Hello my beloved and wonderful readers!

I'm sorry for my lack of updates even though you guys are always telling me to update quickly.

But I promise you that I will not fail you, for this chapter happens to be, I guess, the climax of the whole story?

I hope you guys enjoy~! :)

Chapter 9- By Your Side

Sakura, with a frustrated look on her face, was trudging in the pouring rain with an umbrella over her head on her way to Hinata's house 8 in the evening. She was finishing up her duties in the hospital when one of the nurses informed her that the Hyuuga heiress invited her over to dinner at 8 and Sakura willingly accepted. It's been a while since she talked to Hinata and was excited. Hinata, unlike Ino, was a great listener. But when she talked, she gave the best advices and encouragements one needed. And these days, Sakura needed plenty of advices about having feelings for someone. Yes, it was Sasuke. Even as she was walking to Hinata's mansion, she was thinking about Sasuke.

"After that little 'date' we had couple of days ago, we've gotten closer than ever…at least...that's what I think," thought Sakura.

"Well everyone we encounter on the streets are asking if Sasuke and we are dating and congratulates us saying 'finally,' which I have no clue about," said Inner Sakura.

"Yeah, I have no idea why they say that either. But when they see my confused face, they cover their mouths with their hands like they said something secret. Hmm… well it is true we're friends, but can he think of me as something more?"

"I mean, this is Sasuke we're talking about. We haven't known him that long, but we can see that he HATES socializing with anyone. It's very impossible that he could ever LIKE anyone. But if he does, SHANNARO FOR US!"

"Well… we'll have to ask Hinata," said Sakura as she knocked on the huge door of the Hyuuga mansion.

The door opened, "Who is- Oh, hey Sakura," said Neji.

"Hey Neji! Hinata invited me over for dinner. Is she in?" asked Sakura.

"Of course, she's been waiting for you. Come on in," said Neji as he opened the door wide enough for Sakura to come through.

"So…how's it going with Tenten?" asked Sakura slyly, enjoying the blush appearing on Neji's cheeks. She knew Neji was as emotionless as Sasuke, but knew Tenten took care of that as his beloved.

"W-Well it's going fine. Actually, I'm supposed to go over her house as soon as I take you to Hinata," stammered Neji.

"Aww you're so sweet, Neji. I know my way to Hinata's room from here, so don't keep Tenten waiting," said Sakura with a small smile.

"Arigatou Sakura. I'll see ya around," said Neji as he turned around and walked back to the entrance.

"They are so cute together," thought Sakura as she walked up the majestic staircase to Hinata's room.

She opened the door to Hinata's room, only to see her blissfully looking through an album of pictures of Naruto and her. Hinata saw Sakura, blushed, and got up from her bed, leading Sakura downstairs to the dining room.

"You must really miss him, Hinata," said Sakura, looking over at her friend.

"W-Well…I gotta admit that I've been looking at that album everyday so far. I'm so worried about him. Hokage-sama said that the mission was a difficult one…" said Hinata, worry striking her gentle face.

"Hinata, both you and I know that Naruto never gives up. And he always pull through. I bet that he's thinking about you right now too. Just be strong for him until the day he comes back," said Sakura with a gentle smile, satisfied at her friend returning to her comfort.

After dinner, they went back upstairs to talk about things over a cup of tea.

"Have you heard any news about Naruto?" asked Sakura.

"Not at all. That's why I'm getting so worried. I've checked with Tsunade-sama couple times this week but no news," said Hinata, looking down.

"Hmm…Maybe they didn't have time. But I'm sure he's fine, I mean, it's not like he went by himself. He has Kakashi-sensei to help him get out of trouble," said Sakura.

"Yes, I forgot about Kakashi-sensei. You're right. I just hope he makes it in time for the Konoha Shinobi Ball," said Hinata.

"What's that?"

"It's something that Tsunade-sama learned from a faraway village where they have all the shinobis come dressed up formally and have a ball with dancing and food for one night of no work," said Hinata.

"No work? That sounds like heaven. But I probably won't go," said Sakura indifferently.

