Chapter 11: Shattered Heart

Chapter 11: Shattered Heart

The sun had set leaving the dark sky. Through the relatively quiet streets Naruto walked towards his destination in order to pick up Sakura for their date. He was tired from a hard day of training but still had enough energy remaining. His mind was in haywire with conflicting thoughts. He wanted to enjoy this time as he knew that he wouldn't get such chances often however he also knew that he couldn't let this outing get out of control so had to make sure that nothing happened. He was clothed in dark red trousers with a tight fitting long sleeved black top. He wasn't wearing a jacket as it was a warm atmosphere.

Preoccupied with his thoughts he had arrived at Sakura's house quickly. Swallowing a lump in his throat and giving out a sigh he knocked on the door. Waiting for a few minutes he could hear someone approaching the door from the other side before opening it. Trying his hardest to stop his eyes falling out of their sockets, he failed to recognise his hanging mouth. Sakura stood in front of him attired in an extravagant dark blue kimono with patterns of light pink cherry blossoms. His attention was drawn to the sparkling earrings she was wearing. He had never seen her wear them before as such accessories were a distraction and a hazard for kunoichis.

Sakura had a knowing smile across her face, "That must mean I look really good."

The jinchuuriki coughed realising his momentary stupor, "Heh heh…yeah you do."

Sakura couldn't help but rage with happiness inside. 'Hell Yeah!' Quickly coming out of her thoughts she addressed the shinobi in front of her, "So, where would you like to go first?"

Naruto's stomach rumbled; he hadn't eaten during the day preserving his humongous appetite for the evening, "How about we eat?"

The medic-nin stepped outside closing the door behind her. The two began to walk embarking on their date. Sakura's thoughts were concentrated solely on her feelings for the leaf-nin next to her. They continued walking leaving the residential district and arriving in the more lit up area of Konoha. Naruto stared at the dazzling display of lights not noticing the running flashes of green approaching him and Sakura.

"Yosh! These two young shinobi are truly enjoying the springtime of youth!" Gai finished his loud speech with a thumbs up and a blinding smile.

The eccentric volume startled Naruto who wasn't prepared for such an outburst. His attention was quickly directed towards the energetic blue beast of Konoha's student, who was standing with fire burning in his eyes. "Naruto-kun! I, the beautiful green beast of Konoha, challenge you for Sakura-chan's heart."

Sakura's eyes widened as Naruto sweat dropped, "Nani?"

Sakura laughed nervously slowly inching closer to the blonde. Lee continued in a determined tone, "I have vowed to win Sa…" The green spandex clad youth was stopped from finishing as a hand clasped itself around his mouth.

Ten-Ten stood behind Lee with a firm grasp across his animated mouth. Neji slowly walked up behind his team mates obviously embarrassed by the two taijutsu specialist's actions. "Good to see you Naruto, Sakura-san."

Naruto and Sakura nodded acknowledging his greeting. Ten-Ten finally relinquished her hold on Lee. Looking towards the young couple she bowed before speaking, "Sorry about Lee."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, "It's alright…I think."

The unfathomable Gai looked in the direction of Naruto, "Yosh! You are finally embracing the blazing yet kind fire of your youth!"

Naruto had a dumbfounded expression not fully comprehending the meaning of his words. His thoughts corresponded with Sakura who was even more perplexed, 'Shannaro! What the hell does that even mean?'

Lee had tears brimming in his eyes as Gai exclaimed his passionate words, "Gai-sensei, there is none more youthful than you!"

Maito Gai turned towards the younger taijutsu specialist and gave him his trademark smile, "Of course, my youthful student. Now come, we must continue with our energetic laps around the wondrous beauty that is Konoha!"

Naruto and Sakura stared as the green spandex wearing males ran down the street, not entirely sure of what had transpired in front of them. Neji followed slowly with an annoyed look.

"Well, I should leave you to your…um…anyways…" Ten-Ten laughed before waving and following her team mates.

