Shade of the Leaf

thegodfather2450 · 01-12-2009, 09:42 AM

The groceries felt heavy in her arms. The load was light, merely a fresh container of milk, a cartoon of eggs, and the tasteless, stringy cheese she liked to pull apart as she read medical scrolls. Just a quick run for food. Maybe tomorrow she would scrounge up the willpower to restock her dried goods and non-perishables. No point in buying more than a days worth of anything that wouldn't last more than a month on its own. Clutching her purchases a little tighter to her chest, she ignored the late afternoon crowd that was flowing around her. Instead, her eyes were locked onto a man whose back was to her, hands jammed into his pockets in an impatient gesture, head cocked to the side as he looked for something, someone.

Naruto.

Biting her lip, she tried to think of the last time she had seen him for more than a brief hello in the hallway to the Hokage's office. Even then, the hello was short, punctured by the flash of his familiar smile before he went in and she went out. Six months? His trial into ANBU had been almost seven months ago, and then there had been that quiet gathering at Lee's... Reaching up with her free hand, she rubbed her aching forehead. Six months was the longest time since their separation as teens that they had been apart on a mission. She spent too much of her time poring over medical scrolls, too many hours in a hospital perfecting her techniques. He was gone on missions so often she had stopped watering his plants and had just moved them into her place. She could count on her hand the number of times they had sparred lately. She needed the space. Needed to find her own footing and to prove to herself that everything was okay now. She thought that might have been why Naruto had joined ANBU.

Adjusting her grip on her bag, ignoring the faintest fluttering in her gut, she moved in the direction of the blond. She had needed the space but six months of it was more than enough, even for her. He turned not five steps into her walk, smile firmly in place. An exasperated frown tugged lightly on her lips. She wondered how long he had been waiting for her to notice him, to make the first move in his direction. The blond would never learn tact, but had started to learn a little patience.

“Sakura-chan!” His smile was bright enough to hurt her eyes.

“Naruto,” she bumped her shoulder with his as he stepped next to her, matching the rhythm of his movements to hers as he joined her in her walk. “I didn’t know you were back in town! All I bought was milk and eggs.”

Up close, he looked dirty, worn around the edges. His eyes still sparkled. Sighing at his smile, she shoved the bags from her hands into his, and the smile in his eyes widened. Sticking out her tongue, she ran her hands through her hair.

“I might have some ramen.”

Peeking at him out of the corner of her eye, she made her decision. She just wondered if he had made his.

….

“You’ve changed things.”

Sakura turned in surprise as she set the bag on the counter. Frowning, she considered the inside of the apartment. She had rearranged a few things, finally splurging on some color, but she hadn't thought Naruto would notice. She hadn't considered Naruto at all when making the changes. A new potted plant (eventually he was going to take his back), a few extra pillows, a blanket across the back of the couch. Color.

“I had the time.”

He nodded, accepting her explanation. One day she had sat down on her couch and realized how bare her place was compared to say, Ino’s. Sakura wasn’t interested in clutter and window shades that matched her eyes; she was too much a minimalist. Had spent too much of her time obsessing at a single goal to particularly care about the things around her. Some of that intensity had faded, and she was becoming aware of more than just her mission. More than just Sasuke. That was what had taken so much time to adjust to. This new awareness. Brows lowering as she watched Naruto pace the living room, his roaming as if he was looking for something in particular, she finally shrugged and unloaded her purchases. Rising onto tip toe, she found the last of her ramen stash. She really only kept it for Naruto. It never tasted the same when she was by herself.

“Did your mission go well?”

“Well enough.”

No one had died this time, then. The first time someone had died in Naruto’s squad she had woken up to him sitting on the edge of the bed, watching her sleep. They were both lucky he was as quick as he was or that kunai would have done a lot more damage. He had spent that night and several others on her couch but that first night she had sat on the floor with him until her knees ached. He never stayed long, he was usually gone by the time she crawled out of her shower, and the blanket he had used had been folded perfect and set on the coffee table. She had never pressed him for details, knowing that when he was ready to talk he would. A wry smile curved her mouth. Unlike someone else, who they still had to tie down to get answers from.

Sakura studied Naruto as the water boiled for tea and ramen. His eyes were shadowed again. Something might not have happened on the mission, but something was bothering him. Outside of the death of teammates, there were only a few things that actually got beneath his skin; contrary to what their friends thought, he was capable of keeping things to himself. He just didn't see the need very often. Naruto was too honest to lie to anyone but himself, and he usually gave up on that after a while. Occasionally she still needed to shake him until his brains rattled enough to get his thoughts in order. She forgave him for his occasional stupidity because he never questioned her right to guard his back. Still, of all the topics that he refused to speak about, Sasuke was usually at the top of his list. Turning her back on her friend, she busied her unloading her dishes. She needed to do something with her hands while she figured this out, and if Naruto followed his normal behavior patterns, he would be content to just watch while she thought.

“How is Sasuke?”

Then again, maybe not. She bit the inside of her lip before answering, wondering at the question. “I thought you would have stopped in to say ‘hi’ before you found me.”

Naruto was suspiciously silent.

Hands pausing above a cup, she turned and studied him. “Naruto, are you alright?”

The blond looked away, his face suddenly tired. “I…”

“What?”

His expression cleared and he offered her another of those smiles. “I need to use your shower.”

thegodfather2450 · 01-12-2009, 09:45 AM

Lowering her brows in fair warning that she wouldn't drop it forever, she nodded. He slipped off the stool. “Towels are in the same place and your change of clothing is clean and in the same drawer.”

“Thanks Sakura-chan!”

Biting her lip, she moved the kettle away from the heat. No Naruto, no need for hot water, and she could live without her cup of tea. Pressing her back against the counter, she studied the place where he had been sitting. Something was obviously on his mind if he had chosen a shower over his precious stomach. He wasn’t operating on standard Naruto patterns. The Naruto who had trained himself into exhaustion for his best friend ate, slept, and only showered when he had the energy to realize how he smelled.

So Naruto was having a hard time with something. It had to be Sasuke. It was always Sasuke; well, when it wasn’t her. Picking up a scrub brush, she went to work on her soaking dishes. Sasuke. He had been home for a year now. Surely that was enough time for those two to find their footing again.

'The same way you found yours.'

Chewing on her lip hard enough to hurt, she attacked her dishes. Naruto had been missing for the last six months. Missions. Sasuke had been grounded to the village and no where else. When would they have had time to work things out? Sasuke was just now getting comfortable enough to look at her in public. The bastard. She sighed. It had only been a year. A year compared to the years spent without them. Things were different. But different was okay.

As much as Sasuke had changed, how different he was from the experience, how difficult it was to get him to sleep or even eat; it had never occurred to her that she might have changed as well. Not until she had stood in his shadow struggling to place where she belonged in his life now. She knew she was stronger, fitter, smarter, and capable. She would never have to watch him walk away again; she had proven it to herself, and to him. She just hadn’t realized how much her perceptions of the world had changed. How much her perception of perfection, her team, Sasuke, and her childhood had barred her ability to see the truth, and in that truth, herself. Herself and more importantly, the truth about the relationships around her, and with Sasuke home the blinders came off.

She had spent two days hiding in her bedroom, working out the new mental paths before Naruto had been released from the hospital. He had shown up, pale and wavering on his feet, demanding ramen and her company. She had gone.

She kicked the dishwasher shut, listening to the sound of the water running, and promised herself she would turn it on later. That had been the last time she had actually had time to see Naruto do something other than sleep, eat, and sleep again. Naruto had been accepting mission after mission, hardly finding time to rest. She had asked Tsunade quietly if it had something to do with the death of Orochimaru, and the older woman had shook her head without offering anything else.

It was almost as if he wanted to be as far away from Konaho and Sasuke as possible for some reason. Reaching upwards, she dragged her hand through her bangs. She didn’t understand what it was that would drive her friend away. Eyes narrowing in thought, she decided that if he wanted to even look at the ramen on her stove, he was going to have to talk to her about his problem. Or else.

“That’s a scary look.”

Lifting her head, she pointed a finger at him, her lips parting to demand answers, but the words froze on her lips. His shirt was old enough that it stretched across his shoulders comfortably. He was barefoot. Sakura had a weakness for men with bare feet and there had always been something strangely appealing about a freshly washed Naruto. He quirked a brow in question, his eyes darkening to midnight as he watched her, and desperately, she reacted.

.

thegodfather2450 · 01-12-2009, 09:50 AM

“What the hell is your problem Uzumaki?” Okay, not exactly what she had planned on shouting, but it worked and his eyes lightened with surprise. When dealing with her friend’s strange ability for emotional insight, it was best to just wallop him when he wasn’t expecting it.

Blue eyes blinked rapidly. “Huh?”

Pressing one fist on her hip, and not caring that it made her look confrontational, she frowned at him, “Where the hell have you been?”

Those wide eyes were confused, “on missions.”

“Exactly!” Jerking around, she slammed the kettle back onto the stove. “On missions! Not even two weeks after almost getting yourself killed, you decide to take off with your new ANBU status and try to get yourself killed in a completely new fashion.”

She could feel his confusion fade into hesitation. To her surprise, that hesitation shifted into determination. Peeking over her shoulder as the water started to heat again, she considered the line of his jaw. Time to interrupt his thought process.

“I know I told you I was alright with someone else watching your back Naruto, because I wasn’t ready or willing to join ANBU to do it for you, but you do remember that I withheld the right to kick your ass if you did something stupid, right?”

He took a slow breath, and the line of his jaw eased. “I needed to be out doing things, Sakura. It was… hard.”

She nodded. At least he was talking about it. “Sasuke.”

She ignored the way he stiffened a little. “Yes.”

“He is alright, Naruto. There are going to be lingering effects, things won’t ever be the same,” the wistful note in her voice was only partly mocking. “But that’s okay. We’re still team seven.”

“It’s… okay?”

She twisted around, and frowned. It was possible that Naruto was involved in a completely different conversation than she was. It had happened before. Best to put his feet squarely on the path she wanted then. Too many conversations had ended badly because of miscommunications.

“You mean you don’t want to be team seven anymore?”

His eyes huge, “Sakura!”

She bit her tongue to keep from smiling. Too easy. “Okay… so that was a bit low. Tell me Naruto… Why haven’t you talked to Sasuke?”

“I… needed time.”

“For what?”

“Stuff.”

The teakettle hissed and she poured the hot water into the two plastic cups, her brow furred as she tried to think that one through. Stuff? What stuff?

“Sakura….” His tone was careful. “Have you and Sasuke talked… about… your own stuff?”

“You mean my undying affection?” Her back was turned so she missed his reaction, but she heard his intake of breath.

“Yeah.”

“Sasuke…” she allowed her voice to soften, starring down into the cup of noodles. “Sasuke… I don’t know who changed, Naruto. I just can’t tell. I mean, we both have changed, but I don’t know when it changed.”

There was a long pause. “Changed?’

“It isn’t so much that he isn’t the man that I thought he was. He is, even if it’s buried under scars and lies… but something has changed. I just can’t tell if it’s me or if it’s him!”

“Is that… okay?”

“It would be damn uncomfortable if he was even remotely in love with me.” She muttered in a rush.

Grabbing a pair of chopsticks, she shoved the first cup into his hands. To her surprise, he barely caught it, his face slack with shock. It took a few seconds to pour and stir her cup, and when she turned, his features had the normal wonder and delights from his precious ramen. It was always best to have ramen in front of him when she had something life altering to admit to. She sighed in pleasure when she finally sat down. The silence between them was comfortable as they tiredly ate.

Once she felt the edge of her hunger abate, she started talking again. “I think I’m a horrible person.” It felt good to admit that.

Naruto coughed, his forearm banging painfully against the table as he tried to clear his lungs. She hurried on to explain before he could get the breath to argue with her; because he would have.

“You probably know better than anyone why I chased after him. You chased after him because you promised me… and it was over something that I’m not sure ever existed. I don’t love him.” Her tone was resigned, soft.

“Sakura.”

“Do you know how long it took me to realize that?” She refused to look at him.

“Sakura-chan…”

She ignored his second attempt to interrupt. “I spent so many years of my life chasing the damn man so I could drag him back by his hair to realize that life was here. With us, he could have had a life! I finally have him in reach… and nothing. I have nothing. Which I promptly tried to ignore, because that had to be love, right? You don’t just throw away so many years of your life without loving someone.”

His eyes were wide with shock, but there was warmth there as well. She needed that. Taking a shuddering breath, she sighed, lowering her eyes. She had needed to tell him that, but now it was time to point this conversation back where it belonged. She could just drown herself in the shower later.

“Sasuke needs you Naruto. I’m still fumbling for ways to help him. We’re attempting to become friends. You are his friend. He needs you to be here.”

“You’re his friend too, Sakura-chan.”

“Maybe, but I think you’re the better one out of the two of us. You never wanted anything from him besides friendship. I’m still trying to deal with the fact that I love him as my brother and teammate, only.” It was terrifying, thinking that those emotions she had poured into Sasuke might have just been friendship. Perhaps it had been love at one time and she had just burned them into ashes.

Naruto’s tone was soft. “That’s not true.”

“What’s not true?”

thegodfather2450 · 01-12-2009, 09:54 AM

“That I never wanted something from him.”

“What?”

His smile was slightly pained, but there was such hope in his expression, that she blinked. “It doesn’t matter now. So Sasuke needs me, does he?”

“He won’t admit it.”

“Then I suppose I’ll just have to beat it out of him.”

Laughter burbled in her chest. “He is still on house arrest. He can’t train yet.”

“The day I can’t get around some old fogies to spar with my best friend is the day I kiss the old hag.”

Sakura snorted at that mental image. “You’re one of those old fogies now, Mr. ANBU.”

He stuck his tongue out and went back to his ramen. Sakura went back to her own noodles, her appetite revived. Naruto hadn’t mocked her, hadn’t told her that yes, she had to love Sasuke. Ino certainly had. There was a sort of understanding in his face that warmed her as she finished her meal.

It was good to have him home.

….

Sakura waved to the blond bouncing impatiently on her heels. Ino was looking impatient and she couldn’t blame her. She was running behind this afternoon.

“Ino! I’m sorry I’m so late; the medical examinations took so much longer than I thought they would.” She apologized as she stepped up next to her friend.

Ino lifted a brow as she turned, her expression amused. “One of these days you are going to have to learn how to tell Tsunade no, you know.”

“I know,” Sakura said sheepishly as the girls walked into their favorite tempura restaurant. “But it’s only for another two weeks and then things will be slowing down a little.” ‘Or at least that’s what I am hoping. I’m going to have to take a mission to get some rest if it doesn’t.’

