Sakura grabbed another chocolate muffin and bit it with all her might.

"Oh, my, Hinata. You're such a great cook. This muffins are amazing." She praised.

Hinata smiled shyly. "Thank you very much."

'Oh, man.' Sakura thought to herself. 'She's such a adorable little lady. I wish I was that delicate.'

"She's right, Hinata." Naruto said with his mouth full. "When we get married, I'm afraid I will end up weighing 680 pounds."

Hinata blushed hard. "Stop it, you two. Anyone can bake muffins!"

"Well, not Sakura-chan! I remember when she..." Started Naruto. Sakura cut him with a punch.

"Shaddup!" She yelled.

They all heard a familiar chuckle. "Some things never change" Said Sasuke, appearing behind the small group.

Sakura rose up from she was sitting and ran to hug him.

"Sasuke-kun! You're home!" She shouted happily from his chest.

Sasuke just stood there and let her hug him, petting her hair with his right - and only - hand.

"Oi, teme! It's been a while." Greeted Naruto.

"I know. But I'm here now, and I will be staying for two or three months." The newcomer said.

Sakura let go of him and smiled.

"Come sit with us. Hinata baked us muffins."

Sasuke frowned. "I don't like sweet things." But he sat with them nevertheless.

"You have to like Hinata's muffins. They're different." Said Naruto, handing his best friend a muffin.

Sasuke took a bite. "Wow. This is really something."

"Right?" Agreed Sakura. "Hinata, you should totally open a bakery."

"No way. I'm super slow to bake and cooking is just a hobby." She said, eagerly shaking her hands in front of her blushing face.

'God, she's almost a fairy tale princess.' Sakura thought. 'I wouldn't be surprised if Sasuke-kun suddenly...'

"By the way, Hinata, what are you doing later?" Sasuke asked.

"Huh!?" The other three said at the same time.

"Well, I have a few... Things... I would like to ask you. Would you drop by my place this evening?" The Uchiha asked, butting his muffin once more.

"Yeah!" Agreed Naruto. "I would like to visit you too so..."

"Actually, it's something I would like to do with Hinata alone. If it's alright for her, of course."

"H-hai. I'll go." Answered Hinata.

"Great! Thank you very much." Sasuke got up. "I will grab another muffin, okay? See you guys later."

He left letting a very confused couple and a scared to death Sakura behind.

xxxxxxxxxxx

"So, Hinata, what did you and Sasuke-kun talk about yesterday?" Asked Sakura, trying to sound casual.

Hinata's cheeks lighted up. "Oh, you know... About... Stuff."

"What kind of stuff?"

"..."

"Cut it out, Sakura." Laughed Ino. "It's not like Sasuke was serious about you anyway. You have no right to be jealous."

Hinata's eyes widened. "Jealous? No, no. It's nothing like that! Sasuke and I are just friends!"

"Close friends?" The blond teased.

Sakura sighed. It wasn't like she doubted Hinata. Sakura knew the girl was head over heels for Naruto since they were kids, and they were going out seriously. And she knew that Sasuke-kun liked her, even if it was just a little, he had even kissed her. Twice.

But now, for some reason, Sasuke - who hardly ever would ask for company - wanted to spend time alone with Hinata. And, well, Hinata was adorable in more than one way, a great cook and there, after seeing her again without clothes at the bath house, the medical nin was sure that her body would never be as curvy as Hinata's. Sakura couldn't think of anyone better to a young man fall in love with.

"It's okay, Hinata." She said with a fake smile. "I'm not jealous... I'm just curious to know what you two talked about."

Hinata opened her mouth but said nothing.

"Let her be, Forehead Girl." Ino spoke as she leaned back on the tub. "If you wanna know so bad, ask Sasuke-kun!"

"Mind your own business, Ino-pig."

"Oh, it's just the pot calling the kettle black."

"Hey! I was just..."

"Oh, huh, girls, I am having a nice time here but I should get going." Hinata excused herself getting out the hot tub.

"Really? Do you have something to do?" Sakura inquired.

"Well, I..." Hinata's face got red.

"What? It's a date with Naruto?" The blue eyed teased.

Hinata didn't answer and rushed to the dressing room but her deep red cheeks left no doubt.

Ino turned to Sakura with a smile.

"See? She all lovesick with Naruto. Not even Sasuke-kun would have a chance."

"I know, I know. I'm just being silly."

"Really silly. Because, even though I hate to admit, Sasuke-kun is really into you. God knows why, but still."

Sakura chuckled. That was Ino: always letting her unsure if her words were a compliment or offense.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The weird behavior between Sasuke and Hinata went on for the next days.

Everytime Sakura met Sasuke he was looking for Hinata. Or waiting for Hinata. Or with Hinata.

In Sakura's point of view, the situation was completely off. Her anxiety had become so oppressive that she couldn't help but ask Sasuke:

"So, are you cutting Naruto's grass?"