Naruto inwardly smiled at his friends antics; he was going to miss all this when the time came. He led Sakura to a high-class restaurant knowing that going to eat at a ramen stand wasn't the greatest of ideas especially since she had spent time preparing herself. Walking into the reasonably large building they came upon one of the employees, Naruto addressed the tuxedo wearing gentleman, "We'd like a table for two."

The short man recognised Sakura who was the apprentice of the Hokage, clearing his throat, he quickly replied, "Of course. Right this way young sir, madam." Giving the two shinobi a courteous bow, he took them to their table before handing them menus.

Sakura glanced at Naruto who was intently focused on his menu and the list of food, no doubt trying to find his favourite dish of ramen. She was glad that he had taken her to a fine restaurant which meant he had thought about the date. She gave a small chuckle as she realised the genin would be complaining about the state of his 'Gama-chan' after a few days because of the amount of money he would be paying on their date.

She picked up her menu to begin browsing but saw Naruto staring at her awkwardly, "What? Do I look that nice?" A smile appeared across her face as she spoke.

Naruto shook his head receiving a raised eyebrow from Sakura, "No…it's not that…it's…"

Sakura seethed inside at what he had said, interrupting him from finishing, "Baka! What's that supposed to mean?"

Naruto began to sweat noticing the unfortunate misuse of his words, "Gomen Sakura-chan. I didn't mean it like that…"

The pink haired medic paid no attention to his rambling instead scouring through her menu. The blonde acknowledging his failing attempts at reconciliation sighed before resuming looking through his own menu. The minutes passed by in silence as they finally ordered their food. Sakura ordered kaiseki, a traditional delicacy made with the rarest variety of ingredients. The jinchuuriki ordered his usual miso ramen awaiting his meal with eagerness. Looking back at the beauty in front of him, he decided to try and lighten up the discomfited atmosphere. "So…uh Sakura-chan how was your day?"

Sakura slightly happy with his attempts for trying to make for his mistake responded, but made sure she wasn't too reactive so he didn't think that he was off the hook already, "Fine." She could visibly see her one word answer to Naruto had the desired effect.

Their meal arrived and the two ate in silence for the majority of the duration with Naruto making his unique jokes to try and brighten Sakura's mood. His attempts ultimately failed in his eyes whereas the pink haired kunoichi was enjoying his desperate frame of mind at trying to make her laugh feeling he was cute when in such a situation. Finishing their meal Naruto left the payment before following Sakura outside.

"Sakura-chan…I really didn't mean it. You look great. Seriously I haven't seen anyone looking better." Naruto walked behind Sakura who was a few feet ahead of him.

Sakura stopped as she blushed from the leaf-nin's comment, only hidden due to the direction she was facing. Regaining her composure she turned to face him, "Well how are you going to make up for it?"

Naruto began thinking with his hand on his chin as the minutes flew by. Sakura became irritated at the lengthy process, 'Shannaro! Does it really take you that long?'

A light bulb lit up in Naruto's mind as he thought of a brilliant idea. Rushing towards Sakura, startling her a little, he grabbed her hand and ran towards their destination. A warm feeling pulsed through Sakura at the unanticipated contact. She enjoyed the familiar feeling and continued following the energetic blonde.

Arriving in front of the movie theatre, Naruto felt a wave of fear rush through him as he saw the poster for the latest Icha Icha Paradise movie. He turned towards Sakura who was cracking her knuckles and had a menacing look in her eyes. "This is your idea?"

Naruto began to slowly back away from the volatile kunoichi, "Wait…I thought the latest movie Princess Koyuki made was being shown." He began to worry noticing the lack of effect from his words.

"What's going on here?" Kakashi looked at his students with a keen eye. Observing their attire and the situation of them being together, he drew the right conclusion swiftly. 'So they're finally dating.'

