It had been two weeks since the strange occurrence at the house fire. Since then, Naruto has received several cakes, boxes of cookies and thank you letters from the woman and her family, thanking Naruto for his brave deed and saving the woman's life. Occasionally Kakashi would glance over at Naruto and an unspoken question would pass between them through the silent gaze. Naruto would just look away as if he were saying he didn't want to talk about it and Kakashi just bowed his head in respect of the unasked request. Naruto knew that Kakashi and the others at his station wanted to know the details of that day, but considering the emotional state that Naruto had been in lately, they decided it was better not to press the issue. Naruto had questions himself. Ever since then he has still felt the presence, although it was not as strong as it was that day, it was still very noticeable. It was like a warm sensation in the back of his mind. He sat near the window and watched the people outside walking up and down the sidewalk across the street at Ryan Park. Many of those people live in the large apartment complex right there next to the park. As he continued watching, he noticed something extremely contrast to the greenery of the park. A head of VERY pink hair walked out of the complex and into the park. It was that girl again. This was his favorite part of the day at the fire station. The beautiful young girl would walk out to the park with per little dog and take her for a jog around the park to get some exercise. He had always wanted to talk to her but was always afraid of her beauty; afraid of rejection. So he would just sit and watch, hoping that maybe one day she would notice him and maybe wave at him or stop by to say hello.

The loudspeaker clicked and the red lights on the wall turned on, another dispatch was coming through; a series of brush fires further downtown at Bienville Square. There was worry that the fire was going to spread to nearby buildings. Naruto quickly made his way downstairs and got on the truck. They made quick work of the fire and were able to keep it from spreading to the businesses across the street. As Naruto was rolling up some of the hose and placing it on the truck he overheard the chief talking to the on-duty Fire Investigator.

"This is the seventh fire in the last 10 days. Do we have any leads yet?" the chief had an irritated tone.

"No, not yet; although we do know that these fires have been started by the same person. The same method of delivery is being used and the accelerants being used are the same as well." The fire inspector rubbed his chin in thought, "I'll be working closely with the Police Department on this one to see if we can see anyone from the footage recorded by the street cams."

"Good. This person is getting really dangerous and the fires are getting more aggressive every time. This person needs to be taken off the streets a.s.a.p.!" the chief turned and headed toward his vehicle.

The pink haired girl watched as the fire trucks pulled out of the station across the street making a lot of noise as they headed off in the direction of the downtown area. She caught a glimpse of a blond haired boy looking at her from the passenger window of one of the trucks. She waved but they had already rounded the corner, off to do what they do.

She tugged on her dog's leash and they went back inside the complex. As she walked through the parking garage, she noticed Sasuke's car parked in its usual spot. He must be home early. She rode the elevator to the 11th floor and stepped out into the hallway leading to her apartment. She pushed the key into the lock and it turned with little effort. Her dog, Termite, ran inside once he was off the leash and jumped up onto the couch for a nap. She closed the door and then turned around to find a man standing right behind her. She let out a squeal before realizing it was her boyfriend Sasuke.

"Geeze Sakura, calm down. It's only me." He scowled and walked away from her toward the kitchen.

"What am I supposed to do when I suddenly find someone right behind me in my apartment?" Sakura said, clearly embarrassed.

"You mean 'our' apartment, don't you?" the raven haired man said, still scowling.

"Can't you ever smile for once, Sasuke? You always look like you hate the world." Sakura went to place her hand on his cheek but he pulled away and instead caught it in his own much larger hand. He started to squeeze and Sakura winced in pain.

"Sasuke you are hurting me." She tried to pry her hand from his but he was much stronger than her.

"How can I smile when you are out whoring to every man you see?" He growled as he tightened his grip on her hand.

"What are you talking about? LET GO!" Sakura suddenly fell on her back as Sasuke, apparently only on a whim, let go of her hand.

"You know exactly what I am talking about WHORE! I saw you waving at your secret boyfriend at the fire station. Don't lie to me!" He leaned down and slapped her across the face.

Sakura held her the side of her face trying to rub the sting out of where Sasuke had just slapped her. Tears started to fall from her eyes. "Sasuke, what's happened to you lately? You come home angry. You never act like you want to spend time with me. As a matter of fact, these last few weeks you seem like you can barely tolerate my presence. And…" she sniffed the air, "… what is that smell? Is that lighter fluid?"

"Shut up bitch and mind your own business!" He reached down and slapped her again with a back hand.

"What the HELL SASUKE!" tears freely flowing from her eyes and a bruise rapidly forming on her left cheek. "You know what? Get… the HELL OUT! Get out now or I'm calling the cops Sasuke!"

Sasuke glared at her, then her hand. She was holding her phone, her thumb over speed dial for 911. He mentally calculated that he could not get to her before she could at least call, then they would send units. He decided to instead, grab his keys and head toward the door. Sakura flinched as he walked past her. As he opened the door, he turned to her and said, "This is not over Sakura. We are not over. Not until I say we are over." He sent her one more glare before stomping out and slamming the door behind him.

Finally recovering from the ordeal Sakura, did the only thing that made sense at the time. She balled up on the floor and cried.