The sun came shining through the curtains and I draped my arm over my eyes. Last night I had finally returned to my home village. My old team greeted me at the gate but one of them left as soon as they saw me. Sakura Haruno ran away from me before I got a chance to say anything. Everyone knows me as the "avenger" or "the rouge ninja". They are mostly correct. I was blinded as a child too ignorant to see what was really in front of me. I had no family, no friends and nowhere to go. My younger self would've blamed it on someone else but it was only my fault. I used to think that all I needed was myself but honestly I need friends, a family and somewhere to go.

A knock caught my attention and I sat up. Naruto opened the door and came into the room, he offered a place for me to stay until everything was settled with the Hokage.

"Tsunade wants us at the tower. Sakura will be there so at least be nice to her for once."

"Hn."

"Whether you like it or not Sasuke, you're home. I'm glad that you're back and so is everyone else but just remember one thing. Sakura is a special person to everyone of us, even you, so take her into consideration before you do something stupid again."

I looked at him and kept my face as hard as stone. He had the ability to see through me at times and it was annoying.

"Well if you aren't going to say anything I'll be downstairs waiting."

He left the room and my face dropped. What was he trying to say? Did she actually have feelings for me after all of this? I mean how could she expect me to come home and confess feelings for her. For the sake of time I'm not going to think of it anymore and pushed it to the back of my mind.

I rolled out of bed and threw on a pair black pants and a white shirt. Kakashi had taken all of my weapons last night and Naruto let me borrow some clean clothes. Walking downstairs Hinata was sitting at the table eating breakfast. I'm secretly glad that the dobe had found someone that would deal with them.

"Good morning Sasuke. Did you sleep well?"

Her stutter had gone away and she had a certain confidence to her. Defiantly not the Hinata Hyuuga that I remembered.

"Yes."

"Good. Well I hope everything goes well today. Just make sure not to upset Sakura."

I was confused. What was with them and Sakura? I'm not even home a day and everyone is riding me about her. Sliding my boots on I followed Naruto outside into the brightness. I could only focus on two things and one of them was really annoying me. What was Tsunade going to decide as my punishment? I would most likely either be imprisoned or killed. Naruto would fight for my freedom and Sakura would probably cry. She always has her emotions on her sleeve. A weak woman who can barely take care of herself and could only sit on the sideline or blend into the crowd.

People were staring at us as we walked to the tower. Not a single person looked at me with gentle eyes. They were all filled with anger and hatred. As we walked up the tower's stairs I could sense 10 different chakra signatures. That was it. I was going to die. Naruto was first to enter the room and I followed. For another time today I was beyond confused. Sakura, Ino, Tenten, Kakashi, Neji, Shikamaru, Lee, Sai, Tsunade and Shizune were all standing around the room. Tsunade was standing with her back to me looking out of the window. The air was thick and could be cut with a sword. The Hokage turned and took a seat. She pointed to a chair that was in front of her desk.

"Sit Uchiha."

For once I did what I was told and took a seat. All eyes were on my and my senses were on high alert. I couldn't wrap my head around what was going on.

"Sasuke Uchiha, your crimes against the village are high. You should be sentenced to death. The high counsel would like to see you six-feet under ground."

My eyes widened as she spoke. My body was telling me to flee but there was no way out.

"As Hokage I have the final say about anything and everything. I personally have spoken with all of your former alias and teammates. You have been a great danger to this village and to the people that care about you. You have almost killed every single person in this room…. Sasuke you are also a great asset to this village. You have skills that no one else has and this is also your home."

My eyes never once left hers. We were having a staring contest to see which one would crack under pressure. There was no way in hell that it would be me. She brought an arm up on the desk and she was holding a scroll.

"My final decision has been made Sasuke. You will be on probation. No missions greater than level A. The Uchiha compound is to be restored and within six months you will return to occupy a house of your choosing. Also the only time you will be alone is at night. Another ninja or an Anbu will be with you. You will no longer be staying with Naruto. Once your fellow ninja leave, we will discuss the remaining conditions."

I looked around the room and everyone was there except one. Sakura had snuck out in the middle of everything. Probably crying in the corner like old times. One by one they left the room to where it was just Tsunade and I. Her hand slammed on the table with the scroll.

