I will be your Shield...

It has been a while now since he held feelings for her and slowly his feelings for her grew. Though he was aware of his feelings, but he won't dare to advance forward because he knew.... her heart belonged to someone else.

She has always looked at him and stood by his side, but sometimes, she can't help but feel helpless when she is unable to protect him

He was always there to rescue her from harm... every time... without fail. He would spring out of no where and take down whatever foe was in front of him... stupid he may be for charging in blindly, but that is one of his charms.

However, she wished she can do something for him... something more than just watching him suffer from all the pain of protecting her... but there was nothing.

And now... she found that she was slowly falling for him.... she herself wasn't aware of this new feeling growing inside of her.

After every mission they have together, he would come back to the village while dragging his feet and all she could do was look.... this mission was no exception... again, she fell victim to an enemy trap and he was there again to jump in and save the day. Although she promised herself that she would grow stronger, she felt really helpless at those times...

To make matters worse... A new mission has arrived for their team... he was still at home resting... He was still hurt...a and she didn't want to put more burden in him nd so... she ran... took the mission and she was determined to finish it on her own...

When he was up and about... he tried looking for her, but she was no where to be found...

Shikamaru: What the hell are you doing here? Weren't you suppose to be on a mission?
Naruto: Mission...? What mission?
Shikamaru: You didn't know...? There has been a sighting of Akatsuki members around and you're team has been sent to investigate. Sakura just ran off an hour ago

Before Shikamaru could finish what he wanted to say.... Naruto bolted out the village gate in hopes of finding her.

Meanwhile...

Tobi: My my my... look who we caught... A Konoha nin no doubt

Pain: Hmmph.... This is interesting... maybe she'll be of use of us
Tobi: Are we gonna skew her alive?? Are we Pain-sama.... are we??

Pain: No you idiot... we'll use her to lure the Kyuubi out...
Sakura: Naruto won't fall for something like that...

She was cornered... and again... she was in a position of helplessness.....

"Gomen Naruto"

HANDS!!! OFFF!!!!

There he was again... the idiot without a sense of danger... trying his best again to protect her

Pain: Looks like we don't have to look far...

Naruto: Come and get me...

The clash has begun, the sounds of kunai's scrathing against each other can be heard, the blast coming from the attacks caused tremors that could be heard from miles away...

Tobi tried to take Sakura, but he was an easy catch and

he was soon brought down with a SINGLE BLOW...

Pain tried to use Sakura as a hostage...

...but his ass was soon kicked XD

And finally... it was soon to be over...

RASEN-SHURIKEN!!!

Pain: We'll be back...
Tobi: Bye bye ^^

The two team mates stood still... the dust from the clash began to clear... and the awkward silence was soon broken by the sound of her voice

Sakura: Naruto... I'm...

Naruto: Sakura, are you hurt?

He turned to her and smiled... instead of getting angry, he was more concered about her... he smiled a warm smile...

Sakura: I'm sorry Naruto... I shouldn't have took this mission on my own
Naruto: What are you talking about... You did great and I know you've been doing this to protect me... besides... ur not hurt and I'm glad

The wind was blowing a gentle breeze. The breeze was brushing against their skin. A tear fell from her cheek

Sakura: Why are you always protecting me? I've been dragging you down all this while and yet you're always there... I wanted to be useful to you but... I... But...
Naruto: I need you here with me... it has nothing to do with being useful... I need you by my side... so... Sakura... please stay by my side... always

There was no use hiding his feelings anymore... he wanted her to know how she felt

She knew how she felt for him... and she finally knew how she felt for him...

That moment... time stood still just for them....

-end-

Another Story done... Finally a NaruSaku pairing out after 3 hours of writing

This story is for:

Sparda: Who was waiting for a NaruSaku
Cutie: For supporting my writing
Belle and Esther: For saying no more bullying Naruto XD
Everyone who enjoys this =]

-Jian-

Sparda's Ramen Skit for Animangaki 09