"For Power."

"For Money."

"For Vengeance."

"For Joy."

"For Fame."

"For Glory."

"For Justice."

Why do you fight?

Seven Sins

Returns Sunday September 14th.

WELCOME

Welcome to my latest three part short story. As always I like to begin by stating that I do not own Naruto. The following story was originally meant to be a one shot. But it kept growing and growing to the point where I just didn't want to punish you all be reading a ridiculously long, non-stop read. I'm really proud of the overall quality of this one though and I hope you all find it equally enjoyable to read. Please leave a little review when you're done. The next chapter will be released next Sunday. Thanks for reading!

-Sunday June 29th-

-12:11PM-

"Zoom! Choo! Choo!" The little boy yelled in delight as he played with his toy plane shooting at invisible enemies only he could see. The little blue plane soared through the sky in his imagination as he held it up with one hand and swung it around with the backdrop of the sunny, blue sky behind it. The boy ran around his smiling parents as he pretended he was the pilot of his own high tech plane.

"Settle down Ryouji," said the little boy's mother; a beautiful raven-haired woman with red framed glasses and a flowing blue dress.

"Let the boy have his fun, Kurome." His father said. He was a man of average height and curly dark brown hair. He wore a pair of khakis and a white polo shirt.

Kurome laughed. "You spoil him too much." She said as she held her husbands' arm lovingly.

The boy continued to play until the sudden smell of sweets stopped him in his tracks. Ryouji looked about and saw that someone had just stepped out of a nearby café. As the door swung open, a pleasurable scent of chocolate, vanilla and cooked sugar wafted out and blanketed itself around the boy.

Ryouji's mouth began to water as he left his parents' side and ran up to the large window that acted as a barrier between the outside world and the treasure room of cakes that he could see inside. Another person walked up to the nearby door and entered which again allowed the warm and inviting smells that lingered within to be released and surround him once more.

Barely able to contain his excitement, the boy turned to his parents who were walking by. "Mom! Dad! Can I get something! I want something!"

Ryouji's mother and father stopped and looked at the little boy as he put on his best, convincing smile. "We still haven't had lunch yet," His father said. "Plus I want to get to the store to get that new phone."

"It's okay honey." Kurome said. "You go on ahead. I'll take him inside and get something."

Her husband looked at her with a mocking smile. "Now who's spoiling him?"

"Whatever." Kurome answered with a quick peck on the lips. "You go on ahead. We'll meet up with you in fifteen minutes." Kurome walked over and took her son by the hand and led him into the warm café. Almost immediately the boy slipped out of her hand and ran through the few people between him and the showcase in the front.

Sakura sat in the corner booth staring at the steam as it slowly wafted into the air from the white porcelain cup of hazelnut coffee that sat before her on the polished wooden table. She saw as the little boy had come flying into the café in front of his mother like a tsunami. He was a ball of excitement as he expected the cakes and candies inside the glass case. She couldn't help but smile as she saw him and the feeling of nostalgia hit her.

A moment passed before she glanced at her watch. It was just past noon in this, her favorite street café in the busy downtown shopping district. Her booth was next to the large window and from inside she could see people passing by. There were men and women, mothers and fathers with their children in tow. Friends, families and lovers strolled by leisurely on this sundrenched day. For a long time she sat comfortably as she watched the people walk by as they laughed and talked to each other or on their cellphones. The shopping area wasn't overly packed today thankfully and Sakura found watching the happy people calming.

Inside the café was equally tranquil. The entire café was painted in light mahogany with green accents. Several paintings, of Japanese and Italian impressionists adorned the walls interspersed with pictures of the owners and a few famous patrons who has visited at one time or another. A rendition of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata played wistfully from the ceiling mounted speakers while a handful of patrons went about their business. There was a young couple sitting across from one another on the other side of the café, gazing into each others eyes as they held hands. They spoke in hushed tones, laughing every so often as their steamed drinks sat untouched between them.

Another person, a young looking man with glasses, wild, matted hair and tired eyes in a plain, yellow t-shirt and blue jeans, hovered over his laptop as he typed obsessively. A college student most likely or perhaps an aspiring writer, Sakura thought. A middle aged couple with their young daughter stood at the register as the little girl gleefully went about the business of picking one of the many brightly colored pastries that sat behind a glass case. She and the boy now stood next to each other and began to converse. Their equal love of sweets made them instant friends. Again, this brought a small smile to Sakura's face.

The sweet aroma of the pastries intermingled with the scent of coffee beans, flavored teas and chocolate that soothed Sakura to the soul and swarmed her senses with a cacophony of smells that was like an endless treasure left only for her to discover. There was little wonder why this was one of her favorite places to visit. She'd found the little shop years ago while in kindergarten with her parents and fell in love with the place almost immediately.

Whenever she and her parents were in the area she would beg them to come here and as she grew and entered middle school and eventually high school she would stop by on her own as often as she could just to drink some of their warming teas, hot chocolate or sample their coffee along with her favorite sweets. Over the years she's become friendly with the owners; a sweet elderly couple who used some of their retirement funds to purchase the place nearly fifteen years ago. This café wasn't located in an area often frequented by any of her friends or other teens so it had become her own secret place where she would come for solitude and shelter. Few knew about this oasis. She had not even shared this place with Sasuke.

Sakura took a deep breath as she tried to calm her nerves. Despite the tranquility around her, her stomach was in knots and no matter how long she kept holding on to the hot cup of coffee with both her hands, they felt surprisingly cold. She went over her speech over and over in her head just as she'd done last night sitting in front of her mirror. Just as she'd done for the past few nights since she'd made her decision. She thought that finally, after all of the practicing that she'd be ready. The truth was she couldn't recall a time when she was more nervous than she was at this moment.

I can do this. I can do this. She silently repeated this mantra as she thought about was about to happen. She looked at her watch again. He's late. She thought. Of course he's late. When has he ever been on time for anything except for baseball? Despite her annoyance Sakura also had to admit to herself that part of her was thankful that he hadn't arrived yet. She couldn't imagine how uncomfortable she looked right now. She was happy for the time to prepare herself. Everything was about to change, one way or the other, after today.