The Uchiha stared at her, eyes widened. "Huh?"

"Because you know Hinata and Naruto are serious about each other, right?"

Sasuke blinked. His confusion was evident. "I know. But why would that mean that I'm trying to steal his girlfriend? I just like spending time with Hinata."

'Well, no offense, Sasuke-kun, but you're a wooden-headed when it comes to feelings.' Sakura thought. 'You wouldn't know love if it knocked down your door.'

"Oh, there she is!" Sasuke announced with a smile when they saw Hinata running towards them. "You're late!"

"Sorry!" She said breathless. "Naruto and I were..."

"I don't care. Come." Sasuke grabbed Hinata's wrist. "Later, Sakura."

Hinata tried to wave but she was pulled away by Sasuke before she could.

Sakura did what any young woman in the same situation would do: she followed them.

"Hey, before we go to my place can we stop by somewhere?" Sasuke was asking.

Hinata nodded.

They kept walking and, a few seconds later, they got in a jewelry store.

Through the window, Sakura could see perfectly her beloved and Naruto's girlfriend look closely the counter. At one point, Sasuke pointed to something that the clerk promptly picked it up and handed it to him. Sakura could not see what it was, but she deduced that he had put the jewelry in Hinata by the girl's expression: Hinata had loved whatever that was.

That brought tears to Sakura's eyes. He certainly liked Hinata better than he liked her.

She walked away, seeing that was a bit too much. Sakura was so focused on holding her tears back that she didn't noticed where she was going. Someone bumped into her.

"Hey, watch it! Oh, hey, Sakura-chan!" It was Naruto.

"Hi." She sobbed.

"Are you alright?" He asked grabbing her shoulders.

"Yes, it's just... Naruto, did Hinata break up with you?"

Naruto's arms fell down. "What is that supposed to mean? Did he say something to you?"

"No, it's just…" Sakura took a deep breath. "I think Sasuke-kun fell for her."

Her friend frowned.

"Wha… What?"

"He suddenly wants to spend a lot of time with her and… and he bought her something in a jewelry."

"What? Are you sure?"

"Would you stop being so stupid?! Of course I'm sure! I just saw them in a jewelry store!"

"That's impossible. Hinata is supposed to be at a family meeting."

"She lied to you. See? There's definitely something going on with them!"

Naruto frowned again. "That's… weird. I didn't think Hinata knew how to lie."

"See? There's something wrong with this I'm telling you!"

"Are you sure you're not just freaking out because you're jealous?" Naruto said with his eyes narrowed.

"Come on! Don't you think it's weird for Sasuke to like someone that much?"

"It's not just 'someone' it's Hinata. Everyone likes her."

Sakura couldn't hold back her tears anymore.

"I know. I know. It's just that... I'm not sure what Sasuke-kun's feelings about me are and he never asked ME to spend time alone with him and... And... I'm not just jealous, I'm envious of her."

Naruto opened his mouth just to close it without a word.

"Huh... I still... think... There must be an explanation to this. Hinata lying and Sasuke suddenly liking people. We should just..."

"What? Ask them? Do you think I haven't tried?" She mocked as she sat on the floor.

Naruto sat down beside her.

"So what do you wanna do, Sakura-chan?"

"Well... What did Hinata say she will be doing tomorrow night?"

"She told me she would use her time to clean out her closet."

Sakura eyed him with pity. "Naruto, Hinata is Hyuuga's young lady, do you really think she would spend her Saturday night to clean out her closet?"

"What? Do you think she'll meet Sasuke again?"

"I'm sure of it. Actually, I think we should go and..."

Naruto face palmed himself. "Please, do not say 'follow and surprise them'."

"Why? Weren't you the one who said that there's an explanation? Don't you wanna find out? Let's go! Tomorrow. They always meet at the river bridge! We can hide under it and wait."

Given Sakura's excitement/anger/curiosity, Naruto gave in.

"Oh, man. Women are scary."

"See? They are just walking and talking. There's nothing weird about it!" Whispered Naruto to Sakura on the next day, as they followed Hinata and Sasuke.

"They are going to his apartment. You can say whatever you want, but a pretty girl and a hot guy going alone to his apartment is very suspicious." She whispered back.

They were disguised as two housewives going shopping. Probably wasn't the best disguise since they were following them for so long now but Sasuke and Hinata were so caught up in talking they didn't notice.

When they got to Sasuke's building, Sakura pulled Naruto to behind a trash can.

"Why are we hiding if we are in disguise?"

"Shhh! They got in, come! Let's listen behind the door!"

As the pink haired kunoichi dragged him inside the building, Naruto chuckled a bit.

"I never knew you were such a stalker, Sakura-chan, or is it Sasuke that mess you up that much?"

"Shhh! Listen! I think they are talking about us!"

By that time, they were already by Sasuke's door. Naruto sighed and listened in.

"... she's really suspicious of something." Hinata was saying.