"What do you mean? You love to hang out at parties,"

"Yeah, but I have too much to do. If all the medic-nins are at the ball, who will take care of the patients in the hospital? I think I should stay back and help," said Sakura.

"Oh Sakura…You have to come. You push yourself too much these days," said Hinata.

"I like to help people. It makes me happy that when I help them, they get better," said Sakura with a smile.

"Speaking about happiness, now talk to me, Sakura. What's going on with you and Sasuke-san? Word has it that you guys might be in a relationship?" asked Hinata, switching the tables around and seeing Sakura blush for once.

"Ah, well, whoever came up with that conclusion is wrong," said Sakura, "Although it doesn't seem too bad of an idea…Oh my gosh did I just say that?"

"Oh, so you guys aren't dating? Ino's been telling me how amazing you looked these days ever since Sasuke-san came into the picture. And seeing you now, I can see what she saw," said Hinata.

"What do you guys see that has changed?"

"Well for starters, your eyes are so bright and full of energy. And your skin has color. You used to be so pale that you could be called a ghost," said Hinata.

"Oh…I see…" said Sakura.

"So nothing's really going on between you two?"

"Nothing…I think. We just got really close and I think we're friends now. I've got to know him really well over the past few days. But…"

"But?" said Hinata, curiosity leaking out.

"But…I don't know what I feel for him. When I see him, I feel really happy, so happy that my heart might burst out. When he talks to me, that's all I can hear. And everyday when I see him injured, it hurts me a little on the inside. What am I feeling, Hinata?" asked Sakura with a desperate look on her face.

Hinata smiled brightly, "It's called love, Sakura."

"Love? But I can't be in love with Sasuke," said Sakura.

"And why not?"

"I-I don't know…But every time I'm with him, I feel a lot of déjà vu, like I've actually talked to him before or I've heard him say my name before," said Sakura.

"Hmm…I see…" said Hinata, "maybe her memories will come back…"

Sakura checked the time and saw that it was 11, "Oh I gotta go to Sasuke, Hinata. But what do you think I should do?"

"Hmm…Well I think you should continue to do what you've been doing so far. I'm sure everything will work out fine, Sakura," said Hinata reassuringly.

"Thanks Hinata. You're the best," said Sakura as she waved goodbye and hurried out of the Hyuuga estate, on her way to Sasuke's house.

She knew he would be sleeping by now and felt bad that she always come late. But, she secretly enjoyed the fact that she would see him sleeping comfortably, which always brought her happiness. Thankfully, the Hyuuga mansion wasn't too far off from the Uchiha Compound, walking up to his door and unlocking it to go into the dark house.

She quietly walked up to his room and opened the door to see Sasuke sleeping with no surprise. What surprised her though was the expression on Sasuke's face. He seemed so troubled and scared. She saw sweat glistening on his forehead, resulting from some kind of effort. His sheet was tousled around and his hair was messy.

"He must have had a bad dream," thought Sakura as she checked over his body for minor injuries and checked his stomach wound, which had started to heal quickly.

As she was leaving, she heard him mumble and turned around.

"No…please…don't…don't do that…NO!" yelled Sasuke, shaking violently in his sleep.

"Sasuke? Sasuke!" yelled Sakura as she rushed to his side to help him calm down.

"OROCHIMARU! YOU SNAKE!" yelled Sasuke.

"Sasuke, it's just a dream! Please wake up!" yelled Sakura, starting to get worried.

"HOW COULD YOU – HOW COULD YOU HAVE DONE THAT TO HER!" yelled Sasuke, even louder.

"Sasuke, please! Wake up!"

"YOU WILL DIE FOR HURTING HER!" yelled Sasuke when all of a sudden, he opened his eyes.

Sakura was relieved when all of a sudden Sasuke shot up from his bed.

"Sasuke?"

Sasuke didn't even look at her, even with his eyes open. Then Sakura realized that his eyes weren't the dark onyx that she was used to; it was a bright red with swirling black commas.

"S-Sasuke?" asked Sakura as she stepped closer.

"AHH!" yelled Sasuke as he suddenly crouched down and started to change before Sakura's eyes.

His hair became a blue grey and grew longer. His light skin suddenly turned grey. But most frightening, his shirt ripped in the back revealing two huge claw-like wings. Then he stood up straight.

