Commander Kitsune

Nineteen

Naruto's POV

A week and a half left before the final part of the chunin exams. Kakashi and I have been taking turns training Sasuke over these past weeks- he's progressed significantly and can hold out on about two chidori bursts. Kakashi and I still haven't really talked, or had a full conversation since that other night. Not that I'm in a rush.

It's nighttime. The only source of light in my apartment is the moon and the stars peeking from my window. I'm about to tuck in for the night when I hear a soft fluttering by the window. I turn my head, and my eyes widen. A crow sits on the window ledge, something tied to its leg. Itachi. Adrenaline rushes through my body as I jolt towards the bird, gently taking the note from it and releasing it.

I hold the note in my hands, blood pounding in my ears. He finally replied. After all this time.

I carefully unravel the note. In it is an address and a small caption. The border between the Sand village and the Land of rivers, is a waterfall and a cave with a small house behind it. This is where I live, not an Akatsuki hideout. P.S. ONLY. For emergencies, Naruto. Promise me that.

I smile softly to myself. Classic Itachi. Always promises this, promises that. Half of me wants to go there now and just leave the Leaf, but there's Sasuke, the chunin exams, and Orochimaru to take care of first.

Fine, Itachi. For now, I promise you. 

Sakura's POV

Ok. Gather up all of your courage, Sakura. Tomorrow is the day where you confess your love to Sasuke! No more excuses!

I nod in determination, walking through the moonlit night, with only the streetlamps as my source of light. But... why aren't I feeling all that fluttery? In the books, when someone confesses, or thinks of their crush, they should feel all red and flustered and fluttery and stuff. Right?

A dark figure in front of me catches my attention, and I look up. As my eyes adjust to the darkness, I catch a hint of black spiky hair, and a blue navy shirt with an Uchiha crest. My eyes widen.

"...Sasuke?" I squeak, holding my hands to my chest. The figure turns around.

"Sakura?" An all too familiar voice says. It is Sasuke! He walks forward a little, so a streetlamp illuminates him into view. "What are you doing here?" He asks, sticking his hands in his pockets.

I laugh nervously. "Oh... just taking a late night stroll, I guess." 

He stares at me for a while-- then suddenly turns to leave. "Ok. Well, it was nice seeing you, Sakura." He says, starting to walk away. I jolt up. What? He's just going to leave?

"W-wait!" I shout. He pauses, and turns around, an eyebrow raised.

I wring my hands nervously, blushing. "I... I have something to tell you." Seems like I'm going to tell him today then!

"What is it?" He asks, his head cocked.

"I... I love you, Sasuke!" I blurt, then clasp my hand over my mouth, my eyes widening. My heart is pounding from embarrassment. I can't believe I just said that!

"You... love me." He says, more of a statement than a question. I nod vigorously. 

"For a long time, Sasuke, I've been watching you. You're strong, and smart, and even though you're stoic and serious, I know you're kind-hearted inside." My knees lock, like they're about to give out. "I've wanted to be just like you- you were so good at everything- I was only good at being a burden. And I've been wanting to tell you this for a long time, and-"