The war ended fairly simply considering the damage and the pain it had caused Sasuke was back in Konoha he was rebuilding his family home stripped of his power. Naruto was courting a love struck Garra slowly and patient the way he could only be for the Sand-nin he was had finished his tests and was now a Jounin along with myself. I spent most of my time at the hospital now and rarely left the village. Kakashi had gotten over his shyness and had married Iruka and much to her blond haired teammates joy they adopted Naruto. For me the days blended together since he left after the war with Tsunade's permission thou he was a valuable asset he was entitled to a vacation. The world was dull without Sai at least my world was It pained me to not see him or smell him charcoal, rain, and mint. My favorite smell in the world over the last few months of picking up and moving on from the war coming to terms with my feeling's for Sasuke Sai's departure left a bigger hole then Sasuke's ever did i missed the ever reliable Sai his silent supportive patients soothed me more then I ever guessed. I hurt and It didn't help that my friends started getting married. Kiba and Hinta, Shikamaru and Temari, Tenten and Neji, Ino and Choji ( I know weird but he had filled out nicely he was still a big man but no longer fat he trained hard and slimmed down to win Ino's heart once and for all.)
That left her Shino,Lee, and Sasuke as the last of the unmarried Ninja from their Age group none of them cared, well Sasuke cared and daily asked her for her hand but she said no every time. She wanted Sai with his charcoal, rain,and mint smell she would pay anything to just breath him in again even if it was for one time. Naruto did his best to keep her spirits up 'saying he'd come back just like Sasuke but Sai would come home on his own when he found what he was looking for and that, Sai was more then capable of looking out for himself genius ninja like Kakashi member?' I rolled my eyes nodding not felling any better. Some times when she really missed Sai she'd walk to his apartment let herself in like always clean up the dust around his home keeping it dusted and safe for the art that lined every wall. I 'd fluff his bed bringing a pillow to my nose taking in the comforting smell that was Sai I would also occasionally sleep in his house surrounded by his artwork calmed her. Walking from the hospital after my shift I yawned feeling a drop of water on my head. And brightened slightly rain always reminded me of Sai. The year would be up soon and I was getting jittery waiting for him to come back he swore to me he would. I needed his presence he was my rock in the turbulent waters of the war. I missed the seeing him sketching something that caught his eye he saw true beauty in the world despite claiming he had no feelings he had more then an average person he was just better at burying them. I shook myself out of my thoughts concentrating on the road once more I had it bad I was in love with Sai the one person who I could probably never have. I turned a street corner going to my apartment building stretched my arms out feeling the tired pull and ache in them. ' Damn tomorrow is Ino's birthday I gotta spend the day with her.' I hate forgetting things needing to figure out what to get her I started to rush in to my apartment to only collide with someone rushing the opposite direction. I looked over to the blond sprawled near me.
"Naruto what the hell?" I gasped. He sat up and looked to me with tears in his eye.
"Sakura-chan!" he wailed i sighed standing reaching to pull the tall blond up when he got to his feet he collapsed on me burying his face in my shoulder.
"Alright alright come on little brother lets get you inside." I patted his back pulling him into my place helping him remove his sandals. I helped him sit on my sofa then escaped in to the kitchen to make some tea I made chamomile to sooth him. Bringing two steaming mugs out handing him one he took a cautious sip.
"Now what's the matter sweetie?" I asked in a motherly tone.
"Garra agreed to marry me!" He cried I about hit him.
"So that isn't a bad thing." I replied evenly
"But but how can I support him he's Kazakage and I'm just a jounin." he cried i put a hand to my head rubbing my temple
"Naruto all you have to do is love Garra that is enough of him you'll live in Suna with him and you'll visit often. Just do what you've always done for him just encourage him and be there for him there is nothing that says you can't still be you and train and go on missions your to good of a ninja to be wasted behind a desk or in a hospital like me. You have to reach a compromise with Garra work it out so you can be together and still do what you love." I spoke calmly rational he abruptly stoped crying looking up at me with big blue eyes damn I had such a hard time saying no to those eyes.
