Sasuke was normally so good at everything. Except being the good guy but he was working on that. But tonight there was something else he was doing. Something that would be quite a challenge. He had just returned to the village. He decided he wanted to be with Sakura. That was simple enough but he hadn't thought about getting to that point.
Tonight he would be going on a date with Sakura. Sasuke had many admirers all his life. But he had never dated any of them. He had been too focused on his revenge too much. Too much to notice Sakura. He had treated her badly. Broken her heart back when he was too stupid to understand.
He was grateful and happy she agreed to this. It hadn't been easy to ask her. It wasn't like he could just marry her. He wasn't ready for that anyway. Truthfully he just wanted a normal happy relationship. If that was even possible. But enough about that Sasuke needed to think about this date.
It was a challenge like everything in his life. But for once it was one with a good ending result. He had talked to Naruto beforehand. He knew Naruto was aware Sakura had always loved him. Love was a word Sasuke wasn't always sure he would ever know. But he wanted to feel that for Sakura.
And he thought he just might. Naruto had told him he knew he would treat her well. And to go for it. Sasuke had wondered if maybe Naruto still liked Sakura. He didn't want to hurt his friend any longer and wanted to make sure. Naruto however had assured him he was very happy with Hinata.
Sasuke was surprised but come to think of it Hinata always had seemed to like him. He was happy for Naruto. And with his blessing he was going to be happy with Sakura. He met her at the restaurant. He should have picked her up. But she insisted she could meet him there. Well never mind he was walking her home either way.
"Wow this is so nice" Sakura said looking around. The restaurant was very fancy. It was nice to have a man spend this money on her. But she didn't like that Sasuke was spending so much on her. Sasuke was happy she seemed to like it. "I'm glad you like it" Sasuke said. "You didn't have to spend so much on me though". "Don't worry about it it's a date. I wanted to spend this money on you. I'm just glad you liked the place".
"Naruto told me he was taking Hinata to Irichiraku tonight. I think that's fine when eating with friends. But with just the two of us I thought you would like this". "I do a lot" Sakura said smiling. They got their food and ate quietly. "Iv never done this before" Sasuke said after a moment. "Never ate"? Sakura joked.
"Never taken anyone for dinner. Or a date really". "I should feel special then"Sakura said smiling. "You should" Sasuke said smirking. "You like the food? You can get some dessert if you want. Or we could share something. I don't really like sweets much but IL make an exception tonight".
They had their dessert and left to take a walk. It was a comfortable silence as they neared the village gates. Sakura sat down on the bench followed by Sasuke. "So you going to knock me out again? Leave me on the bench? Sakura cringed "sorry I didn't mean that like that. Bad joke sorry". She frowned feeling like she ruined that good date they had.
"I shouldn't have done that Sasuke said quietly. Knocking you out to start with. You were going to scream and I just couldn't let you stop me from leaving. And then just leaving you on that bench. I should have taken you home. It was cold and anything could have happened to you".
"Sasuke its okay don't worry about that now. It was when we were kids. You knocked me out in a much gentler way than you could have. And you left me on that bench because you cared. And nothing happened to me I was fine". Physically any she said in her head.
"Besides you're a different person now. A better person". "You think that"? Sasuke looked at her. "Of course I do Sasuke. I know you and that you have always been a good person. You were on the wrong path for a while. But you are a great person" Sakura smiled as she looked around.
"This is it isn't it? This is the place we met. You told me last time and I didn't remember it. But that's where I told you how painful it was to be without parents". "I was so foolish and ignorant back then. I think I am a better person now too. A wiser stronger person".
"You were never weak Sakura. You had things you needed to work on sure. But I realize now you were always strong. That personality was always strong and your will was strong. And you became really strong now. One of the strongest Kunochi I know". Sakura looked at him surprised.
"You really think so Sasuke"? "Yes I do". "Well it doesn't matter if you think so anyway Sakura said playfully smirking. I know I'm strong, I was trained by the legendary Tsunade and I have worked out. I'm not that weak little girl who needs your approval". "Really Sakura? You know you once told me you wanted me to accept you".
"Yeah I want you to accept me. As a comrade and maybe something more. One day at least" she said blushing. Sasuke smirked suddenly. So Sakura Naruto reminded me of something the other day". "Oh yeah what? "It's actually true now that I think about it. I know your forehead doesn't bother you anymore and it shouldn't. It makes me feel like kissing it".
Sakura gasped as Sasuke kissed her forehead. She smiled and kissed him back. It was even more amazing than she had ever thought. Sasuke felt it too. He had wondered if he loved her. Now he knew for sure. Right here at the gates, where there journey began and where it nearly ended.