"S-Sasuke…t-this isn't you. What happened to you?"

Judging by his lack of response, Sakura guessed that he was still in his nightmare, "Sasuke, please wake up! You'll hurt your-"

"DIE YOU MONSTER!" yelled Sasuke and slashed his right side with his powerful claw…

…the exact place where Sakura was, sending her flying into his door, making a huge crack.

There was a huge gash in Sakura's abdomen and the collision with the door seemed to have cracked a few ribs in her body. But Sakura quickly healed her ribs to perfect condition but did not even think about the wound, for she was focused so hard on Sasuke.

His hands were now glowing a bright blue with the jutsu he conjured up, but Sakura knew that she had to stop him. She didn't even think about her well-being and only about Sasuke's. So she stood up and ran to Sasuke, who was facing her, and embraced him.

"Sasuke…I don't know what's going on with you, but please, change back to the real Sasuke!" yelled Sakura, bracing herself as Sasuke struggled to go free.

"P-Please Sasuke…Please…" said Sakura, as streaks of tears cascaded down her tormented face at seeing Sasuke like this.

Sasuke, in his curse mark form, suddenly stopped moving and paused at seeing Sakura's sorrowful tears. Then his mind clicked back into place with the memory of Sakura in the Forest of Death, in the same situation that they were in at the moment…

The image of young Sakura crying while holding him from the back and the image of Sakura now crying in front of him broke through Sasuke's nightmare and he collapsed into Sakura's arms. Suddenly, Sasuke started changing again and returned back to normal.

Sakura healed him immediately and put her healing hand to his forehead and cleared his mind so he can rest. Then she healed some of the scratches that Sasuke had inflicted on himself. In exhaustion, she picked him up and set him down on his bed, tucking him in. Thankfully, Sasuke was back to a deep slumber for now and Sakura just looked at him from her place next to his bed in sorrow.

"Sasuke…is this what you've been going through every night? I'm sorry I didn't know and couldn't be there for you all this time…" thought Sakura as she continued to gaze sleepily at his now relaxed face.

When Sakura thought he was fine and got up to leave, Sasuke started tossing and turning and mumbling in his sleep.

"Sakura…Sakura…" said the sleeping Sasuke.

"Yes Sasuke? What is it?" said Sakura, immediately returning back to the side of his bed.

"Sakura…please…" whispered Sasuke as a lone tear dropped from his eyes.

Sakura, without realizing her legs moved, suddenly went onto the bed and drew Sasuke's head into her lap, "Sasuke…I'll be there by your side…don't worry…"

"Sakura…I'm sorry…" whispered Sasuke one more time before going back to sleep.

As she looked over Sasuke's sleeping figure, she couldn't help but be worried sick. However, a stronger emotion filled her heart at looking at him so content on her lap and she couldn't stop herself from gently touching his porcelain face, the moonlight striking his handsome features.

His forehead…His cheeks…His eyelids…His nose…His mouth.

This feeling of hers grew bigger and bigger that it felt like her heart would burst any second. It overwhelmed her that it actually hurt badly.

"What is this feeling?" thought Sakura.

Then it clicked. Previously, when she and Hinata were conversing about Naruto, Hinata described to her how it felt like to be in love.

FLASHBACK

"Hinata, what does it feel like to be in love? I never truly loved someone in my whole entire life, so I don't know that feeling," said Sakura.

"Of course you know…you just don't know you loved someone yet…and still do…" thought Hinata, "Hmm…how to explain that feeling…"

"When you're in love, you feel something pulsating from your heart whenever you look at that person. The feeling engulfs your whole body that it can be painful, but a pain that you can endure. When you're with that person, you feel like the world suddenly became a happier place to live in. And when that person is hurt, you feel your life crumbling down with their pain. Love can also make you do crazy things that you don't realize you're even doing," said Hinata.

"…Wow…I didn't know love was such a powerful thing," said Sakura in awe.

"It really is…" said Hinata, "Out of all of us, you had the greatest love of all, Sakura."

END FLASHBACK

"This feeling….This pain…Could it be that I-I'm-"

Sakura took a big breath and let go of the words she wanted to say, "I-I'm in love with Sasuke?"

