Okay, before starting I wanted to take a moment to talk. Thank you everyone who has voted or commented, I never expected to get much. Their are still betters then me, honestly LOL. But, I'm almost at 2k views and that's something. I'm really happy about it. <3

You guys will see who she chooses this chapter, if you haven't already figured it out. But otherwise, enjoy. ~

xxx

It was New Year's Eve, the majority of the community were gathering at the largest temple constructed in Konoha, celebrating the event. Stalls with games, food, and souvenirs lined the walkway. Children wearing traditional attire played with old bean bags, lit sparklers, and wandered around the entrance, chasing each other.

The Student Council traveled together to the temple, enjoying the evening and wasting no time to eat a few dishes.

"It's too bad you didn't wear a kimono, Sakura-chan, you would have looked super cute!" Deidara told her, ladling his soup and sipping it loudly.

Sakura narrowed her eyes. "I wanted to, but when I asked if you guys were going to dress up you said 'no'!"

"It's too much of a hassle getting ready," Kakuzu grumbled.

"Then don't complain about me not wearing it if you guys don't!" she spouted.

They had spent the rest of December together, strengthening their bonds and creating memories. In a few months, the school year would be over and Itachi, Kisame, Hidan and Kakuzu would be leaving to enroll in their new schools. Sakura had wished that she could have spent another year with them, but she knew better than to think so selfishly.

Out of her peripheral vision, she caught the sight of a familiar pair. "Pein-sensei? Konan-sensei?" She hollered at them, attracting their attention.

"Hey, Happy New Year's! Are you all celebrating together?" Konan greeted warmly.

"Yeah, we're having so much fun. Konan-sensei, your kimono is beautiful!" Sakura admired.

Konan blushed at her compliment. "Thank you, Sakura-chan!"

"So what are you two doing together?" Kisame asked.

The pair smiled at each other knowingly. Sakura and the boys gasped, "You two are finally dating?!" they shrieked.

"Not officially yet. Konan will be transferring to a different school outside of the district, so we're waiting until then. Dating one of your co-workers isn't exactly shown in a positive light," Pein explained.

"That's still so great to hear! I'm so happy to know that it worked out with you two!" Sakura responded, excited for them. "Would you like to join us to pray for the new year?"

"Of course." Konan agreed.

Paying for their meals, Sakura walked ahead with Konan while Pein stayed back with the boys. Walking alongside Itachi, he spoke in a hushed tone, "So what's the news with Sakura?"

"Sakura-chan has decided. I suspect she'll confess her feelings soon." Itachi replied stone-faced.

Pein looked onward. "I'm assuming that you know who it is?"

"Yes, sensei."

Pein watched the girl smiling up as Konan spoke to her. "Well, at least she's happy with her choice then."

Itachi smiled faintly, "Yeah..."

They reached the line for the temple, many people were flocking to it before midnight. Someone bumped into her, knocking her shoulder. Turning, she looked quizzically at Sasori.

"What is it?"

He gestured to her necklace, dangling out of her coat. "I'm happy you're wearing it."

She instinctively touched her fingers to the gem. "I noticed you're wearing the bracelet you bought during Golden Week too."

"It's a special occasion, right? Well, that's an excuse, I just really wanted to wear it for once," he replied in a joking manner.

"Are you staying to watch the fireworks?"

He raised his brows inquisitively. "Are you?"

She nodded her head, "Yes."

"Then I am," he replied simply.

Was he just acting when he said he was shy? Why did he always have to make her heart beat faster like that? He was really only staying for her?

Hidan caught up to her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Hey, Cherry-chan, what are you going to be wishing for for the upcoming year?"

"Hmm... Probably better grades or being smarter? I'm not doing as well as I should," she admitted.

"Don't worry about it. You're super smart!"

"Thanks, Hidan-kun. What are you going to wish for?"

Hidan smiled exuberantly. "I'm going to wish for more time with Cherry-chan, of course! Since I'm moving to Yugakure for business, I won't be able to see you a lot, so maybe if I wish for it, I'll have enough free time to hang out or call you!"