“I’m surprised they even let you out of that dungeon for lunch with me,” Ino teased.

“It’s not that bad,” Sakura scolded. “It’s just… busy.”

Ino snorted, but said nothing else as the waiter appeared to take their orders. They hurriedly scanned the menu.

“Shikamaru said that Naruto was back in town.”

“He came by the other night,” Sakura agreed, sipping her cold tea with a sigh. It was getting so hot already. This summer was going to be miserable. “I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to him since then. I think he left this morning to go on another mission. I’m not sure.”

“Shikimaru didn’t mention him going on a mission. He did say that Naruto was taking a lighter load of missions.” Ino stared at her. “Do you know anything about that?”

“We talked about some things,” Sakura admitted. “It was mostly me doing the talking, but I was under the impression that he would be slowing down a little. Naruto is just the type that he has to have something to focus all his energy on at one time or he starts to get antsy.”

“I don’t think that’s it,” Ino mused, leaning back with a thoughtful look on her face. “Did you explain to him what was going on with you and Sasuke.”

“Nothing is going on with me and Sasuke,” Sakura pointed out, rolling her eyes.

“Exactly.”

Sakura frowned at her friend. “I don’t understand what you are trying to say.”

Ino waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not that big of a deal.”

Sakura shrugged. “Okay. Did Shikimaru say when he thought the council would let Sasuke out of his house arrest?”

Ino gave her a weird look. “I would have thought you would know before Shikimaru with Tsunade.”

Sakura shook her head. “She is doing her best not to compromise her position by giving me information that the council would disapprove of. I’m doing my best to pretend I’m not interested.”

Ino shook her head in amusement. “No, Shikimaru hasn’t said anything, but I haven’t asked either. I can ask him if you want?”

“That’s okay,” Sakura said. “I’m sure Naruto will fish the information out eventually.”

Ino nodded. “So, speaking of Sasuke, now that you’re over him and everything, have you been thinking about dating anyone else?”

Sakura swallowed her tea wrong and ended up coughing. “What?”

“It’s a perfectly natural question, forehead girl,” Ino said in exasperation. “You don’t want Sasuke anymore, so what do you want? I don’t think Lee has given up on you yet…”

Sakura sighed. “No, he hasn’t.”

“I’m sensing a ‘but’ here.”

thegodfather2450 · 01-12-2009, 10:01 AM

Sakura was saved from answering immediately with the arrival of the tempura. Ino gave her a knowing look as she took a large bite, but she ignored her friend as she tried to collect her thoughts. Figured that Ino would bring up a subject she hadn’t even thought to consider yet.

“I don’t know,” she said finally. “I mean all my life it’s been Sasuke. I wasn’t even aware that there were possibilities outside of Sasuke until recently. Now that I know there are other possibilities, it’s hard to find someone to match up to the standards he held, you know?”

“Yes. I think so,” Ino agreed. “Well, I have an idea, anyway. Shikimaru and I didn’t exactly have this problem, but I was never as into Sasuke as you were.”

Sakura shrugged. “It isn’t just that. I need someone who can be my equal, Ino, both in strength and mentality and that rather cuts the list in half.”

“It just means you need to introduce yourself to a bunch of ANBU.” Ino corrected with a grin. “Surely someone there is strong enough to deal with you.”

Sakura snorted, and to her relief, the conversation died a little as they both tucked into their meal. The murmur of the crowd around her was relaxing, and the cold tea had woken her up enough to enjoy her meal. A flash of blond out the window had her eyes flicking to the window, but she didn’t see anyone she knew.

‘Naruto is ANBU.’

The thought caught her completely off guard and she breathed deeply, glad that she hadn’t had anything her mouth. Ino gave her a look, and she hurried took a large bite of her tempura.

‘What does that mean? Of course, Naruto is ANBU he wants to be Hokage. He has to be the best.’ She scolded herself. She chewed rapidly, trying to control her confusion with distraction. Where had that thought come from? Surely, her subconscious didn’t think that Naruto of all people was dateable. It was Naruto!

Firmly taping down the thought, she turned back to Ino, determined to distract herself from those thoughts. She didn’t have the patience to even think that thought through right then, and it was ridiculous anyway. Naruto was her friend.

…..

The quiet was mostly deceiving. The rooftop he was currently sprawled on was peaceful even surrounded by agitated chakra of searching ANBU officers. Sasuke didn’t appear to notice them, but that calm façade was as deceitful as his Sexy No Jutsu. It wouldn’t surprise him at all if Sasuke was not only aware of the ANBU, but could probably recite their major abilities and skills. His friend was such a sneaky bastard. A cold fish, but sneaky when he chose to be. The idiots wouldn’t think to look to the top of the Hokage’s tower until after they had already left.

“We probably only have another half hour,” Naruto said lazily, watching the stars twinkle.

“Perhaps.”

Sitting up, rolling muscles that burned a little from the sparring match with Sasuke, he lifted both hands and settled them behind his head comfortably. If only Sakura was here, this moment would be perfect. Well, if Sakura was here and Sasuke relaxed enough to give him more than one word sentences. Sasuke was such a moody little bastard with the emotional depth of a ramen bowel. Sakura… It was better for Sakura to be getting sleep right now, with the way the old hag had been pushing everyone at the hospital.

He really didn’t see what she had seen in their teammate all those years. Sasuke was a friend, his teammate, someone he had fought for and would fight for again, he just couldn’t imagine anyone actually wanting to marry the bastard. The smile on his lips grew as he remembered the conversation he had had with her those nights ago. Sakura wasn’t in love with the emotionally stinted Uchiha, and he was one-step closer to being the Hokage. Life was good.

“You look like an idiot.”

“You’re just jealous.”

The Uchiha grunted but said nothing. Naruto smirked for a moment before eyeing the man next to him. “You’re not interested in her, are you?”

Sakura might say she wasn’t interested in Sasuke, but if Sasuke started to pursue her, then things could get tricky. He didn’t want to lose either of them, and if Sakura chose Sasuke, he would bite his tongue and say nothing. Having lived with hope for the past week, it was a hard question to ask.

“Sakura is my teammate.” Sasuke said firmly.

Naruto frowned at him. “She is my teammate too.”

Sasuke sighed. “She is only my teammate.”

“Oh. Well that’s good, because I’m going to marry her.”

“You are a fool.”

“Maybe,” Naruto agreed his smile widening. “I don’t really care, though. She already trusts me; she knows I’m there for her. It’s just a matter of time before she realizes everything else.”

Sasuke made a noise, but didn’t say anything else and Naruto stood. “We should be heading back. Eventually one of those idiots is going to think to look here.”

A puff of smoke, and the roof was clear.

…..

thegodfather2450 · 01-12-2009, 10:11 AM

Sakura wearily trudged her way down the street to her one room apartment. She was so damn tired. Training ninja to be field medics was always difficult, but after the war with Sound, it was necessary that they fill the ranks that were empty. Tsunade had decided that every genin team from now on have at least one member who knew the basics of healing jutsu and it was putting a strain on the medics qualified to train. It took a minute to find her keys, and even longer, to get her tired fingers to work correctly to fit the key into the proper slot to open the door. Twisting the key twice, she let herself into the apartment. It was a simple deterrent to keep unwanted civilians out of her home.

Collapsing onto her couch, she pressed her face into the soft fabric with the intent to block out the entire outside world. She wanted to melt into the fabric and pretend that she didn’t have to go in for another double shift in the morning. She wanted to pretend that she had the energy to banish all her aches and pains, and that she wasn’t completely depleted of chakra. The longer she sprawled, the better she felt. Lifting her head slightly, she stared at the cushion under her cheek. When did her cushion start smelling like Naruto again? He had been on what was a light duty compared to his early schedule since their talk in her kitchen. He only came here when he was upset about something. Usually. As far as she knew, he hadn’t been in her apartment for close a month, the night she had fed him ramen.

Her stomach growled, but Sakura ignored it and snuggled back into her couch. She was too tired to deal with dinner tonight. Napping for an hour or so before digging through her pantry for something simple seemed liked the best plan. Tucking her cold feet under another cushion, she closed her eyes.

Voices pulled her from her nap, and she did her best to ignore them. Instincts tugged at her, even as she placed the voices in her kitchen. Opening blurry eyes, she rubbed her face and forced herself to wake up. Pushing herself up, she stared stupidly at the blanket that fell off her shoulders to pool around her lap. Turning slightly, she found that her kitchen had indeed been invaded by her teammates.

“You think that will be enough?” Naruto’s voice was doubtful as he peered over Sasuke’s shoulder. “Sakura eats a lot more than she used to. The hag has been working her hard, and she sometimes skips meals. I bet she’s hungry.”

Still groggy, she frowned at that. “Naruto? Sasuke? Why are you in my kitchen?”

The blond turned with a smile. “We’re cooking dinner.” His expression was innocent and open. Sakura didn’t trust him any further than Ino could throw him.

One eyebrow arched up before she could help herself. Naruto could cook; he had lived his entire life on his own. Sasuke… well, she supposed Orochimaru hadn’t been that good of a cook, and she doubted he would have trusted anyone to cook for him. His reaction to the hospital food that Naruto or Sakura hadn’t brought him had been proof of that. Running her hands through her hair, she shoved the blanket off her lap and walked over to see what they were cooking.

“You’re making Okonomiyaki?” she loved Okonomiyaki with tuna. Her eyes flickered to the little bowls with ingredients and she grinned. Naruto had remembered.

Sasuke gave a curt nod. His eyes left the small pan he was frying the flat dough in. “We ran into Ino.”

Naruto slung an arm around her shoulders, and she leaned against his frame eaisly. “Ino?”

What did the blonde woman have to do with anything?

“She said you haven’t been eating well,” Naruto filled in, “so we thought we would come over and cook dinner. The old hag has been taking up too much of your time.” His fingers flexed against her shoulder.

Sakura winced. “She has been attempting to get all the newbies trained and out into the field as quickly as possible without sacraficing their training. The rest of us just have to work overtime.” She poked him in the ribs, silently informing him what she thought of his worry. He winked at her, but she could see a faint glimmer of concern in his eyes. Normally, she would have added some chakra to that poke to prove her point. She was just too tired to do it right now.

“You’re drained,” Nartuo muttered, frowning down at her. Sakura ignored him, scooting out from under his arm to peer around Sasuke at the pile of food. Her mouth watered in appreciation.

“I’m finished.” Sasuke said, moving the hot pan into the sink, defusing the tension she could feel building in Naruto behind her.

“Food!”

The food ended up piled on her coffee table so they could all sprawl out on the floor cushions and relax. Even Sasuke unbent enough to recline. It probably helped that her kitchen blocked them from the view of the windows.

Leaning back with a sigh, her plate piled high, she let her couch support her back. “Aren’t you supposed to be on house arrest?”

Naruto grinned around a mothful, but swallowed before he spoke. “That’s the other reason we came over! To celebrate! The old hag finally let him out of lockdown.” ‘Not that it was really working.’

“Was it even working?”

“No.” Sasuke replied, his expression unconcerned as he took another bite of food.

Sakura sighed, wondering what mischief her team had been getting to without her. She tried to be jealous, but she was too damn tired to work up the proper emotion. “So when are they going to let you start taking missions?”

“I’m restricted to D class for a year,” Sasuke said with a shrug. “After that I’m only allowed C class with supervision until the council decides that I’m trustworthy and not a flight risk.”

“Whose supervision?” Wiggling a little, she tried to find a more comfortable position against the couch.

“ANBU,” Naruto replied as he reached for the last of the food. “They might let me supervise since I proved I can kick his ass."

Sasuke snorted. Naruto ignored him.

“The council is probably going to be as difficult as they can manage without completely undermining the hags authority.” Naruto finished.

“I expected the clans to be unhappy, I guess I just didn’t expect them to be this…” she struggled to find the words.

thegodfather2450 · 01-13-2009, 07:16 AM

-27-Sakura lifted the bottle of sake that Sasuke had procured from somewhere. He seemed a little disgruntled at sharing his stash, but a little arm-twisting was all it took before they found themselves in his living room. Getting totally trashed right then probably wasn't the best idea, but Sasuke wasn't drinking and the high level of traps she could feel humming against her skin told her that it would take a small army to break through. Tossing back a mouthful, she let it burn all the way down and blinked several times.

"Where did you get this again? It's good quality."

Sasuke gave her a look that was a cross between amused and exasperated. Naruto had been right. It was definitely the eyebrows. Naruto just snorted from where he was flat on his back, his own bottle cradled between his knees.

"Will you even remember if I tell you now?" Sasuke asked mildly as he settled in front of his couch, his long fingers cradling a ridiculous looking teacup.

Sakura waved her hand lazily, ignoring the way her peripheral vision was starting to turn fuzzy. "Sure. This can't be as bad as the time Tsunade, Shizune and I holed up in the tower and played shot games all night."

Naruto sat up so fast he wavered. "You did what?"

Sakura was impressed. The fact that he could sit up (even if he was tilting) and manage clear speech was impressive. She really thought it was unfair how her boys could burn up alcohol so quickly… even if she cheated by stimulating her liver before she even started drinking.

"Hmm. One of many learning experiences in how to hold my liquor." She blinked a little and nodded when her vision cleared. Sasuke was starring at her with those dark eyes and Naruto's mouth was agape.

"What?"

Naruto pointed a finger at her. "You turned the Hokage Tower into… into… a…a…a bar!"

Sakura snorted. "No I didn't. Tsunade did. The day she was made Hokage!"

Sasuke sighed. "I'm going to need some of that if you two don't shut up."

Two sets of eyes narrowed in on him.

"You're too much of a lightweight for this stuff." Naruto informed him merrily. "Bet you would be passed out before Sakura-chan there!"

Sakura considered the sake in her hands. She wondered if she had the control to pick the coffee table up and beat Naruto with it. Probably not. If she needed to knock down a wall she would be able to, but fine control was beyond her.

"I can out drink you, idiot."

"No you can't."

Sakura leaned forward and pointed. "Ino's birthday last year."

"You cheated!"

"Oh and like your ability to burn up alcohol like you do isn't cheating!"

"I'd already had one drinking match with Kiba!"

Sasuke reached over and steadied the jar that Naruto almost kicked over. "I'm going to cut you both off if you don't stop."

Naruto flopped back onto his back and waved a hand. "Yes, yes."

Sasuke's eyes narrowed to slits and Sakura sighed. "Behave. Both of you. I may be a bit tipsy, but that doesn't mean I can't put you both in traction. Besides, we need to talk."

Naruto sighed. "Yeah. That's right. What the hell is going on, teme?"

Sasuke took another sip of his tea. "What do you know?"

