Things that needed to be said. SasuKarin fic. Set after the war. Chapter 1

Sasuke laid on his back and relaxed as raindrops fell outside. He could hear them clearly as his eyes were closed. A blanket was covering him half-way. His arm rested on top of it, while the other was still missing. It was late afternoon and he had an appointment today. Well more like, someone would come to visit him.

Right after Tsunade examinated him Sakura caught him on the hospitals hallways and asked if she could come to see him later that day. He just causally agreed, not minding a visit if she so wanted it at all. Although he would have much rather enjoyed more time with himself.

He heard a gentle knock on the door. Tiredly, his onyx hues opened. He didn't bother sitting up, since he was really tired.

"Come in."

The pinkette stepped inside, blushing and acting somewhat shy. He gave her a look but remained silent.

"Sasuke-kun! How are you feeling?" She sat by the side of his bed and checked on his arm.

"I'm fine, just tired." He said without looking at her, focusing his attention on the ceiling.

"You will need to rest a lot. Be sure to do so, Sasuke-kun!"

"Yeah. So what do you need?" He raised a brow at her, wondering why she wanted to see him and why it had to be alone.

"Ah right… Sasuke-kun, I just once again wanted to tell you how I feel! I love you Sasuke! I want to be with you! You agreed to stay in Konoha from now on right? So, we can be together right!?" She was still blushing.

"I will probably be here for a while, yeah."

"Then, that means we are going to be together right?"

"…" There was silence for a long while. Due to Kakashi having guilt trapped Sasuke, having preached about each and everything Sasuke apparantly did "wrong" he felt some kind of guilt indeed. But then he didn't want to lie. He didn't want to act like he had feelings for her. Something like this wasn't part of his redemption.

"When you said "Be with you" I didn't think you mean in a relationship." He finally spoke

"I thought you were talking about doing things like back in the genin days."

"No! You misunderstood. I love you. I still love you like I did back then… I.."

"Sakura." He sat up straight, eyes coming to a close as he interrupted her.

"I don't see why you like me. We don't know each other that well. To be with someone, you have to know them. We've just recently been reunited after a 3 years seperation. How can you love me when you don't even know what went through my head during that time? How can you love me when I was never with you, when we never faced hardships together?"

"I don't care Sasuke! I have always wanted to be with you! I just want you to be mine and to be yours."

He sighed in mild annoyance, opening his eyes once more. "Naruto is a better match for you. You've been together with him for 3 years. You two faced hardships together, you two went through a lot. And more importantly, he loves you. He's shown it since we were genin. He will give you the kind of love you desire. It's a love I can't give you Sakura. You got what you want and what you feel mixed up. You're happy around Naruto, but when was the last time we shared a happy moment together? Both of us would regret getting with each other, so do me a favor and forget about the idea."

Sakura went silent and considered the Uchiha's words for a while. Images of times spent with Naruto went through her head. Seeing his smile and his will to protect her, the many times he saved her, the many times he supported her. Thinking about it more and more brought tears to her eyes. Sasuke was right. She wouldn't be able to feel any love for Sasuke, because she doesn't know him. She realized that once already. She also realized she only loved him for his looks and coolness. Why did she go weak whenever she faced him? It was a mistake.. After everything Naruto has done for her, it would be unacceptable to not return his feelings. Besides, she felt her heart skip several beats when she thought of him. Without a word the pinkette stood up and said words of good-bye, leaving the Uchiha's mansion and heading towards Naruto's instead.

Once the rain stopped and it went dark already he went outside. Closing the door behind him as he enjoyed the cool night air. He walked through the village that was quiet now, most were already in their homes, or sleeping even. For a while now, he notced someone following him. He decided to let that person play with him for a bit before he came to a halt and sighed deeply.

"I know you are there."

"Geeh!" A sharp yell could be heard from behind a tree.

Sasuke's eyes widened as he realized whose voice it was.

"Karin." He thought to himself. A slight smile forming. He hadn't seen her since the war has ended. He thought she might have moved on and started living her own life. After all, Karin neither the rest of Taka ever came to Konoha. But now she was here. What could that mean? He'd admit he missed her. And he wanted her to come back for him. Somewhere deep within his heart feelings like that were locked. But he didn't expect her to return. Not at all. He wondered what this was about. Would she yell at him again? Would she be angry because he didn't try to find her after the war? He turned around slowly, some sweat dripping down the side of his head.

