Rejection

Going out to dinner with Kankuro was not the best idea in hindsight. Without the joy of getting back at Sasuke this means nothing. Kankuro takes me to a great restaurant I’ve been to a hundred times.

“You look very pretty tonight” he says from across the table.

“Thank you” I say politely but awkward.

We sit with small talk of no real substance. After an hour of small talk, our conversation fades to awkward silence.

“Tamari said this was the best place in the village” he says.

“Oh right, Temari is your sister. You must miss her since she moved here.” I say.

“Yeah but she is really happy with shikamaru. Living together was a big step but she has always been more mature than her peers.” He says sadly. I look at him curious but I don’t dare ask. He catches my look.

“Temari was basically a mother to Gaara and I. Basically had no childhood.” He explains.

“She must love you even more than. The love between mother and child is deeper than anything” I say.

“Yeah I guess she would love us like that. I look up to her as a mother but still used to argue as a brother. What a jerk I must have been.” He said chuckling deeply.

“When I was a kid I made fun of Naruto for having no parents. I thought it was better to not have parents than nagging parents. And to make it even worse I told that to Sasuke who also had no parents.” I say smiling sadly. “He gave me a good tongue lashing for that. Opening my eyes to a world outside myself. Sasuke has always done that. Showed me new sides of this world”

“Sounds like your team also grew up together helping raise each other” he says. I nod in response.

…

At the end of the date he walks me home hand in hand.

“I had a great night Sakura. You are the most beautiful and kind person I know. To be able to have a date with you was a dream.” He says still holding my hand.

With a speech like that how could I not give him a good night kiss. Although I’m sure it won’t mean anything since I don’t feel anything for him.

I lean in, closing my eyes to kiss him.

“Sakura!!!” I hear Sasukes voice yelling. My eyes fly open embarrassed.

“We need you in the huyga compound. Hinata has fallen ill.” He says with urgency.

“Goodnight Kankuro, I have to leave now” I yell as I start to run in step with Sasuke. We run all the way to the compound through crowds. Running all the through the compound to Hinata’s room.

“Hinata what happened?” I say bursting though the door. She is laying with a cold rag over her eyes. Her face is scrunched in pain. Naruto is by her side holding her hand strongly.

“I don’t know, my eyes are really hurting. I can’t stand this pain much longer.” She says crying. He face is contorted in pain.

I immediately start to transfer my chakra into her, relieving some pain. Sasuke is right beside me watching me work.

Hinata finally relaxes feeling the relief. Sasuke takes Naruto out of the room leaving me to start my work. I hover my hands over her eyes trying to see a problem. I can see all her chakra tubes, but none flowing through. There seems to be a blockage from her eyes causing her pain. Chakra tubes are so tiny and fine that working inside them will take precision and patience. I take a deep breath accepting my fate.

…..

3 hours later I had finally restored all functions to her chakra tubes. Giving her the ability to use her bakugan again.

“I put Hinata in a deep sleep so I won’t be able to test her until she wakes up. I’ll be by in the morning to check” I tell Naruto as he walks back into the room.

We say goodnight and part ways. Naruto still at Hinata side as I walk out with Sasuke.

I stumble against the wall, underestimating the amount of chakra I had used. Before I can release my chakra reserves Sasuke scoops me up in his arms.

“Sasuke you don’t have to carry me-“ I say but he cuts me off.

“I know you have more chakra than I could even dream of. But I’m sure you’re tired so let me help you.” He says.

I just wrap my arms around him, giving in.

“Thank you Sasuke” I say quietly. I feel embarrassed. I feel small and weak in his arms. Just like always. I’m always trying to catch up to him.

Sasuke jumps smoothly through my window. Laying me gently on my bed. This time he doesn’t leave fast. He is still holding me while hovering above. Our noses almost touching.

“Sakura” Sasuke says breathy. I breathe heavy in anticipation for what’s coming next. I hold eye contact not daring to blink. I bring my lips closer to his, waiting for him to initiate a kiss. He grunts annoyed making me think he will turn and run away.but instead he smashes his lips on mine. Kissing me fast paced without a break for a breath. He forces my lips open letting his tongue explore my mouth. I moan into his kiss wanting more. But my moan makes him stop immediately. Pulling away and walking toward the window. I stare at him breathing hard trying to catch my breath. Waiting for his response to what happened.

“Goodnight Sakura” he says. And then he leaves.

I lay back in bed. Remembering his lips on mine. Then something happens that I never thought would. My chest starts beating fast. My love for him grew like a flower in bloom.