"Hyuuga. Akatsuki." Naruto lifted his fingers into the air as he rattled off one-word sentences. "Council."

"They will be announcing the new Council in the morning or late evening."

Naruto propped himself up. "Yeah, Baa-chan said that she thought the replacements were voted in. Do we know who they are?"

"Yes."

Sakura took another swallow and waited for the world to tilt back into place. "Who?"

Sasuke gave her another amused look and started to rattle off names. By the time he was done Sakura was sitting up ramrod straight and was sure her expression mirrored Naruto's open-mouthed gape.

"WHAT?"

Sasuke leaned back and sipped his tea. "I realize you’re both halfway to drunk, but I don't care to repeat myself."

"But… but…" Naruto sputtered.

Sakura stared at him. "How?"

Sakura's lips curved just a little. "I might have made a few suggestions."

"You blackmailed them?" Sakura and Naruto demanded together.

"Requested. Nicely." Sasuke corrected.

"But… but…" Naruto tried again. Sakura nudged his foot and lifted her bottle helpfully.

"Drink."

He did.

Once his expression was a little more relaxed, Sakura turned back to Sasuke. "You blackmailed the clans into putting who you... or rather Tsuande, wanted into place?"

Sasuke smirked. "I suggested a few names to the people Tsunade thought would listen."

"You sneaky snake bastard." Naruto rasped.

"I would kiss you," Sakura said seriously, "but I don't have a lot of balance right now."

Naruto grinned at her. "You can kiss me."

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Not when you're seeing three of me."

Sasuke lifted a brow in a silent question.

Naruto's smile was lecherous. "She likes me. She kissed me."

"I'm going to thump you if you don't shut up." Sakura said reasonably. "We were discussing the fact that Sasuke and Tsunade set up the council so that you could be Hokage." She paused and then added thoughtfully, "and so Hinata could take over Hyuuga."

Naruto lifted his bottle. "All the more reason for celebration!"

She couldn't argue with that. Lifting her bottle she tilted in a salute at Naruto and shivered as another mouthful burned down her throat. "Where did you get this stuff?"

"You both are staying here tonight." Sasuke informed them as he gathered, stood and took his teacup to the sink, ignoring her question. "Ibiki has a list that hasn't been completely accounted for."

Naruto cranked open an eye. "Thatsa why you wanted us drunk. Baa-chan already told us. 'Sides, Sakura-chan wants a shower!"

"Dobe." Sasuke said with a sigh. Reaching down he offered Sakura a hand. "Come on. Let's get you both sobered up."

Sakura nodded sagely and accepted his hand. She staggered into his side and blinked.

"I think that's probably a good idea. And the shower."

"Yup." Naruto agreed. He grinned. "You got any rice balls?"

Sasuke sighed.

"Your alcohol." Sakura said with a grin. She paused, and feeling brave, grinned at him mischievously. Some things you just saved for when you were a bit tipsy. Reaching out, she poked him in the abdomen. "Very nice."

"Hey! I'm the one with the abs. Sasuke has the ass, remember?"

"You should ignore him," Sakura said reasonably. "He dumber when he’s drunk."

"You just wait until I'm finished seeing three of you," Naruto warned her as he stood unsteadily. "I'm going to bend you over my knee and spank you."

Sakura lifted a brow and flexed her fingers in a silent challenge. "I can still put you through a wall."

"It'd be worth it." Naruto returned.

"No kinky sex in my apartment." Sasuke said flatly. "No kink period. No sex. You can't even hold hands."

"Ah, Sasuke! You ruin everything."

"No."

"But!"

"Naruto!" Sakura growled. "I'll rearrange your vocal cords with your lungs if you don't drop it!"

"… right." He said finally. "Is that possible?"

"We can test it if you like."

"So, Sasuke… you said something about food?"

"I hate you both."

thegodfather2450 · 01-13-2009, 07:19 AM

-28-Sakura woke up to someone playing with her hair and the smell of miso. Cracking on eye open, she glared at Naruto. He was sitting on the bed and braiding her hair, a small grin on his face.

"Why are you here?"

"Bastard is making breakfast."

"That doesn't explain you."

"I came to wake you up!" He said cheerfully. "It's almost ten."

Sakura pressed her face under the pillow and grunted at him. He laughed and slapped her butt. "Up, up, up, Sakura-chan!"

"I'll bribe Neji into killing you."

"Neji doesn't take bribes. It's beneath him!"

"You'd be surprised what he will do for a good neck rub." Sakura returned as she pushed herself up.

Naruto paused. "What?"

"Don't worry about it." Sakura said sweetly as she staggered towards the bathroom. "Tell Sasuke I'll be out in ten."

She was done in eight and when she stepped out of the bathroom, feeling a little more awake. Naruto and Sasuke were waiting on her in the kitchen. Naruto was sprawled across a bar stool watching Sasuke finish breakfast, eyes narrowed in concentration.

"Do you need any help, Sasuke?"

"I'm almost finished and dobe set the table."

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Don't make it sound like I didn't offer to help either. You turned me down."

Sakura breathed in the pungent smell of fish and grinned. "Still eating simple?"

Sasuke shrugged. "It's good."

"It's boring," Naruto corrected. "You need more ramen in your diet."

"You don't have to eat it." Sasuke returned mildly. "That leaves more for me and Sakura."

Naruto put a hand over his heart and sulked. "I'm hurt. Right here."

Sakura ruffled his hair as she went by. "You'll live."

"I'm feeling a distinct lack of love in this apartment," Naruto grumbled as he deliberately moved the chair so that Sasuke had to sidestep or trip over it as he laid breakfast on the table.

"What you're feeling is a distinct lack of the correct ratio of blood and caffeine." Sakura informed him as she flopped into a chair and smiled her thanks at Sasuke.

Naruto rolled his eyes and tried to steal a piece of fish off Sasuke's plate. Sasuke speared Naruto's hand with his chopsticks and glared.

"Absolutely no love."

Sakura rolled her eyes as she poured herself a cup of tea. "When do you think you'll have time to head over to the Tower to talk to Tsunade about what happened in Sand?"

"Probably after lunch. I've got a few things to take care of this morning." Naruto said around a mouthful of fish.

"A few things?" Sasuke asked quietly.

"Just a few loose odds and ends." He smiled at them. "What about you Bastard?"

Sasuke shrugged.

Naruto shifted forward towards his plate again and Sasuke narrowed his eyes.

"I'm not reattaching fingers." Sakura said firmly, setting her cup down and leaning forward. "Behave."

"Awe, Sakura-chan, you take all the fun out of breakfast."

"I'm going to take all the fun out of breathing in a few minutes." She replied serenely, fingering her own chopsticks.

Naruto pouted. "Fine, fine. No love."

Sakura shook her head. "Is there anything else we should know about, Sasuke? About the council. Before we find ourselves neck deep in backlash?"

Sasuke stared at her for a long moment. "Hiashi placed the bird seal on his youngest daughter."

Naruto froze, his hand hovering over the rice bowl. Sakura bit her lip at the curious way Naruto's eyes had gone flat and hard.

"When?"

"A few days ago." Sasuke said calmly as he lifted his chopsticks to his mouth. "Hinata-san stopped by to inform me of the decision."

Naruto's fingers curled into fists. "Fucking Hyuuga."

Sakura sighed. Sasuke sure knew how to kill an early morning meal. Still, she supposed it was better for Naruto to hear about it now, with them, than on the street with no one to buffer his temper.

"Naruto."

His shoulders were tight but he turned to face her.

"You weren't here. You couldn't have stopped it." She closed her fingers around his wrist. "Even if you were here, all you would have done was complicate matters. Hanabi-san wouldn't have wanted your help and Hinata wouldn't have asked."

"You can't save the world, idiot."

"I can try." Naruto snapped back. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I can try."

"We'll, you've got to start with things you can change." Sakura said briskly. "The Hyuuga's have a chance to change with Hinata. The way they went about enforcing his decision is terrible but it is the best thing for the clan."

Sasuke lifted his tea. "Hinata-san said she had a promise to keep."

Naruto stilled and finally nodded. "Yeah."

"What promise?"

Naruto shook his head, the tension slowly easing out of his shoulders. "I'll tell you some other time."

Sakura nodded and exchanged a look with Sasuke. Time for a distraction. What Naruto really needed right then was to beat the hell out of something. Sasuke had just volunteered himself for that duty. "Right."

"Right?"

Sakura leaned over and smiled at him. Naruto blinked at her expression and narrowed his eyes as she leaned back and popped the last of his fish into her mouth.

"Hey!"

"Well I gotta run. I'll give Tsunade-sensei my report after I stop by the hospital!"

"Sakura-chan! You can't eat and run! That's cheating!" He lunged for her, but she dodged him with the expediency of kicking his chair back into his legs. He grunted and slammed into the table.

Sasuke glared at her.

"I'll see you two later."

Naruto tilted his head as the door shut. "Do you think she does these things on purpose?"

Sasuke snorted and started collecting dishes.

thegodfather2450 · 01-13-2009, 07:22 AM

-29-Naruto flopped on his back and tried to ignore the feeling of his ribs mending themselves. He had needed that. The tension from breakfast was gone, leaving him with mending bones, heaving lungs and the sort of relaxation only the satisfaction of beating your best friend to a pulp could bring. Heaving for air, he grinned a little to himself as he realized that Sasuke was just as winded. The curl of satisfaction was from knowing his friend was going to end up getting Sakura to check his own ribs.

The narrowed eyed glare told him that Sasuke knew what he was thinking and didn't particularly care for it. Grinning even wider, he turned his attention to the puffy clouds.

"You're such an ass."

Sasuke snorted. "Still bitter that I won?"

Naruto grunted. "Like hell."

"Idiot."

"Bastard."

"When are you going to talk to her?"

"What?"

Sasuke sighed and rolled himself to his feet. "Sakura."

"No, no, I got that." He waved his hand. "What I want to know is why you want to know? And where the hell this conversation came from?"

Sasuke pinned him with a look.

"Okay so I guess I know why you wanna know, but I still don't know."

"What?"

"When I'm gonna talk to her. Dunno."

Sasuke looked uncomfortable for a second and then it disappeared behind his eyes. "Girls like to know where they stand."

Naruto shot to his feet. "What the hell is that supposed to mean? Sakura-chan knows she's my precious person."

Sasuke snorted. "If you don't know, I'm not telling you."

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "I'll kick your scrawny Uchiha-ass if you’re not careful."

Sasuke looked bored. "If you say so." His eyes flickered upwards. "Don't you have babysitting duties?"

Naruto pointed his finger. "You're not… hey, crap! I forgot! Hey, how did you know about that?"

"Whatever."

"We're not finished here!" Naruto informed his he turned to bolt out of the training grounds. "I'll beat it out of you later."

"Hn."

thegodfather2450 · 01-13-2009, 07:25 AM

-30-Naruto flopped on his back and tried to ignore the feeling of his ribs mending themselves. He had needed that. The tension from breakfast was gone, leaving him with mending bones, heaving lungs and the sort of relaxation only the satisfaction of beating your best friend to a pulp could bring. Heaving for air, he grinned a little to himself as he realized that Sasuke was just as winded. The curl of satisfaction was from knowing his friend was going to end up getting Sakura to check his own ribs.

The narrowed eyed glare told him that Sasuke knew what he was thinking and didn't particularly care for it. Grinning even wider, he turned his attention to the puffy clouds.

"You're such an ass."

Sasuke snorted. "Still bitter that I won?"

Naruto grunted. "Like hell."

"Idiot."

"Bastard."

"When are you going to talk to her?"

"What?"

Sasuke sighed and rolled himself to his feet. "Sakura."

"No, no, I got that." He waved his hand. "What I want to know is why you want to know? And where the hell this conversation came from?"

Sasuke pinned him with a look.

"Okay so I guess I know why you wanna know, but I still don't know."

"What?"

"When I'm gonna talk to her. Dunno."

Sasuke looked uncomfortable for a second and then it disappeared behind his eyes. "Girls like to know where they stand."

Naruto shot to his feet. "What the hell is that supposed to mean? Sakura-chan knows she's my precious person."

Sasuke snorted. "If you don't know, I'm not telling you."

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "I'll kick your scrawny Uchiha-ass if you’re not careful."

Sasuke looked bored. "If you say so." His eyes flickered upwards. "Don't you have babysitting duties?"

Naruto pointed his finger. "You're not… hey, crap! I forgot! Hey, how did you know about that?"

"Whatever."

"We're not finished here!" Naruto informed his he turned to bolt out of the training grounds. "I'll beat it out of you later."

"Hn."

thegodfather2450 · 01-13-2009, 07:27 AM

-30-"It's about time you got here, forehead. I was about to give up and change my order to go."

Sakura flopped down into the chair across from her and grimaced. "Sorry. I stopped by the hospital after giving my report and got caught up in surgery."

Ino lifted a brow. "Ouch."

"Yeah." She gave a weary smile. "But I'm off for the rest of the afternoon. In theory, at least."

"Right. We'll, I've only got time for lunch. I'm running the flower shop myself this week. Which is fine, if fairly boring. Shikamaru is covering for me right now."

Sakura lifted a brow. "Shikamaru?"

Ino smiled serenely. "Yes."

Sakura grinned. "I thought Chouji and Shika had sworn off babysitting the shop for you after that time Gai and Lee went in looking for flowers."

"I blackmail them into it occasionally." Ino said with a shrug. She took a sip of her tea and smiled. "You missed all the excitement you know."

"There was plenty of excitement in Sand, Ino."

"Right." Ino dismissed her words with a wave of her hand. "Crazy Kazekage, Jounin fighting in the heat, sand everywhere it’s not supposed to be; besides the potential for ogling men in those very attractive Sand Uniforms, that's not a job I would have wanted."

"Probably why you weren't invited!" Sakura teased.

"Invited! Ha! That was a mission, not a pleasure vacation!"

"It had its bright points." Sakura argued, eyes scanning the menu.

"Enlighten me."

Sakura didn't bother to look up. "No."

"You're no fun forehead. No fun at all."

"I'm hungry."

"I don't know why you're bothering with the menu. I ordered for you already. Should be here soon."

Sakura huffed and shut the menu. Ino just grinned.

"I figure if I keep this up you'll eventually show up on time. It's my new strategy."

"I show up on time!"

Ino pursed her lips. "I suppose. Usually only when it involves your precious team, although if I had to choose between Sasuke or Naruto ordering for me I'm not sure who I would pick."

Sakura smothered a laugh. "Yes. It's a choice between bland, boring but nutritional or exciting and the chance of ruining my stomach lining."

"Or Ramen."

