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"Just admit forehead, you are jealous." A sly smirk appeared on her best friend’s lips.
"I am not!"
"Are too."
"Am not."
"Are too."
"Am not gah okay fine so what if I am? It’s not like I can do anything about it." Ino rolled her eyes at her friend's childish behaviour.
"Then how about instead of self-pitying and overthinking things." Sakura gave her a look, which Ino chose to ignore. "You go and confess your feelings, even if she does like Naruto, which I very much doubt might I add. At least you can say you tried."
It was tempting, but unlike Ino Sakura had been with the two the longest. She wasn't going to fool herself into thinking a confession could magically change anything between them.
"You don’t see the way she looks at him. It’s so obvious that she likes him, what’s the point?" Sakura slumped in her chair pouting.
"The point is that if you don’t shoot your shot you’ll never know. May I also remind you that you had that same look on your face with Naruto as well?" That got Sakura's attention.
"Excuse me."
"Yeah, you know a soft smile. Dimple on your cheek, that kind of look."
"Huh? You know it’s nothing like that, I only see Naruto as a friend." It was absurd, Ino knew very well how Sakura saw Naruto. He was more of a brother to her.
"Then what makes you so sure Satsuki doesn’t either?" Ino countered, waiting for the excuse.
"Because…. those two are different." The blonde gave her an unimpressed look followed by a sigh.
"Whatever you say forehead."
Weeks when Satsuki came back, Team 7 had reunited and the four of them spent their time catching up. Although, it was rare for Kakashi to come as he was the Hokage now. Sakura was happy that they could finally be a team again. It was all she ever dreamed of and Naruto had kept his promise. There was still a lot to do for the village as they were recovering from war. But it was getting there. Unfortunately for her, her two teammates would spend time without her. Now this itself wasn't the problem. The two had always been rivals since the academy days, so it was only natural for them to train, beat the crap out of each other one might say and hang out together.
What bothered Sakura was the slightest hints she had missed. The way the raven-haired would look at him, giving him a smile -she rarely smiles, hello- talking secretly with him when they were all together. Honestly, at this point, Sakura was ready for them to tell her they were having a secret relationship. That's what it looked like at least.
Sakura grew more insecure by the day and would start to skip on their regular Team 7 get-togethers. It pained her to do so, but it was better than breaking down in front of them or having to confront the problem head-on. Something which she should have done but this will do.
Now back to the present after talking it through with Ino. How was Sakura meant to confess to someone who she knew for a fact liked someone else?
In Sakura's mind, it just didn't work like that. Okay, sure she was an overthinker, and maybe it wasn't a fact that Satsuki liked Naruto. But Sakura had enough evidence that suggested otherwise, right?
Urgh, I'm so going to kill Ino if I humiliate myself.
Ino had told Sakura earlier about the plans for them all to go out for a barbecue and a couple of drinks on Friday night. That was when Sakura had the idea to confess to Satsuki. She knew Satsuki never liked alcohol, and not wanting to screw up herself Sakura decided to avoid drinking that night so she could confess from the heart. The only problem was when? Should she catch her before they eat, afterwards? Have a bite to eat and ask to talk privately outside? The two had barely spoken what with Sakura avoiding them. Chances are that she was pissed at her.
A pissed Satsuki was never a good thing, the poor girl was terrified.
It was too late to go back though, Sakura had made up her mind and if she bottled out now she would never confess. With determination, Sakura looked over her dress she picked out for the evening. It was a nice dark red, that suited along with her hair colour. Nodding to herself confidently, this would certainly attract attention. She looked over the lipgloss silently debating whether it was worth the hassle.
Ah might as well, it's not like it'll stand out as much as lipstick.
After applying the gloss to her lips. She grabbed her purse and made her way out. Although it was nerve-wracking Sakura was also excited. Not so to do with confessing but it's been a while she's seen all her friends again. They were all busy most of the time and certainly deserved a break. Sakura was busy in the hospital along with Ino who helped from time to time, given that she was also now head of the Yamanaka clan, TenTen had opened her own weapon shop but also helped out in small missions set by the Hokage. Lee was taking care of Guy and helping out with repairs. Even Shikamaru and Choji were busy, so it was rare for the twelve of them to get together.
Sakura quickly noticed she arrived at her destination. Shikamaru, Hinata, TenTen and Shino standing outside.
"Yo!" Sakura made her way over and quickly got chatting with Hinata and TenTen, Shikamaru and Shino making comments here and there. The five of them decided to wait for the others first seeing as they booked a table in advance. Besides, it was nice and cool out so they weren't in any hurry. Soon enough their friends started arriving and it was Naruto and Satsuki who was the last to make it, late that is. The two were the only ones haven't dressed up appropriately as they had been training and almost, keyword almost lost track of time. So they were still in their regular clothing, Naruto in his new black jacket, and Satsuki was wearing a black jumper with grey trousers. Her hair was tied up from training, they figured as they were only seeing friends it didn't matter too much about how they looked. Sakura scolded both of them going on about how they were becoming more and more like Kakashi (this wasn't the first time she had to wait for them) but given that everyone would be here, Sakura figured they would at least have the decency to arrive on time. Shrugging Shikamaru waved his hand and suggested that they could treat them all instead, it seemed only fair. Naruto groaned but agreed.
As the group made their way in full of gurgling stomachs, Sakura froze in her tracks as she realised both she and Satsuki were the last to go in.
