, I think this story needs one since I haven't updated in a bit.

Just to clear up confusion, Sakura never found out Sasuke stabbed himself. She thinks Naruto killed him.

I gave you guys the story of how Naruto and Sakura fell in love, which as you read was during the battle against Pein. I add some cheesiness in the love parts, but whatever ^.^

Hm, will Naruto find out the real reason why Sakura was upset when he left to go fight Sasuke? Will Sakura and Naruto be able to work things out, or will it just go downhill from here?

You will have to see, so please review if you would like a sooner update!

~XOXO~