CHAPTER ONE

It Was Life

...

Life… It certainly was a fragile thing, easily tainted or destroyed even. Sometimes though, it could be blissful and those were the days Sakura Haruno looked forward to. She'd had a lot of bad days. Many more it seemed, than good days. She'd gone through a lot to get to where she was today and she was rather proud of her accomplishments, yet not proud enough to strive for more on a daily basis.

Life hadn't ended up for her as she expected it would, not from when she was a small girl… Or even when she was in the academy. Honestly, her view on life still hadn't changed during the years of training with Tsunade. Truthfully, it had only become clear to her here recently.

It was her love for Sasuke that had blinded her for all those years, or rather the love she thought she had for him. It was nothing compared to what she felt now. She had always loved him, but now; she understood her love for him, a love that satisfied her enough even when she didn't see him for months… And months…

Sasuke had seriously affected her life, she couldn't remember a time when he wasn't on her mind. His life gave all the more meaning to hers and she knew she was here for him and so she waited. She always waited; and she always would.

She spent a lot of days reminiscing, thinking back to all their old missions from their genin days. She remembered all the fear, the adrenaline, the fun of it all and just being with Sasuke. Everything was blissful then.

Then, Sasuke left. His quest for power had begun and the memory of him leaving that night was enough to make tears well in the girls eyes. Those few short moments were forever embedded into her memory. How she wished she could have convinced him to stay back then.

Years passed and no Sasuke, just hard work day in and out. It wasn't for nothing. Sakura trained hard, forcing all of her frustrations into her training, eager to learn and become as strong as she could so one day, she could bring him home. She could make him proud.

The next couple of times she'd come across him, things hadn't been good. The darkness seemed to have swallowed him whole and seeing him like that was more than enough to rip the remainder of her heart to shreds. She cried. She thought she was so much stronger but still, all she could do was cry…

She had almost given up hope. Her Sasuke was gone, long gone. He wasn't coming back and definitely not to Konoha. She didn't know what to think or do anymore, but she didn't have long to think about it before war broke out. The only thing she could be worrying about was her comrades.

The last thing she'd expected was for Sasuke to end up being one of those comrades. He'd come back. He wanted to defend the village. He even made claims of wanting to become the Hokage. After what seemed like an entire lifetime, Team Seven was back together. Sasuke was back, bringing with him all the love Sakura had for him at once, after she'd tried so hard for so long to just forget, to move on. To accept that Sasuke was never coming back.

For the first time in a long time, she had hope. It wasn't easy, ending the war and even once it was over, Sasuke's intentions were not as she'd hoped. She stood, pouring her heart out to him yet again and as if she was the same little pathetic girl she'd always been, she cried for him.

He put her under genjutsu, shattering all hope she had again. It was a frightening experience and all the while she was unconscious, he and Naruto were doing all they could to annihilate the other. By the time she'd come to, it was over and her two team mate's lay beside each other, arms destroyed but that day changed everything and to Sakura, everything was Sasuke.

He apologized to her for the first time and that was one of her most treasured memories. It was all the more special because she knew how sincere he was. Just like that, Sasuke was returning to Konoha. He was coming home. She could only hope that he would be okay once he did.

She could never have expected him to be considered free. What if it wasn't for him taking a mission of atonement from himself, for himself. She wanted to join him but, it wasn't the time. The way he'd poked her forehead, his simply spoken words of gratitude, it was all more than enough for her to know all she needed to. One day, he was coming back from her.

Next time… He'd promised her and she'd been waiting, as she always had but this time, she actually had something to wait for. After all, Sasuke was a man of his word. Sakura knew with all her heart and soul that next time, was right around the corner.

Naruto and Hinata hadn't been married long, actually they were still on their honeymoon. Though it did seem as if it was rather- extended. Sakura had been busying herself as much as possible. She kept herself at the hospital, working on anything she could, even when things were slow- there was always paperwork to be done.

Today was a day like any other. The weather was perfect for a day outside but Sakura still found herself hurrying along to the hospital before the sun was even up. She was glad she had because there was an emergency, requiring surgery and she was right on time for duty. She loved working. Healing. Helping people who needed her. She liked to be needed. She worked hard to be a woman people did need.

After the surgery, she met with Shizune and they had tea while doing a little paperwork together. They didn't talk much, the occasional mention of something to do with their work would come up but other than that, they remained quiet, doing their work.