"You owe me big time Uchiha. There are only three reasons I didn't send you to the Anbu and have them make you disappear. Do you want to know them? SAKURA, NARUTO AND FUCKING KAKASHI. You have broken every tie that you had to them. In order for me not to change my mind I have something for you. It's not really a mission but it is something to motivate you to restore your ties. You've been eyeballing this scroll in my hand. Take this and read over it. This is what you must complete. No bullshit either. You must honestly complete them and have repaired everything. Now you are going to be staying with Sakura Haruno until the compound is repaired."

"You are seriously going to make me stay with her? Why?"

"Yes. Because I said so and now let me give you some advice. Don't underestimate our little blossom. She could destroy you before you could even blink. You'd be wise to remember that."

"What is with everyone today talking about her? Sakura is just my weak ex-teammate that cared more about her appearance and trying to impress me instead of training and trying to excel."

"How can someone with the sharingan be so blind?"

"What do you mean?"

"Never mind. Sakura is expecting you. Naruto is waiting outside to show you the way to her home. Now take this and once you are to Sakura's go to your room and read this entire thing."

"Whatever."

Getting up out of the chair I took her damned scroll and left the room with my anger flaring. Making me stay with the number one fan girl and expecting me not to be annoyed. She will be lucky if I don't kill her. Naruto led the way and I followed behind fiddling with the scroll that was in my hand. What could be so important that it saved me from dying?

After a short 10-minute walk we were getting close to the barrier of the village. We approached a miniature mansion. There was no way that someone like Sakura could afford this house. I was shocked when Naruto walked up the porch and into the house like he owned it.

"Sakura! We're here."

Light footsteps came from down the hall and Sakura appeared. I stared at her frame. Last night I could barely see her. Sakura had grown into a woman that's for sure. She had grown a few more inches, her legs were toned in the exercise shorts, her arms lean in the black tank top and her face was rounded and smooth. The emerald orbs had shine to them and her pink hair was glossy. As a man I went into further detail and saw that she was almost as busty as the Hokage and her behind was amazing.

What is wrong with me? No I cannot think of Sakura Haruno this way. Shaking my head, I looked to the floor.

"Hi Naruto. Thanks for showing him the way. Go back home to Hinata I bet she wants to spend a day with you. Are we still on for tomorrow night?"

"You're right she would. Yeah we will all be there. 7 right?"

"Of course. I'll see you tomorrow. I'll call if I need you."

He stepped to her and gave her an embrace. Naruto whispered something into her ear and she blushed. Typical Sakura.

"Follow me Sasuke. I'll show you to your room."

"Hn."

"Vocal as ever I see."

She walked down the opposite hallway and up a flight of stairs. We went to the first door on the right when we reached the top. Opening the door, the room was white with dark furniture. The comforter was red and there were red lamps on the nightstand.

"There's a bathroom attached to the room. The closet is already stocked with clothes. Naruto helped me get it ready late last night. Your weapons are in there as well. I'll have dinner ready around 5. You can walk around the house all you want just stay out of my room and my office."

"Hn."

"Your welcome. Sasuke you may be able to bullshit other people but not me. I'm in my office working so don't bother me unless you need something."

With that she left the room and once again I was alone. I took a seat at the small desk in the room and unrolled the scroll.

Sasuke Uchiha,

You have hurt the people closest to you. They have continued to love you and care for you even after you have attempted to kill them. This is something that you must complete within the next six months. Only you can read this scroll so don't bother trying to tell anyone else. These tasks will not be easy and they will test you. You may fulfill these in any order but time is of the essence. Good luck and remember that these people love you and are here to help.

Naruto Uzumaki- Repair the bond that you have broken. He has spent his entire childhood trying to get you to realize that he cares for you. You are his brother. Repair your brotherhood and realize that even though you are not blood related you two are brothers.

Kakashi Hatake- A teacher that spent time with you in order to help you succeed. He spent more time with you than the others. To him you are not just a student, but as a son. You must come to terms with this and accept the wisdom and care that he has for you. Only then can you have his forgiveness.

Sai- Because of Sakura's ties to you he began to understand what love was. He doesn't personally know you but in order to have his respect to where he will not see you as an enemy you must show to him that you respect your friends and teacher.

Sakura Haruno- a woman who has confessed her love for you countless times. She has spent her life trying to help you and show you the way to the light. You have broken her heart more than once and left her feeling lonely and powerless. She spent years trying to improve herself and become stronger. To finally have peace with yourself and with her you must do one of two things:

One- accept her love and realize that you love her as well.