"Or Ramen," Sakura agreed with a smile.

Ino paused and narrowed her eyes. She paused only because the waitress dropped off their lunches. Taking her time, she broke her chopsticks open and stared at her.

"Something happened between you and Naruto, didn't it?"

"What?"

"Ha! I knew it!" Ino's smile was triumphant. "Shika owes me money."

"Ino!"

She waved her hand looking smug. "Tell me everything."

Sakura crossed her arms. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Ino waved a piece of beef around like it was a Kunai. "I saw Naruto this morning. Kurenai roped him into baby-sitting Ayumu and they stopped by to see Shika. He bounced. Granted, he always bounces around after a mission, but this bounce is more of a "pretty girl likes me" bounce instead of his "omg, I just got the best ramen ever" bounce."

"… You catalogue his bounces?"

"Shika figures the kid has enough luck to actually make it to Hokage. I figured I might as well start getting used to trying to read his body language now while I can. Before he is obscured by a ridiculous cloak and hat."

"Naruto is going to be Hokage," Sakura firmly told Ino, staring her down. "Believe it."

Ino laughed. "Now you're even sounding like him!"

Sakura stuck out her tongue. "Oh shut up."

"Your distraction isn't going to get you out of this conversation. What happened?"

Sakura glared at her before giving in. There really was no hope for it. "I kissed him."

"We'll it’s about damn time!" Ino said looking satisfied. She popped a mouthful of vegetables in her mouth and fairly vibrated with satisfaction. When she swallowed she shoved a chopstick at her. "He's been moping after you for years, forehead!"

Sakura dragged her chopsticks through her lunch. "I know he had a crush on me as kids… but saying 'years' is a bit much, don't you think?"

"Ha! Don't be an idiot! You've spent your entire career too focused on one thing or another to really pay attention to that boy. Man. Future Hokage! He. Is. In. Love. With. You." Clearly satisfied with her speech and picked up her tea and smirked.

Sakura shook her head and stared down the street. "Maybe."

"There is no maybe, forehead-girl. Trust me. I know these things." She paused. "And speak of the devil…"

Sakura turned and blinked. Naruto was walking down the street with Ayumu on his shoulders. Both were working their way through cups of instant ramen. Naruto was going to have to wash his hair soon if the mess along Ayumu's front was anything to go by.

"You know, forehead, if you don't want him, I think I'll take him." Ino teased. "My grocery bill would be cut in half with all the ramen."

Sakura was only paying half attention, as Naruto looked over in their direction at that moment. His face lit up as he saw her and he waved, careful not to overbalance the ramen cup on his head or the child on his shoulders. He stood easily in the crowd, uncaring that he was blocking several civilians from the store’s entrance, happy and content to just stand there and watch her.

Right up until Ayumu spilled his ramen. Jerking forward he yelped as the hot water rushed down his neck and hopped around as he got a good grip on Ayumu and lifted him from his shoulders. The little boy was laughing and grinning and soon Naruto was laughing with him and pulling noodles from his shirt. Her chest tightened at the picture he made. It was just so… so… Naruto.

A slow smile curled her lips. She was such an idiot. "You know what Ino, I think you're right."

"What?"

Naruto shook the last of the noodles out of his shirt and swung Ayumu back onto his shoulders and pointed in their direction waving. The little boy waved, his smile missing teeth and as large as Naruto's. The realization that she wanted that – Naruto, ramen and messy little boy all – wasn't as startling as she thought it would be.

It was amusing, really. That it would take a mishap with ramen for her to realize what was going on. Ino was right. The smile on her face widened as Naruto sauntered off, exaggerating his walk, knowing that she was watching.

"Sakura!"

Turning her eyes back to her friend, she sighed. "I'm really in love with that idiot."

thegodfather2450 · 01-13-2009, 07:29 AM

-31-Sakura slammed the last file into place with a triumphant smile. Dropping into her chair she groaned, propping her feet up. Her afternoon off had completely disappeared under a pile of paperwork. She really should know better than to peek into her office to see what was waiting for her. Well, at least it was done now. And she had the time she needed to think about how she wanted to handle her realization from this afternoon. In love. With Naruto. Her smile was bordering on silly.

A soft knock caught her attention. "Anou… Sakura-san, do you have a moment?"

Sakura blinked and stood up. "Hinata! Please, come in!"

"Thank you."

Hinata nodded and stepped inside, her eyes roaming the office before coming to settle back on her. "I won't take up much of your time."

Sakura waved her hand. "I just finished. What can I do for you?"

Hinata folded her hands neatly in front of her and took a deep breath. "I'm sure you’re aware of the current standings in my clan?"

Sakura nodded.

Hinata bit her lip and continued, even as her cheeks turned a pale pink. "Do I have a chance?"

Sakura froze at her words. "Hinata?"

She made a small motion with her hand. "I would like to know where things stand with you and Naruto-kun, if I may."

Sakura bit her lip and gave a helpless shrug. How did you tell someone who has been loyally in love with the same man you just realized you cared about for years? Honestly. "I love him, but I don't know if he returns it."

Hinata was silent for several moments before nodding. "I thought so."

"Hinata…"

She shook her head, a faint grin in place. "This was selfish of me, Sakura-san. I wanted to make sure because… because I wanted to make sure that you would love him."

"If I may ask… why?"

"Because I must marry into the Clan now." She said simply. "It will be my choice, but in order to begin to mend the rift between Branch and the Main house I will take a husband from inside the clan." She gave a little shrug. "It is not as painful as I feared it would be. It helps that you love him."

"I'm sorry." Sakura said simply.

Hinata shook her head. "Don't be. You deserve him."

Sakura shifted her feet, suddenly uncomfortable. "I don't think anyone deserves anyone, Hinata-chan. I think we just get lucky sometimes."

Her pale eyes turned distant. "Perhaps that is so. My luck has never been so good."

Sakura's lips twitched a little. "Tsunade-sensei insists that luck is what you make it."

Hinata looked thoughtful. "I think I like that."

The door to her office swung open and Naruto sauntered in, pausing when he saw Hinata. "Hinata-chan!"

"N-Naruto-kun," she stammered, surprised. She took a deep breath and smiled. "How are you?"

His eyes went back and forth between the women before they landed on Hinata. "I'm doing great! How are things for you? No one’s giving you any trouble are they?" His tone was hard.

"N-no. Neji-kun would never a-allow it."

"Well, at least someone in your family has some decency." Naruto grumbled.

Hinata's face took on several more layers of red and she sketched a hasty bow. "Well, I have taken up enough of your time, Sakura-san. I'll catch you some time and perhaps we can talk then."

"I would like that." Sakura agreed.

"Yeah! You'll have to come and eat dinner with us sometime. I haven't seen you eat a good bowl of ramen in ages, Hinata-chan."

The girl flushed again, waved, and disappeared.

"You're going to have to go a little easy on her for a while." Sakura told Naruto quietly.

"Huh? Why?"

Sakura gave him an impatient look. "Because she's in love with you."

"What?"

"Hinata. She's in love with you."

Naruto blinked several times. "Oh…"

Sakura propped a hand on her hip. "How are you still alive with those observational skills?"

"Hey!" Naruto crossed his arms. "I just thought she was nervous talking to guys."

"Did she have that trouble with Kiba or Shino?"

"They're her teammates?" Naruto grumped. "They're exceptions to the all the normal rules?"

"Are they?" Her tone was soft, and she must have given something away because his head snapped around and he studied her with narrowed eyes.

He stalked to the edge of her desk. "What's that supposed to mean, Sakura?"

She sidestepped to keep the desk between them. "What is what supposed to mean?"

"You're hiding something." He mused, following her movements with his own. His eyes gleamed at her. "It's not nice to keep secrets, Sakura."

"Sakura?"

"Sensei!"

"Shizune said she thought you were here. I know I gave you the afternoon off but could you… Naruto?" Tsunade settled her hip against the doorway. "What are you doing here?"

Naruto never took his eyes off Sakura. They were almost glowing. Suddenly he grinned, an open, boyish smile that set off butterflies in her stomach.

"Sorry, Baa-chan, but she can't help you!"

Tsuande lifted a brow. "Why not?"

Naruto's smile altered into something utterly mischievous. "'Cause I'm taking her with me!"

"What?"

"Huh?"

Sakura had hardly a moment to process it when she was suddenly lifted and flung over Naruto's shoulder.

"This is an emergency you know."

Tsunade's other brow slowly arched. “It is?”

"Naruto!" She banged on his back. "Put me down!"

"No can do, Sakura-chan. I'm kidnapping you."

She paused. "Why?"

He ignored her question and shifted his hands behind her knees. Crouching a little, he smirked. "You'll have to excuse us."

Tsunade's lips twitched. "Of course. Bring her back in one piece."

"Sure thing."

"Naruto! If you don't put me down you're going to find yourself in pieces!"

He just grinned and lifted his hands away from her knees and quickly formed the seals to transport them out of the tower.

Tsunade grinned to herself and shut the door.

thegodfather2450 · 01-13-2009, 07:35 AM

-32-They appeared on a bridge so familiar that she didn't have to look around to see where they were. The charred imprint of a hand – left behind years ago by Sasuke – was a dead give away. She growled low in her throat as Naruto set her down and glared up at him.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't pound you?"

His hand slid into her hair, nails scrapping faintly against her scalp as his lips crashed into hers. She staggered into the railing of the bridge, off balanced and surprised. Naruto didn't seem to mind, instead he lifted her up and stepped in-between her legs, an arm sliding around her waist. Sakura froze with shock for a second before leaning into him, hands digging into his biceps as she kissed him back.

When he pulled back she stared up at him. "I'll suppose I can give you a few more moments to live so you can explain yourself properly."

He chuckled low in his throat, hand wondering along her spine. "I was hoping you would be doing the explaining?"

Sakura arched a brow at him. "Oh?"

He bent down and grinned, nose almost touching hers. "You have a secret."

Her lips twitched. "What if I do?"

He looked thoughtful. "Well, I suppose we can do this the easy way or the hard way."

"Oh?"

He brushed his lips across her mouth lightly. "You can tell me or I can throw you off the railing."

She snorted. "You can try to throw me off the bridge."

His arm tightened around her middle and his smile was all fox. "Is that a no?"

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Maybe?"

He grinned and flung them both off the bridge. She swore at him as they crashed under cool water. She came up sputtering and he laughed, throwing his hair out of his eyes.

"Nice day for a dip, eh, Sakura-chan?"

She lunged. He yelped and tried to swim away. Slapping the water with chakra, she buried him under a wave before landing him on his back and shoving him under the water again. He retaliated by grabbing an ankle and pulling. Twisting, she formed fast seals for the only water jutsu she ever really got down. His eyes widened under water before he was flung away from her.

She sucked in a lungful of air when she cleared the water and stuck her tongue out when he came out coughing. "I win!"

He grinned and lunged back into the water. "Not yet!"

By the time they made it to shore they were breathing heavily. Flopping down she glared at him. "Only you could turn a make out session into a water fight."

Naruto grinned at her. His eyelashes were clumped together and she had never seen his eyes so bright.

"I love you." He said simply, suddenly. "Have my entire life. Never been anyone else and I really hope there never is. You're my most precious person, Sakura-chan."

She stared at him, eyes wide. "Where did this come from?"

Naruto shrugged. "Figured you would want to know."

"Oh."

He reached over and flicked her bangs out of her eyes. "So, you gotta secret?"

"I'm not so sure it’s such a secret." She managed.

"I'm sure hoping its not." He said solemnly.

She flicked water at him. "I've known that I love you for half a day and you've already figured it out?"

He shut his eyes for a moment and smiled. "When you've been looking for as long as I have, you tend to notice a lot of things."

"Then what am I thinking right now?"

He opened his eyes and studied her. "How about some ramen?"

She laughed.

01-12-2009, 09:42 AM	#1
thegodfather2450 tale of galant jiraiya Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,249 Thanks: 663 Thanked 108 Times in 63 Posts	Shade of the Leaf The groceries felt heavy in her arms. The load was light, merely a fresh container of milk, a cartoon of eggs, and the tasteless, stringy cheese she liked to pull apart as she read medical scrolls. Just a quick run for food. Maybe tomorrow she would scrounge up the willpower to restock her dried goods and non-perishables. No point in buying more than a days worth of anything that wouldn't last more than a month on its own. Clutching her purchases a little tighter to her chest, she ignored the late afternoon crowd that was flowing around her. Instead, her eyes were locked onto a man whose back was to her, hands jammed into his pockets in an impatient gesture, head cocked to the side as he looked for something, someone. Naruto. Biting her lip, she tried to think of the last time she had seen him for more than a brief hello in the hallway to the Hokage's office. Even then, the hello was short, punctured by the flash of his familiar smile before he went in and she went out. Six months? His trial into ANBU had been almost seven months ago, and then there had been that quiet gathering at Lee's... Reaching up with her free hand, she rubbed her aching forehead. Six months was the longest time since their separation as teens that they had been apart on a mission. She spent too much of her time poring over medical scrolls, too many hours in a hospital perfecting her techniques. He was gone on missions so often she had stopped watering his plants and had just moved them into her place. She could count on her hand the number of times they had sparred lately. She needed the space. Needed to find her own footing and to prove to herself that everything was okay now. She thought that might have been why Naruto had joined ANBU. Adjusting her grip on her bag, ignoring the faintest fluttering in her gut, she moved in the direction of the blond. She had needed the space but six months of it was more than enough, even for her. He turned not five steps into her walk, smile firmly in place. An exasperated frown tugged lightly on her lips. She wondered how long he had been waiting for her to notice him, to make the first move in his direction. The blond would never learn tact, but had started to learn a little patience. “Sakura-chan!” His smile was bright enough to hurt her eyes. “Naruto,” she bumped her shoulder with his as he stepped next to her, matching the rhythm of his movements to hers as he joined her in her walk. “I didn’t know you were back in town! All I bought was milk and eggs.” Up close, he looked dirty, worn around the edges. His eyes still sparkled. Sighing at his smile, she shoved the bags from her hands into his, and the smile in his eyes widened. Sticking out her tongue, she ran her hands through her hair. “I might have some ramen.” Peeking at him out of the corner of her eye, she made her decision. She just wondered if he had made his. …. “You’ve changed things.” Sakura turned in surprise as she set the bag on the counter. Frowning, she considered the inside of the apartment. She had rearranged a few things, finally splurging on some color, but she hadn't thought Naruto would notice. She hadn't considered Naruto at all when making the changes. A new potted plant (eventually he was going to take his back), a few extra pillows, a blanket across the back of the couch. Color. “I had the time.” He nodded, accepting her explanation. One day she had sat down on her couch and realized how bare her place was compared to say, Ino’s. Sakura wasn’t interested in clutter and window shades that matched her eyes; she was too much a minimalist. Had spent too much of her time obsessing at a single goal to particularly care about the things around her. Some of that intensity had faded, and she was becoming aware of more than just her mission. More than just Sasuke. That was what had taken so much time to adjust to. This new awareness. Brows lowering as she watched Naruto pace the living room, his roaming as if he was looking for something in particular, she finally shrugged and unloaded her purchases. Rising onto tip toe, she found the last of her ramen stash. She really only kept it for Naruto. It never tasted the same when she was by herself. “Did your mission go well?” “Well enough.” No one had died this time, then. The first time someone had died in Naruto’s squad she had woken up to him sitting on the edge of the bed, watching her sleep. They were both lucky he was as quick as he was or that kunai would have done a lot more damage. He had spent that night and several others on her couch but that first night she had sat on the floor with him until her knees ached. He never stayed long, he was usually gone by the time she crawled out of her shower, and the blanket he had used had been folded perfect and set on the coffee table. She had never pressed him for details, knowing that when he was ready to talk he would. A wry smile curved her mouth. Unlike someone else, who they still had to tie down to get answers from. Sakura studied Naruto as the water boiled for tea and ramen. His eyes were shadowed again. Something might not have happened on the mission, but something was bothering him. Outside of the death of teammates, there were only a few things that actually got beneath his skin; contrary to what their friends thought, he was capable of keeping things to himself. He just didn't see the need very often. Naruto was too honest to lie to anyone but himself, and he usually gave up on that after a while. Occasionally she still needed to shake him until his brains rattled enough to get his thoughts in order. She forgave him for his occasional stupidity because he never questioned her right to guard his back. Still, of all the topics that he refused to speak about, Sasuke was usually at the top of his list. Turning her back on her friend, she busied her unloading her dishes. She needed to do something with her hands while she figured this out, and if Naruto followed his normal behavior patterns, he would be content to just watch while she thought. “How is Sasuke?” Then again, maybe not. She bit the inside of her lip before answering, wondering at the question. “I thought you would have stopped in to say ‘hi’ before you found me.” Naruto was suspiciously silent. Hands pausing above a cup, she turned and studied him. “Naruto, are you alright?” The blond looked away, his face suddenly tired. “I…” “What?” His expression cleared and he offered her another of those smiles. “I need to use your shower.” __________________ Failures must be seen as amusements,they are trials which hone your skills. The frog in the well drifts into the great ocean. Feel pain,conteplate pain,accept pain and know pain. Proud member of The Three Legandary Sannin Fanclub. Proud member of the Jiraiya Fanclub. proud to be a member of uzumaki narutu. proud to be member of the yondaime fc. proud to be a kage member fc. proud to be a sage naruto member.