Sakura usually skipped lunch but she would make time for dinner no matter what if she did. Her work ethic required her to eat regularly, especially when she was so easily frustrated at times, when she needed to blow off steam, she did so her way, which required a lot of chakra, not that she didn't have a considerable amount.

She was surprised, but not so much annoyed when Ino came in her office, demanding her to go to lunch. They hadn't really got together since Naruto's wedding so she didn't argue. It would be nice to get out of the hospital for a bit, and still be killing time.

Sakura wasn't big on barbecue but she didn't argue when Ino had already decided where she wanted to go. It didn't really matter, Sakura supposed it was better than Ichiraku's. She'd seen a lot of that place recently. It was also nice to have some privacy while they ate, so they could talk as they pleased.

Ino obviously had something she wanted to tell Sakura and she was the first one to speak once they were seated. "So how are you though, really. I never see you around. You spend too much time at the hospital."

Sakura sighed but smiled nicely at her friend. "I have to do something."

"Sometimes you should do something for yourself." Ino said with a roll of her eyes. "

"I enjoy working. That is what I do for myself." Sakura informed her, semi-defensively.

Ino scoffed as she pulled the meat off the grill, serving first Sakura and then herself. "You know what I mean Sakura."

The subject changed to Ino and Sai, and Sakura was glad. She didn't like getting hounded about her hobbies. If there was something she'd rather be doing than working, she'd be doing it. Sakura was happy for Ino, she deserved to be happy, just like Ino… Just like her.

She was happy. Sure she was still waiting, but she was happy. She loved Sasuke so much, waiting for him didn't even seem like a task most of the time. He had her heart. She loved him so much. She would wait for him an eternity if she had to.

"So I heard Sasuke would be back soon…" Ino's sudden choice of words had her interest piqued, and her ears perking up to listen. Though this may not have been news to her heart, it was news to her mind.

"It will be nice to have him home." Sakura said honestly, a genuine smile on her lips. Her eyes brightened up just thinking of seeing him again. Even the thought of his hawk returning to her, a simple letter- it was more than enough to make the girl blush.

"I bet it will." Ino snickered, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively. Sakura's blush deepened.

"Can it, Ino-pig! Not all of us are so dirty-minded!"

Although, it's not like Sakura would ever deny him anything, considering he made an attempt. It was true though, that she didn't think of such things. She never did. She thought of him returning. Of them maybe traveling together. She thought of getting to know him, the real him, spending day after day together, talking when Sasuke felt generous, eating, visiting friends and things like that.

Life would be complete the moment he returned to her. Yes this time, he wasn't just returning to the village and she knew it. Thoughts like these were the ones that had her blushing madly. She could imagine it already. Sasuke didn't have to tell her she was his, she already knew she was. She was ready. Whenever he finally came back, she'd be ready- for whatever happened.

Sakura did have fun, but she was glad when the lunch date was over. Ino was on her way to meet Choji and Shikamaru and Sakura was eager to get back to the hospital where she could hide inside her office, tackling paperwork until her body begged for rest. It was her normal routine in life, it's what she did and she was on her way to do just that when the strangest feeling overcame her.

It was nostalgic, familiar but haunting. The rhythm of her heart slowed considerably as she stood stock still, emerald eyes set in the direction of the front gates. She didn't understand the feeling clawing at her but she knew she had it for a reason.

She knew she should just go back to work and ignore the feeling she had, it was probably nothing anyway. Nevertheless, she found herself headed straight for the front gates. She knew if she didn't check it out, she'd never be able to concentrate. She had to rid herself of this feeling.

As she'd assumed, nothing was amiss upon her arrival to the front gates. The guards greeted her as they would any other time and she responded distractedly. Even after checking it out, she still had that uneasy feeling. She didn't understand. She never had feelings like this, unless something truly was going on. Telling herself it had to be nothing and she would just have to forget it, she went on her way back to the hospital.

The remainder of her self-extended shift went by eventless, she had nothing to do other than the never ending paperwork, but still, she did that. She wasn't tired, but she was anxious on her way home. Ten more hours had passed and she was still unable to shake that strange feeling in her gut. It bothered her so much her face showed it easily, her eyebrows scrunched together as she thought deeply about what could be the cause. She sure hoped nothing was wrong with Naruto or Hinata. She hoped they'd be back sooner rather than later.