Two- help her move past her love for you so she can finally be happy.

Which ever chose you make, just remember you are human and you also have feelings. If you know it or not, you will one day want love and crave for it. You never know, Sakura may be the woman for you.

Good luck Uchiha. Don't forget that these are people that have placed you in their hearts and want you to be happy as well.

Tsunade

I sat back in the chair and stared at the page. How can I be capable of doing this? Was she crazy? This is why I hated women. They were all about their emotions and not reason. I rerolled the scroll and stuck it in the drawer. Springing from the chair I went to the bathroom. The room was white, like the bedroom, and the shower was tiled and there was a freestanding bathtub next to it. There was a single sink vanity and the towels were navy in here. It was nice compared to the hideout bathrooms. Turning the water as hot as I could get it I peeled out of the clothes I was wearing and stepped into the steam.

Sakura POV

I heard the shower running upstairs and figured I had a few more moments of peace. My mind hasn't really wrapped around the fact that Sasuke was home. Last night when I saw him at the gate I felt like I was in a dream. Once he walked through I went straight to the Hokage Tower. Tsunade was already prepared for this day. She helped me somewhat cope with his return but she warned me that he wouldn't go untested and he would have to earn his freedom. Naruto came knocking on my door at 3 this morning telling me that he was staying here. Tsunade had to here from me about that one.

She knows that I still love him and being in the same room with him is almost too much. Tsunade says that love will always find a way but it was hard for me to believe that now. The man I love has tried to kill me countless times and left me broken more than that.

My phone ringing caught me off guard and I dropped my pen. Ino's picture showed up and I was reluctant to answer.

"Hello Ino."

"Hi Sakura. Are you doing okay?"

"I'm okay. It's a little weird with him here. He's taking a shower now so he will probably bother me here in a little bit."

"You should go join him. Before you freak out that was a joke. Do you want me to stop by later?"

"If you want to. I have to finish these files from the week before I go in tomorrow."

"I'll bring the wine. Want help cooking dinner?"

"Nah I'll be fine. See you soon."

"See ya."

Ino was a great friend. She's been there for me since the beginning. Whether we like to admit it or not fighting over Sasuke was probably the dumbest thing we ever did. Plus, she has Sai now anyways. Actually I was the only single member of rookie nine. Which is really weird considering Tenten has Neji. Man my game is weak.

'Yeah it is. I mean you are a lot smarter than Ino and Tenten, more confident than Hinata and you have the most experience in the field compared to them.'

'You invited you? Next thing you're going to say is to join Sasuke in the shower?'

'Let that jerk win you back. You never know he may return the feelings one day.'

'You have gone mental. Sasuke Uchiha will never have feelings for me in a million years. Now go away I have work to do.'

'Fine I'll go for now. Just remember he is super hot now and in great shape.'

I rolled my eyes and went back to my work. There were still 40 more files to go through and file out the reports for. Hopefully Ino would get here soon with the wine.

Sasuke's POV

I turned the shower off and just stood there. It's been a long time since I've been able to enjoy cleaning off and relaxing just a tad bit. My stomach replied with a growl and to my dismay I need to go downstairs to eat. Sakura may be hiding so I won't see her. Grabbing the big navy blue towel, I dried off my hair then wrapped my towel around myself. The last thing I needed was for Sakura to come upstairs and peek on me.

I walked into the closet and found that it was full of clothes. Grabbing some lounging clothes, I quickly dressed and hung my towel back on the rack. My feet were heavy as I walked downstairs. The last thing I wanted was to run into Sakura. All I wanted was something to eat and to get back to the room.

The living room was painted grey and had white sofas and matching armchairs. Pictures lined the shelves with books and movies. There were photos of everyone except me. What a relief that she doesn't have that old Team 7 photo. My feet touched the cold tile of the kitchen and I was shocked. Even as a man I had to admit this kitchen was amazing. She really did go all out on this house. Must've cost her every penny she had.

I managed to find some noodles that I could warm up in the microwave. Two minutes ticked by as I looked outside and saw that there was a pool and a hot tub. This makes my old home look pretty pathetic. What was I thinking? Man I seriously need to eat so I can focus on something else. The timer went off and I hastily pulled them out. My hand flinched at the heat. Dropping the bowl in the floor the content went everywhere.

"Sasuke what was that?"

Ino was standing in the doorway looking at me. Great another fucking person here…can I just kill myself?