But hadn't everything already changed weeks ago? For weeks her relationship with him was not what it used to be. How could it be after what she'd heard that day after school?

-Thursday May 12th -

-3:35PM-

"Damn it!" Sakura exclaimed as she dug through her book bag.

"What's wrong?" Ino asked. She, along with Tenten and Hinata stood with Sakura under a tree in the school courtyard.

"I forgot my math book in class." Sakura answered. "And I need it for our homework."

"Hurry up and get it." Hinata said. "We'll wait here for you."

"Right. Right. I'll be right back." Sakura responded as she began to walk back towards the school as several dozen students stood milled about.

"Hurry up!" Ino yelled after her friend. "We have to meet Sasuke-kun and the boys in less than twenty minutes!"

Sakura merely waved her off as she walked through the doors and back into the empty hallways of her school. There were still a few students in some of the classrooms, likely there for after school studies or social groups.

Sakura made it to the staircase and walked up to the third floor and made her way down the hallway. As she drew closer to her classroom door, she could hear voices coming from inside. She stopped just before she reached the door as the two voices she heard were familiar to her but it was obvious the nature of their conversation was very personal.

"You should tell her." One person said. Sakura could tell that it was Nara Shikamaru, her classmate and one of the smartest kids in school despite the fact that he spent most his time daydreaming and barely paid attention in class. Yet, inexplicably whenever the results of tests were released, Shikamaru would not only finish top in her class but would always be top three in the school, along with herself and Hinata. It was scary to think how much further ahead he would be compared to everyone else if he actually tried studying.

"I can't. No way." The other voice was obviously that of Namikaze Naruto, one of Shikamaru's best friends and one of Sakura's oldest. They had met just before entering kindergarten together and had been friends ever since. Naruto was as much the slacker in class as Shikamaru but whatever demonic deal Shikamaru had made to get good grades, Naruto had made no such deal. He was constantly near the bottom of the class and Sakura worried about what kind of university he'd get into, if any at all. But Naruto had one of the biggest hearts she'd ever seen and was a gifted athlete. He was an ace pitcher and skilled batter for their high school baseball team. In fact several scouts for professional teams had already begun to come to his games recently which, of course, made him quite popular with the ladies, despite him still not having a girlfriend.

Sakura quickly peaked into the room, taking extra care not to be seen, and saw the two boys sitting on desks across from each other by the windows. Shikamaru was looking at his friend as Naruto rested his chin on his folded arms that was perched on his raised knee as he looked out the window down at the courtyard where the girls were likely waiting for Sakura.

"Dude, you need to say something. If not for you, then for me. I can't deal with your ass like this anymore." Shikamaru said.

"Like what?" Naruto replied.

"Like this!" Shikamaru yelled as he gestured at Naruto. "A sad pathetic lump of depressing shit."

"Tsk! Thanks bro." Naruto said sarcastically.

"Look dude, you need to grow a pair and tell her how you feel. Either that or you need to finally move on." Shikamaru said. "You've been moping around since middle school. This crap isn't healthy."

"How can I do that?" Naruto asked. "You and I both know I'd be rejected. So what would be the point? We've been friends for so long. It would just change our relationship"

"The point is that she would finally know how you feel." Shikamaru answered. "You'll finally know for sure and then you can finally move on. And I won't have to deal with this bullshit anymore."

Wow! Sakura thought as she listened in. They're talking about a girl. Sakura snickered quietly at the thought. What great luck! I wonder who it is. Sakura peaked again and saw that Naruto was still looking down at the courtyard through the window. It was then it dawned on her. Hinata and Ino are down there! There's no way he's interested in Ino. She's too flashy a girl for his tastes. Could Hinata be the girl he's talking about?! Sakura pumped her fist. That would be great! Hinata would be so excited! She did tell me she thought Naruto was cute! Hell, she almost decided to confess a few months back before chickening out. Although I did hear that Sai is probably going to make a move on her soon. Oh! This could be a classic love triangle!

"Maybe you're right." Naruto said as Sakura continued to listen in.

"Damn right I am." Shikamaru responded. "You've been pining after her for all this time and never stepped up to the plate!"

Sakura held her hand to her lips to keep from being heard as she snickered in delight. Damn! He has to be talking about Hinata, right?! Of course he is!

"Yeah! Yeah!" Naruto said dismissively. "Well, it's not that simple you know. She does have a boyfriend."

Sakura paused in her silent celebration. A boyfriend? Hinata doesn't have a boyfriend?! Who in the world are they..?

"Well who the hell's fault is that anyway?" Shikamaru said with a hint of annoyance in his voice. "You had years to tell her how you felt. Even after Sasuke came and told you he was going to ask her out you still had time. He gave you one last chance, but as usual you wimped out."

Naruto jumped to his feet. "You think I haven't dreamed about telling Sakura that I love her?!" He yelled. "That I've loved her practically my whole life?! She's the only one…the only one to ever make me feel like…like my heart just stopped beating. Of course! But it's just..! I…just…"

"Alright dude, don't pee yourself." Shikamaru said with a chuckle as he slung his book-bag over his shoulder. "So what do you plan to do about it?"

Naruto sighed. "I don't know."

"Well, I think that if you're not going to say anything, you should move on. And you do know the best way to move on from a girl right? It's to get another. How's about Shion from class three? She's been flirting with you a bit. She's pretty hot.. Or Hinata? Rumor has it she might have a thing for you."

"Really?" Naruto replied. "I never would have guessed."

"Yup. That's what I heard from Ino anyway." Shikamaru answered. "That girl can't keep a secret for her life. And look at it this way, you two would have something in common. She doesn't have any balls either."

"Fuck you!" Naruto yelled.

Shikamaru laughed. "Calm down Naruto. Look, let's get out of here, huh? We got to go meet up with Choji and the others for practice in a little bit."

"Right." Naruto answered as he picked up his book bag and followed Shikamaru out of the room. The pair entered the empty hallway and Shikamaru threw his arm around his friends' shoulder.

"Cheer up bro." He said with a smile. "It's not like they're getting married or anything. Well, at least not yet anyway. But who knows once they got out of high school…"

"Not funny!" Naruto screamed as he pushed Shikamaru off.