Her door was unlocked. This instantly heightened her uneasy feeling and now, she was concerned. She never left her door unlocked. She realized that she'd been so lost in thought and feeling that she hadn't even thought to check for an intruder. Steeling herself, she pushed the door open, ready for any soul crazy enough to break into her apartment. She'd beat them to a bloody pulp, until they were begging to be locked away, anywhere away from her fists.

One step in and she shifted her eyes, taking in every nick and cranny of her apartment that was within view without her moving. It was quiet, too quiet. She sensed no chakra, nothing appeared out of the ordinary. Had she really just forgotten to lock the door today?

She sighed, feeling like she was losing her mind. Nobody was in her apartment. Nobody wanted to mess with her things and they most certainly didn't want to mess with her. She took her shoes off, all thoughts of a possible intruder behind her. She was tired and after her big lunch today, she didn't have the appetite for dinner. A long, hot bath and a good night's rest would do her well and so, she headed down the long hallway towards her room, eager for her bath.

The last thing in the world she ever expected to find in her room would probably have been Sasuke, especially Sasuke sleeping, definitely not Sasuke sleeping peacefully in her bed as if it was his own, but yet that's exactly what she found.

Heart suddenly pounding painfully, Sakura stood in the doorway, mouth agape in disbelief. He really was here. He'd come home- and he'd come home to her. Her bathroom door was open and she could tell instantly that he'd taken a shower, it probably had been an hour at most. He must have been exhausted to have fallen so deeply asleep so easily. She was pleased that he could be comfortable enough to do so, even being that she'd told him on more than one occasion that he always had a home with her.

She had no idea how long she stood there, watching him from afar. As much as she wanted to talk to him, to tell him how happy she was that he was home, the last thing she wanted to do was wake him. He needed to sleep well and then when she woke up the next morning, he'd be here, well rested and she could easily take the day off. Unable to contain her grin, she left the room quietly after grabbing her nightgown and robe. Him being here in her apartment was enough. More than enough.

It was entirely unbelievable. Sasuke was back, he was in her apartment, in her bed no less. A part of her wanted to think it was an invitation, that he wanted her to join him in her bed whenever she made it home, but she just couldn't do that. She'd never slept with Sasuke and it just wouldn't feel right to climb into bed with him while he slept. What if he actually didn't want that? Sakura was all about taking chances, within reason.

The bath was nice, she had plenty of time to think about how she felt or should feel about all this. All she knew was that it was nice, it was all she ever wanted. It was bliss.

/

Sasuke knew coming home that he was going to see Sakura, initially it was one of the first things he wanted to do, however things didn't always go as he planned. He had to report to the sixth, Kakashi and then ended up being held up the entire day. It was annoying to him and the fact that he hadn't slept in two days hadn't helped the matter.

He knew Sakura had been waiting on him for a long time, for far too long and so he'd been disappointed when she wasn't home. It was after dark, considerably so and even Kakashi had told him she'd been at work since the crack of dawn at the hospital, so he'd expected her to be there, but she wasn't.

The window was open, that's how he got inside. He spent a while looking around her apartment, familiarizing himself with the new surroundings and he found himself surprised by how happy he felt, just to be here. He couldn't wait to see her. To tell her he'd come back. He was home and he wasn't leaving again, not without her.

Hours passed and no Sakura. Sasuke was rather agitated and a small part of him wanted to march straight to the hospital and tell her he was home, waiting for her. How could he be so selfish though, when she'd been waiting on him for what seemed like his entire life. So he made himself at home, knowing she wouldn't mind and when he couldn't fight the urge to crawl into her bed and sleep any longer, he showered quickly and got into bed, savoring the smell of her.

It satisfied him a great deal to wake before her. She hadn't joined him in her bed as he'd figured she would. She'd slept on the couch instead. He quite liked the sight of her, sprawled out on the couch, sleeping deeply. Her pink lips were parted slightly as she breathed, the blanket she'd been covered in was pushed down to her waist, one slim but perfectly strong leg hung off the couch, completely uncovered. She was in a nightgown, it was a soft, baby pink, even lighter than her hair, which she'd obviously been growing out.

These days, Sasuke really did appreciate everything about her. Everything. Sometimes he wished he'd realized sooner, but most of the time, he just appreciated getting to where he was now. It may have taken him a long time but he'd finally made it here and although this would be all too new to him, he was certain he'd make her happy.

