Sasuke felt droplets of steam form and roll down his face. He winced as the hot water hit what was left of his wounds. It was a good kind of soreness.

It was crazy to think that Sakura was in the next room. Last night he had kissed her, held her. It was all too embarrassing to fathom. The past decade he spent focused on other goals, during which he had pushed her aside and crushed her countlessly.

He knew she loved him. She did so relentlessly; she was always there, annoyingly screaming his name, reminding him of her feelings. It was in her every action and word, every movement and every glance. It stung because he had already done so much to hurt her. Yet she continued, stubborn as she was. She let herself shed so many tears.

But now he was back in his village. The water was warm and the air fresh, the village quiet. He stepped out of the shower, covering himself hastily with a towel.

Her pink hair lay perfectly against the white sheets, hickeys prominent down her pale neck. Over the years he had known Sakura, he had done little more than speak a few words to her. And now she lay here with these dark marks—courtesy of an all too eager Uchiha. Sasuke flushed red—couldn't he have contained himself?

She looked so peaceful. It was surprising how Sakura managed to keep such a grace about her, whether she was arranging flowers in a vase or evoking an earthquake with her fists. She was the strongest woman he knew. Whether it was in battle or conversation, she was always thinking of others. Sasuke stepped out to change into his clothing. He took his towel off and proceeded to dry his hair with it.

Sakura opened her eyes and yawned loudly. She couldn't believe what had happened the previous night. She gripped her pillow and hugged it close. She caught Sasuke gazing out her window.

Sakura's garden was covered with fresh white flowers that had been blown off the trees by the rain. Everywhere Sakura seemed to be was beautiful and peaceful. If he had brought her off with him, he would only be forced to see her in battle again. Bleeding, panting, stressed—She was a formidable kunoichi, but the sight of her in battle bothered him. No matter her requests to follow him, he knew it was always better to say no.

Sasuke caught Sakura looking at him and she looked away hastily. Had it been rash of him to get so close to her so quickly? It was three weeks before his next mission. He didn't want to return just to leave once again. She was deeply sought after by many in the village—she deserved much more than to wait hands on feet for him day in and day out. But he wanted her to himself. He had always been a lost soldier who paid little attention to the girl who chased to belligerently behind him. Yet he loved her against and beyond reason.

She interrupted Sasuke's thoughts with an embrace. He pushed her away out of habit before immediately pulling her back. Sakura tucked his still-wet ebony strands behind his ear. She cupped his cheek with her palm. His eyes were so endlessly dark—she had so often seen hatred in them. What was he feeling now?

Her eyes were round and a peppermint green. Sakura always looked hopeful and determined—she contained so much kindness and emotion in her expression. Yet though she was the one to grab him, he could tell she was nervous. Her movements were cautious and hesitant. "Sakura." Sasuke wrapped his fingers around her hand. He pulled her by the wrist and awkwardly embraced her. Hopefully this was enough.

Sakura's eyes widened, shocked by his gesture. His voice was so crisp and steady. She still hadn't gotten used to the reciprocation. It was almost a decade and yet he still gave her butterflies.

God, that was so humiliating. Why couldn't she have reacted normally? Sasuke covered his face with his hands.

She laughed. It had been a while since he had heard it. Her laugh was like the sound of bells, so delicate and genuine. Tears gathered at the base of her eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm happy you're back, Sasuke."

He wiped away her tears with his thumb. "Thanks for waiting." He replied, a serious look on his face. Thank you, Sakura. He had made so many mistakes.