Shikamaru laughed. "I'm just teasing! Relax!"

Once they were gone, the door to the classroom across from their own opened and Sakura crept out, closed the door behind her and leaned against it. Her head pounded, her heart seemed to ache and her stomach was twisted in knots. "Naruto." She whispered.

-Now-

Sakura picked up her cup and sipped the warming fluid and paused as she allowed it to envelope her as it made its way through her body. Even now, after having weeks to let what she'd heard settle in her mind it was a little hard to fathom. Yes, Naruto had always been nice to her, always gone out of his way help her with anything she needed. But they had been friends for years. He was her oldest friend in fact. Meeting him shortly after her family moved into the area and days prior to entering kindergarten where they were surprisingly both attending.

-Eleven Years Ago-

"Mom! Can we go in there?! Please?!" Sakura yelled as she excitedly pointed into the coffee shop at the chocolates and cakes that could be seen in the glass case under the register. The little girl wore a dark blue dress with white flower prints and a red ribbon in her jaw-length hair.

"Sakura, we really don't have time." Sakura's mother, Mebuki, a woman with a shoulder-length blonde hair with a single bang falling down over her face and similar green colored eyes as her daughter, said as she struggled with several large shopping bags she was carrying. "We need to get home so I can start dinner."

"But mom, I really want something!" Her little girl yelled impatiently on the verge of tears.

Mebuki sighed. Her daughter might still be young, but she was already fiercely stubborn. Kizashi would often joke that she had given birth to her greatest rival. Mebuki knew that Sakura was on the verge of another tantrum that she had no patience for. They had only just moved into the district and Kizashi was too busy with work to help with all of the unpacking and shopping that came with such a big move that still needed to be done. They'd already been out for hours and still weren't close to being finished. Not to mention there was getting Sakura ready to begin school and all of the things she needed to buy for that as well. "Fine." Mebuki said in a defeated tone. "We'll get you some cake or chocolate for desert but that's it."

"Shannaro!" Sakura cheered as she followed her mother into the coffee shop. The moment they entered, Sakura felt that she's been transported into another world. The warmth she felt enveloped her like a thick blanket. The mahogany colored walls were strangely soothing. She'd never heard the kind of music that played lightly there. But she liked it. And the smells! The strange and wondrous smells that made her stomach grumble and her mouth water in anticipation.

Mebuki followed her daughter who had already sprinted up to the glass case where all sorts of delicious cakes of different colors and textures and chocolates and candies of every hue awaited them. Even Mebuki had to admit that everything looked delectable as her own stomach growled. Mebuki looked over at an empty booth as if it were an oasis in the desert. "Choose what you want to get Sakura. I'm going to put these bags down."

Sakura nodded as her mother walked away. She then pressed up against the glass as she looked at all of the sweets and found herself unable to choose. What should I get? Hmm, that looks really good! Or maybe that one! Or that cake!

"You should try the chocolate cake."

Sakura turned and saw a little blonde-haired boy standing next to her looking into the case. He was wearing tan cargo shorts and a red t-shirt with the picture of a Power Ranger on it. He stood with his hands in his pockets as he looked inside eagerly. "I always get the chocolate cake with vanilla icing." The boy looked at her, Sakura marveled at how blue his eyes were. "And you know what? The old grandma here will put a little strawberry on it just for me!" He said with an excited smile.

"Really?" Sakura asked. "That sounds nice."

"Naruto, what are you doing over here?" The two children looked up to see a strikingly beautiful woman with long red hair and violet eyes. She smiled down at the pair warmly. "Well it looks like you made a new friend."

"It would seem so." Mebuki said as she walked up. "Hello." She said to the red-haired woman. "I'm Haruno Mebuki. This is my daughter Sakura."

"Namikaze Kushina." Kushina replied with a courteous bow. "And this is my son Naruto. And you must have just moved into town."

Mebuki laughed. "How did you know?"

"Oh, that flustered look and all of those bags." Kushina responded with a laugh. "My family just moved here about six months ago too. I'm sure I had the same look."

"Mom!" Naruto said as he tugged on her dress. "I want cake for me and Sakura-chan."

"Right, right." Kushina said. "Why don't we get them something and you and I have some tea Mebuki-chan. You look like you could use the rest."

Mebuki smiled gratefully. "Sure."

For the next hour Mebuki and Kushina talked and laughed as Sakura and Naruto sat on nearby stools with their cakes on the table between them. Their little legs swung as they enjoyed their meal. "You were right!" Sakura yelled. "This is great! Shannaro!" Naruto giggled. "What?"

"Do you always say that shannaro word?" He asked. "It's kinda weird?"

Sakura blushed. "You think so? You think it's stupid?"

"Nah! I'm just kidding. It's kinda cool, dattebayo!" he replied.

Sakura smiled as she looked down at her plate and realized her cake was finished. "Aww!" She exclaimed. "I'm still hungry."

"So ask your mom for more." Naruto said.

"Pft! She'll never let me have more." Sakura said with her arms folded as she looked at her laughing mother. "She's pretty strict when it comes to sweets." That's when she heard the sound of something being slid over to her. Sakura looked to see Naruto's plate, which still had a small piece of cake on it, sitting in front of her.

"You finish it." Naruto said with a smile. Chocolate was smeared on his face.

Sakura looked at the boy and then at the cake. "A-Are you sure?"

Naruto laughed. "It's okay! I've had enough! And my dad always says it's good to share to make friends!"

Sakura smiled. "Thank you." She said before happily eating the last little bit.

"Sakura, we should get going." Mebuki said as she rose to her feet and grabbed her bags. She looked to Kushina. "Thank you for sharing the tea. I'd like to meet up again sometime."

"No problem. I'll call you." Kushina answered.

"Let's go Sakura." Mebuki said as she led Sakura away.

At the last moment Sakura pulled out of her mothers grasp and ran over to Naruto who remained seated. Sakura bowed. "Thank you for the cake and for being my first friend." She quickly turned and ran back to her mother.

Naruto seemed to perk up and smiled as he waved at her. "See ya round Sakura-chan!"