He watched her for the longest time, and he quite enjoyed it. It wasn't as if either of them were short on time and he also wanted to be considerate and let her sleep, as she had let him. He could only imagine the look on her face when she found him the night before. It irked him slightly that she wasn't up at the crack of dawn today, eager to see him. Instead she slept as if she would never wake again.

He couldn't help himself anymore. He wanted to hear her voice, to see her bright and beautiful emeralds and for the first time, he actually wanted to hold her. To tell her exactly how he felt, though he hoped his actions spoke greatly. Emotional words weren't his strong suit. For Sakura though, he would try. He was ready to make this work, to take the next step in his life and he knew it would be the most important step he'd ever take.

The instant he sat on the couch at the crook of her knee, she stirred. He smiled as he watched her fight to stay asleep, having not yet realized the movement she felt had come from him sitting next to her.

"Sakura,"

Green eyes opened wide then, the sound of his voice calling her name struck her like a bolt of lightning. She was awake, quickly sitting up, cheeks beet red and those pretty eyes so, so wide.

"Sasuke-kun." She breathed, the three syllables seeming to take every last ounce of breath she had.

"I'm home." He said, pretty pleased with himself as he did, even though he knew she would already know this. Those two words held far more meaning coming from him, to the both of them.

"I'm so glad!" She squeaked, biting her lower lip the second it began to tremble.

It was easy to see the emotion in those eyes, especially considering Sasuke couldn't look away from them. She wasn't sad, though she appeared to be on the verge of tears. There must have been so much she felt all at once, it was surely hard to process it all. He knew though, most of all, she was happy.

He knew she'd be hesitant for a while, it was a possibility that she may never feel one hundred percent comfortable, but Sasuke didn't mind taking the lead. As a matter of fact, nothing would please him more.

One swift tug and she was crushed against his chest, Sasuke's lone arm holding her close against him in a long overdue embrace. Sakura let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding and hugged him back, her arms nearly flying around him. She held him tight, tears steadily pooling from her eyes. She was so happy. So, so happy.

They held each other for some time, savoring the feel of each other. Sasuke knew what he wanted, even Sakura knew what she wanted, it was just easier for Sasuke to get it because Sakura had always wanted him. He however, hadn't always wanted her and therefore, he could understand her hesitance. When they finally released each other, Sakura was red as a tomato and Sasuke gave her a real, genuine, just for her smile.

Sakura made breakfast. Sasuke was starving. He could have sworn that he'd never had anything close to rivaling Sakura's food, but he couldn't remember the last time he'd had an actual homemade meal. It was simple, eggs, meat and bread but it was more than he could have asked for and the two of them ate together in silence. A very happy, comforting silence.

As soon as they were finished eating, Sakura was quick to clean up after them, so quick in fact that Sasuke couldn't have helped her, he didn't even have the time to suggest it. It was so strange to be home, for Sasuke. It was like everything he'd done in his life had led up to this day, this time. He'd never felt more free than he did now.

"Naruto will be back today." Sasuke stated simply after a while, breaking the silence with news he knew she didn't have.

Sakura's eye's widened at this. "Really?" She smiled then, looking forward to the three of them getting together again. "It's about time he came back."

"Hn." The Uchiha turned and walked towards the front door, taking place in front of the small window to gaze outside. It was quite a feeling he had, being back in Konoha so freely.

"Would you like to go for a walk or something?" Sakura asked, thinking he might like the idea. Sasuke just didn't seem to be a man who'd like to sit around the house all day. Ever.

Sasuke looked back at her, his lone visible eye meeting her gaze head on with a look that held warmth, a look that made the girl fall in love with him all over again. "Yeah, we could do that."

Sakura blushed and averted her gaze, slightly shaken by the feel of Sasuke now. Nothing was at it used to be. She was no longer chasing after him. He was here of his own free will and she didn't know what to do with herself. It was all too amazing.

/

Their walk had ended them at the old training grounds before too long. There was a point in time when Sakura thought she may never get the opportunity to be here like this with Sasuke again, but she was. He seemed so different than he used to be but at the same time, he still seemed like himself. Sakura was quick to figure that he'd just grown up, as she had.

