I'm sooooo sorry guys. I've been extremely busy with -ehem- certain things. It's a surprise till the end of the chapter. And I have just received my first death threat in fanfiction by one of my dear anonymous reviewer, StorySlave.

This chapter is dedicated to her!

Disclaimer: Do not own Naruto

Forgive my grammar and spelling mistakes, I'm a horrible person. (Too lazy to spell check my own chapter)

Konoha Festival

It was that time of year again, June 5th. The day the Fire country became a peaceful place, people on the fire country dedicated that day to the Konoha Shinobi who were the ones who earned this freedom. Sakura just never paid attention to these things since she was always busy with her training with Tsunade for the last 3 and a half years. Till...

"Sakura! Get up!" Ino nearly tore down her curtains as she tries to brighten then room. Sakura's eyes fluttered open "Ino-chan?" she said, closing the book next to her. "God, how do you live in here. Sakura" said Ino with disgust. There were books everywhere, her table was filled with herbs and antidotes and even her bed was piled up with books.

Sakura looked around, she didn't really see what was wrong with her room. Sakura pushed the book she was reading away and looked around "Erm... is there a problem? Ino-chan. and when were you released from the hospital" said Sakura.

"Oh, I'm supposed to be hospitalized for another day. But I snuck out, I'm perfectly fine! The doctors are just worrying too much" said Ino, putting her hands on her waist. "I see... do you need something?" said Sakura, getting off her bed and grabbing her hair into a bun and pushing her hair needle through her pink locks, holding it in a bun. She went over to the bathroom to wash up.

"Do you even know what day is it today?" said Ino, her head peeping from outside the bathroom door that Sakura left open. Sakura gargled and spat in the sink "June 5th?" Sakura answered questioningly. "Exactly, and do you know what celebration happens on June 5th?" Ino pushed on.

Sakura wiped her face "June 5th... Tsunade-sama was mumbling something about today..." Sakura turned to Ino "Why?" she asked. Ino face palmed "Today's The Konoha Festival! They're having it in the main village in the Fire Country! This is the time for us to wear yukatas and play games! My mom used to take we there all the time" said Ino.

"Oh right. I've heard about it, but I've never actually thought of going, since I'm not originally a Konoha Shinobi and it's mostly for enjoyment of the people in the Fire Country" said Sakura. Ino shook her head "What do you put in that big head of yours, Sakura" said Ino.

Sakura opened her mouth to say something "Ok, Don't even answer" Ino stopped her. Sakura drew back "Listen here, Sakura. Nobody cares if you were once an Iwagakure Shinobi, but do you like it here in Konoha?" Ino asked her. Sakura nodded "I love it here"

"Then you're a Konoha Shinobi" Ino smiled at her. Sakura felt a little embarrassed "You've never been to a festival, have you?" said Ino. "No... but I have read about them... in books" said Sakura. Ino sighed and rolled her eyes "How do you expect to impress guys like that? With your looks, it'd be a waste if you didn't go" Ino urged. Sakura looked down for a moment "I never really thought about impressing a guy before, but I guess... it wouldn't hurt to take one day off " she muttered softly, but that was all Ino needed "Then it's settled! Change out your sleep wear, Sakura." Ino commanded superiorly.

"E-Eh?"

"We're going shopping!" she announced then shoved Sakura back into the bathroom and threw her casual wear at her then closed the door.

Sakura stepped out, all dressed. Her hair was still in the bun, but there was strands falling down the side of her face and at the back of her neck and her forehead. She dusted herself and looked up at Ino to get an approval. "Mm... that'll do" she said then took her hand and dragged her out.

As they passed Sasuke room. Sasuke was just coming out from his room just in time to see Ino kidnap Sakura. "Sorry Sasuke-kun, I'm gonna borrow Sakura for a day, okay?" Ino said as she ran past him with Sakura behind dragged behind. Not even bothering about what Sasuke has to say.

"Ah, Sorry Sasuke. Looks like you're going to have to make breakfast on your own today" said Sakura, giving him an apologetic smile. Then an image the kiss that happened last night flashed in his mind, she blushed and looked away. Sasuke noticed this and began to regret losing control of himself.