-Now-

Sakura wrested her chin on her closed fist just as a waitress walked over with a small plate. "Here you go, Sakura-chan." She said as she put down the plate and walked away.

Sakura looked at the item on the plate. It was a piece of chocolate cake with white frosting and a little strawberry on top. It was her favorite thing to eat here. She couldn't help but smile. Sakura picked up her fork and took a bite. Delicious as usual, she thought as she ate. But somehow, it just wasn't right. The smile faded from her lips as she put down the fork. What the hell am I doing here? Maybe I shouldn't do this. He's running late as it is. Maybe I should just text him and tell him not to bother. I mean, what do I expect to happen? Even if he agrees with me, everything will change. It won't be how it used to be. How it used to be. Is it possible I never really understood how things were? Did I miss all the signs?

-Three Years Ago-

"Morning boys." Sakura said as she walked down the hallway through the throngs of people. The bell for first period had just rung and there was the usual scatter of people rushing to class. Naruto was standing in front of his locker alongside Shikamaru and Choji. As usual he was taking his time as he fumbled about trying to get his books into his bag while a half eaten protein bar was clenched between his teeth.

"Morning Sakura." Shikamaru replied.

"Hey Sakura!" Choji said.

"Oh! Hey Sakura-chan!" Naruto replied with his usual merriment, forgetting the protein bar that now fell from his lips. Clumsily, he lurched forward to catch his morning snack, missing twice before he finally grabbed it before it hit the floor. He quickly returned the bar to its place between his teeth and finished packing. He then looked to his two friends. "I'll talk to you guys later."

"You got it." Choji replied.

"Later." Shikamaru answered as the two boys walked off.

"You're going to be late, again." Sakura replied as she held up his bag.

"Thanks!" Naruto replied as he stuffed the last of his books into his bag. "At least I'm consistent."

Sakura looked at his messy, disorganized bag. She then grimaced at the sight of his equally chaotic locker that sat open. "You're a complete mess you know that?" She asked. "How do you even get by on a day to day basis?"

Naruto smiled as he slung his bag over his shoulder and closed his locker. "It's no big deal Sakura-chan. It's just a few minutes."

"Tell that to Kakashi-sensei." Sakura replied with annoyance. "He's written you up twice already and we've only been here for a month. We aren't in middle school anymore Naruto. You keep this up and it's going to affect your overall grade. You won't get into a good college."

"Pft! Who cares about college?!" Naruto replied, while waving her off. "I'm going to be pro baseball player. Eventually I'll make it to the big leagues in America!"

"Tsk! Sure you will." Sakura answered while rolling her eyes. "Well in the mean time, can you at least try to get to class on time? I'm not going to keep helping you out forever you know."

"No one asked you to." Naruto replied. "Like I want you to keep treating me like you're a nagging wife or something!"

"Who's a nag?!" Sakura yelled as she smacked Naruto behind the head. "Without me making sure you studied and got to class on time you probably would have been left back by now!"

"Whatever." Naruto replied as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Yo, dumbass." Both Naruto and Sakura looked behind them to see Sasuke making his way through the crowd.

"Hey Sasuke." Naruto answered.

"Oh! G-Good morning Sasuke-kun!" Sakura stuttered as she quickly slid her hand through her hair to make sure it was perfect. "How are you?"

"I'm cool, thanks." Sasuke answered with a quick smile. "You're looking good as usual, Sakura."

Sakura blushed. "Thanks."

"Okay! Okay! Enough of that!" Naruto replied with annoyance.

"You're late again, huh?" Sasuke asked.

"Tsk! Why is everyone so concerned with me being late?!" Naruto yelled angrily.

"If you keep messing up they'll suspend you from the team idiot." Sasuke replied. "Then I'll have to do everything myself. Which really isn't that much different than the usual. But still…"

"Fuck off Sasuke." Naruto said. "I'm a better player than you and you know it."

"In your dreams, maybe." Sasuke replied. "Just get to class on time will ya."

"You're late too!" Naruto yelled.

Sasuke suddenly stopped walking and both Naruto and Sakura realized he was standing just outside his classroom. "You were saying?" He asked with a smirk.

"Ugh!" Naruto exclaimed as he turned around and kept walking.

"See you later Sasuke-kun!" Sakura yelled as she waved. Sasuke nodded with a smile before vanishing through the door. Sakura turned to see Naruto glaring at her. "What?" She asked.

"Don't what me!" Naruto yelled. "Why don't you just hold up a big neon sign with the words "I love you so much", on it?!"

"Tsk! What's you're problem?" Sakura answered. "I'm just being friendly with him. Just because Sasuke-kun is smart, charming, athletic, has a great body…"

"Ugh!" Naruto exclaimed as he angrily bit off a piece of his protein bar and chewed angrily.

"…funny, has a great smile and is hot as hell!" Sakura continued. "It doesn't mean I like him or anything."

Naruto stopped walked and held Sakura's arm so she would too. He then took a long exaggerated stride. "What are you doing?" Sakura asked.

"Stepping over your tongue." Naruto replied with a grin.

"Tsk! Stupid." Sakura said as she continued to walk.

"Don't be so serious." Naruto answered as he ran to catch up to her "Just admit that you like him."

"I don't!" Sakura yelled.

"Really?" Naruto asked. "Too bad. He told me you were cute."

"He did!" Sakura yelled as she stopped in her tracks. Her face had turned bright red as she had a wide grin on her face. "W-When did he..?!"

Naruto laughed and shook his head. "You're pathetic."

Sakura grimaced as she ran up to Naruto and smacked him on the head. "Idiot!" She yelled. "Okay, so maybe I like him. But what's the point in saying anything? He doesn't like me like that. If he rejected me it would be…"

"Too painful." Naruto answered.

Sakura looked at Naruto. There was a sudden and uncharacteristic gloom on his face. "Yeah…" She replied. For a while there seemed to be an awkward silence between them as the walked through the increasingly barren halls. Sakura glanced at her friends face. He seemed to be lost in thought and she was sure there was something that upset him. Marshalling her courage, Sakura spoke up. "Naruto…there isn't someone you happen to…"

"Namikaze-kun!" Naruto and Sakura saw Hatake Kakashi, a tall, silver-haired man standing at the door. "So nice of you to be only five minutes late this time. But I'd appreciate it if you don't keep Haruno-kun from being on time. Unlike you, she cares about her education. Please come in and sit down."