"I dropped it."

"No shit. So what happened? Too hot for you?"

"Hn."

She came walking over and helped me pick up the noodles and pieces of broken glass. Another set of feet was heard walking to the kitchen.

"You're here maybe an hour and you break something."

"Sakura give him a break. He hasn't been house trained yet."

"Shut up blonde."

Sakura and Ino looked at each other. I haven't spoken to them since I've been back.

"Sasuke would talking to us really hurt you that much? I mean you grew up with us?"

"Don't worry about him Sakura. I brought the wine."

"Good. We are going to go back to my office. Just let me know if you need anything."

They walked away and I had to keep myself from staring at her. The way her body swayed was heavenly. I need to slap myself. What is wrong with me? Shaking my head, I decided to skip food. My body took me down the hallway but toward the back after the staircase. The door was shut but I put my ear next to it. Hiding my chakra, I listened to their conversation.

"Sakura how are you doing?"

"I'm fine."

"You know you can tell me the truth. There's no way he can hear us?"

"I don't know Ino. I mean seeing him last night I put myself into an inner battle. As a kid I said that I loved him and yes I still do but looking at him I know he is different. There is no way that, that man in there could ever love me. Sasuke still thinks that I am a weak, worthless child. It's really annoying."

"Sakura…you need to move on. I've seen how he makes you feel. He never has once made any effort to reconnect or show any signs of emotion."

"I can't give up on him. Everyone else has and he needs to know that I haven't."

That's when I pulled my head away from the door. Tsunade has lost her mind making me stay here. There was no way that I would live with a fan girl. I retreated from the door and went back upstairs to the female free area. I walked past my room and continued down the hallway. Another bedroom and bathroom were also on this floor and I entered the room at the end. It was some sort of game room. There was a large TV and a large couch. I plopped down on the couch and turned the TV on. I pulled the blanket that was laid on the back over me and before I realized it I was out.

Sakura's POV

Ino had been here for about an hour now and Sasuke has been quiet. We've been chatting about everything we had planned this weekend and I really didn't want to participate. Naruto thought it would be a good idea to have a pool party this weekend since Sasuke came home. Everyone was coming and thought that it would do him some good. I mean it could but he would probably just hide in his room the whole night.

"Earth to Sakura. Are you there?"

"Ah yeah. What were you saying?"

"I was saying that he's been awfully quiet. Should we go check on him?"

"Since I'm in charge of him I might as well."

We both picked up our wine glasses and headed upstairs. The door to his room was closed but the game room's door was opened and the TV was barely audible. Ino walked in first and almost laughed. Looking over the back of the couch Sasuke was wrapped up in a blanket and he looked angelic. Sasuke Uchiha was gorgeous. Even through the baggy t-shirt you could see the outline of every muscle and how toned he was.

'Someone getting a little hot and bothered?'

'Oh hush. Go away. We need to get out of here before he wakes up. Next thing you know he is going to try to kill us.'

'Big baby.'

I pulled Ino and walked to the hallway. She was looking at me like I had taken a cookie from the cookie jar.

"What was that about?"

"Ino we shouldn't be watching him. Let's go cook dinner."

"Fine but as long as we get to do one thing after."

"Which is?"

"Hot tub time."

I laughed. She was always over here in my hot tub. Whenever I had a mission or would stay at the hospital for a few days she would house sit for me and normally there would be a few bottles of wine gone too. It didn't bother me anymore but the first time I found her in it I almost broke her nose. Then again Sai was in there with her. Yeah let's forget out that one.

Going back to the kitchen I started to get everything out that I needed for homemade ramen. Luckily Naruto was with Hinata or he would be here in a minute. He always knew when I was making ramen. Ino poured the last of the bottle into her glass. Tomorrow we are going out to a club and we always get our bodies ready for it the day before. Since Sasuke is here she decided on wine that way nothing would happen to anyone.

"Hey Sakura can I borrow a swim suit?"

"Yeah you actually have one of yours here. It's in my closet hanging up with mine. We can change after. Do you want to go wake up Sasuke?"

"I thought you'd never ask."

She pranced out of the room and I finished getting dinner ready.

Ino's POV

I was hiding how I really felt just to spare my best friend but I was so angry with Tsunade making him stay here. Sakura has been in love with him since we were children and I'm not talking about puppy love like I had. She was truly head over heels in love with him even after what he has done to her. The rest of us weren't really upset with him. We were just taking sides with the remaining Team 7 members.