"Sakura-chan your the best your right we can work it out look at Kakashi-chichi-ue and Iruka-chichi-ue, Kakashi-chichi-ue isn' t home a lot but they work it out they are such a good team! Thanks this is gonna work I gotta find Ga" he exclaimed and rushed out of my apartment I laughed standing to lock the door then cleaning up from the tea I showered the 8 hour shift off thank god for being Tsunade's apprentice I didn't have to work my way up in the lower ranks of 12 hour shifts. I practically headed the hospital taking on the larger more important jobs I handled the staff as well. I slid out of the shower wrapping a towel around my waist and one around my hair it had grown out and reached past my ass now i had worn it long years ago because Sasuke liked long hair. Now I kept it long in hopes that Sai would come back safe if I didn't. I made a promise to him that until I saw him again i wouldn't cut it I kept my word but was starting to doubt he was coming back I waited thou. Sliding my pj's on witching off lights and climbing into bed and snuggling into my pillows I sighed and drifted to sleep with Sai my last though.
A pounding on my door thrust me out of bed stumbling to answer the door vowing to kill who ever woke me before 10 on my day off. I opened it revealing Ino in her casual civilian clothing she wore a light purple almost lavender but not quite lavender tank and a black knee high skirt and low slung boots I groaned rubbing my face.
"Ino its 6 am for the love of all that is holy."
"I know were going to pamper ourselves manicure, pedicure, facials, hair treatment for you a cut for me. Come on Its my birthday! I'll even pay for you hair treatment you love them" I paused I did love getting my long locks a conditioning treatment made it feel like silk and it helped strengthen it too.
"Fine but your getting me coffee and a muffin to!" I replied letting her in she bounced to my room giggling like a school girl I followed groaning again. She tossed me my skimpiest out fit a knee length emerald skirt and a black tank top I rolled my eyes.
"Just put it on Sakura!" I complied not wanting to deal with a pissed off Ino and not wanting to be controlled by her technique. I brushed my hair leaving it hanging around me it made life easier. We were heading to the salon anyway when Ino pulled me out of my house I grabbing my purse and keys locking the door behind us. And we set off into town true to her word we stoped for coffee and muffins then made our way to the nail salon we sat an chatted as we got our nails done. When we finished we walked thru town we ran into Naruto, Garra, Temari, Shikamaru, and Sasuke. We chatted for a while a horse came barreling down behind me and Ino I pushed Ino towards Sasuke but was unable to get myself out of the way I closed my eyes waiting for a crash it never came instead I smelled mint, charcoal, and the lite under sent of rain. I opened my eyes and found myself pressed tight to a very familiar person. I blinked looking up into my saviors eye's he gave me a small smirk I gasped looking up into the strong peaceful face of Sai.
"You got slower while I was away." he laughed.
"Sai! Your back?" I spoke a little shaken he nodded I busted out in to the first smile in forever catching the artist off guard I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed myself to him harder enjoying the feel of his muscular body pulling in his delicious smell and basking in the safety of his arm. Pressing my nose to his neck. Tears slid down my face he must of felt them on his skin.
"Hey come on Sakura please don't cry I can't stand your tears everything's fine I'm not hurt or anything please don't cry over me." his voice soft arms holding me closer trying to stop my tears i pulled back a little and looked up giving Sai a pure loving smile I felt his heart skip a beat making me smile even more.
"Sai I'm not crying because I'm sad I'm crying cus I'm so happy your home silly boy."I said sliding a hand down to touch his cheek I brushed it with my thumb. He stared at me deadpanned as the others around us welcomed him home to he glanced around dropping a hand from my shoulder to shake hands with Naruto, Garra, and Shikamaru gave a small nod and smile at Ino and Temari. He glanced at Sasuke they stared at each other weighing each other's strength I backed slightly away from Sai when he tensed he kept me to his chest bending slightly to whisper in my ear.
"I will not attack him first and I will keep you safe from him." his breath was warm i about melted i stepped away from him Ino captured my hand and I got a good look at him. He had gotten taller he stood taller then Sasuke and Naruto he stood with the same grace he had before his many zippered jacket hung open his black sleeveless ANBU shirt visible.
You know what we should do! We should all go on a movie date all couples." Ino suddenly spoke up I cocked a eyebrow at her.
"Ino arnt you forgetting I'm single you've been trying to set me up for months." She smiled "No Ino you are not setting me up on another blind date." she pouted
"But I wanted us all to go see Kimi Ni Shika Kikoenai (Only You Can Hear Me) that new romance film that came out Me, Temari, and Garra gasped at her choice
"Damn you had to say that one I want to see it so bad." I groaned Sasuke brightened up went to open his mouth but Sai beat him to it.
"Sakura if you would allow me to it would be my honor to escort you to see the movie. Since you would enjoy it and do not wish your friend to set you up. That is if I'm a acceptable choice." he bowed his head to me in a courtly fashion I smiled at his impeccable manners.