"Yes, sensei." Naruto replied. Naruto looked at Sakura with a smile. "We'd better get inside."

"Right." Sakura replied. She knew Naruto well enough that his smile wasn't genuine. But she wasn't going to push the issue.

Just before they reached the door. Naruto stopped and put his hand up in front of Sakura to stop her. "Wait. Before we go in. Don't you think you should pick up your tongue? It's been dragging on the floor since Sasuke left." Naruto laughed as he turned around.

"Shut up!" Sakura yelled as she smacked Naruto in the back of the head.

-Now-

Sakura sighed heavily. Why the hell would I think about that now? She wondered. Should I have pushed him to answer me then? Was I afraid of the answer? Shit! I don't know!

Sakura took a sip of her coffee. The fragrance engulfed her as the warming liquid permeated her body. She glanced outside and saw a man walking down the street wearing a baseball cap from the local team. It triggered yet another memory.

-Friday May 20th-

-4:06PM-

"Go Lee! Go!" Tenten yelled as she watched him run to catch a fly ball in the outfield. She sat on the right of Sakura while Ino sat on her left. The girls were sitting in the nearly packed bleachers as they watched the boys' baseball team play against a division rival. The sun was shining and there was a warm breeze.

"Ah!" Ino exclaimed as she took the band out of her hair and let it billow in the wind. "What a great day to be outside. I really do love watching them play."

"Please, you hate baseball." Tenten said. "We all know the only reason you come here is to entice the boys. And by the looks of things, you've hooked a few." Both Tenten and Ino looked up behind them where a few boys were sitting at the top of the bleachers. They were all looking at Ino with lust in her eyes. One even appeared to be drooling a bit.

"Ugh!" Ino remarked as she turned around. "I only seem to attract the ugly ones though."

"That's not true." Tenten responded. "You keep turning down some really cute ones too. Face it, there really only is one guy you want, right?"

Tenten and Ino both looked to the dugout where Shikamaru sat laughing with Choji. "Tsk!" Ino exclaimed as she looked away. "That guy's a lazy idiot!" As she looked away her eyes fell upon another blonde haired girl that sat not too far away. Her name was Temari and she sat with her brother Kankuro. Gaara, their younger brother was playing on the team. Temari smiled as she waved. Shikamaru saw this and waved back. "Besides," Ino said almost sadly. "He's kind of off the market."

Sakura heard the girls talking. But to her it was all noise. All she could think about was Naruto. And it didn't help that she could see him standing on the mound. Sweat trickled down his brow as he readied his next pitch. He stood ramrod straight as he'd been taught to do. Has he always been that tall? Sakura wondered as she looked at him. Sakura continued to focus on him. Her glance fell onto his wide back and slim waist. Her eyes wondered down further until she found herself staring at his tight, firm…

Sakura quickly looked away as her face turned bright red. She shook her head as though it could knock the thoughts she had right out of her brain. Damn it, get a hold of yourself! That's still the same goofy Naruto! What am I thinking?! Sakura glanced back just in time to see the pitch. The batter reared back and swung with all his might but missed badly.

"Strike three! You're out!" The umpire yelled.

Sakura felt a sudden burst of exhilaration as she nearly jumped out of her seat to cheer. Mastering her emotion she sat and clapped with everyone else as Naruto and his team trotted back to the dugout where he was congratulated.

"Man, he's really gotten pretty good!" Tenten exclaimed. "No wonder the scouts are all over him!"

Sakura stared at Naruto as he made his way back to the dugout and sat with his team. Gaara, Sasuke and others were all patting him on the back for another well played inning. Naruto smiled at his teammates and as he was turning back around his eyes seemed to catch Sakura's. Suddenly embarrassed for being caught staring, Sakura quickly looked away.

"…kura! Sakura! Hello! Did you hear me, Sakura?!" Ino yelled as she nudged Sakura's shoulder.

"Huh?" Sakura looked at her friends with a look of confusion.

"I said it looks like Sasuke is about to come up to bat." Ino replied. "You okay? You've been acting strange lately. Even for you."

"I-I'm fine. I've just got some stuff on my mind." Sakura answered as she looked back out on the field as Sasuke walked up to the plate. Sasuke's white and blue striped suit was immaculate and perfectly highlighted his fit form. He confidently swung the bat around as he readied himself over home plate before crouching into position.

Sakura heard several girls a few rows up squeal. She glanced to see they were both around her age. She didn't recognize them and assumed they were from the rival school. "Oh! There he is! Sasuke-kun from Konoha High! He's so cute!" One red-haired girl yelled.

"I know but I heard he has a girlfriend at his school!" Another girl said with a glum expression.

The red-headed girl groaned with an equal look of disappointment on her face. "Of course he does. The good ones are always taken."

Sakura looked back to Sasuke who, to her surprise, was actually looking right at her with a cocky smirk on his face. He tipped his cap to her before readying himself. I guess he is one of the good ones right? Sakura thought to herself as Sasuke swung and missed on the first pitch. I mean he's hot, a great athlete and has good grades. Not to mention that even though he can be a little cocky and aloof at times, he really is a nice person to people. He really is a good catch.

A second pitch whizzed by without Sasuke swinging at it. "Ball!" The umpire yelled.

Sakura tried to watch as Sasuke stood at the plate with a chance to take the lead now at the end of the game. But she found it impossible to pay attention. Her eyes kept glancing back into the dugout where Naruto had jumped to his feet and was yelling at Sasuke to knock the ball out of the park. That's the kind of guy he was, always encouraging his friends to be the best they could be. He was always there for you. Always supporting you. He was the best kind of friend you could have. "Rrrarrgh!" Sakura grumbled as she looked up at the clouds in the sky. Why did I have to hear that crap?! Now I can't get him off my mind!