01-12-2009, 09:45 AM	#2
thegodfather2450 tale of galant jiraiya Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,249 Thanks: 663 Thanked 108 Times in 63 Posts	Re: Shade of the Leaf Lowering her brows in fair warning that she wouldn't drop it forever, she nodded. He slipped off the stool. “Towels are in the same place and your change of clothing is clean and in the same drawer.” “Thanks Sakura-chan!” Biting her lip, she moved the kettle away from the heat. No Naruto, no need for hot water, and she could live without her cup of tea. Pressing her back against the counter, she studied the place where he had been sitting. Something was obviously on his mind if he had chosen a shower over his precious stomach. He wasn’t operating on standard Naruto patterns. The Naruto who had trained himself into exhaustion for his best friend ate, slept, and only showered when he had the energy to realize how he smelled. So Naruto was having a hard time with something. It had to be Sasuke. It was always Sasuke; well, when it wasn’t her. Picking up a scrub brush, she went to work on her soaking dishes. Sasuke. He had been home for a year now. Surely that was enough time for those two to find their footing again. 'The same way you found yours.' Chewing on her lip hard enough to hurt, she attacked her dishes. Naruto had been missing for the last six months. Missions. Sasuke had been grounded to the village and no where else. When would they have had time to work things out? Sasuke was just now getting comfortable enough to look at her in public. The bastard. She sighed. It had only been a year. A year compared to the years spent without them. Things were different. But different was okay. As much as Sasuke had changed, how different he was from the experience, how difficult it was to get him to sleep or even eat; it had never occurred to her that she might have changed as well. Not until she had stood in his shadow struggling to place where she belonged in his life now. She knew she was stronger, fitter, smarter, and capable. She would never have to watch him walk away again; she had proven it to herself, and to him. She just hadn’t realized how much her perceptions of the world had changed. How much her perception of perfection, her team, Sasuke, and her childhood had barred her ability to see the truth, and in that truth, herself. Herself and more importantly, the truth about the relationships around her, and with Sasuke home the blinders came off. She had spent two days hiding in her bedroom, working out the new mental paths before Naruto had been released from the hospital. He had shown up, pale and wavering on his feet, demanding ramen and her company. She had gone. She kicked the dishwasher shut, listening to the sound of the water running, and promised herself she would turn it on later. That had been the last time she had actually had time to see Naruto do something other than sleep, eat, and sleep again. Naruto had been accepting mission after mission, hardly finding time to rest. She had asked Tsunade quietly if it had something to do with the death of Orochimaru, and the older woman had shook her head without offering anything else. It was almost as if he wanted to be as far away from Konaho and Sasuke as possible for some reason. Reaching upwards, she dragged her hand through her bangs. She didn’t understand what it was that would drive her friend away. Eyes narrowing in thought, she decided that if he wanted to even look at the ramen on her stove, he was going to have to talk to her about his problem. Or else. “That’s a scary look.” Lifting her head, she pointed a finger at him, her lips parting to demand answers, but the words froze on her lips. His shirt was old enough that it stretched across his shoulders comfortably. He was barefoot. Sakura had a weakness for men with bare feet and there had always been something strangely appealing about a freshly washed Naruto. He quirked a brow in question, his eyes darkening to midnight as he watched her, and desperately, she reacted. . __________________ Failures must be seen as amusements,they are trials which hone your skills. The frog in the well drifts into the great ocean. Feel pain,conteplate pain,accept pain and know pain. Proud member of The Three Legandary Sannin Fanclub. Proud member of the Jiraiya Fanclub. proud to be a member of uzumaki narutu. proud to be member of the yondaime fc. proud to be a kage member fc. proud to be a sage naruto member.

01-12-2009, 09:50 AM	#3
thegodfather2450 tale of galant jiraiya Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,249 Thanks: 663 Thanked 108 Times in 63 Posts	Re: Shade of the Leaf “What the hell is your problem Uzumaki?” Okay, not exactly what she had planned on shouting, but it worked and his eyes lightened with surprise. When dealing with her friend’s strange ability for emotional insight, it was best to just wallop him when he wasn’t expecting it. Blue eyes blinked rapidly. “Huh?” Pressing one fist on her hip, and not caring that it made her look confrontational, she frowned at him, “Where the hell have you been?” Those wide eyes were confused, “on missions.” “Exactly!” Jerking around, she slammed the kettle back onto the stove. “On missions! Not even two weeks after almost getting yourself killed, you decide to take off with your new ANBU status and try to get yourself killed in a completely new fashion.” She could feel his confusion fade into hesitation. To her surprise, that hesitation shifted into determination. Peeking over her shoulder as the water started to heat again, she considered the line of his jaw. Time to interrupt his thought process. “I know I told you I was alright with someone else watching your back Naruto, because I wasn’t ready or willing to join ANBU to do it for you, but you do remember that I withheld the right to kick your ass if you did something stupid, right?” He took a slow breath, and the line of his jaw eased. “I needed to be out doing things, Sakura. It was… hard.” She nodded. At least he was talking about it. “Sasuke.” She ignored the way he stiffened a little. “Yes.” “He is alright, Naruto. There are going to be lingering effects, things won’t ever be the same,” the wistful note in her voice was only partly mocking. “But that’s okay. We’re still team seven.” “It’s… okay?” She twisted around, and frowned. It was possible that Naruto was involved in a completely different conversation than she was. It had happened before. Best to put his feet squarely on the path she wanted then. Too many conversations had ended badly because of miscommunications. “You mean you don’t want to be team seven anymore?” His eyes huge, “Sakura!” She bit her tongue to keep from smiling. Too easy. “Okay… so that was a bit low. Tell me Naruto… Why haven’t you talked to Sasuke?” “I… needed time.” “For what?” “Stuff.” The teakettle hissed and she poured the hot water into the two plastic cups, her brow furred as she tried to think that one through. Stuff? What stuff? “Sakura….” His tone was careful. “Have you and Sasuke talked… about… your own stuff?” “You mean my undying affection?” Her back was turned so she missed his reaction, but she heard his intake of breath. “Yeah.” “Sasuke…” she allowed her voice to soften, starring down into the cup of noodles. “Sasuke… I don’t know who changed, Naruto. I just can’t tell. I mean, we both have changed, but I don’t know when it changed.” There was a long pause. “Changed?’ “It isn’t so much that he isn’t the man that I thought he was. He is, even if it’s buried under scars and lies… but something has changed. I just can’t tell if it’s me or if it’s him!” “Is that… okay?” “It would be damn uncomfortable if he was even remotely in love with me.” She muttered in a rush. Grabbing a pair of chopsticks, she shoved the first cup into his hands. To her surprise, he barely caught it, his face slack with shock. It took a few seconds to pour and stir her cup, and when she turned, his features had the normal wonder and delights from his precious ramen. It was always best to have ramen in front of him when she had something life altering to admit to. She sighed in pleasure when she finally sat down. The silence between them was comfortable as they tiredly ate. Once she felt the edge of her hunger abate, she started talking again. “I think I’m a horrible person.” It felt good to admit that. Naruto coughed, his forearm banging painfully against the table as he tried to clear his lungs. She hurried on to explain before he could get the breath to argue with her; because he would have. “You probably know better than anyone why I chased after him. You chased after him because you promised me… and it was over something that I’m not sure ever existed. I don’t love him.” Her tone was resigned, soft. “Sakura.” “Do you know how long it took me to realize that?” She refused to look at him. “Sakura-chan…” She ignored his second attempt to interrupt. “I spent so many years of my life chasing the damn man so I could drag him back by his hair to realize that life was here. With us, he could have had a life! I finally have him in reach… and nothing. I have nothing. Which I promptly tried to ignore, because that had to be love, right? You don’t just throw away so many years of your life without loving someone.” His eyes were wide with shock, but there was warmth there as well. She needed that. Taking a shuddering breath, she sighed, lowering her eyes. She had needed to tell him that, but now it was time to point this conversation back where it belonged. She could just drown herself in the shower later. “Sasuke needs you Naruto. I’m still fumbling for ways to help him. We’re attempting to become friends. You are his friend. He needs you to be here.” “You’re his friend too, Sakura-chan.” “Maybe, but I think you’re the better one out of the two of us. You never wanted anything from him besides friendship. I’m still trying to deal with the fact that I love him as my brother and teammate, only.” It was terrifying, thinking that those emotions she had poured into Sasuke might have just been friendship. Perhaps it had been love at one time and she had just burned them into ashes. Naruto’s tone was soft. “That’s not true.” “What’s not true?” __________________ Failures must be seen as amusements,they are trials which hone your skills. The frog in the well drifts into the great ocean. Feel pain,conteplate pain,accept pain and know pain. Proud member of The Three Legandary Sannin Fanclub. Proud member of the Jiraiya Fanclub. proud to be a member of uzumaki narutu. proud to be member of the yondaime fc. proud to be a kage member fc. proud to be a sage naruto member.

01-12-2009, 09:54 AM	#4
thegodfather2450 tale of galant jiraiya Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,249 Thanks: 663 Thanked 108 Times in 63 Posts	Re: Shade of the Leaf “That I never wanted something from him.” “What?” His smile was slightly pained, but there was such hope in his expression, that she blinked. “It doesn’t matter now. So Sasuke needs me, does he?” “He won’t admit it.” “Then I suppose I’ll just have to beat it out of him.” Laughter burbled in her chest. “He is still on house arrest. He can’t train yet.” “The day I can’t get around some old fogies to spar with my best friend is the day I kiss the old hag.” Sakura snorted at that mental image. “You’re one of those old fogies now, Mr. ANBU.” He stuck his tongue out and went back to his ramen. Sakura went back to her own noodles, her appetite revived. Naruto hadn’t mocked her, hadn’t told her that yes, she had to love Sasuke. Ino certainly had. There was a sort of understanding in his face that warmed her as she finished her meal. It was good to have him home. …. Sakura waved to the blond bouncing impatiently on her heels. Ino was looking impatient and she couldn’t blame her. She was running behind this afternoon. “Ino! I’m sorry I’m so late; the medical examinations took so much longer than I thought they would.” She apologized as she stepped up next to her friend. Ino lifted a brow as she turned, her expression amused. “One of these days you are going to have to learn how to tell Tsunade no, you know.” “I know,” Sakura said sheepishly as the girls walked into their favorite tempura restaurant. “But it’s only for another two weeks and then things will be slowing down a little.” ‘Or at least that’s what I am hoping. I’m going to have to take a mission to get some rest if it doesn’t.’ “I’m surprised they even let you out of that dungeon for lunch with me,” Ino teased. “It’s not that bad,” Sakura scolded. “It’s just… busy.” Ino snorted, but said nothing else as the waiter appeared to take their orders. They hurriedly scanned the menu. “Shikamaru said that Naruto was back in town.” “He came by the other night,” Sakura agreed, sipping her cold tea with a sigh. It was getting so hot already. This summer was going to be miserable. “I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to him since then. I think he left this morning to go on another mission. I’m not sure.” “Shikimaru didn’t mention him going on a mission. He did say that Naruto was taking a lighter load of missions.” Ino stared at her. “Do you know anything about that?” “We talked about some things,” Sakura admitted. “It was mostly me doing the talking, but I was under the impression that he would be slowing down a little. Naruto is just the type that he has to have something to focus all his energy on at one time or he starts to get antsy.” “I don’t think that’s it,” Ino mused, leaning back with a thoughtful look on her face. “Did you explain to him what was going on with you and Sasuke.” “Nothing is going on with me and Sasuke,” Sakura pointed out, rolling her eyes. “Exactly.” Sakura frowned at her friend. “I don’t understand what you are trying to say.” Ino waved her hand. “Don’t worry about it. It’s not that big of a deal.” Sakura shrugged. “Okay. Did Shikimaru say when he thought the council would let Sasuke out of his house arrest?” Ino gave her a weird look. “I would have thought you would know before Shikimaru with Tsunade.” Sakura shook her head. “She is doing her best not to compromise her position by giving me information that the council would disapprove of. I’m doing my best to pretend I’m not interested.” Ino shook her head in amusement. “No, Shikimaru hasn’t said anything, but I haven’t asked either. I can ask him if you want?” “That’s okay,” Sakura said. “I’m sure Naruto will fish the information out eventually.” Ino nodded. “So, speaking of Sasuke, now that you’re over him and everything, have you been thinking about dating anyone else?” Sakura swallowed her tea wrong and ended up coughing. “What?” “It’s a perfectly natural question, forehead girl,” Ino said in exasperation. “You don’t want Sasuke anymore, so what do you want? I don’t think Lee has given up on you yet…” Sakura sighed. “No, he hasn’t.” “I’m sensing a ‘but’ here.” __________________ Failures must be seen as amusements,they are trials which hone your skills. The frog in the well drifts into the great ocean. Feel pain,conteplate pain,accept pain and know pain. Proud member of The Three Legandary Sannin Fanclub. Proud member of the Jiraiya Fanclub. proud to be a member of uzumaki narutu. proud to be member of the yondaime fc. proud to be a kage member fc. proud to be a sage naruto member.