Naruto sighed in relief at seeing his sensei. Kakashi was feeling a lot better after his talk with the genin two days prior. He was at the theatre to see the adaptation of his favourite novel. A sinister yet amusing plan came to his mind as he bought three tickets. Walking forwards he grabbed his students, dragging them into the screening room against their will.

Naruto's eyes widened as he began to curse his luck and dread meeting the masked pervert. The two young shinobi were seated in front of Kakashi. The masked jounin had a smirk across his face as he saw the uncomfortable couple. Naruto, who was now sweating profusely, took a glance at Sakura to his right. Noticing her abnormal demeanour he sighed knowing she wouldn't punch him anytime soon. Standing from his seat in order to leave he was stopped as Kakashi had a hand on his shoulder and made him sit back down. "What's the rush Naruto? The movie hasn't even started yet."

Sakura fidgeted uneasily as the movie began to start. Her anger for Naruto was now displaced and she was more focused on the fact that she was about to watch a perverted movie. 'Shannaro! I will have my revenge Kakashi-sensei!'

She blushed uncontrollably as the movie got underway. The intimate scenes were making her extremely uncomfortable as she kept having flashes of Naruto through her mind in intriguing positions to say the least. Naruto wasn't fairing very well either as a small trickle blood escaped his nose. He knew of the perverted nature of Jiraiya's novels and had even read some of them. However reading the erotic scenes and experiencing them being performed, whilst you were with a girl you were highly attracted to, were very different situations. Trying to flush away the impure thoughts of Sakura rushing through his mind constantly, he head butted the seat in front of him.

Kakashi was trying to refrain himself from laughing as he concentrated more on the actions of the young shinobi couple rather than the mature movie he initially came to view. He was enjoying the humorous display and was beginning to wonder whether this was becoming too much for them as he saw Naruto head butt the seat in front of him hardly. They were old enough to understand about the intimate moments between a man and a woman however he knew that they weren't expecting to see such scenes their first date.

Sakura, beginning to lose herself to her implicit thoughts, rose from her position and grabbed Naruto running out of the theatre. Kakashi merely looked at the two leave, not trying to stop them, deciding that they had endured enough. He smiled hoping they wouldn't refrain from anything before continuing to watch the Icha Icha Paradise movie that was halfway through its course.

Sakura and Naruto had finally left the theatre and the kunoichi let go of the Kyuubi containers hand as quickly as possible. Her thoughts were racing and she sighed out of relief, being free from the perverted torture that was Icha Icha Paradise.

Naruto wiped the blood from his nose and looked at Sakura but quickly turned away as more impure thoughts corrupted his mind. Coughing rather loudly he addressed the gorgeous yet scary 16 year old; "We should be on our way."

Sakura nodded and walked beside Naruto as they travelled through one of Konoha's stunning parks. Coming close to a small lake Naruto took a seat on the soft grass below. Tsunade's apprentice sat down next to him enjoying the view of the majestic river sparkling in front of their eyes.

The stars had at last come out, glittering as vibrantly as ever, adding to the already romantic and peaceful atmosphere. Naruto had a heart warming smile across his face and a feeling of tranquillity within himself. "It's beautiful isn't it?"

Sakura was amazed at where Naruto had led them. Due to the genin's usual hyperactive behaviour and loudness, she never knew that he enjoyed such serene things. Smiling softly she scooted closer to Naruto and placed her head on his shoulder before replying, "Yeah."

Naruto was taken aback by the suddenness of Sakura's action and knew that he had to be careful as to not let anything happen. A few minutes passed as a smile graced his whiskered face, "I've never seen you so calm before. You're normally always…different."

Sakura lifted her head from his shoulder, "Baka! Don't you like me when I'm like this?"

Naruto stood up walking closer towards the water. Looking over the calm water he answered, "I like you however you are."

Sakura smiled as she heard his words, a comforting feeling entering her stomach. Kicking off his sandals Naruto walked onto the lake keeping himself afloat with his chakra. A soothing feeling entered his body as the initial chilliness left upon his bare feet touching the water. He walked forwards as the water underneath him swayed. The kunochi gazed at Naruto who seemed so peaceful yet so sad in his movements. She was broken from her thoughts as the Uzumaki spoke, "Try it Sakura."