"I knew she would, Sakura is really smart." Sasuke replied.

"I'm serious, Sasuke-kun, even Naruto seems to know something!"

"Even Naruto? What's that supposed to mean?" Naruto complained in whisper.

"Shhh!" Sakura whispered back.

"Wait, you didn't tell them anything, right?" Sasuke asked, seeming concerned.

"No, of course not! But I can't keep this hidden any longer. I'm glad this was the last day we had to lie."

"Yeah, but we're in hurry, so can we just go at it now?"

"Sure! Just let me take these off."

"OKAY, THAT'S A BIT TOO MUCH!" Sakura screamed, kicking the door open.

"Sakura! You knocked down my door!" Sasuke spoke.

"What the heck is going on here?!" She asked, but before she could see or hear what was going on Hinata casted a weird jutsu on her and she fainted.

And, when she woke up…

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SAKURA!" All her friends shouted.

"Huh?" Was the only thing she could come up with. Sakura got up from the sofa where was lying massaging her head. Then she noticed that she was still at Sasuke's apartment, at the living room. At least, it looked like Sasuke's. but that place had a lot of balloons, ribbons, streamers, posters and "Happy birthday, Sakura" in bold letters in EVA on the wall.

"Huh?" She said again.

"It's a surprise party! Are you happy?" Asked Hinata hand in hand with Naruto.

"Huh?"

"Babe, did you damage her brain when you knocked her out?" Naruto asked.

"I don't know. It was the first time I used my long rage version of juuken."

Kakashi chimed in. "A long range juuken? I didn't know that was possible! That's impress..."

"Wait, wait, wait." Sakura interrupted. "It's not my birthday."

Ino laughed. "Yes, it is! Were you so obsessed with Sasuke-kun you forgot your own birthday?"

"See? We tried to tell you you were freaking out for nothing! Sasuke and Hinata were planning all this." Naruto spoke, handing her a cup of soda.

Sakura took it and started scanning the room, looking for Sasuke. She spotted him leaning against the wall, holding a can of soda while pretending to be a part of the furniture. Sakura smile at him.

"You did this?"

"We did this." He corrected pointing to Hinata.

As expected, the girl blushed. "No. I didn't do much! It was Sasuke-kun who planned all this, I just…"

"Helped me with the food, drinks, music, invitations, decor and keep it all a secret. I owe you."

Sakura put her hand in her forehead. "Gee, I made a fool of myself. I'm so embarrassed."

"You should." Said Sai with his usual tact.

"So… Let's eat the cake!"

The party went without more doors being torn down. The food was delicious, containing all Sakura's favorite things. She enjoyed spending time with her friends, Sakura did not remember what was the last time they were all gathered. At one point, when the music had become slower and the dance floor/carpet was filled with dancing couples, Sakura sat with Ino on the couch and listened to her friend whining about being single.

"Ino, do you mind if I take Sakura to dance?" Sasuke asked reaching out to Sakura.

"Well, she's boring. Wouldn't you rather take me?" Ino flirted.

"No." He answered, straightforward.

Sakura held back a laugh and took Sasuke's hand. They went to the improvised dance floor.

"You know, you and Sasuke-kun really look alike." The blond said to Sai, who was sitting beside her.

Back on the dance floor, Sakura and Sasuke were dancing slowly.

"It was a chore, you know. Keep it hidden." He said suddenly.

Sakura chuckled. "Sorry. But why didn't you guys tell Naruto, at least? He being in the dark only made more suspicious."

"Naruto? He would end up telling you. I asked Hinata to not to tell him. It was hard on her."

"And why Hinata? Couldn't you ask a male friend of ours to help you?"

"Who? 'Hokage-sama'? She can cook better than most people we know. And, well, I… Wanted to spend time with her..."

"A-ha!"

"... because she's dating the second most important person in the world for me, and he's hopelessly in love with her. I wanted to get to know her."

"Oh. And what do you think about her now?"

"She's great. Very nice, kind, can cook ramen… She's perfect for him."

"Yeah, I think so too… Wait, did you say 'second most important person'? Who's the first?"

Sasuke looked away. "She even helped me to pick out your present."

"Oh, Sasuke-kun, you shouldn't have!"

Sasuke picked up a small box of gift and handed it to her. "Happy birthday, Sakura."

With trembling fingers, she undid the ribbon and opened the box. Inside was a pink gold bracelet with a cherry blossom shaped pendant. It was beautiful.

"..." She couldn't come up with the right words.

"Let me help you with it." Sasuke took the bracelet and put it in her left wrist then kissed it.

"Huh."

Sasuke laughed. "You know, maybe Hinata's jutsu did damage your brain." He pulled her closer to his chest. "I love you."

Sakura smiled. "Thank you."

He chuckled. "What's this? Paying back?"

"Yeah. Maybe I should knock you out too to make us completely even." She looked up into his eyes. "Grass-cutter."

"Annoying girl."

And then she was kissed for the third time.