01-12-2009, 10:01 AM	#5
thegodfather2450 tale of galant jiraiya Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,249 Thanks: 663 Thanked 108 Times in 63 Posts	Re: Shade of the Leaf Sakura was saved from answering immediately with the arrival of the tempura. Ino gave her a knowing look as she took a large bite, but she ignored her friend as she tried to collect her thoughts. Figured that Ino would bring up a subject she hadn’t even thought to consider yet. “I don’t know,” she said finally. “I mean all my life it’s been Sasuke. I wasn’t even aware that there were possibilities outside of Sasuke until recently. Now that I know there are other possibilities, it’s hard to find someone to match up to the standards he held, you know?” “Yes. I think so,” Ino agreed. “Well, I have an idea, anyway. Shikimaru and I didn’t exactly have this problem, but I was never as into Sasuke as you were.” Sakura shrugged. “It isn’t just that. I need someone who can be my equal, Ino, both in strength and mentality and that rather cuts the list in half.” “It just means you need to introduce yourself to a bunch of ANBU.” Ino corrected with a grin. “Surely someone there is strong enough to deal with you.” Sakura snorted, and to her relief, the conversation died a little as they both tucked into their meal. The murmur of the crowd around her was relaxing, and the cold tea had woken her up enough to enjoy her meal. A flash of blond out the window had her eyes flicking to the window, but she didn’t see anyone she knew. ‘Naruto is ANBU.’ The thought caught her completely off guard and she breathed deeply, glad that she hadn’t had anything her mouth. Ino gave her a look, and she hurried took a large bite of her tempura. ‘What does that mean? Of course, Naruto is ANBU he wants to be Hokage. He has to be the best.’ She scolded herself. She chewed rapidly, trying to control her confusion with distraction. Where had that thought come from? Surely, her subconscious didn’t think that Naruto of all people was dateable. It was Naruto! Firmly taping down the thought, she turned back to Ino, determined to distract herself from those thoughts. She didn’t have the patience to even think that thought through right then, and it was ridiculous anyway. Naruto was her friend. ….. The quiet was mostly deceiving. The rooftop he was currently sprawled on was peaceful even surrounded by agitated chakra of searching ANBU officers. Sasuke didn’t appear to notice them, but that calm façade was as deceitful as his Sexy No Jutsu. It wouldn’t surprise him at all if Sasuke was not only aware of the ANBU, but could probably recite their major abilities and skills. His friend was such a sneaky bastard. A cold fish, but sneaky when he chose to be. The idiots wouldn’t think to look to the top of the Hokage’s tower until after they had already left. “We probably only have another half hour,” Naruto said lazily, watching the stars twinkle. “Perhaps.” Sitting up, rolling muscles that burned a little from the sparring match with Sasuke, he lifted both hands and settled them behind his head comfortably. If only Sakura was here, this moment would be perfect. Well, if Sakura was here and Sasuke relaxed enough to give him more than one word sentences. Sasuke was such a moody little bastard with the emotional depth of a ramen bowel. Sakura… It was better for Sakura to be getting sleep right now, with the way the old hag had been pushing everyone at the hospital. He really didn’t see what she had seen in their teammate all those years. Sasuke was a friend, his teammate, someone he had fought for and would fight for again, he just couldn’t imagine anyone actually wanting to marry the bastard. The smile on his lips grew as he remembered the conversation he had had with her those nights ago. Sakura wasn’t in love with the emotionally stinted Uchiha, and he was one-step closer to being the Hokage. Life was good. “You look like an idiot.” “You’re just jealous.” The Uchiha grunted but said nothing. Naruto smirked for a moment before eyeing the man next to him. “You’re not interested in her, are you?” Sakura might say she wasn’t interested in Sasuke, but if Sasuke started to pursue her, then things could get tricky. He didn’t want to lose either of them, and if Sakura chose Sasuke, he would bite his tongue and say nothing. Having lived with hope for the past week, it was a hard question to ask. “Sakura is my teammate.” Sasuke said firmly. Naruto frowned at him. “She is my teammate too.” Sasuke sighed. “She is only my teammate.” “Oh. Well that’s good, because I’m going to marry her.” “You are a fool.” “Maybe,” Naruto agreed his smile widening. “I don’t really care, though. She already trusts me; she knows I’m there for her. It’s just a matter of time before she realizes everything else.” Sasuke made a noise, but didn’t say anything else and Naruto stood. “We should be heading back. Eventually one of those idiots is going to think to look here.” A puff of smoke, and the roof was clear. ….. __________________ Failures must be seen as amusements,they are trials which hone your skills. The frog in the well drifts into the great ocean. Feel pain,conteplate pain,accept pain and know pain. Proud member of The Three Legandary Sannin Fanclub. Proud member of the Jiraiya Fanclub. proud to be a member of uzumaki narutu. proud to be member of the yondaime fc. proud to be a kage member fc. proud to be a sage naruto member.

01-12-2009, 10:11 AM	#6
thegodfather2450 tale of galant jiraiya Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,249 Thanks: 663 Thanked 108 Times in 63 Posts	Re: Shade of the Leaf Sakura wearily trudged her way down the street to her one room apartment. She was so damn tired. Training ninja to be field medics was always difficult, but after the war with Sound, it was necessary that they fill the ranks that were empty. Tsunade had decided that every genin team from now on have at least one member who knew the basics of healing jutsu and it was putting a strain on the medics qualified to train. It took a minute to find her keys, and even longer, to get her tired fingers to work correctly to fit the key into the proper slot to open the door. Twisting the key twice, she let herself into the apartment. It was a simple deterrent to keep unwanted civilians out of her home. Collapsing onto her couch, she pressed her face into the soft fabric with the intent to block out the entire outside world. She wanted to melt into the fabric and pretend that she didn’t have to go in for another double shift in the morning. She wanted to pretend that she had the energy to banish all her aches and pains, and that she wasn’t completely depleted of chakra. The longer she sprawled, the better she felt. Lifting her head slightly, she stared at the cushion under her cheek. When did her cushion start smelling like Naruto again? He had been on what was a light duty compared to his early schedule since their talk in her kitchen. He only came here when he was upset about something. Usually. As far as she knew, he hadn’t been in her apartment for close a month, the night she had fed him ramen. Her stomach growled, but Sakura ignored it and snuggled back into her couch. She was too tired to deal with dinner tonight. Napping for an hour or so before digging through her pantry for something simple seemed liked the best plan. Tucking her cold feet under another cushion, she closed her eyes. Voices pulled her from her nap, and she did her best to ignore them. Instincts tugged at her, even as she placed the voices in her kitchen. Opening blurry eyes, she rubbed her face and forced herself to wake up. Pushing herself up, she stared stupidly at the blanket that fell off her shoulders to pool around her lap. Turning slightly, she found that her kitchen had indeed been invaded by her teammates. “You think that will be enough?” Naruto’s voice was doubtful as he peered over Sasuke’s shoulder. “Sakura eats a lot more than she used to. The hag has been working her hard, and she sometimes skips meals. I bet she’s hungry.” Still groggy, she frowned at that. “Naruto? Sasuke? Why are you in my kitchen?” The blond turned with a smile. “We’re cooking dinner.” His expression was innocent and open. Sakura didn’t trust him any further than Ino could throw him. One eyebrow arched up before she could help herself. Naruto could cook; he had lived his entire life on his own. Sasuke… well, she supposed Orochimaru hadn’t been that good of a cook, and she doubted he would have trusted anyone to cook for him. His reaction to the hospital food that Naruto or Sakura hadn’t brought him had been proof of that. Running her hands through her hair, she shoved the blanket off her lap and walked over to see what they were cooking. “You’re making Okonomiyaki?” she loved Okonomiyaki with tuna. Her eyes flickered to the little bowls with ingredients and she grinned. Naruto had remembered. Sasuke gave a curt nod. His eyes left the small pan he was frying the flat dough in. “We ran into Ino.” Naruto slung an arm around her shoulders, and she leaned against his frame eaisly. “Ino?” What did the blonde woman have to do with anything? “She said you haven’t been eating well,” Naruto filled in, “so we thought we would come over and cook dinner. The old hag has been taking up too much of your time.” His fingers flexed against her shoulder. Sakura winced. “She has been attempting to get all the newbies trained and out into the field as quickly as possible without sacraficing their training. The rest of us just have to work overtime.” She poked him in the ribs, silently informing him what she thought of his worry. He winked at her, but she could see a faint glimmer of concern in his eyes. Normally, she would have added some chakra to that poke to prove her point. She was just too tired to do it right now. “You’re drained,” Nartuo muttered, frowning down at her. Sakura ignored him, scooting out from under his arm to peer around Sasuke at the pile of food. Her mouth watered in appreciation. “I’m finished.” Sasuke said, moving the hot pan into the sink, defusing the tension she could feel building in Naruto behind her. “Food!” The food ended up piled on her coffee table so they could all sprawl out on the floor cushions and relax. Even Sasuke unbent enough to recline. It probably helped that her kitchen blocked them from the view of the windows. Leaning back with a sigh, her plate piled high, she let her couch support her back. “Aren’t you supposed to be on house arrest?” Naruto grinned around a mothful, but swallowed before he spoke. “That’s the other reason we came over! To celebrate! The old hag finally let him out of lockdown.” ‘Not that it was really working.’ “Was it even working?” “No.” Sasuke replied, his expression unconcerned as he took another bite of food. Sakura sighed, wondering what mischief her team had been getting to without her. She tried to be jealous, but she was too damn tired to work up the proper emotion. “So when are they going to let you start taking missions?” “I’m restricted to D class for a year,” Sasuke said with a shrug. “After that I’m only allowed C class with supervision until the council decides that I’m trustworthy and not a flight risk.” “Whose supervision?” Wiggling a little, she tried to find a more comfortable position against the couch. “ANBU,” Naruto replied as he reached for the last of the food. “They might let me supervise since I proved I can kick his ass." Sasuke snorted. Naruto ignored him. “The council is probably going to be as difficult as they can manage without completely undermining the hags authority.” Naruto finished. “I expected the clans to be unhappy, I guess I just didn’t expect them to be this…” she struggled to find the words. __________________ Failures must be seen as amusements,they are trials which hone your skills. The frog in the well drifts into the great ocean. Feel pain,conteplate pain,accept pain and know pain. Proud member of The Three Legandary Sannin Fanclub. Proud member of the Jiraiya Fanclub. proud to be a member of uzumaki narutu. proud to be member of the yondaime fc. proud to be a kage member fc. proud to be a sage naruto member.