"It's you, huh?" He had his one hand in a pocket.

Karin's eyes widened upon realizing he lost an arm. "Sasuke! How did this happen?! Damn it!" She rushes towards him and stares at his arm in shock. Gritting her teeth upon thinking of who could have done this.

"Sasuke! Tell me now! What's the meaning of this? Who did this?"

Sasuke spoke in a calm tone to the furious red head. "I lost it during the fight with Naruto. We're even though. I made him lose one two, heh."

Karin frowned. "What the fuck?! He was able to do this to you? Oh well I bet he's really strong then? Hmph." She pushes up her glasses.

"Yeah, he is indeed. Though this isn't anything serious. Tsunade is going to get me a replacement."

"Idiot! You could have asked me and Jugo to help!"

"I didn't know where you two went after the war."

"Ugh. If only I could have sensed you sooner. It took me a while too."

"Hn, well here I am now. So why did you come back?"

She blushed and hugged his one arm, pulling it against her chest.

"Awww Sasuke! Don't act like you wouldn't know! I couldn't be without you!" She rests her head into his chest.

"…. I see. Well I won't be here for long. Kakashi is sending me onto a redemption trip. Which I don't mind. I need to stay away from this place."

"Eh? Where do you plan to go?"

"Exploring the world more. I haven't seen everything there is yet. Plus, I am trying to find more information on the Ootsutsuki. Have you seen Suigetsu and Jugo around?"

"No. Before Madara's chakra caught everyone up in that cocoon I made an attempt at running away. I was caught anyway, but I think that's why I woke up seperated from them."

"I see, they've gone their own ways then."

"Doesn't matter though Sasuke! This works out so perfectly for the two of us! We can enjoy our time alone to our hearts extend!"

"…. You really are clingy."

"Hehe. Can't help it Sasuke, your sexy body makes me want to snuggle up to it!"

"… I'll need you to help me find more information on the Ootsutsuki, so come." He turns on his heel, heading back to his apartment.

"Sasukeeee! Really?" She jumped at him after he began walking, happily staring up at the male.

"Yeah." He simply stated.

Once they stepped inside his tidy apartment he sat back on the bed. This loss of an arm really got him tired much easier than before. But doctors said the tiredness will fade in due time, so he should be fine on his travels.

"So this is your apartment huh? This is where you've been living before you came to Orochimaru-sama?" Karin looked around curiously, noticing his scent all over she'd lick her lips.

"Oh myyy! This entire apartment is soaked in your scent! It feels like heaven!"

"Yeah, this was my home before leaving Konoha. I don't have anymore connections with this though. It feels like just any inn or hide-out. That's because this house is empty. Because there is no one but me here. Ever since it's been like that, I cursed this place."

"Sasuke.." Karin's eyes narrowed and she carefully sat on the bed beside him, sadness showing in her eyes as she remembers his heart wrenching story, memories of her own helping her understand how much he suffered. It was not so different from her own painful past.

"This entire village is cursed. Staying here will cause me nothing but seeing nightmares. To continue on with life I need goals and ambitions. I may have agreed to be at peace with Konoha, but that does not mean I'll forget about the rest of my goals."

"…" Karin looked at him and listened quietly.

"I have no reason to stay here. The Uchiha clan is still being mistreaten No one expect Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi maybe here are fond of me. Living with people who resent you is a waste. It's a shame you don't know where Suigetsu, Jugo, Orochimaru and Kabuto are but at the same time, we can always find them. I want to ally with them again."

"Heh, Sasuke, you actually really like them, don't you? I think you definitely do. You know, Suigetsu is an annoying idiot and Jugo can be such a jerk at times! Kabuto is a bit creepy and Orochimaru-sama of course never ceases to amaze me! But nonetheless the most happy days of my live were spent at Taka's side. All of you have become so important to me. And especially… umm… You Sasuke." She shifted around on the bed oddly.