"A whole day...?" he muttered to himself. He wasn't sure if he'll be able to endure a whole day knowing that Sakura's off somewhere, with Ino. That girl has her scary ways of doing things, what if she makes Sakura wear something weird, or makes her do something she doesn't want. Sasuke knew Sakura could never turn down a favor, and that's what he was worried about.

He need to find out where was Ino taking Sakura, he needed to find Shikamaru. He rushed downstairs and out the door in mere seconds, he jumped up to one of the building tops and searched for Shikamaru there.

"Oi~ Sasuke!"

A vein popped up on Sasuke's head. 'Why did it have to be him...' He tried to ignore him as much as possible, but that never works now does it? Naruto jumped up on the rooftop with his teammate "Hey teme, where's Sakura-chan" asked Naruto.

"Ino took off with her" said Sasuke. "What? Ino did? Where?" said Naruto, looking out for Ino from the roof. "I don't know, which is why I'm gonna ask Shikamaru" said Sasuke and just in time, he spotted Shikamaru, walking down the streets with Chouji.

Sasuke frowned, it wasn't like Shikamaru to be walking about in the morning. Usually when he'd get kicked out by him mother for lazing around in bed for too long, he'll always finds someplace else to laze around. That guy was just beyond the extent of lazy people. but no matters, he was ready to beat the answer out of him if he has to.

"I see him" said Sasuke, then he jumped down. "Huh? Where?" said Naruto, looking around then followed the Uchiha.

Shikamaru was casually walking down the streets, peaceful and undisturbed except for the sound of chips crunching in Chouji's mouth. Then WHOOSH (- Haha, I just felt like doing that)

He was gone, leaving a innocent, confused Chouji but Naruto landed down next to him and told him that Sasuke just needed to ask Shikamaru some questions and then ran off to chase after Sasuke.

Sasuke took Shikamaru by the collar and slammed him against the wall in an alley "Where did Ino take Sakura to" he said in a rather scary and threatening voice. Shikamaru winced and rubbed the back of his head "It...te" then his eyes landed on Sasuke. "What do you mean?" he said, taking note of what Sasuke just asked him.

"Ino came by this morning and took off with Sakura, where is she taking her" said Sasuke, letting go of Shikamaru's collar, Shikamaru groaned "That woman... she was going on all morning about the Konoha Festival and how she's gonna get all the girls to go in yukatas." said Shikamaru.

"Let me guess, you helped her escape from the hospital" said Sasuke, he knew that Ino was supposed to hospitalized for another day. Shikamaru looked at him, obviously panicking and flustered. "Geh!"

Sasuke narrowed his eyes on him. Shikamaru recalled on what Ino did to persuade him to help her.

This morning in the Konoha General Hospital, 7:21 a.m.

Shikamaru was surprisingly awake at this time of day, and the first place he went was the hospital to check on Ino. By the time he reach her room, she was already up and walking around in her hospital wear.

"Oh, Morning. Shikamaru" chirped Ino, excitedly. Shikamaru closed the door behind him, wondering what's gotten Ino so hyped up. "Ne ne, Shikamaru. Do you know what day is it today?" said Ino, sitting down on the bed.

Shikamaru raised an eyebrow "The Konoha Festival?" he answered rather dryly. Ino stood up and pointed at him "Exactly, this isn't the time for me to be stuck in here. I need to get out" she said. Shikamaru looked at her "You're not arranged to leave till tomorrow morning" he told her. Ino pouted "But the festival will be over by then. and besides, I'm all fine. I wasn't even physically badly that badly" she said.

"But your body still needs to recover, you're not gonna risk it just to go to the festival" said Shikamaru, leaning against the wall opposite of her. "But I've been looking for it all year! I didn't really want to go since we were all training, but now that Naruto and Sasuke-kun has returned, there's no reason we shouldn't" protested Ino.

"No, you can't. Your body might not be able to take it" said Shikamaru. Ino then got an idea, she pouted and looked at him pitifully "I really can't go?" she said. He wasn't gonna lie, that did take him by surprise, but he was stronger than that.

"Yeah" he answered as straightly as possible. Ino sighed and leaned on the wall next to him "This is troulesome" she sighed then leaned on his shoulder "I really wanted to go" she said in a voice sounded like she was gonna burst out in tears any second now, and that will be really troublesome.