01-13-2009, 07:16 AM	#7
thegodfather2450 tale of galant jiraiya Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,249 Thanks: 663 Thanked 108 Times in 63 Posts	Re: Shade of the Leaf -27-Sakura lifted the bottle of sake that Sasuke had procured from somewhere. He seemed a little disgruntled at sharing his stash, but a little arm-twisting was all it took before they found themselves in his living room. Getting totally trashed right then probably wasn't the best idea, but Sasuke wasn't drinking and the high level of traps she could feel humming against her skin told her that it would take a small army to break through. Tossing back a mouthful, she let it burn all the way down and blinked several times. "Where did you get this again? It's good quality." Sasuke gave her a look that was a cross between amused and exasperated. Naruto had been right. It was definitely the eyebrows. Naruto just snorted from where he was flat on his back, his own bottle cradled between his knees. "Will you even remember if I tell you now?" Sasuke asked mildly as he settled in front of his couch, his long fingers cradling a ridiculous looking teacup. Sakura waved her hand lazily, ignoring the way her peripheral vision was starting to turn fuzzy. "Sure. This can't be as bad as the time Tsunade, Shizune and I holed up in the tower and played shot games all night." Naruto sat up so fast he wavered. "You did what?" Sakura was impressed. The fact that he could sit up (even if he was tilting) and manage clear speech was impressive. She really thought it was unfair how her boys could burn up alcohol so quickly… even if she cheated by stimulating her liver before she even started drinking. "Hmm. One of many learning experiences in how to hold my liquor." She blinked a little and nodded when her vision cleared. Sasuke was starring at her with those dark eyes and Naruto's mouth was agape. "What?" Naruto pointed a finger at her. "You turned the Hokage Tower into… into… a…a…a bar!" Sakura snorted. "No I didn't. Tsunade did. The day she was made Hokage!" Sasuke sighed. "I'm going to need some of that if you two don't shut up." Two sets of eyes narrowed in on him. "You're too much of a lightweight for this stuff." Naruto informed him merrily. "Bet you would be passed out before Sakura-chan there!" Sakura considered the sake in her hands. She wondered if she had the control to pick the coffee table up and beat Naruto with it. Probably not. If she needed to knock down a wall she would be able to, but fine control was beyond her. "I can out drink you, idiot." "No you can't." Sakura leaned forward and pointed. "Ino's birthday last year." "You cheated!" "Oh and like your ability to burn up alcohol like you do isn't cheating!" "I'd already had one drinking match with Kiba!" Sasuke reached over and steadied the jar that Naruto almost kicked over. "I'm going to cut you both off if you don't stop." Naruto flopped back onto his back and waved a hand. "Yes, yes." Sasuke's eyes narrowed to slits and Sakura sighed. "Behave. Both of you. I may be a bit tipsy, but that doesn't mean I can't put you both in traction. Besides, we need to talk." Naruto sighed. "Yeah. That's right. What the hell is going on, teme?" Sasuke took another sip of his tea. "What do you know?" "Hyuuga. Akatsuki." Naruto lifted his fingers into the air as he rattled off one-word sentences. "Council." "They will be announcing the new Council in the morning or late evening." Naruto propped himself up. "Yeah, Baa-chan said that she thought the replacements were voted in. Do we know who they are?" "Yes." Sakura took another swallow and waited for the world to tilt back into place. "Who?" Sasuke gave her another amused look and started to rattle off names. By the time he was done Sakura was sitting up ramrod straight and was sure her expression mirrored Naruto's open-mouthed gape. "WHAT?" Sasuke leaned back and sipped his tea. "I realize you’re both halfway to drunk, but I don't care to repeat myself." "But… but…" Naruto sputtered. Sakura stared at him. "How?" Sakura's lips curved just a little. "I might have made a few suggestions." "You blackmailed them?" Sakura and Naruto demanded together. "Requested. Nicely." Sasuke corrected. "But… but…" Naruto tried again. Sakura nudged his foot and lifted her bottle helpfully. "Drink." He did. Once his expression was a little more relaxed, Sakura turned back to Sasuke. "You blackmailed the clans into putting who you... or rather Tsuande, wanted into place?" Sasuke smirked. "I suggested a few names to the people Tsunade thought would listen." "You sneaky snake bastard." Naruto rasped. "I would kiss you," Sakura said seriously, "but I don't have a lot of balance right now." Naruto grinned at her. "You can kiss me." Sakura rolled her eyes. "Not when you're seeing three of me." Sasuke lifted a brow in a silent question. Naruto's smile was lecherous. "She likes me. She kissed me." "I'm going to thump you if you don't shut up." Sakura said reasonably. "We were discussing the fact that Sasuke and Tsunade set up the council so that you could be Hokage." She paused and then added thoughtfully, "and so Hinata could take over Hyuuga." Naruto lifted his bottle. "All the more reason for celebration!" She couldn't argue with that. Lifting her bottle she tilted in a salute at Naruto and shivered as another mouthful burned down her throat. "Where did you get this stuff?" "You both are staying here tonight." Sasuke informed them as he gathered, stood and took his teacup to the sink, ignoring her question. "Ibiki has a list that hasn't been completely accounted for." Naruto cranked open an eye. "Thatsa why you wanted us drunk. Baa-chan already told us. 'Sides, Sakura-chan wants a shower!" "Dobe." Sasuke said with a sigh. Reaching down he offered Sakura a hand. "Come on. Let's get you both sobered up." Sakura nodded sagely and accepted his hand. She staggered into his side and blinked. "I think that's probably a good idea. And the shower." "Yup." Naruto agreed. He grinned. "You got any rice balls?" Sasuke sighed. "Your alcohol." Sakura said with a grin. She paused, and feeling brave, grinned at him mischievously. Some things you just saved for when you were a bit tipsy. Reaching out, she poked him in the abdomen. "Very nice." "Hey! I'm the one with the abs. Sasuke has the ass, remember?" "You should ignore him," Sakura said reasonably. "He dumber when he’s drunk." "You just wait until I'm finished seeing three of you," Naruto warned her as he stood unsteadily. "I'm going to bend you over my knee and spank you." Sakura lifted a brow and flexed her fingers in a silent challenge. "I can still put you through a wall." "It'd be worth it." Naruto returned. "No kinky sex in my apartment." Sasuke said flatly. "No kink period. No sex. You can't even hold hands." "Ah, Sasuke! You ruin everything." "No." "But!" "Naruto!" Sakura growled. "I'll rearrange your vocal cords with your lungs if you don't drop it!" "… right." He said finally. "Is that possible?" "We can test it if you like." "So, Sasuke… you said something about food?" "I hate you both." __________________ Failures must be seen as amusements,they are trials which hone your skills. The frog in the well drifts into the great ocean. Feel pain,conteplate pain,accept pain and know pain. Proud member of The Three Legandary Sannin Fanclub. Proud member of the Jiraiya Fanclub. proud to be a member of uzumaki narutu. proud to be member of the yondaime fc. proud to be a kage member fc. proud to be a sage naruto member.

01-13-2009, 07:19 AM	#8
thegodfather2450 tale of galant jiraiya Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,249 Thanks: 663 Thanked 108 Times in 63 Posts	Re: Shade of the Leaf -28-Sakura woke up to someone playing with her hair and the smell of miso. Cracking on eye open, she glared at Naruto. He was sitting on the bed and braiding her hair, a small grin on his face. "Why are you here?" "Bastard is making breakfast." "That doesn't explain you." "I came to wake you up!" He said cheerfully. "It's almost ten." Sakura pressed her face under the pillow and grunted at him. He laughed and slapped her butt. "Up, up, up, Sakura-chan!" "I'll bribe Neji into killing you." "Neji doesn't take bribes. It's beneath him!" "You'd be surprised what he will do for a good neck rub." Sakura returned as she pushed herself up. Naruto paused. "What?" "Don't worry about it." Sakura said sweetly as she staggered towards the bathroom. "Tell Sasuke I'll be out in ten." She was done in eight and when she stepped out of the bathroom, feeling a little more awake. Naruto and Sasuke were waiting on her in the kitchen. Naruto was sprawled across a bar stool watching Sasuke finish breakfast, eyes narrowed in concentration. "Do you need any help, Sasuke?" "I'm almost finished and dobe set the table." Naruto rolled his eyes. "Don't make it sound like I didn't offer to help either. You turned me down." Sakura breathed in the pungent smell of fish and grinned. "Still eating simple?" Sasuke shrugged. "It's good." "It's boring," Naruto corrected. "You need more ramen in your diet." "You don't have to eat it." Sasuke returned mildly. "That leaves more for me and Sakura." Naruto put a hand over his heart and sulked. "I'm hurt. Right here." Sakura ruffled his hair as she went by. "You'll live." "I'm feeling a distinct lack of love in this apartment," Naruto grumbled as he deliberately moved the chair so that Sasuke had to sidestep or trip over it as he laid breakfast on the table. "What you're feeling is a distinct lack of the correct ratio of blood and caffeine." Sakura informed him as she flopped into a chair and smiled her thanks at Sasuke. Naruto rolled his eyes and tried to steal a piece of fish off Sasuke's plate. Sasuke speared Naruto's hand with his chopsticks and glared. "Absolutely no love." Sakura rolled her eyes as she poured herself a cup of tea. "When do you think you'll have time to head over to the Tower to talk to Tsunade about what happened in Sand?" "Probably after lunch. I've got a few things to take care of this morning." Naruto said around a mouthful of fish. "A few things?" Sasuke asked quietly. "Just a few loose odds and ends." He smiled at them. "What about you Bastard?" Sasuke shrugged. Naruto shifted forward towards his plate again and Sasuke narrowed his eyes. "I'm not reattaching fingers." Sakura said firmly, setting her cup down and leaning forward. "Behave." "Awe, Sakura-chan, you take all the fun out of breakfast." "I'm going to take all the fun out of breathing in a few minutes." She replied serenely, fingering her own chopsticks. Naruto pouted. "Fine, fine. No love." Sakura shook her head. "Is there anything else we should know about, Sasuke? About the council. Before we find ourselves neck deep in backlash?" Sasuke stared at her for a long moment. "Hiashi placed the bird seal on his youngest daughter." Naruto froze, his hand hovering over the rice bowl. Sakura bit her lip at the curious way Naruto's eyes had gone flat and hard. "When?" "A few days ago." Sasuke said calmly as he lifted his chopsticks to his mouth. "Hinata-san stopped by to inform me of the decision." Naruto's fingers curled into fists. "Fucking Hyuuga." Sakura sighed. Sasuke sure knew how to kill an early morning meal. Still, she supposed it was better for Naruto to hear about it now, with them, than on the street with no one to buffer his temper. "Naruto." His shoulders were tight but he turned to face her. "You weren't here. You couldn't have stopped it." She closed her fingers around his wrist. "Even if you were here, all you would have done was complicate matters. Hanabi-san wouldn't have wanted your help and Hinata wouldn't have asked." "You can't save the world, idiot." "I can try." Naruto snapped back. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I can try." "We'll, you've got to start with things you can change." Sakura said briskly. "The Hyuuga's have a chance to change with Hinata. The way they went about enforcing his decision is terrible but it is the best thing for the clan." Sasuke lifted his tea. "Hinata-san said she had a promise to keep." Naruto stilled and finally nodded. "Yeah." "What promise?" Naruto shook his head, the tension slowly easing out of his shoulders. "I'll tell you some other time." Sakura nodded and exchanged a look with Sasuke. Time for a distraction. What Naruto really needed right then was to beat the hell out of something. Sasuke had just volunteered himself for that duty. "Right." "Right?" Sakura leaned over and smiled at him. Naruto blinked at her expression and narrowed his eyes as she leaned back and popped the last of his fish into her mouth. "Hey!" "Well I gotta run. I'll give Tsunade-sensei my report after I stop by the hospital!" "Sakura-chan! You can't eat and run! That's cheating!" He lunged for her, but she dodged him with the expediency of kicking his chair back into his legs. He grunted and slammed into the table. Sasuke glared at her. "I'll see you two later." Naruto tilted his head as the door shut. "Do you think she does these things on purpose?" Sasuke snorted and started collecting dishes. __________________ Failures must be seen as amusements,they are trials which hone your skills. The frog in the well drifts into the great ocean. Feel pain,conteplate pain,accept pain and know pain. Proud member of The Three Legandary Sannin Fanclub. Proud member of the Jiraiya Fanclub. proud to be a member of uzumaki narutu. proud to be member of the yondaime fc. proud to be a kage member fc. proud to be a sage naruto member.

01-13-2009, 07:22 AM	#9
thegodfather2450 tale of galant jiraiya Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,249 Thanks: 663 Thanked 108 Times in 63 Posts	Re: Shade of the Leaf -29-Naruto flopped on his back and tried to ignore the feeling of his ribs mending themselves. He had needed that. The tension from breakfast was gone, leaving him with mending bones, heaving lungs and the sort of relaxation only the satisfaction of beating your best friend to a pulp could bring. Heaving for air, he grinned a little to himself as he realized that Sasuke was just as winded. The curl of satisfaction was from knowing his friend was going to end up getting Sakura to check his own ribs. The narrowed eyed glare told him that Sasuke knew what he was thinking and didn't particularly care for it. Grinning even wider, he turned his attention to the puffy clouds. "You're such an ass." Sasuke snorted. "Still bitter that I won?" Naruto grunted. "Like hell." "Idiot." "Bastard." "When are you going to talk to her?" "What?" Sasuke sighed and rolled himself to his feet. "Sakura." "No, no, I got that." He waved his hand. "What I want to know is why you want to know? And where the hell this conversation came from?" Sasuke pinned him with a look. "Okay so I guess I know why you wanna know, but I still don't know." "What?" "When I'm gonna talk to her. Dunno." Sasuke looked uncomfortable for a second and then it disappeared behind his eyes. "Girls like to know where they stand." Naruto shot to his feet. "What the hell is that supposed to mean? Sakura-chan knows she's my precious person." Sasuke snorted. "If you don't know, I'm not telling you." Naruto narrowed his eyes. "I'll kick your scrawny Uchiha-ass if you’re not careful." Sasuke looked bored. "If you say so." His eyes flickered upwards. "Don't you have babysitting duties?" Naruto pointed his finger. "You're not… hey, crap! I forgot! Hey, how did you know about that?" "Whatever." "We're not finished here!" Naruto informed his he turned to bolt out of the training grounds. "I'll beat it out of you later." "Hn." __________________ Failures must be seen as amusements,they are trials which hone your skills. The frog in the well drifts into the great ocean. Feel pain,conteplate pain,accept pain and know pain. Proud member of The Three Legandary Sannin Fanclub. Proud member of the Jiraiya Fanclub. proud to be a member of uzumaki narutu. proud to be member of the yondaime fc. proud to be a kage member fc. proud to be a sage naruto member.

01-13-2009, 07:25 AM	#10
thegodfather2450 tale of galant jiraiya Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,249 Thanks: 663 Thanked 108 Times in 63 Posts	Re: Shade of the Leaf -30-Naruto flopped on his back and tried to ignore the feeling of his ribs mending themselves. He had needed that. The tension from breakfast was gone, leaving him with mending bones, heaving lungs and the sort of relaxation only the satisfaction of beating your best friend to a pulp could bring. Heaving for air, he grinned a little to himself as he realized that Sasuke was just as winded. The curl of satisfaction was from knowing his friend was going to end up getting Sakura to check his own ribs. The narrowed eyed glare told him that Sasuke knew what he was thinking and didn't particularly care for it. Grinning even wider, he turned his attention to the puffy clouds. "You're such an ass." Sasuke snorted. "Still bitter that I won?" Naruto grunted. "Like hell." "Idiot." "Bastard." "When are you going to talk to her?" "What?" Sasuke sighed and rolled himself to his feet. "Sakura." "No, no, I got that." He waved his hand. "What I want to know is why you want to know? And where the hell this conversation came from?" Sasuke pinned him with a look. "Okay so I guess I know why you wanna know, but I still don't know." "What?" "When I'm gonna talk to her. Dunno." Sasuke looked uncomfortable for a second and then it disappeared behind his eyes. "Girls like to know where they stand." Naruto shot to his feet. "What the hell is that supposed to mean? Sakura-chan knows she's my precious person." Sasuke snorted. "If you don't know, I'm not telling you." Naruto narrowed his eyes. "I'll kick your scrawny Uchiha-ass if you’re not careful." Sasuke looked bored. "If you say so." His eyes flickered upwards. "Don't you have babysitting duties?" Naruto pointed his finger. "You're not… hey, crap! I forgot! Hey, how did you know about that?" "Whatever." "We're not finished here!" Naruto informed his he turned to bolt out of the training grounds. "I'll beat it out of you later." "Hn." __________________ Failures must be seen as amusements,they are trials which hone your skills. The frog in the well drifts into the great ocean. Feel pain,conteplate pain,accept pain and know pain. Proud member of The Three Legandary Sannin Fanclub. Proud member of the Jiraiya Fanclub. proud to be a member of uzumaki narutu. proud to be member of the yondaime fc. proud to be a kage member fc. proud to be a sage naruto member.