A moment later Sakura heard the sound of a baseball cracking against wood. Many in the crowd roared, including her friends as everyone around her jumped to their feet. Sakura looked up to see the baseball soaring through the air and out of the park. With a smile on her face she rose to her feet, clapping as she saw Sasuke triumphantly trotting around the bases to the roar of the home fans.

Sasuke tipped his cap to the cheering crowd as he rounded towards home plate where he was mobbed by his teammates and congratulated by his coach. Sakura clapped and cheered half heartedly as everyone around her celebrated. Sasuke and Naruto gave each other a high five at home plate as they celebrated the win. "Come to think of it, Sasuke-kun is pretty good too." Tenten remarked. "I heard that scouts are looking at him too."

"Wouldn't it be great if both he and Naruto both became professional players?!" Ino said excitedly. "They could invite us to players' parties! There would be so many hot guys there I bet! What do you think Sakura? Sakura?"

-Now-

"Sakura-chan? Sakura-chan?"

"Huh?" Sukura muttered as she turned from the window where she stared, lost in thought. Standing above her was a short, old woman with gray hair wrapped in a bun and a plain, sparkling white dress.

"I asked you if everything is okay." The woman asked with a smile. "You haven't touched your cake. It's really not like you. Is there something wrong with it?"

Sakura sighed before smiling. "Everything's fine Chiyo-sama. I guess I'm just not too hungry today."

"Hmm," Chiyo said as she rubbed her chin. "Have you seen Naruto-chan around lately? He used to come by often but he really doesn't come by much lately."

Sakura's smile seemed to fade slightly as Chiyo mentioned Naruto's name. "He's been a bit busy with school and baseball lately."
"Oh ho!" Chiyo exclaimed with a smile. "I've actually heard that Naruto-chan is being scouted by some big clubs, right! How exciting!" Chiyo sat in the chair opposite Sakura. "I've wanted to go see him play but watching after this store is a full time job. And my husband can't be relied upon by himself. He's always falling asleep! I mean look at him." Chiyo and Sakura looked behind the counter at an old man with thick, grey eyebrows. He was sitting in a chair behind the counter with his head nodding to side. Every so often he'd snore a little as he fought to stay awake.

Chiyo laughed heartily as some of the customers looked at her wearily. A moment passed before she finally stopped laughing and saw the odd look on Sakura's face. It was as though she was trying her hardest to laugh when it was in reality it furthest thing from her mind.

Chiyo took a deep breath and looked at the young girl. "How's your parents?" She asked. "I haven't seen them lately."

"They're fine." Sakura replied. "Mom plans to come to this district to shop this weekend. I'm sure she will stop by. Dad's working a lot, like always."

"So everything's fine at home?" Chiyo asked. Sakura nodded. "Hmm. So then I can assume that this is all about a boy?"

Sakura turned bright red. "N-No way!" She exclaimed as she waved her hands nervously. "I told you I'm fine!"

"Fine my fat, wrinkled ass!" Chiyo responded with a chuckle. "I might be old but I'm still a woman. And there are only two things that would make a woman make a face like that. And that's family issues or men. And since your family is fine…"

Sakura slid her drink and cake to the side and buried her face in her hands on the table. "God!" she exclaimed. "Am I that obvious?!"

"Only to the trained eye, sweetie." She said proudly. "I raised two daughters and three female grandkids. Stuff like this doesn't get passed old Chiyo! So what's wrong? Did some guy turn you down?"

Sakura paused for a second before peaking through her fingers to see Chiyo's smiling face. "No…not…not exactly." She stammered. "I already have a boyfriend."

"You do?!" Chiyo said in shock. "How come you've never brought him here?!"

"He's not really a fan of sweets." Sakura replied as she moved her hands away. "Besides, this place really is my little secret. A place where I can kind of get away, you know? I only like to come here alone." Chiyo merely smiled and listened. "If I brought him here, then he'd know about this place and he might come here. I like this place to be…just for me. Does that make sense?"

Chiyo nodded. "Everyone needs their own special place. Some people like their homes or a nice garden. Your favorite place is my humble little coffee shop." The look of pride on Chiyo's face was unmistakable at that point. "But if you have a boyfriend, then what's the problem? Did you two fight? Breakup?"

"No!" Sakura yelled as she sat up. "We never fight! Everything's great! He's great! I mean, he can be a little hard to talk to at times. He's not very open when it comes to his feelings. But he does nice things for me. And he's really smart and he plays on the baseball team too. In fact, he has scouts looking at him too. And he's pretty good looking."

"So what's the problem?" Chiyo asked.

Sakura began to play with her fingers nervously. Her face had turned into a permanent hue of red. "Chiyo-sama, I can't stop thinking about him. Even though I have a boyfriend. Even though I've done everything I could to avoid him. I can't stop thinking about him."

"Ohhh. I see." Chiyo responded with a knowing nod. "There's someone else in the picture, right? A new boy? How do you feel about this new one?"

"Feel?" Sakura responded nervously. "I-I well…I…thought we were just friends. I mean, we have been forever right. But then I overheard him say these…things…about how he really felt about me. And since then…I…I…"

"Can't see him in the same light you used too?" Chiyo asked. Sakura nodded wildly as though Chiyo had hit the target of the problem. A small smile crept onto Chiyo's face. "Ahh! Young love! So wild and carefree and unpredictable. Your hearts are like oceans caught in a raging storm."

"I'm a terrible person aren't I?" Sakura asked glumly. "To be thinking about another guy when I already have a boyfriend is unforgivable. I'm horrible. I've tried to not think about it. I've tried to avoid him. But…I…"

Chiyo reached out and held Sakura's hand as she saw tears welling in the girls' eyes. "The heart wants what the heart wants. It doesn't always make sense. It's not always right. And no matter how much you refuse to give in, when it comes to love, it can't be denied."

"Wow." Sakura replied. "That was beautiful."

Chiyo laughed. "You like it?! I got it from All My Hearts! It's my favorite daytime drama!"

"Ugh! How lame." Sakura replied as she glared at the old woman.