Ino can feel Shikamaru slowly giving in. One part of him wanted to walk out of the room and ignore her, but of course his raging hormones won't allow that. Ino held his hand "You really can't help me, huh? I wanted to bring the girls shopping for yukatas." she said. Her hair tickling his neck, he need to stop this before she gets serious and who knows what he'll do next.

"Fine, but this is the only time I'll agree to your troublesome plans" he said, Ino raised her head and let go of his hand and jumped around "Yay! I owe you one Shikamaru" she said. There, Shikamaru was instantly relieved from his hormone attack while Ino was snickering at the back of her mind 'Operation Hormone Self Destruct: Success' she grinned.

After that, Shikamaru brought the nurse's outfit for Ino to change into then there, they both headed their separate ways, at least till both of them reach outside the hospital where Shikamaru gave Ino her casual wear and she thanked him and took off without another word.

But after a few minutes of lazing around, he couldn't stand anymore his mind was all on Ino and he couldn't laze properly so he set out to fine her, and then he bumped into Chouji so they began searching for their teammate where Shikamaru was so rudely interupted by Sasuke and that's where they're at.

Back to the future!

"So you don't know either?" said Naruto, walking in with Chouji. Shikamaru shook his head "If I did I wouldn't be here, I'd be cloud watching" said Shikamaru then he rubbed the back of his head "This is such a drag" he complained.

"Hmm... where could they be..." thought Naruto. "Wait a second, she said she was gonna gather the girls, that mean't The Konoha 12 girls right?" said Chouji. Then a meteor hit Shikamaru, not literally but the he just found out where Ino was headed. "the Hyuuga Residence" he said and everyone looked at him. "Hinata is there, and Tenten is usually training with Neji in the backyard, they're both the only girls left that belong in the Konoha 12" said Shikamaru.

"Then she must be heading there to drag Tenten and Hinata in her shopping trip" said Chouji. "But can we make it in time?" said Naruto. They jumped off "Let's just hope Neji will be able to stall her till we get there" said Sasuke, he knew Neji wouldn't give up Tenten that easily.

Meanwhile... Hyuga Residence...

"No! She is to accompany me with my training, you can't have her" said Neji, pulling Tenten by the arm, Ino tugged at Tenten's other arm and she jerked towards the blonde. "Well, I need Tenten to get her ready for the festival along with the other girls!" Ino turned to Hinata that was hiding behind Sakura "Ne? Hi-nata" said Ino, suddenly so sweet.

Hinata jumped a little "Y-Yeah" she squeaked "You see! Hinata agrees with me!" said Ino. Neji rolled his eyes "Hinata-sama agrees to everything" he said then tugged Tenten back towards him. Ino glared at him and both of them glared at each other for awhile then Ino thought of an idea. "Ne, Neji. You're going to the festival later right?" she asked. "Yeah, it's a tradition in my family to attend" he answered.

"So~ If you hand over Tenten now, I'll dress her up and then at the festival I'll give her back" Ino leaned over and whispered in his ear "You wanna see her in a yukata, don't you? Imagine what she'd look like in one "Ino tempted him. Neji's mind floated off to his imaginary land, Tenten was in a yukata, her hair let down and smiling at him 'Neji!' she waved at him

He let go of Tenten instantly and not only that, he shoved her to Ino "Now that I think about it, Lee would make a better sparring partner instead, she's all yours, Yamanaka Ino" said Neji. Ino wanted to laugh out loud at Neji's shallow thinking. "Neji! That's not fair!" whined Tenten.

"Yamanaka Ino! You'd better impress me" said Neji, as he crossed his arms. Ino gave him a wink before she disappeared out his front gate, along with all the girls.

Unfortunately, the boys pursuing the blonde girlfriend kidnapper arrived just a little too late, by a minute. Neji was just about to go and find Lee when a some boys pounced on him, unsuccessfully tackling him to the ground and ended up being beaten up, though Sasuke and Shikamaru were just fine since they thought it wasn't very smart to pounce on the heir of the Hyuga Main Family.