" I would love that Sai I have been dieing to see it. What time should we see it Ino we still have to go to the hair salon?" I asked my best friend whom I loved for getting me a date with Sai she was the only person besides Naruto who knew i liked him.
"Well I figured Naruto and his shadow clones could tell the other couples i think everyone is off today. Me, you, Temari, and Garra will go to the salon meet the guys at the theater in an hour? Then well all go for some food and cake!" She asked the group Shikamaru groaned and said.
"Only because its your birthday Ino but your not getting a present out of me."
"I'd love to go I've been wanting a change in style." Temari beamed she had gotten really close to us since marrying Shikamaru and moving to Konoha.
"Okay Sakura-chan for you you've been working to hard as of late." Naruto put in Garra blushed slightly stepping up to me.
"If you'll have me along Sakura-chan I'd like to catch up with you and Ino-chan." I awwed and put my arms around the slight willowy boy he was my height so i pressed my lips to his cheek. His sand armor pored off him so i could touch lips to cheek instead of sand he hugged me back.
"Oh Garra-chan your so cute I just love you to pieces of corse your welcome to come! I'm so happy that you fell for that knuckle head I call little brother and I can't wait till you guys get married and you become my brother to. I'm so honored you let the sand fall and allow me to hug you without it!" I rubbed the boys cheek with mine he laughed a sweet sound.
" I love you to Sakura-chan you take such good care of Naruto for me when I'm not around it makes me breath easier to know your there for him. Even when he shows up at midnight at your door stressing cus he's a moron. I don't know why I love him sometimes." Garra replied laughing again
"Hey quit telling secrets you two gossips!" Naruto exclaimed pulling Garra out of my arms making me stumble almost fall if not for a strong hand that caught my elbow. I smiled at Sai he nodded allowing a small smile to grace his lips. As he straightened me i noticed his hair was longer then I remembered falling in his face my fingers longed to touch the glossy black locks.
"Shall we go? Don't forget to tell Choji, Naruto! " Ino cheered grinning like the devil. I looked up at the beautiful face of Sai smiled.
"See you in a little while."
"I cannot wait Sakura." He smiled back turning to Naruto who had patted him on the back
"Come on buddy my shadows will do all the work well go get the tickets and catch up."
"I'd like that my friend." Sai returned
Smiling I grabbed Ino's arm linking it with mine doing the same with Garra on my other side Temari on his other side we walked away from the boys laughing and talking all the way to the salon. I had them cut may hair to the length it was when I meet Sai but kept a lock to give to him hoping he'd like it. I confided in Temari and Garra my feelings for Sai they smiled brightly declaring approval and help with getting Sasuke off my case. I was happy we left the salon me feeling lighter then ever I was feeling more myself then I had since the before the war started. We meet everyone in front of the theater I walked up to Sai smiling a hello he nodded turning his eyes on Neji who stood closer to Tenten then normal It made me curious then it hit me.
"Oh Ten! Why haven't you told me!" i exclaimed walking up to her touching her tummy.
"I was going to come in tomorrow and have a check up to be sure not that I don't trust Neji's eyes but I wanted to hear it from you first your sure?" she started tearing up
"Oh sweetie everything looks good I'd say 6 weeks along healthy strong like his Daddy!" I beamed at the couple Neji held himself with more pride then normal.
"Its nice that you and Hinta will be having them so close together they'll grow up in a better position now that that dumb seal is forbidden." I laughed turning to my other pregnant friend she blushed hand on her 4 month belly Kiba's arm around her.
"Will you be the one to help me Sakura I don't think I could handle anyone but you." Tenten asked tentitively
"Duh you think I'd leave you in strangers hands I think not none of my friends are gonna do it without me you'd have to kill me first and even then I'd find a way to be with you guys!" I gasped hurt she smiled large even Neji smiled at me grateful I turned around placing an arm around Ino.
"Speaking of Choji when are you gonna get my best friend here pregnant I want to be an Auntie!" Ino laughed Choji blushed
"Come on Sakura you know you wont be satisfied with just being an aunt you'll want a dozen of your own ! Now come on lets see this movie." he barked handing everyone tickets getting money from the men. I reached for my bag to pay for my ticket Sai's hand stoped me.
"Allow me please I asked you out today." he said Handing a nodding Naruto some money I smiled
"Thank you Sai." linking my arm with his he blushed slightly i blushed back we filed in with the other couples we took up a whole isle I sat with Sai on my left arms still linked and Ino on my right she laughed in my ear I hushed her flapping my hand at hear and leaning more towards Sai. My breast brushed his arm I froze.