"Hidan-kun, that's so nice. Are you really going to pray for that?" she questioned.

"Hell yeah! You're the best girl I've ever met!" he stated fearlessly.

Sakura was overwhelmed by how kind Hidan had become. He really did love her. "Thank you so much, Hidan-kun."

Moving forward to a set of stone stairs, they waited just a moment longer for a group of middle-schoolers to finish with their wishes. The group of nine bowed their heads, brought their hands together and prayed silently for the upcoming year at the alter.

Give me more time throughout the upcoming year.

Give me another profitable year.

Give me the courage to let other people know who I really am.

Give me the motivation to improve my art and friendships.

Give me the security to not worry what other people think of me solely for my appearance.

Give me another healthy, joyful year.

Give me the understanding and time to improve my studies.

Finishing, they exchanged refreshed looks. Konan and Pein said farewell, splitting apart from the group, wishing them another happy year. Sakura and the others traversed through the mobs of people, venturing back to the stalls to enjoy another round of soba noodles. While eating, some of the broth splashed onto Sakura's face as she slurped up the noodles with great gusto.

"Sakura-chan, you have some food on your face." Sasori said, gesturing to the spot.

She wiped the opposite side of her face. "Did I get it?" She tried to shoo him away as he rubbed it off with his thumb.

"There, it's gone."

"I could have gotten it myself," she said, annoyed.

"You should be thanking me. I was actually debating whether to tell you or not." he smiled, ignoring the agitated glint in her eyes.

Sakura frowned, "Sasori-kun, you're seriously so mean! If you would've done that, I wouldn't have forgiven you!"

Overhearing their conversation, Kisame leaned to the side, cupping his hand over his mouth asking Itachi, "Hey, what's going on with Sasori and Sakura? They seem really close. How did that happen?" He had only been gone for a single day, but witnessing all of the playful banter or snarky remarks between the two left him puzzled.

Itachi shrugged, "Nobody really knows. It just happened." It was too much trouble to really explain everything now.

"Do you think she likes him?" Kisame fretted.

Itachi gazed up at Kisame sympathetically. "I... wouldn't worry about it if I were you. Just try to enjoy every moment you have with her."

Kisame's expression turned downcast. "I get it... All right." He looked at her longingly as she pointed threateningly at Sasori over some sort of insult. "Did you say anything to her?"

"Not as much as I wanted to," Itachi said openly, playing with the soba noodles he had left in his bowl. "I'm just trying to keep my promise with her and hold no malice against him."

"I wonder if I could have done anything to change it." Kisame watched as Sasori pinched her cheeks after sassing him.

"I thought about that too, but I really don't think there's anything we could have changed. Even if it were another one of us that went to clean the school with her, they would have found another way to come together. That's just how it works," Itachi said, attempting to find some sort of solution.

"Have the others caught on?" Kisame asked.

"Can't say. You're the only person I've told besides Pein-sensei," Itachi answered.

The two sat silently until Itachi peered down at his half-eaten bowl of soba noodles. "Well, I better finish my noodles. Wouldn't want any bad luck for the new year."

"Yeah," Kisame mumbled, turning his attention back to his meal.

Suddenly, the new year didn't seem as good as he was picturing it to be.

...

A live band played on stage, playing popular songs and a few of their own. The female vocalist's voice was smooth, she sang strong with a light soprano. The group sat together listening to the songs, one after the other.

Spotting a fortune hut, Sakura pleaded with the others to join her. "Please! I haven't done it in such a long time!" Most refused, stating it to be too feminine. Instead, Deidara and Sasori accompanied her.

Stepping inside the cramped space, the three sat down. The young woman smiled at them, accepting their payments separately. "Good evening! My name is Shion. Who would like their fortune told first?"

Sakura scooted to the low-rise table. "I would, please." Shion grasped her hand, reading her palm.

"Ah, the shape of your hand is relative to the element of water. I can sense that you're very emotional and tender. As a lover, you're sensitive, a little naive, and you focus on being taken care of. Your heart line also shows how affectionate you are in a relationship. Would you like to know anything else? About your future career and marriage?" she asked.