"Today seems to be filled with interruptions against my training, what do you guys want" said Neji. "Oi Neji! I challenge you!" said Naruto, standing up and pointing at Neji before getting shoved back down by Sasuke "Has Ino been here?" he asked Neji. "Yamanaka Ino? Yeah, why?" said Neji.

"Do you where she's headed?" said Shikamaru. "She said she was gonna bring the girls do some shopping" Neji answered. "So we're too late" said Naruto. "No, If she's gonna do some shopping, she's probably heading out of the village and to the non-shinobi towns." said Shikamaru.

"But we won't be able to search all the exits in time" said Chouji. Sasuke turned to Neji "Neji, can you find out which gate they're taking?" said Sasuke. "Yeah... but why would I wanna do that?" Neji crossed his arms and eyed Sasuke suspiciously, Sasuke stepped closer to Neji , their shoulders touching and both facing opposite directions. "Do you seriously want to trust Tenten with that woman?" said Sasuke, loud enough for only Neji to hear. "What do you mean?" said Neji.

"Have you seen what she was wearing?" said Sasuke. Neji froze, now that he thought about it, Ino's choice of clothes were all very revealing if Tenten gets influenced by her ways of fashion then...

Neji's Delusional Theater

Tenten was wearing heels, and black extremely short shorts, her kunai pouch tied around her bare thigh, a white tube top that only covers her... *Ehem* and an unbuttoned sleeve jacket that seemed to have no function. Her hair was let down, they were long and wavy as they've always been in buns. Strands of hair falling around her cheeks, framing her face.

That's not what Neji was agitated about, it was the swarm of guys surrounding her, asking for her company. and what's worst, she smiled at him and waved as she walked off with another guy.

Neji shook himself out of that horrible scene. "We have to find them" he said. Sasuke smirked and turned to the rest of the guys. Naruto stood with his jaw open "I swear, Sasuke used his sharingan and hypnotized him!" shouted Naruto. Sasuke raised his brows in amusement as Neji searched the gates for anything kunoichi passing through.

The guys waited patiently as Neji's byakugan searched for the girls, then he deactivated his Byakugan. "Yamanaka Ino's taking the west entrance" said Neji. "Let's go"

Meanwhile the girls were following Ino through the west entrance. "Where are we going?" said Sakura. "The West village, they're well known for their amazing silk fabric and tailors" said Ino. "Hee... I never even thought about buying clothes from outside the village" said Tenten

"And that's why all your clothes look the same" said Ino.

"and what's wrong with that?" said Tenten.

Ino made a clicking sound with her tougue "My dear Tenten" Ino wrapped her arm around Tenten "You've been hanging out with guys too much" she said, then looked at Sakura whose mind was obviously occupied with something else "Sakura! You too!" Ino scolded and Sakura jumped a little. "Y-Yes?" she asked. Ino facepalmed then turned to Hinata "Hinata wore a yukata before right?" she asked the heiress. "Y-Yes... my f-family has traditions to go t-there every year it is h-hosted" Hinata said softly. "At least there's someone here who has worn something other than their shinobi outfit..." Ino muttered.

All the way to the west village, Ino was going on and on about the various types of yukata that suits them. Tenten would often try to talk Ino out of making her wear something that's so hard to move in but her efforts always end up in vain. Sakura suddenly froze for a moment, the others had made some distance before she continued and caught up to them. 'I wonder if the others noticed...'

When they reached the village, it was bustling with people. It seemed to be a busy time for the towns folk too, orders to fulfil, customers to attend to. People from all over the Fire country would get their Yukatas from them. "Whoa... it's pretty crowded here" said Tenten. Ino started shivering, no wait it was more like trembling. "I-Ino-chan? What's wrong?" Hinata asked, worriedly. The girls surrounded her, but they didn't see her face as she was facing away from them.

"Tch, What's wrong. Ino, Don't tell me you feel sick after you dragged us all the way here" said Tenten. "AH! I can't hold it in anymore! This is so exciting!" she yelled like a volcano just erupted within her. The three stared at her like she was crazy "Hah?" exclaimed Tenten.

Ino looked at them "What are you spacing out for, you three. We have some shopping to do! let's go!" Ino grabbed Hinata who was closes to her. Then when into the first store Ino's eyes fell on. It was an elderly lady that was running the store, she was sewing patterns on a silver yukata. She jumped to her feet when she heard them coming in.

