DISCLAIMER: I of course do not own Naruto (unfortunately. Then I might would have written it differently) as it belongs to Masashi Kishimoto.

"I feel like I'm finally able to see the all the things that I've overlooked and missed up till now….

And if I don't seize this opportunity… I might miss my chance to see with this kind of clarity again…

On top of that… there's a few things that have been on my mind. "

"This is a journey of redemption for me. My sins have nothing to do with you…"

"I'll see you when I'm back… and thank you."

Storyteller POV

"Thank you!"

Sakura says after purchasing a loaf of bread at the market.

It's been 2 years since Sasuke Uchiha had left Konoha and though Sakura still missed him, her life had continued. The first couple of weeks were the hardest - until she realized that she couldn't continue living her life and misery, and that Sasuke would come when he was ready. At least that's what she was hoping.

After walking a while down the road, she hears a familiar voice.

"Sakura-chan!"

"Hi, Naruto! How's it going with you and Hinata?"

"Oh, great! She's making dinner, so I better get back to her. It was nice seeing you. Take care!"

"Alright. Bye, Naruto!"

After walking a while, she finally reaches her house. Finding her keys, she enters her house and immediately senses someone else's chakra. It's strong. Who in the world would break into her home? Did they even realize they were breaking in to the student of the great Tsunade's house?

Slowly working her way into the living room she finds her kunai, preparing for the fight to come. She senses the chakra becoming stronger. They're close.

She runs into the living room, sees a dark figure in the shadows and attacks. She's fast, but they're even faster. Both kunai's fall to the ground - making Sakura fall too. Looking up at the onyx eyes and black spiky hair, she finally realizes who the dark figure is.

"S-sasuke."

"You've improved." He simply replies with the slight ghost of a smirk, ignoring the greeting. He bows down, giving Sakura his hand and helps pulling her up from the floor.

Sakura is speechless. She is filled with mixed emotions: Happy that he's back but confused at the same time. So many unanswered questions. She just stands there - speechless, reminiscing, thinking about the old days. "Thank you." She pictures from him that day after the war. The day he left. "I'll see you when I'm back!" His voice echoes through her head.

"Sakura."

His voice interrupts her thoughts.

"What are you doing here?" She manages to utter. She's looking at him, trying to read his emotionless face.

"Hn." Is all he replies.

Hmm, I guess some things never change. Sakura thinks to herself, as they stand there in the painful silence. Until Sasuke chooses to finally talk.

"I told you I'd see you when I came back.Tadaima (I'm home)."

"Okaeri (welcome home)."

Sakura POV

I watch silently as Sasuke sips the cup of green tea that I offered him earlier. I study his face carefully. Although, he still looks like the old Sasuke I remembered, he definitely has changed. His hair is longer and he has grown up and looks more mature. Right when I thought, he couldn't get more handsome.

"So…" I attempt to break the award silence, but fails, as he remains silent.

"How have you been?"

"Fine."

"How was your trip?"

"Good."

Really? These one-syllable responses, again? I really thought he had grown out of it.

"Sakura." His voice interrupts her thoughts.

Sasuke POV

"Huh?"

"What rank are you now?"

"Oh... Well, as you already know, I'm a medical-nin but I have also become a chuunin and I am participating in the Jonin exams in 3 weeks.

"Hn." Some part of me felt a little sting, hearing those words. Thinking of how much I've missed throughout the years. Thinking of how I could have been there and followed along. Yet, still I am somewhat impressed by Sakura.

She takes a sip of tea. I take the opportunity to look at her face. She still looks the same, though there are a few changes. She has matured. She's not the same little annoying fan girl anymore.

I look down at my tea and look up again only to find myself look into a couple of jade green eyes.

Storyteller POV

Sakura feels slightly uncomfortable and removes her eyes from Sasuke's onyx. She grabs her empty teacup.

"Well, I should probably go make some more." She says, while moving her way to the kitchen.

Sasuke grips her wrist.

"Huh?"

"Sakura, I… I need a place to stay."

"Oh… What about Naruto?"

"He doesn't know I'm here. No one does, but you."

She has no idea what to respond. She has so many questions on her mind, but she knows Sasuke is not much of a talker. In addition, it's getting late and she figures that he's probably tired.

"Sure, you can stay here, Sasuke. You can use my guest room. Come, I'll show you."

Thanks so much for reading! You are welcome to follow and review! Constructive criticism is appreciated! I promise to keep updating. I already have something written down for the next chapter coming up soon. I can't guarantee when I will be updating, since I'm also busy with school. But please stay tuned!