Prologue.

Now tell me, who do you think I am? Huh?
You don't even know me
Well did you think about this.

-x-

I could be your crook or your lover
I could be the one or the other
If you'd look beneath you'd discover
You just don't know me!

-x-

Tell me who do you think you see
You're standing in your corner, looking out on me
You think am so predictable
Tell me who do you think I am
Looks can be deceiving
Better guess again
Tell me what you see
When you look at me.

-x-

You look at your neighbour thinking, 'what a guy'
Cos he's got a nine to five
And I bet that you don't realize
He stalks you while you sleep at night
Yet your scared of the homeless guy
Think he's gonna wanna start a fight
Never judge a book by its cover.

-x-

You're probably thinking that I want those things
Cash, cars, diamond rings
Thinking on my side the grass is green
But you don't know where I have been
I could be a wolf in disguise
I could be an angel in your eyes
Never judge a book by its cover.

Christina Millian, When you look at me.

It was an ordinary lazy afternoon for most shinobi. The sun shone brightly overhead, casting a warm glow over everything in its wake. The breeze was gentle, like a lovers touch. Birds chirped happily in the distance, from within the thick forest trees. Everything was so calm and serene. Happy and settled.

Silently mocking her.

The path was clean and cobbled. There was no grass or weeds poking out the slabs, none of them were cracked -with their own story- nothing making it unique. They were all smooth and rounded, the exact same colour, cream. It was so very plain. Just a standard, well kept path.

But for her, this path meant so much more. So many hopes and dreams. It held so many memories that ran at her all at once -the good and the bad- as she walked down it, she felt slightly overwhelmed. The memories flittered through her mind. From the first time she ever stepped foot outside the village, with her team; to the very last mission, -she walked alone- that changed her life forever.

The last time she ever moved out of those large red gates -she missed so much- she never thought she'd be here like this now, but she was. And she wouldn't change a damn thing, not even if she could turn back time. But that's not to say she wasn't nervous, because there'd never been a time her stomach flipped and her heart pounded so hard against her chest; in all her 10 years of being a kunoichi.

She was nervous, scared, worried.. and guilty, beyond belief.

Nevertheless, she had to do this.. didn't she? Had she made the right decision?.. She hoped so. There was no going back now, not really. She could but that would be wrong; she had a promise to make after all -one that she planned to keep- but it was so hard. At the moment it seemed impossible to keep, eventually with time, maybe she could move on.. Maybe.

The young woman took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly, a single tear rolling down her pale cheek. She hugged her 'promise'tighter to her body as she made the last few steps towards the village. Her home. The only sounds she could hear were beating of her heart as her pulse quickened and four paws padding almost silently, down the path beside her.

Her steps faltered for a moment, knowing full well ANBU were on there way. She glanced down at her feline companion. "You ready, Aii?"

Aii nuzzled her warm nose against the side of the woman's leg, as she made a quiet yet comforting, "Rawr" to her mistress.

The ex-kunoichi of this village, shifted her gaze up to the top of the gate post. She looked at the leaf engraved symbol intently and then fixed her gaze ahead with a soft sigh. "I made the right decision, Am keeping my promise. This is for the best." She repeated over and over again like a mantra in her head.

"Konoha, am home." She whispered quietly.

She let the chakra she was concealing, up until this point, flare out a little. There was no need to hide now. She was ready. And so she took small but confidant steps, into what she hoped was still home.

As she approached the guard post, she heard a rustle of papers shortly followed by the sliding of a draw, as it opened then closed. She didn't hear the footsteps as the shinobi on duty exited, but that was to be expected. Her gaze stayed downward, not because she was ashamed, but because she didn't want to see the disapproving looks, of betrayal.

She continued to walk until she heard a loud, bubbly voice that made her stop dead in her tracks. "Sasuke-teme, what you staring at?" The voice shot through her like kunai through her flesh.

The pink-haired kunoichi slowly lifted her head as she glanced at the man about 15 yards ahead. He was clad in the usual jounin uniform, instead of sandals, he wore boots. The raven bangs that framed his face were longer, and his hair still stuck up at the back. She had yet to look into his eyes, to study his face.

Bravely she did. The usual stotic Uchiha looked shocked and confused. He stood there with his mouth slightly agape, and his brows furrowed. After a moment or so went by he recomposed himself and smirked at her. It was as close to a smile she was going to get. He looked so much like him.

And then he spoke, "Something very interesting, Dobe."

Her eyes watered as she felt the emotions whirl around. Something broke inside of her. Something she simply couldn't explain. He was happy and well. All because of her. Of course he wouldn't give her funny looks and hate her for betraying him. He of all people knew, everyone deserves a second chance. We are all human after all.

"What the hell are you talking about! I mean, you never find anything interesting, Teme." His eyes narrowed slightly as he peaked his head round the corner at Sasuke. Then his gaze flicked to whatever caught his friends interest.

His eyes widened, as the wind picked up his long blonde strands. Blue eyes glistened with tears. He closed his eyes as he shook his head. "No.." He whispered hoarsely.

Sakura locked gazes with her blonde team-mate, from so many years ago. If she hadn't broke before, she broke then. The sadness, pain and over joy-ed, cerulean orbs stared at her in awe; as they softened.

"Sa-Sakura.." He whispered, like he still didn't believe it.

She dropped to her knees. One arm bracing her fall and the other still wrapped tightly around her 'Promise'. Aii lay on the floor in front of her. Cushioning her mistress a little from the fall.

Both her boys, flashed to her side in an instant as they looked down at her.
They both placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, to let her know they were there, and wouldn't be going anywhere anytime soon.

Unshed tears streamed down her face, glinting in the sunlight. Her first team mates fingers subconsciously tightened hold of her shoulders as she said in a broken whisper;

"Sasuke.. Naruto.. Am home."

A/N: Some of you may find this weird, but from here its going to go back in time. The sequel will be from this chapter forward. It was a weird idea of mine but I hope it works. I hope you guys liked it anyways, please do review and let me know what you think.

Rudiieee-Mikomii.x