He wasn't that lonely, power-hungry boy anymore, he was a man; a man who had seen many things. He was also capable of many things and so powerful that even she knew, the last thing he was worried about was getting stronger. He would probably always get stronger anyway, and that was something even he knew now. He had done all that he'd wanted, he'd atoned for his sins. He made good on protecting his comrades in the need ever arose and he always would.

Sakura was proud of the man Sasuke had become. Sure, things hadn't gone as she would have liked, but that was life. In the end, everything had worked out as it was meant to and for that, both of them were thankful.

"How about a little spar?" Sasuke suggested, after reliving their first time together in this very spot. The bell test. That was another thing that hadn't gone as planned and yet seemed to work out in the end, because… They were meant to be together.

As if Sakura would even dream of turning down the chance to show off to Sasuke. She laughed, a happy laugh while watching him. This moment and her happiness was enough to form a smile even from Sasuke. "Let's do it."

Sakura knew that when it came to ability, Sasuke had her out-matched but when it came to a simple taijutsu spar, she was well fit to be his opponent. She was well trained in hand to hand combat, and if at any time she was to add chakra into her blows, she'd have the advantage. She didn't though, even after a couple hours neither of them had so much as broken a sweat.

They never landed a blow, each one being blocked and met by each other. It was almost as if they were dancing and even though they weren't actually exerting themselves, they were both having a good time. Sakura couldn't believe this was actually happening to her, what more could she have asked for? Then there was Sasuke, and he was just happy to be here, making her happy.

"It's getting late." Sasuke mentions, his voice sounded slightly surprised. Time had slipped by even him. Sakura walked next to him and sighed.

"Naruto, right?"

Sasuke nodded. "He should have been back."

"Well let's go, maybe we will get lucky and run across him." Smiling happily, Sakura took hold of his empty sleeve and led the way and strangely enough, Sasuke found that he quite liked her doing so.

It was when they were passing by Ichiraku's that they finally did run across Naruto. He was stopped across the street, speaking to Kiba and Shino. Hinata was nowhere to be seen, Sakura noticed as she urged Sasuke along and the two of them joined the others.

"Naruto, you're back!" Sakura exclaimed excitedly, eager for him to see just who else was back.

"Hai!" He turned to her with a big closed eye grin, scratching the back of his head as he did. The second his eyes opened though, his surprise showed. "W-what? Sasuke!" Naruto bellowed. "You weren't supposed to be back for another couple of weeks."

"I was ready to come home, so I handled my business accordingly."

Naruto laughed loudly, coming between his two team mate's and throwing his arms over their shoulders. "This calls for celebration. Let's all have ramen, I'm buying!"

Nothing compared to this, all of them being together. It was so nice. They enjoyed it so much that they stayed around for a long time, just catching up and reminiscing. Even Sasuke seemed more open than he ever had before, even when he wasn't speaking, though speaking came easy to him whenever Sakura or Naruto were involved. There were no other people that meant to him, what the two of them did. They were his family. He never imagined how much they truly had cared for him, but now he knew, he understood; because now, that's exactly how he felt for them.

They knew it really had grown late when Hinata had emerged, having been at her family's estate, to collect Naruto. Apparently he'd been supposed to return to her and when he never did, she came to find him. Sakura got up, hugging Hinata before she and Naruto could escape.

"You look so happy. I'm so glad for you." Sakura told her honestly, she was so proud of Naruto for being the man he was meant to be for Hinata.

"So do you." Hinata responded timidly, clutching onto Naruto's arm for support.

As soon as they went on their way, Sakura and Sasuke also made their leave. On the way home to her apartment, Sakura was well aware of how close Sasuke was walking next to her, so close that their shoulders would brush on occasion. That slight contact would cause Sakura's face to heat, unsure how to take the way her body reacted to him.

"Um, how long will you be home?" Sakura asked thoughtfully, this was something she wanted to know and she also didn't like the feel of the silence at the moment.

"A while." He answered quickly but then after hesitating slightly added, "Hopefully."

Sakura understood. Sasuke could have to leave at any time, at only a moment's notice. She knew that unless something serious was happening, it more than likely wouldn't happen but the mere thought of him having to go away again brought back a pain she'd felt in her heart for far too long.

"Don't look like that." Sasuke told her, stopping abruptly and halting her by her hand right along with him. She looked up at him in surprise, lips parted slightly. "Next time, you're coming too, remember." With those words, he poked her forehead meaningfully and Sakura blushed.