Rising from her location on the ground, she walked towards the water and took off her own sandals. She placed her foot onto the water as an icy feeling entered her body making her shiver. Naruto chuckled as he saw her. Sakura walked forward trying to get accustomed to the coldness. Walking a few more steps she realised that it was pleasant to walk on the water as her skin enjoyed the sensation. She made her way over to where Naruto was standing.

The blonde had managed to make it into the middle of the lake and was standing calmly as he stared at the sky above. Sakura jumped back as she felt something wriggle underneath her feet. "What was that?"

Naruto diverting his attention to his date laughed as he saw her jump back with her eyes racing at the water below. Sakura glared at Naruto, "Baka! What's so funny?"

"Nothing to worry about, it was probably just a fish."

Sakura embarrassed from her over weariness quickly reddened, "Oh…"

Walking towards the hyperactive ninja she stood in front of him before he suddenly fell through into the water. Losing sight of his figure, a worried expression appeared across her pretty face. "Naruto..." She bent down before looking more clearly into the water, "Naruto, are you alright." The desperation was evident in her voice as she attempted to locate the jinchuuriki.

Being too immersed in the situation she failed to recognise a set of hands slowly appear from the water below and wrap themselves around her ankles. Sakura snapped out of her search as she felt something clasp her ankles however she was too late to act as she was pulled into the water below.

The water completely submerged her body sending an overwhelming cold shudder throughout her. She quickly rose from the water and began to shiver. Her hair was drenched as were her clothes. Droplets of water surrounded her face. However she instantly became angry as she realised what had just happened, "Naruto! I'm going to beat you senseless."

"Really?"

The kunoichi turned around to face the blonde who was equally soaked with water. His golden hair was flattened from its drenched state and his clothes were dripping; he laughed, "Come on it's not that bad, is it?"

Shivering from the cold, Sakura walked forward before hugging Naruto. She wrapped her arms around his waist in an attempt to become warm. The tight hug sent Naruto into confusion. He was enjoying the feeling but was afraid of the closeness at the same time. The chest height water completely covered their bodies as Naruto slowly placed his arms around Sakura returning the hug.

Staying stationary for a few moments their bodies started to become warm feeding off each other's heat. Sakura eyes were closed as she leaned her head on his shoulder. A mystifying feeling ran throughout her body making her feel exceedingly pleasant. She spoke in a soft voice, "Arigatou…Naruto."

Sakura leaned backwards escaping his embrace. She looked at the shinobi in front of her as the water slowly trickled from his hair down his handsome face. Mesmerized by his enchanting cerulean eyes, she felt comfort at the peacefulness within them. 'I finally understand.' She smiled as she began to lean in towards his face.

Naruto gazed into the kunoichi's emerald eyes as he slowly became captivated by her beauty. 'Everything was happening so perfectly…' He sighed sadly inside, 'But at the wrong time…' He could feel Sakura's refreshing breath on his lips before he turned his face to the side.

Sakura's kiss landed on his wet cheek. Her face had a befuddled expression as she didn't understand. She looked at the blonde who was now staring at the serene water. "What's wrong Naruto?"

Naruto's eyes revealed the sadness within them as he replied softly, "I'm sorry Sakura-chan…I can't do this."

He turned to leave but was stopped as Sakura grabbed his hand. "Why…"

Naruto's feelings were in turmoil as he contemplated on telling her the truth. He desperately tried to find the right words but couldn't bring himself to tell her. Releasing his hand from her grasp a tear escaped his eye as he left.

Sakura gazed at the genin as he walked away from her. The water felt a lot colder as she was left in shock. The stars shimmered less and the lake appeared dark. A tear escaped her green eye falling into the water below with a resonating sound as her heart shattered on the inside.