Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

A/N: Written for SasuSaku Month. This was originally just one chapter but I've decided to add some more prompts, so this will be a series of unrelated oneshots. Hope you enjoy!

Prompt: Dropping Your Guard

They meet every morning to spar. Only taijutsu is used, but Sakura knows that if they were to actually use chakra, she would stand no chance against the dark-haired male.

They trade blows in place of words. The Uchiha has never really been one for conversation, and Sakura is a bit tired of talking anyway. There is a rift between them that words can't cross. And hasn't it been said that two shinobi learn the most about each other while exchanging blows in battle?

Each always gives 100 percent during their spars, which is a relief to Sakura. Naruto pulls his punches, never taking her seriously and always letting her win. It is a sign of long awaited respect that Sasuke does not.

They strike each other like lightning, sharp and fast. Sakura is feeling particularly vengeful this morning. She lunges at Sasuke and unleashes a barrage of punches and graceful kicks.

She launches a right hook. 'Why can't I just forget you?'

She bends low with a leg sweep. 'I've become someone without you dammit, so why?'

A twist, then a kick from the side. 'Look at me. Look at how much I've grown since you were gone! (Are you proud?)'

A midair strike. 'You missed so much of our lives. We missed so much of yours. Why did you have to leave us?'

He has been on the defensive, blocking but not once striking back. 'I'm sorry.'

They separate, panting. He finally attacks.

A left jab. 'I am who I am now because I left.'

A lithe jump into the air. 'You are too.'

A kick from behind. 'I don't regret it.'

His foot connects. He has her pinned down. 'I know you still love me.'

With a sharp intake of breath, Sakura hits the ground. They are both panting, their faces inches from each other, and for one second, Sakura allows herself to pretend that they aren't sparring at all. She meets his gaze and she could swear she sees something akin to emotion in it.

Then Sasuke rises and wipes the sweat off his forehead.

"Good fight," he intones as he strolls towards the bench to get a drink, and just like that, the walls are back up. Sakura wonders how much of her heart Sasuke has seen this time. She notes the irony of their relationship- that the only time either of them can let their guard down is when they are fighting.

They continue to train together, day after day, baring their souls in the only way they know how. And this is enough.

And when Sasuke tells her he loves her, Sakura smiles and says she already knows.

I know it's a bit unresolved. I really had a lot of ideas for this story. Feedback is very much appreciated.