"Yes, please!" Sakura replied, interested.

"I sense a lot of work in your future. Something that can only be carried on the shoulders of someone that holds just as much innocence and curiosity. A lot of happy smiles are something that I envision. As for marriage, it will only happen once in your lifetime. Your body's very fertile, so children are a definite option. I'm also seeing a very sensual partnership, the two of you play off of each other well - very open and honest. Lots of pleasure too. I'd suggest not to perform while on top-"

"I'm only fifteen," Sakura shrieked, yanking her hand back.

The woman laughed, "Too much information? Ha, ha! Sorry about that! Who's next?"

Sasori shrugged his shoulders. "I'll do it, I guess." He rested his hand into hers.

Shion read his lines carefully. "I see a scattered, separated line. You have experienced a tremendous amount of sadness in your life, but it still connects, so it seems that you heal well through hardships. Your element is also water - creative and vulnerable towards potential lovers. Your wide life line reads that you're very giving while in love. As for a career, I'd advise you to push yourself into uncomfortable territory where others may not have pushed you far enough. A secluded place is where your skills shine brightest. For marriage, you're nothing short of the proper male figure. You're dominance is only revealed behind closed doors, but you're willing to compromise. A well-endowed-"

"That's enough," Sasori said, his voice breaking. He knew he should have stopped her as soon as she got to his marriage.

Deidara laughed loudly at the humiliation shrouding their faces.

"Would you like your fortune read?" Shion asked him.

"No thanks! I'd rather not embarrass myself," he said, swiping his money off the table.

The trio left the hut while Deidara continued to laugh. As soon as they returned, the others could tell things didn't end well.

"What happened?" Kakuzu asked.

"Nothing, really. Except Sakura-chan can't handle riding and Sasori-kun likes to take charge." Deidara couldn't shake the smirk off of his face, it was just too much.

"Is that seriously what she said?!" Hidan couldn't believe it.

Sasori crossed his arms, the heat springing over his face. "It's just a joke business! They just throw a few random, generated lines to make it seem authentic."

"So she really did say that!" Hidan hooted. "That's hilarious!"

Trying to brush it off, they sat down, changing the subject. "The fireworks are going to be starting soon, right?"

"Yeah, they're going to be starting after the band finishes their last song."

Listening together, they shared stories on past New Year's celebrations, wishes, and discount shopping sales after the festivities were over. With a few minutes to spare before the band's last song, Sasori tapped Sakura on the shoulder.

"Follow me," he mouthed.

She looked at the others, but they seemed too absorbed into the music or their conversation to notice. Slipping away quietly, she followed after Sasori as he guided her to an open area with a scanty number of other people.

This is where he wanted to do it. This was the perfect time, the perfect setting. With the dim luster of the paper lanterns hanging just above them and a perfect view for the fireworks, he decided this was his moment to completely open himself up to her.

"Sakura-chan, I'm sorry that I stopped you at the Christmas party."

"That? Oh, it's okay! I was just being... weird." she responded, averting her eyes.

Sasori reached for her hands while closing the space between them. The band had just started playing a slow tune. The pair turned in the direction of the music and then back at each other.

It was the song they shared a dance with...

The song they shared a kiss with.

Perfect.

"Sakura-chan, I want you to know that no matter what you say, I'll accept it."

"Sasori-kun?" The air seemed heavier now.

He looked away, stringing the words together in his mind. Then, he shifted his sight back onto her, staring intensely into her eyes. "I don't want to be friends, I want to be more than that. My feelings for you grow stronger every time I'm with you." he started.

Sakura's heart pounded in her chest. She could barely control her breathing as his words wound around her mind.

"Sakura-chan, you wanted to know more about me. You made me remember things that I haven't thought about in a long time. They're returning slowly, but once I remember, you're the first person I want to tell. Thank you for that. You don't know how much it means to me." His hands were shaking, so he tightened his hold. It was easy getting the atmosphere, but the delivery was a little difficult.