"My... it's been a while since I had kunoichi come in my store" she said, adjusting her glasses. "Eh? Baa-san. How do you know we're shinobi?" said Tenten, pointing at herself. "Baa-chan's a sensory type" said Sakura, when everyone looked at her, she took a step back "T-That's what I think" she said. Hinata activated her Byakugan and found out that the elderly lady was a retired shinobi.

"Hee... you're pretty amazing, Baa-san" said Ino. "It's nothing much. So, what can I do for such pretty young ones" she said. "I'd like to see your kimonos" said Ino, grinning. The lady showed them her best designs that were hung out a T- shaped stand. Ino looked at them whilst rubbing her chin.

"They all look the same to me" said Tenten when it was clear that all the kimono's had different colours and patterns on it. "No no, this one looks bigger than the others" said Sakura, pointing at a midnight blue one with goldfish on it. Tenten inspected it more thoroughly "Oh, you're right" she said.

Ino facepalmed. "You know... the point of kimonos is that they're all of different colours and patterns that's what makes them attractive, not the size" Ino scolded and shook her head 'These girls act like they've lived under a rock till now' then she noticed that Hinata was especially attracted to one of the kimono patterns. It was a midnight blue one with snowflakes on the lower parts. Ino thought for a second, then snapped her fingers.

"Hi-na-ta" she said in a sweet voice. Hinata jumped and looked at Ino "Y-Yes?" snapping out of her daydreaming. And then the next second Ino was pushing her into the changing room.

Meanwhile... Behind a bush near the shop...

"Ow, you're on my foot. Teme"

"That's not me, Dumbass"

"Shut up you imbeciles"

"I'm going to sleep"

"Someone's touching my ass!"

WHACK

"Ow, Why'd you hit me?"

"My bad, Shikamaru"

"Shut up, or they'll notice us..!"

The so called 'peeking toms' followed the girls all around the town thinking that they're hidden. That was till Ino threw a kunai at the tree they were hiding in and nearly killed Naruto. They gulped "You morons... what do you think you're doing?" Ino yelled at them. They came down from the tree one by one.

Sakura came out to meet with Ino in a white kimono and soft pink flower patterns "Ino-chan. Look what the shopkeeper recommended" Sakura chirped happily as she jogged over to Ino. Sasuke choked on air and stared at Sakura like a hungry wolf. Sakura noticed that the guys were there "Oh, so you guys finally came out?" Sakura asked.

"Oh so you knew all along, Sakura" Ino said. Sakura nodded. Ino sighed and turned back to the guys and her eyes fell on Sasuke who was staring intently at Sakura, she smirked. "Like what you see eh? Sasuke" Ino teased. Sasuke drew back and blushed he turned away "N-No!" he stuttered. Ino went up to his face and stared at him, he glared at her and she pinched his cheek "You're blushing already" Ino said. Sasuke slapped off her hand and scowled at her.

Ino chuckled "Tough luck guys. I forbid you to look at the girls till I'm fully done. If I catch any of you close by, I swear. Next time that kunai won't miss" she said in a devilishly threatening tone. "Is that clear?" she growled. They all nodded and jumped off.

Ino smiled and turned back to Sakura "Now... where were we"

The guys spent the whole day wondering what's Ino doing with the girls. As the sunsets, they had to get themselves ready too, they had agreed to meet up with the girls at the main village. Sasuke put himself in a dark blue plain kimono and a lighter blue hakama pleated on with a white ribbon, he wore a black haori with the red and white uchiwa fan imprinted on it, he took off his forehead protector.

Naruto's was a bright blue one with a navy blue haori and white hakama, he took off his forehead protector too and kept it safe in his underwear drawer. Shikamaru didn't want to wear a kimono, because it was too troublesome, till his mother asked him who he was going with to the Konoha Festival.

"Ino... and some other people" he sighed the reply. His mother immediately dragged him back into the house and made him change into a dull grey kimono with a black hakama and a faded brown haori, Neji wore a white kimono with a silvery-grey hakama and a grey haori, he kept his forehead protector on.

As most of Konoha's shinobi leaves for the festival, the four guys bumped into each other, they looked at each other then sighed.