Softened eyes looked over to her. Upon observing her facial features he felt that strange sensation overcoming him again. It's that very same sensation he felt so many times before when looking at her. After just staring for the time being his hand moved up all on his own, taking off her glasses he placed them on the bed, movng his finger under her chin he turned her face towards him. She was blushing deeply.

"Mhmm… you're looking like a tomato even more now." He noted as his eyes shifted from her crimson hair to her crimson eyes.

"Sasukeee!" ~ She felt somewhat embarrassed, she almost wanted to push him off now that he was so close, that's how embarrassed she was. Not to mention, she never expected him to make such movements.

"What about before the time Orochimaru found you? Weren't you happy then?" They have exchanged their painful pasts once before already. He was well aware of the pain she went through. Ever since he found out, it just drove him closer to her.

"I was happy.. w-when my family still lived.. but after everyone died…" The redhead began to shake all of a sudden. Even though she was such a strong person, this remained a sensitive topic to adress. He could feel how fear and sorrow shot through her being. He knew so well because the same happened to him whenever he remembered.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up." He pets her head softy, feeling such deep compassion for the girl since he knew the pain she felt too well.

"It's fine Sasuke." She wiped a single tear away then smiled at him.

"As long as I can make you happy and as long as I can be with you it's all fine. I've really really wanted to tell you this for the longest time but I was too scared to.. but ughh…" She looks down, seeking protection by digging her nails into the fabric of her black pants.

"Karin?" Would she say it now? Did she actually feel for him the same way he felt about her? He needed to know. He wanted to hear her say the words. He's almost been longing for it. For such a long while now. She kept silent, but tears went streaming down her cheeks as she spoke up.

"Can you imagine what it felt like? What it felt like back when you saved me from the boar? What it felt like to be saved by someone when everyone else around you saw you as nothing but a tool?! After I lost my friends and my family you were the first person that ever treated me like a human again! I was so thankful! And when you said "See ya" I prayed every night, I prayed I could see you again as soon as possible! Just as you said. And then sometime later you joined Orochimaru and I was able to see you again! I was just so happy! I wanted to hug you and be with you all the time! Your chakra drove me crazy! You became the essence of my life. And then you even created a team of your own, and it was so much fun travelling with you all, even though Suigetsu and Jugo got in the way too much! But then you damn asshole had the nerve to stab me! Just how dare you!" She punches against his chest lightly, really not wanting to hurt him since she couldn't.

"But still! I couldn't get over you! It's because you make me crazy! It's your fault damn it! I just need you Sasuke! I..!"

He took her chin and made her look directly into his eyes once again. "I need you just as much as you need me, Karin. " He'd then slowly lean down and place a loving kiss against her lips. Showing through it what he had trouble to put in words. Deepening the kiss he showed her all of his love and care through it, holding her around her tiny waist tightly.

When he pulled away, Karin just stared at him. She couldn't believe what just happened.

"S-sasuke.." She stammered in a shaky tone.

"Despite your abilities I've wanted you on my team because I felt a deep attraction towards you from the first time I saw you. When we did jobs together and I saw you getting attacked I felt that I wanted to protect you. It's something I haven't felt for anyone but the dobe ever since I lost my family. I didn't ever want to lose you. You were the perfect company for me. Understanding, loyal and clever."

"Sasuke…!" She hugged the male as tight as possible, burying her face in his chest. All her fears of being rejected suddenly disappeared. She could finaly speak freely.

"I love you Sasuke." A content smile formed on her lips as she felt his heartbeat against her ear, breathing evenly as she just rests against his firm chest.

He closed his eyes. Saying something he has not said to anyone in so many years. But she was worth it. And he finally realized it was love he felt for her. Not just care, friendship or family like love. It was romantic love. He had no reason to hide it anymore now that he was certain, so he responded in a calm tone.

"I love you too, Karin." A smile formed on his lips as well. Once again he showed that rare smile that was only meant for her. He lifted her head to make sure she would see it, because that very smile he gave her back when he was a genin was meant for no one but her.

And then they'd lay down next to each other. Having deep talks about the past and the coming future before they fell asleep, cuddled up and giving one another warmth.

Chapter 1 end. I am planning to write a few chapters for this. It all depends on motivation though.