Notes: Day 14, "even for just a moment", is also my birthday, yay! This one shot might not stay a one shot; it might turn into a three shot. The possibility is tantalizing, isn't it?
"Promise me, you'll come back."
Tenderly, Sasuke laced his fingers through hers. Sakura shifted closer to his body, nestling her body into the curves of his. Enveloped by the dark, they sat together on the couch, savoring the moment.
Sasuke closed his eyes and rested his head on top of hers when she leaned against his shoulder. Her blush locks felt silky against his face and he inhaled deeply her cherry blossom scent.
She stared at their woven fingers for a long while before her eyes shifted to the uncovered window. Outside, the village was asleep and the stars were awake. "Sasuke.." She whispered as though she was afraid that any louder and their peace would shatter, "You haven't promised me yet."
Slowly opening his eyes, his gaze shifted to the dim stars, high and low in the dark sky. A long sigh fluttered past as Sasuke gauged his time based on the colors dyeing the horizon.
"Don't doubt."
His words were crisp, resolute in their message. Sakura sat up straighter and lifted her head to look at Sasuke. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as they stared into his, full of questions and longing.
'Don't go,' her eyes pleaded.
'I must…,' his eyes sadly answered.
A tear slowly trailed down her cheek as she bit her lip in failing restraint. Softly, Sasuke pulled his hand free from hers to cup her delicate face. His thumb tenderly brushed the tear away.
Sakura quivered under his affectionate hold, already feeling the pain of a loss that had yet to occur. With eyes too sad for the desire they held, Sasuke carefully pulled Sakura's face closer before he crushed her lips with his in reckless, needy abandon.
A hand crawled up to his chest, fisting itself in his shirt. Her other hand unsteadily reached up to hold onto his wrist, her thumb rubbing gently across the veins on the back of his hand. His hand pressed against her face a little harder, a little needier, in response.
Too soon, Sasuke pulled away. His lips lingered briefly on her bottom lip before he ended the kiss. Their hands stayed, reluctance prevented their grasps from letting go.
Another tear was quickly brushed from her face by his touch but it was in vain as another easily replaced it.
"I have to go now," Sasuke murmured, as though if it were soft enough, quiet enough, that it wouldn't be true.
Sakura's grip on him tightened, refusal pulsing in her limbs.
"Stay," she commanded, "Just a moment longer."
"The sun is rising soon," he reasoned, "I've already stolen a moment too long."
"Then steal another."
