Author's Note: For a long time I've always been interested in writing. Due to school and work I haven't had the chance to really get to it until I finally said no more. I decided to start with a SasuSaku fanfiction to earn experience because I simply love their story. And after reading so many good stories I decided it's only fair to contribute as well. FYI, I'm not too familiar about correct story formatting such as how to format text for a flashback or inner thoughts. All criticism especially in this area will be greatly appreciated.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto. My respects for Kishimoto for creating an amazing manga full of great characters.

It's been years since she last saw Sasuke Uchiha. The last thing she remembered was him poking her forehead telling her he'll see her soon. Damn, that Uchiha she thought. It was obvious he didn't really understand what soon meant. Sakura had hoped that she'd be able to see him at Naruto's wedding. After all they were best friends. Unfortunately he didn't make it causing her to once again miss him with all her heart. This however didn't prevent her from enjoying her best friend's wedding nor get rid of the happiness she was feeling for him. After all the pain he had to endure he was finally happy and for her that was enough to enjoy the night even if she was disappointed that Sasuke hadn't shown up. As she continued to think about the person she still had strong feelings for; her alarm clock turned on.

"Well Haruno, it's time to get up" she muttered to herself. She immediately stood up to walk towards the restroom. She took a shower, got dressed and prepared her bag to start walking towards the Hokage tower. Kakashi had requested her presence early in the morning. She didn't know why she was being summoned so she was curious especially since he requested her presence in person. Normally Kakashi would provide some more insight when he did but this time there was nothing.

Upon realizing she was late she stormed out of her apartment running and chose to jump from the roofs to get to her destination faster. When she approached the Hokage tower she noticed that the Hokage's window was opened. She knew very well how disrespectful it was for her to enter through the window. But given the circumstance of her tardiness she thought there is always an exception. Besides, her sensei wouldn't get too mad. So she opted to enter through the window. As she was entering the office she immediately started apologizing.

"Sorry sensei for entering through the window. I was running late so figured that…"

She stopped herself when she noticed that none other than Sasuke Uchiha was leaning against a wall with his arms folded staring at her.

"Sakura, how nice of you to finally join us."

Upon hearing her sensei's calm words she turned around to face him and gave him an embarrassed smile.

"Yea, sorry for being late sensei."

"Got lost in the way of life Sakura?"

"Something like that."

"No worries. Anyways, as you can see we have a guest." Kakashi's eyes turned towards Sasuke encouraging Sakura to mimic the gesture.

"I could see that. When did you get here Sasuke?"

"This morning" he replied.

Sakura then turned around to look at Kakashi. "Sensei, is your request to see me this morning related to Sasuke's return or is this coincidence?"

"It's not a coincidence. You were summoned here because Sasuke needs your help."

Shocked and confused Sakura turned to see Sasuke.

"You do?"

"Hn" he nodded.

"You see Sakura, your teammate here has come across a village that was affected drastically by the war. Due to the village's unique location not many shinobi come across it. Sasuke is one of the few who have and has been kind enough to help them out through the years since his first visit. Unfortunately on his last visit he found out the village was attacked by a group of rogue ninjas. The attack from the ninjas caused causalities and many injured villagers. While Sasuke may be an expert on eliminating enemies he is not an expert in healing injuries."

"And that's where I come in."

"Exactly."

"I'm confused though. If the village was recently attacked wouldn't it made sense for Sasuke to stay there and just request help through a message in case the rogue ninjas return?"

At this question Sasuke chose to answer.

"My old team is actually there with them. I contacted them to provide assistance while I made the trip here. The reason I personally came is because of the location of the village. It's hard to find."

Does that mean he stayed in contact with them while he had left Naruto and me in the dark all these years? Talk about a stab in the heart.

Whatever the situation, Sakura knew this should be the least of her worries even if she just got heartbroken once again. Therefore she used all of her inner strength to remain indifferent.

Damn this Uchiha. How can someone do so much damage within minutes of being reunited.

"Oh I see. Will anybody else be joining the mission?"

"No, Sasuke and his old team can handle the ninjas if they return. And you are more than capable to handle the medical side."

"Of course sensei."

"If there are no more questions then you are both dismissed."

Sakura nodded politely to her sensei and walked out of the office in the front door passing by Sasuke without looking at him. Sasuke followed her out of the office.

"Sakura."

Oh man, what does he want now? C'mon Sakura, just turn around and show him you're unaffected by his presence. Show some pride!

"Yes Sasuke?"

Her eyes met his eyes causing her to feel her face go warm. Deep inside she was hoping for some sort of indication that he cared about her even if only as a friend.

"I'll meet you in an hour at the front gate" was his only reply.

"Of course." And with that Sakura Haruno turned around to continue walking the direction she was heading. She had no idea how to feel about all of this. In her head she imagined her reunion with him to be so much sweeter. Definitely not how it went.

After Sasuke recovered from the war injuries they actually started to become close to the point she'd consider them friends. Something she couldn't say back when she was a fangirl in their genin days. They became more comfortable with each other and spent more time. Everything felt good. Then she learned about his decision to leave. The growth of her relationship with him encouraged her to ask him if she could come with him. She was denied the request except it didn't feel like a rejection with the surprised gesture he gave her. This is what gave her hope especially to dream for a more heartfelt reunion. Well, at least it was heartfelt just not in the way she wanted it to be. Oh well, she must have looked more into it than she should have. Regardless of her disappointment, she was in no way going to let this affect the mission for she has learned to persevere without him and this time would be no exception.

################################################################################################

Earlier in the Morning

"Now Sasuke, you can always change your mind about taking Sakura."