Sakura brought their hands up, kissing his knuckles. "I like your constant bedhead!" she blurted. He looked at her puzzled, but she continued down a list of the few things she liked about him. "The way you divide your food to make sure it doesn't touch. Your teasing and sarcasm. How you cover your eyes when your nervous is really cute to me! I... want to add more things to that list," she said, her face flushing.

Sasori was speechless for a second, losing track of what he was going to say. Sputtering with butterflies in his stomach, he pulled her even closer. "I like the way you pull your hair in a ponytail when you're really focusing on something. I like the face you make when something's too sour. I like how the tone of your voice changes when you get excited. The way you looked gazing at those stars at the Founder's Festival - I loved that. There's nothing that I don't love about you." Behind him, fireworks erupted in the night sky, casting off different colors and lighting the shadows the lanterns couldn't reach.

"Being with you is when I'm the happiest, I swear it. You're the first person I think about in the morning - every morning. When we kissed in that classroom, I didn't want to let you go. Even during the party, I just wanted to kiss you, but I held back because it just didn't fit well to what I had imagined. You can say I'm selfish, but I wanted the moment I confessed to you to be absolutely perfect," he said, his voice wavering the slightest.

Sakura felt as though her heart was going to explode. "You'll take care of me?"

"I'll treasure you," he promised fervently. "I love you, Sakura."

Those words caught her breath. Releasing her hands, he wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace. She did the same, her arms resting on his shoulders and overlapping over his neck with hands tangling in his hair. He took her in before settling on her lips, connecting them again with a kiss. This time, it was confident, warm, loving.

She tilted her head then leaned into him, deepening the kiss. Her heart danced within her chest, the sound of the fireworks' crackle ringing in her ears along with the sounds of the temple's bell. Her entire body was shaking with excitement, ignoring the chill in the wind.

Sasori felt as if he was floating. The entire weight upon his shoulders had slipped off. Even if it was just for this moment, he didn't mind. Feeling the girl that he loved and cherished embracing him was incomparable. His hands moved to her face, cradling the curves of her cheeks and feeling the softness of her skin on his.

If this was how it was going to be kissing her, he knew it would only get better through quantity.

...

Once the fireworks started, Hidan turned to Sakura, only to find her spot absent. "Hey, where's Cherry-chan?"

"Sasori-kun's gone too," Deidara observed.

"Maybe she had to go to the bathroom and Sasori went with her," Kisame guessed.

Itachi surveyed the area, but couldn't make out her trademark pink hair. "Let's go look for them."

As they scouted the temple's entrance, the stalls, and the bathrooms, there seemed to be no sign of their friends. "Let's go check the rear of the temple. They had a few stalls near the garden there," Itachi suggested. A sick feeling fell in his stomach.

If they were together...

Sprinting around spectators and workers, they cut across the garden. Itachi raced around the corner, his eyes fixated on the silhouette of two people holding each other extremely close. Between that tiny gap of darkness, he prayed and prayed and prayed.

Not her. It's not her. Please, don't be her.

With the whirling sound of the firework buzzing up into the sky and it's fiery explosion of duel colors of red and gold. He made out the familiar shade of pink hair along with the white parka she had worn during the party. He watched as they moved in for another kiss, bile rising in Itachi's throat once Sasori's hand carded through her long hair.

He turned swiftly on his heels. Hidan and the rest of the Student Council stopped as Itachi headed their way. The silver-haired senior called out to him, "Is Cherry-chan-"

Itachi only lifted his hand, ceasing Hidan from speaking any further. Passing by them, his pace quickened, heading toward the exit.

Looking back to where Itachi had came, the boys peeked over the corner, eyeing the scene that left Itachi immensely upset.

Hidan's mouth fell open in shock, his heart shattering like glass. He couldn't even muster any words to holler down at them. Gripping on to the wall of the temple, he stood, absorbing the scene taking place in front of him.

His violet eyes stared, unblinking, as they separated. The light of the fireworks illuminated their figures as Sakura caressed Sasori's face.

He wanted to feel the sensation of her hands on him. A loving look in her eyes as she gazed at him.