"Sasuke-kun…" She blinked up at him in surprise, her heart pounding ruthlessly.

He smiled, his prefect lips turning upward as if it was the most natural thing, but it was a look that came along once in a blue moon, so Sakura savored it. She smiled back cheekily, loving everything about this day. Now, her life was perfect.

"Come now, let's get home."

And home they went.

/

After they'd both had a shower, they sat in the living room together on the couch drinking tea that Sakura had prepared for them. Sasuke had kindly took the time to tell her about his time traveling. Though he didn't speak in detail or tell her anything of significance, just the fact that he was talking to her had her heart melting.

"It's late, you should get to bed." He told her knowing full well it was already early morning.

Sakura frowned, she didn't want their night to end but if it had to, she wasn't about to put him on the couch. Now that he was home, he deserved to be comfortable. "I'll sleep on the couch, if you're ready for bed you can take my room."

"No, you will take your room." He told her matter-of-factly.

She glared at him then, not willing to take no for an answer, even coming from Sasuke. "I will not. I'll sleep right here." She slid down onto the couch to prove her point but gasped in surprise when Sasuke laid down next to her.

"Guess we'll both sleep here then." He muttered, a sly smirk on his face, though Sakura couldn't see it from the way they were laying and the heat clouding her mind with Sasuke laying so close beside her.

"Sasuke-kun!" She breathed, laying still with surprise. "If you're so comfortable sleeping next to me, we should share the bed." Her face heated more with each word she spoke and Sasuke couldn't help the grin that came to his face.

"You should have just said so." He got up on his feet, and tugged her to hers with one swift pull. Sakura's face burned as he pulled her down the hallway and into her room.

Surprised as she was, she got into bed with him right behind her. The hammering in her chest hadn't eased up yet. It only seemed to worsen when he wrapped his arm around her midsection, pulling her body snug against his. She knew that Sasuke was a different man, a man who knew what he wanted and had changed to have all that he wanted. She never expected him to be so… at ease with her though. It drove her insane feeling as if he didn't realize what he made her feel.

"Relax." He breathed, all too close to her ear. "Sleep."

How could she? Sasuke Uchiha was in her bed, spooning her for crying out loud. The mere thought was enough to have her nearing insanity. Desperately, she tried to slow her breathing and steady her racing heart but nothing seemed to work. She'd never felt a rush like she was feeling now.

He smelled so good, clean from his shower, he felt even better, so toned and big. He was definitely a man now and with each passing second, Sakura was becoming more and more aware of that fact.

Curiously, Sasuke brought his hand up against her chest, wanting to feel the way her heart was pounding and as he did so, it only picked up. She wasn't afraid of him, he knew that. Other women flaunted themselves at him, seeming none too nervous about doing so, but then there was Sakura, heart pounding because he was this close. Even so, Sasuke didn't feel as if she would want him to leave.

"I'm sorry." She whispered, afraid he may not like the way she's reacted to him.

"Don't be." He told her, half a smile on his lips. "Just get used to it."

Sakura didn't think she ever would get used to it, but she sure didn't mind taking her time trying. To think that she could do this possibly every night was enough to calm her down and she relaxed in his hold. Sasuke hand went back to her stomach, just over her ribs where he tucked his hand under her and held her tight against him. This was new to him as well, she might not have realized it, but even he was flustered.

Eventually, both of them were calm enough to sleep and they slept better and longer than they ever had before. They hadn't anticipated sleeping together would be so nice and peaceful, but it was. When they finally forced themselves awake the next morning, both of them had slept too much and in return, had no motivation to get up and out of bed. Sakura however, was the first to get up. She wanted to make breakfast for Sasuke and herself of course being that it was her favorite meal of the day.

Sasuke showered while she prepared their food. She wanted to take another walk possibly, this time showing him everything in the village that had changed since the war. Though it wasn't anything major that had changed over the years, it would be nice just to walk around with Sasuke and tell him everything she had to tell him; everything being any and all things she could think of.

Of course, if he wasn't up for a walk, Sakura was sure he wouldn't mind going for another spar, or maybe even a tour of the hospital. She would love to show him what a day of work for her was like, especially if it wasn't all paperwork. If none of those options appealed to him, she wasn't against staying home and doing nothing at all, or either doing anything he wanted.