Kakashi was sitting in his chair with the raven haired young man standing in front of him. A few days ago he had a message from Sasuke asking for help. In his message he briefly explained the village's situation and the need for a medic. Without hesitation Kakashi granted Sasuke's request to receive help from Konoha. Kakashi was always glad to help Sasuke especially when his requests were not self-centered. His student has come a long way with his journey of redemption and if he could provide assistance he is happy to do so. But even though he will allow Konoha to send a medic; he was hesitant about letting Sakura go like Sasuke asked. It wasn't because he thought Sakura was incapable of fulfilling the mission or that she was weak. If anything, Sakura was the best suited for this mission. The problem was that unintentionally Sasuke just brought pain to Sakura. Kakashi was aware Sasuke has never meant to hurt her for it really wasn't his fault that Sakura was in love with him. Unfortunately, some things couldn't be helped.

"It's not the first time you say that. Are you implying Sakura can't handle it?" Sasuke was getting a bit irritated with Kakashi. He didn't understand why he kept making comments like those on taking Sakura. Did he think she was incapable? Hard to believe especially after she had proven herself during the war. Even he was impressed after witnessing what she's capable.

"No doubt she can handle it" Kakashi replied.

"Then why keep bringing the subject?"

At this Kakashi just sighed knowing that Sasuke had every right to know why he was hesitant of giving the mission to Sakura. He knew sooner or later this had to be dealt with for the future of Team 7. Except he had hoped it was later than sooner due to the delicate nature especially when neither of his students was at fault.

"She is still in love with you." At these words Sasuke froze feeling nothing but guilt. But why was he feeling guilty?

"Whether you mean to or not; you bring pain to her. You see, she understands that her love could stay unrequited forever. Her love for you is so great that she has accepted this. She will support you in every way as long as you're happy even if your happiness doesn't include her. Regardless of her unselfish love to you; this still brings her pain even if she has learned to hide it. Up to now she has become a prestige kunoichi even with the pain you've caused her. As Hokage, I am aware she can keep handling it. As her former sensei that cares, I don't enjoy seeing her get hurt. For the record, you are not at fault either. See my dilemma?"

Sasuke knew what Kakashi was saying is true. After the war he realized how his actions have impacted Sakura. How much she has suffered for him throughout the years. Before taking off to his journey he witnessed it himself when he saw her saddened face after he denied her request to go with him. He never meant to hurt her with his answer. If anything, she was one of the reasons he needed to leave. During his recovery he had started to mend his relationship with his teammates. At first it was awkward but Naruto and Sakura did their best to make him comfortable. They both welcomed him with opened arms. Without knowing he soon realized he had started to bond more with his teammates especially Sakura. Back in their genin days he would ignore her throwing away the possibility of forming an actual friendship. So when he noticed that his relationship with Sakura now resembled a friendship he was happy. However his nightmares reminded him of his past and as much as his friends cared for him; he still had sins he hasn't paid for. He needed to work for his redemption for his friends and for himself. This is why he made the decision to leave the village to pay for his crimes alone. Sasuke just wanted to deserve the happiness his teammates offered which at that point he did not.

"Why not deny my request to take Sakura since the start to avoid this conversation?"

"I doubt that would have done any good seeing how you're set on taking her specifically. If anything it might have made things worse. I was hoping you'd change your mind on your own. Besides I can't deny she is the most qualified for this mission."

"Then what now?"

"It's your choice Sasuke. But before you answer just think about her feelings when she finds out who is helping you with this. Especially when she believes you never made an attempt to contact her throughout all this time."

For a while Sasuke debated whether to stay firm in his request or change his mind. However if he were to change his mind; it doesn't mean this subject won't be brought up again. Perhaps it's better to start dealing with it now. It's not like he wants to avoid her indefinitely.

"Not only do I know what she can offer to the village; I trust her more than anything. This is why I want her help."

"Very well. Just promise you'll do your best to be careful with her."

"Hn."

"Look at the time! It seems our chat went longer than expected. Good thing Sakura is late."

Minutes later Sasuke felt Sakura's chakra signature nearby until finally he saw her enter through the window with such haste. He saw how Kakashi was a bit amused at her unexpected entrance. Eventually she noticed him and for some reason his heart started to beat faster. It's been a while since her eyes met his eyes. Their eyes last met when he poked her forehead and thanked her. Truth be told, that wasn't the last time he actually saw her. Unknowing to her, he attempted to contact her and Naruto twice only to fail both times. The only one who knew of his attempts was Kakashi.

Sasuke stood there looking at Sakura as she was explained the mission. He couldn't help but think how much she has changed. She wasn't that fangirl that would be all over him within seconds of seeing him. No, this Sakura understood boundaries. As she was being briefed there came the time for him to let her know about the assistance his old team was providing. Sasuke expected her to sadden or display some sort of negative reaction. No such thing occurred though. She was professional and kept her strong posture. Kakashi was right when he said she has learned to hide her emotions when it came to him. When the meeting finally ended he saw how Sakura passed by without looking at him.

Is she angry with me?

This action surprised him because it seemed out of character. He imagined she'd welcome him at least with a smile. Nothing like that happened. This bothered him to the point he decided to tell her something. At least that was his intention before changing his mind after Sakura turned around when she heard her name. He ended up just telling her what time to meet him at the front gate. Sasuke at the end chose not to tell her what he wanted simply because he remembered Kakashi's words about her being in love with him and how it was affecting her. Upon analyzing her actions he couldn't help but wonder if that was her finally learning to let go. If it was, then it would have been selfish of him to interrupt the chance she had of liberating herself from the painful love. Therefore he decided to let it be and allow Sakura treat him however she wanted if it meant her freedom.

After all I don't deserve her unconditional love.

Author's Note: As much as I've always cheered for SasuSaku, I've always known that it would take time for Sasuke to fall in love with Sakura. I don't doubt he always has cared for her. But falling in love is different. So I'd imagined it took him a while to get there.