At the festival.

The atmosphere was light, the sun had gone down and the moon was high. Little children in kimonos running around, playing at the stalls. The street was lit up by and endless trail of lanterns. But what caught the guys attention were the couples on a date, holding hands, guys winning prizes for the girls. Which leads them to fantasizing about the girls.

"Sorry for the wait." said a familiar voice, the guys turned around. Ino and Hinata were standing there. Ino in a light blue kimono with ume blossoms, but that wasn't the most appealing part. She had her long hair in a half ponytail as they fell down her chest and covered her back in light waves. Shikamaru choked.

Hinata was in the midnight blue on with snowflakes on the lower part, Ino did her hair in a blue with strands falling down everywhere, as she stared at the ground and fiddled with her fingers. Naruto hadn't even noticed that he was blushing.

"Which one do you want to see first, Tenten. Or Sakura" said Ino, clearly liking the fact that she was practically driving Sasuke and Neji insane. "Sakura" "Tenten" they answered at the same time, then glared at each other. "Mou! Ino, why do I have to hide behind you" said a voice from behind Ino. Tenten stepped out from behind and gave everyone a shock.

She had her hair down, it was naturally wavy due to it always being tied in buns, her bangs framed her face. She was wearing a white kimono with grey and black flower patterns and without her forehead protector, she looked rather uncomfortable as she was fidgeting and blushing as she pouted. "I-I look... weird. Don't I?" said Tenten, aware of the stares she was getting.

"No you don't" Neji blurted out a little too loud. Ino grinned and crossed her arms and let nature do its thing. Neji paused as Tenten stare at him. "A-Ah... erm... I think... it suits you... quite well" Neji muttered as his voice slowly faded, but Tenten heard it all. Her face immediately brightened, knowing Neji doesn't find it weird that she was in a kimono... with her hair down.

Ino pulled out the last little lady from behind Hinata, she squeaked a little as she nearly tripped on her own feet. "Haruno Sakura" Ino announced proudly. Sakura looked a little blur but when she saw Naruto and Sasuke, she smiled and gave them a wave "How do I look" she said.

Speechless

Sakura was in a crimson red kimono with white Sakura blossoms and petals, her hair was pulled to the side and tied in a butterfly braid. Sasuke had a hard time trying to swallow. Ino gave Sakura a push, she stumbled forward and bumped into Sasuke who held her.

She looked up and met his eyes. "Yo, Sasuke" she smiled, meekly. "Hey" he gave her a faint smile. Sakura suddenly remembered-

She let out a breath in relief then sat down on her chair. Sasuke took out her red strapped kunai and put it on her table and attempted to leave, till he saw his life album. Sakura reached out and grabbed it. Sasuke held out his hand and looked at her in a way that say Give-It-Here . Sakura merely smiled and shook her head.

The next thing was unexpected, as Sasuke leaned over and implanted a kiss-

On her lips.

Sakura immediately straightened and shuffled back nervously. The girls looked at each other, confused. Sasuke realized why Sakura was afraid of him, he blushed and turned away. Hating himself for what he pulled and wished it never happened. Ino sighed and shook her head, then turned to Neji, who was staring at the oblivious Tenten. She held Tenten by the shoulders and grinned at Neji . "Cute, isn't she. And it's all yours" Ino gave Tenten a light push and Tenten walked a few steps forward. Shyly appoaching Neji.

"S-Shall we get going then" said Neji. Tenten nodded and they walked off into the streets. Sasuke scowled at the ground, he needed to talk to her. But not here, he grabbed Sakura by the hand and dragged her off to someplace more quiet, ignoring the awkward stares he felt on his back. Ino smiled 'Good luck, you two' Ino turned to Shikamaru. "Let's go, Shikamaru. You're going to win me some prizes" she held his hand and pulled him along. Shikamaru can't help but smile, even though he was going to have to put effort in winning the stalls.

"Well, looks like we're the only ones left" said Naruto, meekly scratching the back of his head. Hinata turned red. Ino turned around and gave her a wink. Feeling little confident pushing her up, she attempted to start a conversation. "W-We s-should go-" Hinata muttered as she touched her index fingers together, Naruto looked at her and she froze and swallowed her words.