01-13-2009, 07:27 AM	#11
thegodfather2450 tale of galant jiraiya Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,249 Thanks: 663 Thanked 108 Times in 63 Posts	Re: Shade of the Leaf -30-"It's about time you got here, forehead. I was about to give up and change my order to go." Sakura flopped down into the chair across from her and grimaced. "Sorry. I stopped by the hospital after giving my report and got caught up in surgery." Ino lifted a brow. "Ouch." "Yeah." She gave a weary smile. "But I'm off for the rest of the afternoon. In theory, at least." "Right. We'll, I've only got time for lunch. I'm running the flower shop myself this week. Which is fine, if fairly boring. Shikamaru is covering for me right now." Sakura lifted a brow. "Shikamaru?" Ino smiled serenely. "Yes." Sakura grinned. "I thought Chouji and Shika had sworn off babysitting the shop for you after that time Gai and Lee went in looking for flowers." "I blackmail them into it occasionally." Ino said with a shrug. She took a sip of her tea and smiled. "You missed all the excitement you know." "There was plenty of excitement in Sand, Ino." "Right." Ino dismissed her words with a wave of her hand. "Crazy Kazekage, Jounin fighting in the heat, sand everywhere it’s not supposed to be; besides the potential for ogling men in those very attractive Sand Uniforms, that's not a job I would have wanted." "Probably why you weren't invited!" Sakura teased. "Invited! Ha! That was a mission, not a pleasure vacation!" "It had its bright points." Sakura argued, eyes scanning the menu. "Enlighten me." Sakura didn't bother to look up. "No." "You're no fun forehead. No fun at all." "I'm hungry." "I don't know why you're bothering with the menu. I ordered for you already. Should be here soon." Sakura huffed and shut the menu. Ino just grinned. "I figure if I keep this up you'll eventually show up on time. It's my new strategy." "I show up on time!" Ino pursed her lips. "I suppose. Usually only when it involves your precious team, although if I had to choose between Sasuke or Naruto ordering for me I'm not sure who I would pick." Sakura smothered a laugh. "Yes. It's a choice between bland, boring but nutritional or exciting and the chance of ruining my stomach lining." "Or Ramen." "Or Ramen," Sakura agreed with a smile. Ino paused and narrowed her eyes. She paused only because the waitress dropped off their lunches. Taking her time, she broke her chopsticks open and stared at her. "Something happened between you and Naruto, didn't it?" "What?" "Ha! I knew it!" Ino's smile was triumphant. "Shika owes me money." "Ino!" She waved her hand looking smug. "Tell me everything." Sakura crossed her arms. "I don't know what you're talking about." Ino waved a piece of beef around like it was a Kunai. "I saw Naruto this morning. Kurenai roped him into baby-sitting Ayumu and they stopped by to see Shika. He bounced. Granted, he always bounces around after a mission, but this bounce is more of a "pretty girl likes me" bounce instead of his "omg, I just got the best ramen ever" bounce." "… You catalogue his bounces?" "Shika figures the kid has enough luck to actually make it to Hokage. I figured I might as well start getting used to trying to read his body language now while I can. Before he is obscured by a ridiculous cloak and hat." "Naruto is going to be Hokage," Sakura firmly told Ino, staring her down. "Believe it." Ino laughed. "Now you're even sounding like him!" Sakura stuck out her tongue. "Oh shut up." "Your distraction isn't going to get you out of this conversation. What happened?" Sakura glared at her before giving in. There really was no hope for it. "I kissed him." "We'll it’s about damn time!" Ino said looking satisfied. She popped a mouthful of vegetables in her mouth and fairly vibrated with satisfaction. When she swallowed she shoved a chopstick at her. "He's been moping after you for years, forehead!" Sakura dragged her chopsticks through her lunch. "I know he had a crush on me as kids… but saying 'years' is a bit much, don't you think?" "Ha! Don't be an idiot! You've spent your entire career too focused on one thing or another to really pay attention to that boy. Man. Future Hokage! He. Is. In. Love. With. You." Clearly satisfied with her speech and picked up her tea and smirked. Sakura shook her head and stared down the street. "Maybe." "There is no maybe, forehead-girl. Trust me. I know these things." She paused. "And speak of the devil…" Sakura turned and blinked. Naruto was walking down the street with Ayumu on his shoulders. Both were working their way through cups of instant ramen. Naruto was going to have to wash his hair soon if the mess along Ayumu's front was anything to go by. "You know, forehead, if you don't want him, I think I'll take him." Ino teased. "My grocery bill would be cut in half with all the ramen." Sakura was only paying half attention, as Naruto looked over in their direction at that moment. His face lit up as he saw her and he waved, careful not to overbalance the ramen cup on his head or the child on his shoulders. He stood easily in the crowd, uncaring that he was blocking several civilians from the store’s entrance, happy and content to just stand there and watch her. Right up until Ayumu spilled his ramen. Jerking forward he yelped as the hot water rushed down his neck and hopped around as he got a good grip on Ayumu and lifted him from his shoulders. The little boy was laughing and grinning and soon Naruto was laughing with him and pulling noodles from his shirt. Her chest tightened at the picture he made. It was just so… so… Naruto. A slow smile curled her lips. She was such an idiot. "You know what Ino, I think you're right." "What?" Naruto shook the last of the noodles out of his shirt and swung Ayumu back onto his shoulders and pointed in their direction waving. The little boy waved, his smile missing teeth and as large as Naruto's. The realization that she wanted that – Naruto, ramen and messy little boy all – wasn't as startling as she thought it would be. It was amusing, really. That it would take a mishap with ramen for her to realize what was going on. Ino was right. The smile on her face widened as Naruto sauntered off, exaggerating his walk, knowing that she was watching. "Sakura!" Turning her eyes back to her friend, she sighed. "I'm really in love with that idiot." __________________ Failures must be seen as amusements,they are trials which hone your skills. The frog in the well drifts into the great ocean. Feel pain,conteplate pain,accept pain and know pain. Proud member of The Three Legandary Sannin Fanclub. Proud member of the Jiraiya Fanclub. proud to be a member of uzumaki narutu. proud to be member of the yondaime fc. proud to be a kage member fc. proud to be a sage naruto member.

01-13-2009, 07:29 AM	#12
thegodfather2450 tale of galant jiraiya Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,249 Thanks: 663 Thanked 108 Times in 63 Posts	Re: Shade of the Leaf -31-Sakura slammed the last file into place with a triumphant smile. Dropping into her chair she groaned, propping her feet up. Her afternoon off had completely disappeared under a pile of paperwork. She really should know better than to peek into her office to see what was waiting for her. Well, at least it was done now. And she had the time she needed to think about how she wanted to handle her realization from this afternoon. In love. With Naruto. Her smile was bordering on silly. A soft knock caught her attention. "Anou… Sakura-san, do you have a moment?" Sakura blinked and stood up. "Hinata! Please, come in!" "Thank you." Hinata nodded and stepped inside, her eyes roaming the office before coming to settle back on her. "I won't take up much of your time." Sakura waved her hand. "I just finished. What can I do for you?" Hinata folded her hands neatly in front of her and took a deep breath. "I'm sure you’re aware of the current standings in my clan?" Sakura nodded. Hinata bit her lip and continued, even as her cheeks turned a pale pink. "Do I have a chance?" Sakura froze at her words. "Hinata?" She made a small motion with her hand. "I would like to know where things stand with you and Naruto-kun, if I may." Sakura bit her lip and gave a helpless shrug. How did you tell someone who has been loyally in love with the same man you just realized you cared about for years? Honestly. "I love him, but I don't know if he returns it." Hinata was silent for several moments before nodding. "I thought so." "Hinata…" She shook her head, a faint grin in place. "This was selfish of me, Sakura-san. I wanted to make sure because… because I wanted to make sure that you would love him." "If I may ask… why?" "Because I must marry into the Clan now." She said simply. "It will be my choice, but in order to begin to mend the rift between Branch and the Main house I will take a husband from inside the clan." She gave a little shrug. "It is not as painful as I feared it would be. It helps that you love him." "I'm sorry." Sakura said simply. Hinata shook her head. "Don't be. You deserve him." Sakura shifted her feet, suddenly uncomfortable. "I don't think anyone deserves anyone, Hinata-chan. I think we just get lucky sometimes." Her pale eyes turned distant. "Perhaps that is so. My luck has never been so good." Sakura's lips twitched a little. "Tsunade-sensei insists that luck is what you make it." Hinata looked thoughtful. "I think I like that." The door to her office swung open and Naruto sauntered in, pausing when he saw Hinata. "Hinata-chan!" "N-Naruto-kun," she stammered, surprised. She took a deep breath and smiled. "How are you?" His eyes went back and forth between the women before they landed on Hinata. "I'm doing great! How are things for you? No one’s giving you any trouble are they?" His tone was hard. "N-no. Neji-kun would never a-allow it." "Well, at least someone in your family has some decency." Naruto grumbled. Hinata's face took on several more layers of red and she sketched a hasty bow. "Well, I have taken up enough of your time, Sakura-san. I'll catch you some time and perhaps we can talk then." "I would like that." Sakura agreed. "Yeah! You'll have to come and eat dinner with us sometime. I haven't seen you eat a good bowl of ramen in ages, Hinata-chan." The girl flushed again, waved, and disappeared. "You're going to have to go a little easy on her for a while." Sakura told Naruto quietly. "Huh? Why?" Sakura gave him an impatient look. "Because she's in love with you." "What?" "Hinata. She's in love with you." Naruto blinked several times. "Oh…" Sakura propped a hand on her hip. "How are you still alive with those observational skills?" "Hey!" Naruto crossed his arms. "I just thought she was nervous talking to guys." "Did she have that trouble with Kiba or Shino?" "They're her teammates?" Naruto grumped. "They're exceptions to the all the normal rules?" "Are they?" Her tone was soft, and she must have given something away because his head snapped around and he studied her with narrowed eyes. He stalked to the edge of her desk. "What's that supposed to mean, Sakura?" She sidestepped to keep the desk between them. "What is what supposed to mean?" "You're hiding something." He mused, following her movements with his own. His eyes gleamed at her. "It's not nice to keep secrets, Sakura." "Sakura?" "Sensei!" "Shizune said she thought you were here. I know I gave you the afternoon off but could you… Naruto?" Tsunade settled her hip against the doorway. "What are you doing here?" Naruto never took his eyes off Sakura. They were almost glowing. Suddenly he grinned, an open, boyish smile that set off butterflies in her stomach. "Sorry, Baa-chan, but she can't help you!" Tsuande lifted a brow. "Why not?" Naruto's smile altered into something utterly mischievous. "'Cause I'm taking her with me!" "What?" "Huh?" Sakura had hardly a moment to process it when she was suddenly lifted and flung over Naruto's shoulder. "This is an emergency you know." Tsunade's other brow slowly arched. “It is?” "Naruto!" She banged on his back. "Put me down!" "No can do, Sakura-chan. I'm kidnapping you." She paused. "Why?" He ignored her question and shifted his hands behind her knees. Crouching a little, he smirked. "You'll have to excuse us." Tsunade's lips twitched. "Of course. Bring her back in one piece." "Sure thing." "Naruto! If you don't put me down you're going to find yourself in pieces!" He just grinned and lifted his hands away from her knees and quickly formed the seals to transport them out of the tower. Tsunade grinned to herself and shut the door. __________________ Failures must be seen as amusements,they are trials which hone your skills. The frog in the well drifts into the great ocean. Feel pain,conteplate pain,accept pain and know pain. Proud member of The Three Legandary Sannin Fanclub. Proud member of the Jiraiya Fanclub. proud to be a member of uzumaki narutu. proud to be member of the yondaime fc. proud to be a kage member fc. proud to be a sage naruto member. Last edited by thegodfather2450; 01-13-2009 at 07:33 AM.

01-13-2009, 07:35 AM	#13
thegodfather2450 tale of galant jiraiya Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,249 Thanks: 663 Thanked 108 Times in 63 Posts	Re: Shade of the Leaf -32-They appeared on a bridge so familiar that she didn't have to look around to see where they were. The charred imprint of a hand – left behind years ago by Sasuke – was a dead give away. She growled low in her throat as Naruto set her down and glared up at him. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't pound you?" His hand slid into her hair, nails scrapping faintly against her scalp as his lips crashed into hers. She staggered into the railing of the bridge, off balanced and surprised. Naruto didn't seem to mind, instead he lifted her up and stepped in-between her legs, an arm sliding around her waist. Sakura froze with shock for a second before leaning into him, hands digging into his biceps as she kissed him back. When he pulled back she stared up at him. "I'll suppose I can give you a few more moments to live so you can explain yourself properly." He chuckled low in his throat, hand wondering along her spine. "I was hoping you would be doing the explaining?" Sakura arched a brow at him. "Oh?" He bent down and grinned, nose almost touching hers. "You have a secret." Her lips twitched. "What if I do?" He looked thoughtful. "Well, I suppose we can do this the easy way or the hard way." "Oh?" He brushed his lips across her mouth lightly. "You can tell me or I can throw you off the railing." She snorted. "You can try to throw me off the bridge." His arm tightened around her middle and his smile was all fox. "Is that a no?" She narrowed her eyes at him. "Maybe?" He grinned and flung them both off the bridge. She swore at him as they crashed under cool water. She came up sputtering and he laughed, throwing his hair out of his eyes. "Nice day for a dip, eh, Sakura-chan?" She lunged. He yelped and tried to swim away. Slapping the water with chakra, she buried him under a wave before landing him on his back and shoving him under the water again. He retaliated by grabbing an ankle and pulling. Twisting, she formed fast seals for the only water jutsu she ever really got down. His eyes widened under water before he was flung away from her. She sucked in a lungful of air when she cleared the water and stuck her tongue out when he came out coughing. "I win!" He grinned and lunged back into the water. "Not yet!" By the time they made it to shore they were breathing heavily. Flopping down she glared at him. "Only you could turn a make out session into a water fight." Naruto grinned at her. His eyelashes were clumped together and she had never seen his eyes so bright. "I love you." He said simply, suddenly. "Have my entire life. Never been anyone else and I really hope there never is. You're my most precious person, Sakura-chan." She stared at him, eyes wide. "Where did this come from?" Naruto shrugged. "Figured you would want to know." "Oh." He reached over and flicked her bangs out of her eyes. "So, you gotta secret?" "I'm not so sure it’s such a secret." She managed. "I'm sure hoping its not." He said solemnly. She flicked water at him. "I've known that I love you for half a day and you've already figured it out?" He shut his eyes for a moment and smiled. "When you've been looking for as long as I have, you tend to notice a lot of things." "Then what am I thinking right now?" He opened his eyes and studied her. "How about some ramen?" She laughed. __________________ Failures must be seen as amusements,they are trials which hone your skills. The frog in the well drifts into the great ocean. Feel pain,conteplate pain,accept pain and know pain. Proud member of The Three Legandary Sannin Fanclub. Proud member of the Jiraiya Fanclub. proud to be a member of uzumaki narutu. proud to be member of the yondaime fc. proud to be a kage member fc. proud to be a sage naruto member.

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