Chiyo chuckled as she got to her feet. "Maybe so. But I do know this much, there's a reason why you never felt the need to bring your boyfriend here." Chiyo stretched. "Well, it was nice to give these old legs some rest. But I should get back to work." Chiyo sighed as she walked away. "These old bones are really starting to weigh heavily on me. Maybe it's time to really think about retirement." Chiyo paused a moment and looked back at Sakura with a wink and a devilish grin. "Come to think of it, there is one boy you come here with quite often isn't there?"

Sakura paused as though she didn't know what to say or think. And as Chiyo walked away, she couldn't help but smile.

-Saturday May 28th-

-9:43PM-

"…and he yelled help and ran!" Sasuke said as he laughed. "It was the funniest fucking thing I've ever seen!" Sasuke sat on the sofa in the living room of his parents' home. It was a plush, brown couch which was part of a set. The living room, like the rest of the house, was fashioned in post modern décor, with white or brown furnishings, white walls and recessed lighting. Behind the living room was a sliding glass door that led to the outdoor pool.

"I don't think it was that funny." Lee responded with a sullen look. "That snake scared the hell out of me!"

"Aw, it's okay baby." Tenten purred as she kissed Lee on the cheek which instantly made him smile.

"I hate camping." Lee uttered.

"I know you do baby." Tenten answered.

Sakura sat on the couch next to Sasuke as everyone laughed and spoke. Sasuke had invited everyone to his parents' home to celebrate their win. His parents were out of town and as usual, he decided to throw a party. Most of the team was there along with many other students and a few of his neighbors. Music was playing from his stereo system and everyone was drinking beers that they had all chipped in for. Sakura felt as if half the school was somehow in his house. Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba and others were all drinking and celebrating around them. People were hanging out in the adjoining dining room and in the kitchen. There were even a few people talking around the pool in the back yard.

"Hey! Naruto!" Sasuke yelled across the room as Naruto made his way through the mass of people on his way to the kitchen. "Come here! You gotta hear this joke!"

"Yeah! Yeah! I'm coming!" Naruto shouted over the din as he changed direction and headed towards them.

Sakura felt as if her heart stopped when she heard Sasuke call out for Naruto. She knew he had come here with everyone else. But she also knew that Naruto and the rest of the team preferred to hang out in the backyard by the pool whenever Sasuke threw a party. Which is exactly why Sakura chose to hang out in the living room instead. She hoped she could avoid him for most of the night. Meanwhile she and her girlfriends could hang out inside. But Sasuke threw a wrench in her plan when he came in looking for her and then sat next to her on the couch. And as is the case, many of the guys came in and hung around. Sasuke was like a king holding court as everyone loved to be around him. It was only a matter of time before Naruto came inside too.

From where she sat, Sakura couldn't see him right away. But when she heard his voice above the sounds of laughter and music she felt that not only her heart had stopped, but she couldn't breathe. And as he appeared through the crowd that gathered around them, and she saw his smiling face, her heart began to race. It suddenly felt as if the entire world was melting away and it was just him standing there. Am I blushing? She thought. Shit! I bet I'm blushing.

Naruto sported his trademark smile as he joined the small group of friends. He held a blue plastic cup containing his half finished beer. "What's up?" He asked. Sakura took a quick glance up at his face but quickly looked away as though she were staring into the face of the sun. Damn it! A swell of guilt, anger and frustration seemed to well up in her as she saw him laughing with Sasuke. She felt cold and hot at the same time. It was as if the whole world was collapsing around her.

Naruto's eyes met hers' and she felt a sudden flutter. She looked to Sasuke who remained seated next to her, recounting the joke to everyone's amusement. She knew in that moment she had to get out. Every moment seemed like she was pushing a knife deeper into the man she was supposed to be in love with. Every laugh sounded bitter. She had to get out.

"Are you okay, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked as he looked at her. His smile began to fade and was replaced with concern.

Sakura suddenly rose to her feet. "Excuse me." She said as politely as she could as she stepped by everyone as quickly as she could.

"Something wrong?" Sasuke asked. From the worried expression on his face, Sakura could tell that she must have a panicked look on her face.

"N-Nothing," She stammered. She looked to Naruto who kept his gaze fixed upon her, which only made it worse. She forced herself to look away. "I'm fine. I just…need a-another drink." Sakura put her empty cup down and quickly made her way through the crowd.

Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! What's wrong with me?! Why can't I just act normal around him, anymore?! Just because he likes me? Fuck! Sakura made her way to the kitchen where Hinata, Sai, Tenten and Lee were all hanging around, laughing and speaking merrily.

"Are you alright Sakura-chan?" Hinata asked as she walked up. Her face a looked a bit flushed and her words were slightly slurred.

You never were good at holding your liquor. Sakura thought as she looked at her friend. Sakura took a deep breath as she tried to calm down. "Yeah, I'm fine." She said with a half hearted smile. "I'm just not feeling this party. I'm going to head home."

"You want me to come with you?" Hinata asked.

Why couldn't have said he was in love with you?! Sakura thought as she looked at Hinata's face. You're pretty! You're smart! Why not you?! Sakura glanced over Hinata's shoulder and saw Sai. He had an slightly anxious look on his face. He must be looking to make his move tonight, huh?

"Nah! Stay with Sai and have fun." Sakura replied with the best smile she could muster. "I'll be fine. I don't live far from here anyway." Sakura waved as she quickly snuck out the kitchen exit into the backyard where a few more people were lounging around, sipping from their cups and chatting. Without making eye contact with anyone, Sakura walked through the backyard and around the side of the house until she reached the front. She was walking down the driveway when she heard someone calling her name. Looking back she saw Ino running towards her.

"Where are you going?!" Ino yelled. "Sasuke was looking for you. You okay?"

"Argh!" Sakura yelled. "If one more person asks me if I'm okay I'm going to freak out!"

"Okay just hold on a sec." Ino said as she grabbed her friend by the arm. "What the hell is going on with you? You've been acting strange for a couple weeks now."

"Nothing."

"Don't tell me it's nothing. It's clearly something."

"I said it's nothing!"
Ino took a deep exasperated breath. "Okay. Well if it's nothing then it's okay if I start to speak EVEN LOUDER SO EVERYONE INSIDE CAN HEAR ME! MAYBE I SHOULD CAUSE A SCENE SO EVERYONE CAN COME OUTSIDE!"