Now, he'd never know that feeling. It was left to die with all the other things he had hoped to do with her.

Kisame frowned, jamming his hands in his pocket. "I... don't want to see anymore. I'm heading home." His words fell on the deaf ears of his Student Council members, but that was the least of his worries.

Goodbye, to all of the dreams of holding her in his arms. He couldn't help himself from feeling hurt. No matter how ready he was to face the truth, it just wasn't enough to actually seeing it unfold in front of him.

Deidara looked onward, the faintest of smiles on his face. He had his suspicions just as the others did, but the blind optimism he had protected him from seeing it fully. He thought that they were getting close, but that was a mistake. Facing away from the pair, he walked steadily back to the festival, there wasn't much he could do about it except be happy for them.

Good for you, Sasori-kun, he thought, Treat her well.

Kakuzu watched as Hidan wandered away, kicking at the snow, sending it flying in different directions. The struggling breaths of his club mate made it clear how angry and hurt Hidan was. He lumbered towards him as Hidan rammed his leg against the trunk of a young tree, the snow nestled on its branches slipping off and joining the rest on the ground.

"I did everything," he grunted. "I did everything right, but it's not good enough."

Kakuzu let him talk, listening as Hidan vented out his feelings.

"I wanted her to be fucking happy, but I wanted her to be with me too." He furiously kicked at the tree. "That should have been me confessing to her!"

"It isn't your fault how things turned out. You couldn't change it regardless of how much effort you put in," Kakuzu said.

Hidan stopped kicking the tree, his breathing labored. "You seem pretty broken up about it, don't you? You probably think I'm stupid for reacting this way. Stupid Hidan, always freaking out and getting angry, right?" His voice quivered as he spoke, but he tried to maintain a composed look.

"I am angry and I think your reaction is appropriate, but I'm not like you. You need to remember that everyone's different."

"Why are you talking down to me like that then, huh? Am I supposed to contain everything and try to look cool with my stupid stitched arms crossed over my chest? What am I supposed to do with myself?!" Angry, confused tears spilled from his eyes as he sat in the cold snow.

Kakuzu looked down at him with pity. "That's up to you. I can't tell you to do anything."

Hidan pulled roughly on his hair. "I promised that I'd stay friends with her. I promised her that and I meant it, but dammit! I'd rather be stabbed for real than deal with shit like this!"

Kakuzu extended his arm to him. "It's something we're all going to have to overcome on our own. But if you ever need someone to talk to, I don't care if it's just an endless amount of 'fuck's and 'shit's, I'll still let you vent about it."

"What about you?" Hidan asked, wiping aggressively at the tears on his face.

"I deal with things better by myself."

Grabbing his hand, Hidan got to his feet. He glanced over at the two then stomped away, hurt still etched in his eyes, Kakuzu following after him.

They tried. All of them, but love always worked in the shittiest of ways.

...

Unaware of the others' presence, Sakura hugged Sasori tightly, giggling. She squealed as he lifted her up, her feet kicking in the air. He kissed her again, slowly.

"Can I call you anytime now?" she asked.

Sasori kissed her once more. God, he couldn't help, but take advantage of it. "You could call me right now and I wouldn't mind." Settling her feet to the ground, he pressed his lips to her forehead.

Almost instantaneously, their cell phones vibrated, signifying a new message. They read through it, a text from Itachi solely to them.

The others and I left early. I hope you don't mind. I hope you have a wonderful new year.

"They left without us," Sakura said aloud.

"That's okay. I'm sure they just went to watch the singing competition on TV," he replied, deleting the message.

"Sasori-kun." She smiled as she gained his attention. "Happy New Year."

He smiled, pressing his forehead against hers, gazing deeply into her eyes. "Happy New Year, Sakura-chan."

xxx

Walao, there you have it! SasoSaku <3 Bahaha, I hope everyone enjoyed it. This isn't the end, I'll have two parts of a bonus chapter, it'll be up tomorrow, if not by Monday. Thanks once again guys, comments, votes and such are welcomed. <3

xTsu