Her thoughts, fruitless as they were, made the time go by quickly and before she knew it, breakfast was ready and Sasuke was out of the shower, dressed, in the kitchen and ready to eat. Sakura served him happily before serving herself and joining him at the table. He thanked her quietly, his eyes warmer than she thought she'd ever seen them as he turned his attention from her, to the food before him. He ate, cleaning his plate in a matter of minutes.

Sakura wasn't close to being as fast as he was, she still managed her entire plate, though she was finished well after Sasuke was. She couldn't believe her eyes when he got up the instant she was done and cleared their plates, placing them in the sink and proceeding to wash them as if it was the most natural thing.

Sasuke washing dishes…

Things had definitely changed. Sasuke had changed. Even Sakura could tell how hard he was trying, just to be everything she ever wanted. Her heart swelled as she stood and joined him over by the sink. One instantaneous glace, a sweet, pink lipped smile and an all too sexy smirk and the two of them finished cleaning the dishes together, and then the whole kitchen. Before they knew it, the entire day had passed and they hadn't gone a single place, not even so much as outside. As long as they were together, time was flying by.

/

Weeks passed and while it seemed as if nothing had changed in Konoha, for a certain new couple, everything had changed. There had been no touching, no kissing. But there had been love and affection, happiness and laughter. They were both inevitably infatuated with each other. Each night they slept in her bed together, the comfort of it quickly growing on the both of them. It didn't take long for them to fall asleep easily, their nervousness a thing of the past.

Sakura worked, though only sometimes, as needed. She felt she had a lot of catching up to do with Sasuke and she was enjoying every second she had with him, if she didn't have to leave him, she didn't want to. Sasuke seemed to always be next to her, no matter where they were or what they were doing, he stuck to her side as if he wanted everybody to know she was his… He was hers. He didn't have to tell her they were an item for her to know. They didn't have to be intimate for her to love him and want to be with him always, and forever.

The more time they spent together, the more comfortable they became. Closeness was something they both craved. They were always touching in some way. It could have been the way he would hold onto her hand as they walked, or her casually placing her hand on his chest, if not that, their bodies were usually so close they'd touch each other on accident, or sometimes- not so accidentally.

Sasuke wasn't one to rush things and though he wanted Sakura in more ways than one, he knew for once in his life, this was something had had to do perfectly. Patience was everything. It was satisfying for him to just be with her, to learn more and more about her every day. Waiting would never be more worth it.

Sakura didn't feel any less enthused about their relationship, being that Sasuke had made no attempt to kiss her. In fact, she felt overjoyed that he was so serious about them that he would take the time to get to know her, to talk to her. She didn't want to rush anything either and so everything was going perfectly for them. They were sure they couldn't have been happier.

Nothing lasts forever though and today was the day their blissful, peaceful life was to change. Sasuke had been called to the Hokage's office, leaving Sakura at home full of worry. She would have gone along, I mean Kakashi was the Hokage… But, the ANBU relaying the message said there were strict orders for the Uchiha to go alone.

It was hours before he returned. Sakura was close to hysteria by then, but she was quick to change her attitude when he finally walked in the door. She ran up to him, eyes wide with curiosity. His lips were set in a flat line, brows creased. He didn't even hold her gaze but for a second before he looked away. Her heart dropped to her stomach. He didn't even have to say the words. He was leaving… And she couldn't go.

/

When the idea of him leaving crossed her mind, Sakura already wanted to lose it. She never expected him to have to leave that same night. She couldn't accept the fact that he had to go away on what he expected to be a two-week mission. Sure it wasn't forever, but it was far too long to be without him. Sakura was certain that she would never be able to sleep without him again. She wanted to go. She hated everything and everybody as she dealt with her feelings which seemed out of control, all the while packing Sasuke enough food to last him until he made it somewhere.

She was crying, though quietly because she didn't want him to notice. He was taking a shower, but still she feared he'd find her like this and she wanted to be strong for him. For them… She didn't want to lose him again, not even for an instant and yet here she was, with a measly few hours before he'd be gone, and she'd be alone again. Even he didn't want to leave her behind, he wanted her to go. It wasn't right that they wouldn't allow her to join him. It could never hurt to have a medic along, especially with one of her skills. It was almost as if the world was against them, forcing them apart just when they'd finally come together.