"I i'm sorry Ino I should know better then to sit next to her in a movie she talks my ear off." I whispered
" Its Ok Sakura I don't mind you being close I enjoy your company your welcome to get as close as you'd like." he replied hinting at cretin things i blushed. Ino must have heard to cus she giggled and hushed us the credits started to play. I settled comfortably into Sai watching the movie halfway thru all of us girls were crying even Garra was sighing being ninja didn't mean we weren't still girls. We all knew love and loss probably better then most. It was a beautiful movie we girls walked out crying.
"Oh wasn't that sad he gave his life for her." Ino cried
"It was and he was deaf but was able to hear her voice ohh."Hinta agreed
"What love so selfless and pure!" I added the rest agreed
"If you lot are done balling lets get some food." Naruto huffed.
"Garra take care of that mouth please!" I cried tears falling down my cheeks Sai did his best to comfort me letting me rest into him a loud thump made us all feel better.
"Somehow Naruto getting throw never ceases to cheer me up! Ino exclaimed I lifted my head from Sai's shoulder.
"Throwing him is also very stress realeaveing to remember to ask him about the time I was working 10 hour days at the hospital after the war I threw him halfway to Suna he said I looked fat." I added mirth creeping from the tears I wiped em away we all laughed walking away from the theater my arm still slipped thru Sai's. Ino picked sushi for dinner we laughed and chatted Naruto rejoined us using his sage mode to find us Sasuke followed I damn near groaned when I saw him Thank the god's I was already sitting between Sai and Ino.
"What the hell happened to your hair."He gasped seeing it gone.
" I cut it and donated it which was the reason I was growing it out." I shrugged evenly.
"It looks amazing Sakura just like the day I meet you." Sai spoke up reaching a hand to touch my short strands.
"Ya I always liked it better short Sakura." Naruto shot
"Me to Its so much easier to handle but someone asked me to grow it and then donate it so I did. I hope the person who gets it in a wig is happy."I lied smoothly.
"That's so like you Sakura." Hinta smiled her pure sweet smile. We continued our meal eating our way thru the entire spread.
I checked the time on Ino's watch not realizing it had gotten so late i stood saying my good bye's. Reaching for my purse to leave my portion Sai waved me away again.
" I told you Its on me today Sakura." He said handing Shikamaru money he nodded to Sai understanding the silent question in his eye. Sasuke raised an eyebrow but said nothing i smiled at Sai ignoring Sasuke.
"Happy birthday Ino but I got an early shift at the hospital tomorrow. Hinta I'll see you next week for your check up. Tenten we'll need to get some mandatory routine tests done I think I can fit you in during my lunch hour tomorrow. Bye Garra safe trip back to Suna tomorrow." I said leaned over hugging everyone except Sasuke, Sai had stood with me nodding his good-bye's.
"Allow me to walk you home?" he asked Sasuke laughed speaking to him nasty.
"Sakura doesn't need to be walked home she can take care of herself."
"I did not offer with only her safety in mind I'm well aware she can take care of herself I was mearly treating her like the lady she is and I do not wish to part from her company just yet."Sai spat back Sasuke paled looking annoyed.
"Thank you Sai its nice that someone thinks I'm a lady. I would love for you to walk me home I've always enjoyed our walks your company has always meant a lot to me." I smiled warmly at him.
"The same for me Sakura. And I do not just think you are a Lady you are one " he offered his arm which I took we walked out of the restaurant a dumb struck Sasuke gaped at us. We didn't speak on the way back to my apartment building we paused by the stairs.
"Would you like to come up for some tea?" I asked slightly nervous.
"Yes I'd like that I also have something to show and tell you." he replied we walked up the steps and entered my apartment.
"Please have a seat I'll be rite back." I smiled walking out of the room as he sat down on the sofa. I made tea gathering my courage this was my shot he had been nothing but sweet to me all day and I took it as a good sine that this may be my chance to have a healthy meaningful relationship instead of the toxic crush I had on Sasuke years ago. Sai balanced me out grounded me in reality and i got him to open his armor and feel emotion and have friends again. I walked out of the kitchen handing him a cup.
"Sorry about the wait."I said sitting next to him a inch from touching him.
"No its alright I'm the one who is sitting in your home drinking your tea when its so late." he replied i laughed lightly.