This is it.
Sakura quickly caught her wrist halting her movements. Kiba gave them a look, but said nothing and pretended like he hadn't seen anything to give them their privacy. Now it was just the two of them.
"Um..."
Sakura quickly looked down ashamed to look her in the eye, and suddenly finding the ground more interesting. If she had then she would notice the glare being sent her way.
Shit, shit, shit! Say something.
"Hey, can we talk?" Did her voice really have to squeak like that?
"Talk? Now you want to talk? You've been avoiding me the past couple of weeks and now you want to talk?" Ah, so she was mad.
Well, duh of course she would be. It's not like they wouldn't have noticed their third member missing.
Still not looking up at the woman, Sakura spoke. "I'm aware that I haven't exactly been the best teammate, but if you hear me out I promise it would make sense. Unless it makes you uncomfortable then I can go home afterwards and we can forget this ever happened." Great, now she was rambling. But at least Satsuki was starting to feel less tense.
"Can you look at me then?"
I'd rather not
Sakura refused to and released Satsuki's wrist. It was very unlikely that she would walk away now, even if she was still angry. Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, although it didn't help with the intense stare being given. It was almost like Satsuki was trying to figure out what she wanted to say before she could.
"I...I know you have a crush on Naruto. But the thing is, well you see." A blush appeared adorned on the pink kunoichi's face and before Satsuki could correct her, trying to figure out why and how she would come to that conclusion. Sakura continued wanting to get it out the way. So much for a confession from her heart, admitting your feelings to someone was harder than it looked.
4/10 would not recommend.
"I like you. I mean you know more than like I... I love you. I know you like Naruto or rather are with Naruto but I just had to say something."
What was an annoyed/angry kunoichi was now a shocked and disbelief one. The two stared at each other in silence, neither knowing what else to do or say. What else was there for her to say, she just confessed. Sakura could feel her heart beating so rapidly, and it really didn't help that Satsuki was just standing there saying nothing.
Just say something, anything, please. Reject me so I can go home and eat a tub of ice cream or-
Sakura cut herself off from more, she didn't want false hope. This was reality and hey she could take rejection, everyone goes through it. Sure it would be painful at first, but Ino was right, even if she didn't like her back it's out there now. No more secrets.
Except Sakura couldn't take it anymore, she just wanted to run back home and cry.
"Uh, I'm going to go now so-"
"Wait!" Satsuki grabbed her elbow before she could escape. Sakura could feel the tears brimming but shook it off, wanting to have some dignity left.
"Where did you get the idea that I liked Naruto?" I'm sorry what? Sakura's eyes widen and she immediately turned around to face her crush, frowning.
"Are you kidding me? That's what you took from this? I just confessed to you and that's what you ask?!" Although angry, Sakura was slightly relieved. Did this mean she had a chance? A smirk formed on her face and Sakura felt her stomach flutter. Why was she so hot?
"Yes, because it's ridiculous. Since when have I ever shown interest in Naruto?" In the back of her head, Sakura could picture a million reasons when and why and Ino chanting to tell her them all. But now.... it was just so embarrassing. Sure in her mind it made sense at the time but looking at the ravenette in front of her, it would be wise to keep it to herself.
But then what were they whispering and talking about?
"I just thought... never mind." Sakura looked away embarrassed. Satsuki looked over her flushed face finding it all amusing. Still having a hold of her elbow, without warning pulled the young girl closer. Sakura stumbled and once again found the floor very interesting. Look, the dirt was just fascinating tonight okay? It had absolutely nothing to do with what was happening.
"Sakura, look at me please," her hand gently stroked her cheek whilst the other rested on her hip. Sakura could feel her hand tilting her chin up to look at her and damn. They were so close, almost kissing. As if reading her mind about it Satsuki leaned down testing the waters. She didn't want to make her uncomfortable and although she was completely flushed from head to toe. Sakura stood on her toes (trembling) to meet her lips, so soft. Any worries and doubts she had beforehand vanished and all she could think about was the fact she was kissing Satsuki.
They were kissing
THEY WERE KISSING!
The two pulled back, both of them blushing. "Uh, I take it that means you like me too?"
"Ah," Satsuki replied, taking her hand kissing her knuckles softly. Sakura felt like she would faint.
"Hey, hey, hey what's happening? Are they kissing yet?" Naruto whispered at the group that was silently watching. Well, Ino, Hinata, TenTen, Sai, and Lee at least. Shikamaru was also there but trying to get them to leave them be. He was pretty certain that the two did not want their privacy invaded. Besides, he was hungry. They couldn't exactly start when the majority of the group were snooping, but Ino dismissed him.
"Urgh, leave it to Naruto to be a pervert about it," Ino grumbled, silently squealing at the kiss. Oh, how she would rub it in her face how she should thank her.
"I'm not being a pervert. I'll have you know I've been third-wheeling them since Day 1. Is it so bad I want them to be happy? Besides, do you have any idea how difficult it was to convince her that Sakura-chan wasn't meeting her secret boyfriend? She was so stubborn about it."
"I was just kidding Naruto, relax. Now then," Ino turned back to the group. "Shall we eat, I'm starving, you guys shouldn't be snooping on them anyway."
"Hang on a minute! Were you not just snooping with us?" Naruto yelled back. Well, at least his two teammates can now finally stop pouting.