Turning on the lights as I entered the room he started to stir. I might as well be nice to him and maybe he will be in return.

"Sakura said to come wake you. Dinner is ready."

"Hn."

"You know Sasuke would it be so hard to be nice to us? We aren't your enemies."

"I never said you were."

"Then why treat the people that care about you like crap. I know I haven't always been the best person and I'm still not but I try to make up for it."

"You have no idea about anything Ino. You haven't seen the things that I have."

"No but I know a few that have. Yeah they are fucked up after but they continue to live because other people make it worth wild."

He looked down at the floor and I knew that something had clicked with him. Sasuke hasn't said a word to Sakura since he's been here and it's her house.

"We will be waiting on you. After dinner Sakura and I are taking a dip. Feel free to join us or don't. We aren't forcing you to do anything."

He didn't say anything as he stood up from the couch and followed me into the kitchen. Sakura's eyes went wide when she saw that he came down without a fight. I smiled at her and walked to her room. All I wanted now was to sit back and watch…oh and sit in a hot tub.

Sasuke's POV

Ino had left me alone with Sakura and she looked shocked. I haven't said a word to her and I know that it was rude but still. I sat at the island on a barstool and she put a bowl in front of me. Beef ramen like I used to eat. She sat on the opposite side of me and began to eat her ramen. Taking a bite, I was in shock. Her cooking was amazing. She finally learned something useful.

"Would you like something to drink Sasuke? I have water, tea, juice or beer if you want."

You could see the flush in her cheeks. Was she blushing or was she intoxicated? I know that her and Ino have been drinking all afternoon.

"Beer."

She got up and fetched a beer out of the fridge and slid it across the counter. I opened it and drank while I ate. Ino came walking out in a yellow swimsuit and had her hair in a bun on the top of her head.

"Sakura I'll be outside. Also I'm taking another bottle out with me."

"Okay Ino see you in a minute. Let me finish and I'll change."

She skipped outside holding a bottle of wine and singing something. Should I join them or stay inside? If I didn't finish what Tsunade wanted me to I would regret it. Maybe being nice again would hurt.

"Sasuke are you going to join us?"

"Sure."

"There's a bathing suit in your closet. I'm going to go change. See you out there."

I watched the pinkette walk out of the room and I couldn't help but stare. She defiantly was not a child anymore. Clenching my fist, I down the rest of my beer and retreated upstairs. My body went straight to the closet and I quickly changed. I secretly was hoping to beat her outside. Part of me wanted to see her in a bathing suit.

Sakura was already with Ino when I made it outside. Their heads were the only things visible from my angle. Stepping in I sat opposite of them so I wouldn't get too close. They were carrying on a conversation about patients at the hospital and how Ino was trying to get Sakura to teach her something. That was a surprise. Someone wanted Sakura to teach them something. Maybe I haven't given her enough credit.

We sat until the sky was pitch black and they had emptied another bottle of wine. Sakura's cheeks were flushed darker red and so were Ino's. This was an awkward situation considering they were both drunk and I was sober. There was also no way that Ino was going to be able to go home tonight. Ino stood up and barley kept her balance. Sakura grabbed her arm to help.

"You're staying here Ino. Go to my room."

"Okay. Sai won't be home till tomorrow anyways. Night you two."

She giggled as she zigzagged to the house. My eyes returned to the woman still in the tub. Sakura sighed and leaned her head back.

"Who would've thought that you would be staying with me? I must be that unbearable to be near me that's why she sent you here."

"It's not that bad."

"That's a surprise. Well since you are going to be here for a while just do me one thing and try to get along with the others. I won't bother you. Oh also Naruto will be here in the morning to help you pick something out to wear for tomorrow night. We are going to the club."

"Hn."

"As chatty as ever Sasuke Uchiha. Lock the door when you go in. I'm going to take care of Ino and to take a shower."

I nodded to her and then had to keep myself from getting a nosebleed. When she stood up it was a wonder that the red bikini she was wearing could cover anything. She gave me a smile and headed back inside. Any normal man would've followed her but I couldn't. Someone like me doesn't need a bond like that. Brooding over my thought I exited the tub and returned to my room locking the door as she asked.

Peeling off the wet shorts I dried back off and pulled on some boxers. As I slept all I could see was pink and green.