"I wouldn't ask you up if i didn't want you here." I blushed then remembered. "You said something earlier about having something for me?" I asked he nodded reaching into his pouch he pulled out a book stared at it a moment then said.
"This is for you I drew them while I was away I hope you'll accept it as a token." he made no move to pass it to me almost afraid to show me.
"A token of what Sai?"I prompted holding out my hand for the book he looked at my hand then at my eye's.
"A token of my affection for you." he replied simply handing me the book finally then slowly let go. I opened the book there was a title page
To my dearest friend Sakura I want to show you exactly what you are to me With all the love i possess Sai...
I flipped the page and gasped it was me looking down at the edge of a pond sandals off pushing a strand of hair out of my face. The detail was extraordinary a tear escaped my eye I turned the page again and yet again it was me sitting with my back to a tree head back watching the leaves fall from it. I flipped again me and again me and again me the entire book was me in various poses and outfits all drawn from memory all with different expressions on my face no two drawings were alike the last page was of me in the outfit i had worn today long hair drifting behind me my head turned to look over my shoulder smirk on my lips and a come get me look in my eye's. I looked up and over at the artist sitting nervously not looking at me he shook afraid of my rejection. I closed the book and sat it on the coffee table in front of me.
"Sai look at me please." I spoke soft he shook his head.
"I can't." his voice shook I sighed and shifted my body to sit on his lap facing him he wiped his head around dark eyes wide all confidence drained a look of pure surprise sat in its stead. I placed my hands on his cheeks.
"Its beautiful Sai I love it." leaned in and gave him a soft sweet kiss. His body stoped shaking and his hands settled on my hips i pulled away and added. "I love you to Sai. You didn't have to show me the book thou all you had to do was tell me. But fair is fair! " I closed my eyes and described every painting in his apartment to him. He gasped I opened my eye's. His eyes were enormous I though they'd pop out of his head I blushed looking down at his jacket.
"This year has been horrible I've missed you so much that I spent as much time at your place as I could it made it easier to smell you and have your things around me sometimes it was the only way i could sleep some nights your bed was my only refuge from the ache of missing you. I know its weird.."I trailed off my turn to not look at him. He lifted my chin in two long beautiful fingers forcing me to meet his eyes.
"That is fine my home is your home Sakura you are welcome to use my bed whenever you need even if I'm in it." He smiled his true most beautiful heartbreaking smile.
"Dose this me you want me as yours?" I asked softly hoping
"I want you more then anything in the world you are my life you gave me a life worth living without you its meaningless. The question is do you accept an imperfect man with no true name no family no past nothing other then his undying love to offer." he asked worry in his dark eyes I kissed him again lingered my lips but spoke.
"If I had a problem with those things I wouldn't have spent the majority of this year sleeping in your bed Sai. I don't care if you have no name you are Sai to me it is enough, I don't care if you don't have a family I'll be your family the only family I have left are my friends anyway and Kakashi and Iruka and Tsunade My parents are gone dead not long before I meet you. Past is the past Sai that's were it belongs all that matters is now live every day like its the last for so many ninja it can be the last day the last hug the last kiss but that's what makes every home coming so great the chance to have another day." I smiled he nodded understanding. He pulled me closer and held me to him as if he never wanted to let go.
"I love you will you be mine?"Sai asked kissing my cheek .
"Yes Sai I will I love you to." i kissed his lips again softly he kissed back flicking my lips with his tounge begging for entrance I parted my lips to let him in a hand came up from my hips and curled around my neck the kiss depend i clutched him we broke apart when we needed to breath.
"Its late sleep next to me?" I asked in a small voice.
"As you wish." he replied standing up taking me with him i flipped the light off just leaving the book and cups were they lay he sank to my bed swinging me swiftly to lay down then laid next to me arms still warped around me i snuggled into him breathing him in. The smell of mint, charcoal,and rain filled my nose i clung to his jacket nose in his chest head on his arm the other curled around me.
"Next time you leave for that long your taking me with you." I whispered he laughed I pulled out the lock of my hair that i saved for him.
"I'm not joking here its for you so you'll have a piece of me with you at all times." I handed him the lock he pressed it to his lips opened a zippered compartment on his coat near his heart zipped it up and placed his arm back around me.
"Thank you now sleep love I'm home here with you. I'll keep you safe." he kissed my head I fell into a deep peaceful sleep.
I do not own Naruto or Kimi Ni Shika Kikoenai (Only You Can Hear Me) thou its one of my favorite movies you must see it at least once...