Dance

Sakura knew that Naruto had a lot of different sides to him. There was the dark evil of the Kyuubi that was not really him, but still him. Inseparable and co-dependent on one another, nowadays the fox more than Naruto, which the blond was proud of. Then there was the pained Naruto, who had endured far too much starting early in life. There was fake Naruto, a master of masks and insincere smiles, almost able to fool himself. But Sakura had learned to look for this Naruto and what to do when he appeared.

She hated fake Naruto...and couldn't always make him go away. But she was still learning...and she was getting better. Knew when to talk, or when to just sit and comfort. Knew when to get him out and moving...she loved that she had the chance.

But there many good side to Naruto. Confident, loyal, and caring. Caring Naruto...affectionate Naruto.

And he was so good to her.

He showed her a careful attention, loving but still stubborn. Determined but sweet. A knuckle head, but goodhearted and always trying his best. And he would hold her hand and kiss her, feed her favorite things. She would sometimes be embarrassed by the affection, but still, she enjoyed it. Her cheeks would heat up, her heart would beat faster.

And at a party, he held his hand out to her as slow music began to play. She giggled a little, then blushed when she caught herself acting like a school girl. Hesitantly she took it, eyes questioning.

"Wanna dance?" he murmured, his own cheeks tinted red. Catcalls and laughter followed, but Naruto only concentrated on Sakura, eyes questioning but determined. She smiled and nodded, Naruto pulling her up and taking her toward the small dance floor. He held her hand, placing another on her hip, face even redder than before. His movements were slow but still a little awkward and clumsy. Sometimes he would stare at his feet, offer her an apologetic smile, but eventually settled for just staring into her eyes.

It wasn't his element...but every step was filled with love.

Every nervous apology sincere.

And Sakura couldn't imagine someone else she'd rather dance with.