A/N: So, Kishimoto gave up and I didn't like the ending. So I'm borrowing his characters (that he just hung up) and continuing the story...Kakasaku style!
Also, a thank you to Haruhanna for the picture that will inspire a later chapter in the story. I just love this pic!
The stress of the holidays was finally over and it was time to bring the decorations down. Thank goodness for friends, thought Sakura, as she watched Sai and Ino bringing decorations down while Hinata patiently looked after the kids.
"So Sakura," said Ino as she quietly joined her long time friend while she delicately put the ornaments in their appropriate cases, "any news on when Sasuke will be back?"
Sakura's brief pause could have only been caught by a very observant ninja, but that is exactly what Ino was. "No clue," replied Sakura in a whisper.
Looking over her shoulder to make sure they were as alone as they could be, Ino let her fake smile drop and spoke in a low voice. "Sakura, this is enough. Sasuke has been out into the wild for 6 months now. He missed Sarada's birthday, the holidays, and he was gone a year before he came for only 2 weeks."
"Ino, please-"
"No! Sakura," and here Ino looked around again and just sighed. "Are you happy?"
This made Sakura turn to face her long time friend. "Of course, Ino. I married the man of my dreams, I'm the new matriarch of the Uchiha line and I have the most wonderful daughter one could ask for. I'm leaving my dream, aren't I?" she said as she smiled.
"What's with the fake smile, hag?" asked Sai as he came up to them with a new set of ornaments. Ino shifted uncomfortably while the smile dropped off completely from Sakura's face.
"Nothing Sai, girl talk. Get to the tree next please," said Ino getting the ornaments from his hand.
"Hai," replied Sai while he walked away. Once he was a safe distance away, Ino turned back to her friend.
"Sakura, I-"
"Ino, please drop it," said Sakura in a defeated voice.
Ino bit her lip and nodded while she turned back to her task at hand. After a few minutes, she snickered. "Did you hear Bolt's latest mischief?"
A true smile adorned Sakura's face. "What did he do this time?"