Sakura quickly put her hand over Ino's mouth to muffle her. "Alright, alright. Just shut the fuck up okay?" Ino nodded. Sakura moved her hand away and then pulled her friend below the shade of a low hanging tree. She quickly looked around to make sure no one was around. "Okay listen, what I'm about to tell you stays between us."

"Of course." Ino said with a roll of her eyes.

"I'm serious Ino! Everyone knows you're the biggest gossip in school."

"What?! I am not!"

Sakura folded her arms and looked at her friend from head tot toe. "Oh really?" She asked condescendingly. "Weren't you the one who told everyone that Ayame's boyfriend was cheating on her? Or how about when Hinata told us that her bra size had gone up again. Somehow everyone knew the next day."

"Oh come on! Like that was going to stay a secret! They're the size of my head!"

"Ino!" Sakura yelled.

"Fine! I'm a blabbermouth bitch, okay?! But you have my word! I won't say anything! Now would you come on!"

Sakura took a deep breath as she once again looked around. "Okay, well…what if I told you that lately I've been having feelings?"

"Feelings?" Ino asked. "Y-You don't mean down there do you?" Ino gestured to Sakura's crotch. "Cuz I'm no gyno."

"No, you dumb slut!" Sakura yelled. "I meant emotional feelings." Sakura said. "For a guy."

"Feelings…like love?"

Sakura turned bright red and placed her hand back on Ino's mouth. "N-No! N-Not love! More like…like…um…stirrings!"

"Ew!" Ino remarked as she moved Sakura's hand.

"Not like that, you perv." Sakura yelled, as she turned an even deeper shade of red. "Can you be serious?"

"Alright." Ino replied as she looked back at the house where she could see her friends partying through the windows. "But I don't see the problem. You have feelings for Sasuke-kun. So what? He's your boyfriend isn't he? You don't need to rub it in that you beat me to him, ya know."

"I…didn't say I was having these feelings for Sasuke." Sakura replied.

Slowly Ino began to turn to face her friend. As she did, her eyes slowly widened and her mouth opened until her jaw fell slack. "What?"

"I know! I know! I'm horrible!" Sakura said as she looked away from her friends' stunned face. "I've tried to ignore it! I've tried avoiding this guy. But he's all I can think about!"

"Who is it?"

Sakura's eyes grew wide. "Nope! I won't say!"

"Sakura…"

"No way!" Sakura yelled as she waved her arms in protest.

"It's not Neji is it?" Ino asked with a sudden, cold glare.

"What?! No!"

"Good. Because he's my target and I'll be damned if I let you take him from me too!"

"If you're not going to be serious then I'm out of here!"

Ino sighed. "Okay, fine. But when did this happen?"

"A few weeks ago. I heard something that shouldn't have. I guess you could call it a confession. Ever since then, it's all I can think about. He's…all I can think about."

"So what are you going to do?" Ino asked.

"I don't know." Sakura said as she leaned against the tree. "I thought that if I just put some distance between us I'd get over it. I could just forget the whole thing and just go back to how things are normally. But I feel like the more I try to ignore him the more I think about him. His eyes. His smile."

"Whoa!" Ino remarked as she leaned in close with a wry smile "I didn't think anyone could turn that shade of red."

"Shut up!" Sakura yelled as she looked away.

Ino walked up to Sakura and placed her hands on the shoulders of her friend. "Sakura, do you love Sasuke-kun?"

"Yes." Sakura replied with tears welling in her eyes. "He's a wonderful guy!

"And this other guy, do you love him?"

Sakura paused for a moment. "I…I don't know."

"Well," Ino continued. "I guess the real question to ask is do you love this guy more that Sasuke-kun." Sakura paused as she considered Ino's words. "Well, do you?"

Sakura paused as she considered the question. Once again she felt like she couldn't breathe. She knew she had to answer. But she couldn't. Her body felt frozen and her mind suddenly overwhelmed by thoughts and memories. "I-I…" She stuttered as she tried to force the words to come out.

"Hey! There you guys are!"

Both girls looked back to see Naruto walking up. "You okay Sakura-chan? You didn't look too well back there. I was getting a little worried when you took off like that."

"Oh! We're fine." Ino said with a smile. When she looked at Sakura, she was confused by how pale her complexion suddenly seemed and her eyes were wide like a deer in headlights as she stared at Naruto. "Isn't that right Sakura?"

Without a word Sakura turned from them and hurriedly made her way down the driveway. "Hey!" Naruto yelled. "Hey! Sakura-chan! Where are you..?!"

"Sakura!" Ino yelled after her friend who was now almost running as she turned the corner and disappeared out of view.

"What he hell was that all about?" Naruto asked.

"Sorry, Naruto." Ino replied with a smile. "She wasn't feeling too well and just wanted to go home. Could you tell Sasuke-kun for her?"

Naruto sighed as he continued to look down towards the now empty driveway. "Yeah, I guess." Ino walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder, signaling that they should head back inside. Naruto took the lead as they walked towards the door. "She's been acting strange lately though, don't you think?"

"Hmm," Ino responded, clearly lost in thought. "I can't say I've noticed anything."

"Well I have." Naruto answered as they reached the door. "I mean it feels like she's always thinking about something. It's like she's not even paying attention to anything. She and I used to talk all the time, you know. But between you and me, it feels like she's been avoiding me for a while now."

Ino suddenly came to a complete stop just before she reached the door. Her eyes widened as her mouth slowly fell open. She quickly looked back down the driveway before looking to Naruto who was opening the door. "Hey, Naruto!"

"Yeah?"

"How long do you think Sakura's been avoiding you? A couple weeks?"

Naruto nodded. "Feels like it. Why? You know what's going on? Did I do something?"

Ino forced herself to smile. "No. I…really think it's just your imagination." Naruto nodded and walked back into the living room leaving a bewildered Ino alone. Ino sighed heavily as she considered the implications of what she believed to have discovered. "Oh shit." She muttered to herself.

-End of Chapter One-