"What are you mumbling about? Let's go!" said Naruto, holding out his hand in front of her. Hinata managed a smile as she took her hand.

Meanwhile, Sakura was now walking behind Sasuke and they were walking away from the lights of the festival and into a more deserted part of town. Sakura looked around the area, trying hard not to look at Sasuke.

Sasuke suddenly stopped in his track and Sakura managed to stop in time before she rammed into Sasuke's back. "Sakura" His tone sent chills down her back. "Y-yeah?" said Sakura, looking down her forehead almost touching his back. "About yesterday..." Sasuke continued, he looked like he was having a hard time getting the words out.

"I-I'm sorry..." he said. Sakura looked up, she gave a crooked smile "Why are you apologizing...?" she said. "It was inappropriate, and it insensitive for a guy to do that without permission." said Sasuke, he was red, what if she won't forgive him. "S-So-" he was cut off when he felt something on his back. Sakura leaned her forehead on his back. "Thank god..." she sighed.

Sasuke didn't move. "Ino told me... A kiss is used to represent affection of a person. But when you did it to me, I felt like my heart was going to explode. I don't know what would I do with you loved me" Sakura said, quivering. Sasuke felt like some had just kicked him in the gut.

"But I guess I was worrying over nothing. We'll always be friends... right?" said Sakura. It hurts, but he wasn't going to ask for anything more. "Yeah..." he sighed. Sakura blinked her eyes, she rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand and put on a smile. "Let's go. I want to see what's a festival like" said Sakura, walking out from behind Sasuke.

Sasuke snorted and followed closely behind. Sakura stopped "Sasuke?" she said. Sasuke looked at her from the back "Yeah?"

"Where are we?" said Sakura. Sasuke looked around, where are they indeed. A few shadows appeared on the wall, stumbling and tripping. It seemed to be coming from the turn to the alley ahead. Two wasted men came stumbling out, they turned towards the two youngsters in the dark. "Hey look, they're two kids here." one of them said. The other man hiccupped then looked at them "My my -hic- it's awfully dangerous for two kids to be alone." an ugly smirk appeared on his face.

Sakura scrunched up her nose "They stink of alcohol." she said, taking a step back. "We'd better not get too close to them. Come, we'll try another route" said Sasuke, tugging on Sakura's sleeve "S-Sure" she answered as they turned around.

One of them called out "Where do you think you're going? -hic- the party's starting here" the man grabbed Sakura by the arm. She turned to look up at him, a little worried. "Nii-chan can come join us too. Of course, you probably might now like this kind of fun" said the other man to Sasuke.

Sasuke scowled "Kh..."

He kicked the man holding on to Sakura's elbow in the gut, sending him all the way to the far side of the street, he glared at the other guy and send him tripping away. Sasuke sighed and decided to walk away like he did nothing, till someone grabbed his hand.

He stopped and looked at his hand then traced it back to Sakura. She smiled "You're pretty reliable at these things ne? Sasuke" she said.

Sasuke blushed "W-Whatever"

They walked down the streets, hand in hand.

The night ended with Sakura and Sasuke wandering the town aimlessly, Ino playing with her newly won piggy stuff toy, Tenten and Neji enjoying the fireworks in an empty park near the festival and Naruto starting to realize something and Hinata enjoying Naruto's company.

Next Chapter

"Orochimaru and Akatsuki are on the move"

"You can't possibly be thinking of sending Team Kakashi on this mission"

"My parents...!"

"Creepy bastard"

"Listen to me listen to me, you're going to be fine. Please... just don't leave me"

PLEASE READ THIS!

The reason this chapter was so sloppily written was cause I was busy writing another fanfic, this one is an AU. It's up to you guys whether you're going to give it a try or not, also I'm planing to focus more on editting and reposting the prequel. A Different Story. So don't blame me that I didn't warn you about the future slow updates! Yes, I'm sorta beta-ing my own work, cause I- er... I'm not very strong with critics, ehehe.

And I'm also writing a few Gakuen Alice fanfics I will be posting soon, but don't worry, I will continue updating this fanfic , till I er- think of an ending. That should be it for the announcements, I'll see you guys the next time I read your reviews. Wish me luck! Bye bye