"You have no reason to be upset, Sakura." Sasuke spoke from right behind her, so close his breath brushed against her ear. She hadn't heard nor felt him approach so she stiffened when she did. He spun her around to face him and pulled her close against him with his lone arm wrapping snuggly around her waist. "No matter how long I'm gone, or how far I go, I'll always be with you."

Another round of tears surfaced and rolled down her cheeks. Big, green eyes full of emotion stared up at him in awe. "Sasuke-kun." She sniffled, his words settling within her mind and heart and filling her with peace. "I… I understand."

"Good." He pulled his arm back to wipe away her tears and then he poked her forehead. "I want you happy." This was true and one reason why he'd wasted so much time begging the elders to let her join. He didn't understand why they were so adamant about her staying home. It was as if they had some need for her as well.

"I am happy." She assured him and in all honesty, she was. She was beyond happy but she wasn't so sure if she could be, without him.

"I'll be back before you know it."

Overjoyed, Sakura threw her arms around him and hugged him tight while she cried. She didn't understand why she was crying so hard because she really wasn't sad anymore. She knew it would suck to be without him but the day he returned would be enough to make it worthwhile.

She leaned back, arms still locked firmly around him, she gazed up into his mix-matched eyes ready to tell him just how much she'd miss him, though her words never left her mind before Sasuke's lips were on hers.

The kiss stared out as a simple kiss, a light and quick peck to her lips. She was stunned, just by that but could never have been ready for the way his lips came back continuously, over and over, kissing her again and again, each touch of their lips becoming more urgent, and more certain. Her stomach fluttered and she melted against him, his kiss intoxicated her and when he finally did pull away she was completely breathless and flushed.

The feel of him asserting such dominance, kissing her so hungrily as he had… It was unbelievable. She stood against him, feeling things she'd never felt before and at the moment, she'd forgotten he was leaving at all.

Sasuke sighed, gazing down at her, his lone hand cupping her cheek. His thumb ran across her now swollen bottom lip, pulling it down as he did. He wanted to kiss her again, but he thought better of it and returned his eyes to hers. She was surprised but loving it. Her eyes said it all and he loved the way she looked at him.

"You should rest." She finally said, her voice so quiet it was barely audible. She wanted to spend time with him but she knew he'd be traveling all night. He needed to sleep while he could.

He nodded, well aware himself. "Sleep with me," He suggested, neither asking or demanding her. She could refuse him, though both of them knew she never would.

"Come on." She said, pulling him by his hand towards her room. She would never turn down a chance to sleep next to him, especially being that it would be the last time she could for a while.

They didn't sleep long it seemed, before it was time for Sasuke to make his leave. Sakura didn't cry again but she definitely wanted to. He wasn't even gone yet and she already missed him. She could only hope the days would pass her by quickly until his return. He had his satchel, packed full of food over his shoulder, ready to depart. Sakura walked with him all the way to the front gate. No team awaited him. Sasuke was a one-man squad, just as he was most of the time. Sakura would give anything to have a mission with him. Those days used to be so much fun.

"Who knows, maybe I'll get lucky and wrap this up quicker than I plan. You'll never know when I might pop up." Sasuke told her suggestively, obviously trying to brighten her mood. He wouldn't be gone forever. He'd be back, just as soon as he was able. He wanted her to understand and be able to accept this. Though he intended for her to travel with him at any time possible, he wanted her to be able to handle him leaving, for any lengths of time without getting so sad. He didn't want her to feel alone, or like he wasn't here- even if he wasn't physically.

"I'll be waiting. I'll miss you." She gave him her best smile, though her heart seemed to be ripping to shreds.

"Hn, I hope… Though you won't be waiting long." He smirked, his only visible eye, dark and smoldering. She hugged him, not lingering for long, but she held him with so much love and affection, that even Sasuke nearly lost himself, eyes closing on their own, body relaxing against hers. He was surprised at how disappointed he was when she released him.

"Take care of yourself, I need you back in one piece." She teased.

"That's just how you'll have me." He smirked, his fingers finding her forehead easily, his way of telling her what she meant to him. "Arigatou."

Then he was gone, vanishing in an instant as if he'd never been there at all. If it hadn't been for the warmth lingering against her skin, or the smell of him all around her, she would have thought he wasn't. He may be gone for now but it wasn't over. It was far from over, in actuality- it was just the beginning.

/