As she pondered over that hypothesis, she looked down at Sasuke's-now-peaceful state and couldn't help but caress his jet black hair.

"Whether it's love or something else, all I know is I will be there for Sasuke…" thought Sakura as she slowly fell into an exhausted sleep.

The Next Morning…

Hinata paced back and forth with the Konoha 12 impatiently at the village gates. Everyone was there…except for Sasuke and Sakura.

"Where are they? More importantly, when is he coming?" thought Hinata as she worriedly gazed over at the road that her beloved and his sensei should be walking home on.

"I hope Sakura is okay…and Sasuke-san…"

"Hey! Look over there! I see them!" yelled Tenten.

Hinata eagerly looked over and breathed a sigh of relief. She saw Naruto and Kakashi-sensei trudging on their way into proximity. When Naruto looked up and met eyes with Hinata, he started running.

"Hinata-chan!" yelled Naruto.

Hinata ran all the way to the entrance, where Naruto met her with a huge embrace. After the whole hearted hug, Naruto began to kiss her everywhere: her forehead, eyes, cheeks, nose, and mouth.

"Oh my gosh, I missed you so much! I thought I was gonna die spending all that time away from you and with pervy Kakashi-sensei!" said Naruto, pulling back from his embrace to take a good look at his lover.

Hinata leaned in and kissed him sweetly on the mouth, "I missed you too, Naruto-kun," as Naruto tightened his arms around her waist and pulled her into his arms once again.

"Those lovebirds. Naruto was dreaming about Hinata one night and almost kissed me while wrapping his arms around me. It was the worst experience ever," said Kakashi as he greeted everyone, pulled out his book, and headed towards the Hokage Tower to report their mission.

"Hey Hina-chan, where's Sakura-chan and Sasuke-teme?"

"I have no idea. I hope they're at their homes, sleeping," said Hinata.

"How 'bout you and I head over to Teme's house and check up on him?"

"Sure, Naru-kun."

They finally arrived at the Uchiha Compound and Naruto took out a spare key and opened the door.

"Are you sure we're not intruding? I mean, he's probably sleeping," whispered Hinata.

"It's okay. With me, it's not called intruding. And plus, he should be happy to see his best friend back from a mission."

They headed up to Sasuke's room and opened the door.

"SASUKE-TE-" Naruto stopped in his tracks as his jaw opened up, reaching the floor.

"Oh my!" Hinata gasped and covered her mouth with both hands.

In front of them was Sasuke, sleeping contently on his bed…

…But his head was in Sakura's lap, who had one hand on his head and one holding Sasuke's hand tightly.

"Uh…Hinata-chan?"

"H-Hai?"

"Let's leave!" said Naruto as he dashes out of the house holding Hinata by the hand.

Finally they were out of the Uchiha Compound, walking briskly, "So exactly what happened while I was gone?" said Naruto, grinning at the fact that his plan worked…at least, that's what he thought.

"Trust me, I have no idea either. How about we ask them later, when they both are awake?"

"Good idea. Oh and Hina-chan?" said Naruto, looking uneasily at his girlfriend, who was by his side, holding his hand.

"Hai, Naru-kun?" asked Hinata as she looked over at Naruto, who was growing bright red.

"Naruto-kun! Are you okay? Do you have a fever?" asked Hinata, putting her hand up to his forehead.

"N-No. I'm not sick," said Naruto, taking Hinata's hand with his free hand, holding both of her hands.

"Then what's wrong?"

"U-Uh…Well… C-Could we do what Teme and Sakura-chan was doing too? I-I'm so tired from the mission." asked Naruto nervously.

This time, it was Hinata who became red as a ripe tomato, "U-Uh…Sure, Naruto-kun."

A few minutes later, Naruto and Hinata were seen at the park bench, Naruto lying down on the bench with his head in Hinata lap while Hinata caressed his hair.

"Everything is actually working out…" thought Naruto happily.

Whooooooo~!

You guys gotta admit that was a good chapter!

More Reviews please!

And I'll try to update more, since school's almost over!

With love,

Cilla :)