Hateshinai

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto!

Chapter Two-

Responsibility

What was the point? That was the question Sasuke could never answer. He was a prince, second in line to the ever proud Uchiha kingdom, yet he couldn't care less. All the lessons and all the duties, they held no meaning. Day after day he would eat breakfast before heading down to Lady Konan for his lecture on how to manage the estate, master politics and understand political and social issues. Then he would meet Sir Nagato for his horse riding session, more often than not hunting afterwords. By that time the sun was high in the sky and he retired for a late lunch. Next he would sharpen his swordsmanship with Sir Yahiko, training in other weaponry after he was satisfied. When he was finished, the rest of the afternoon was his own until he would join his parents for supper.

It was the same routine month after month, all of it preparation for a throne that he may never sit upon. No, he was certain it would not come to pass. Sasuke had stopped trying to become what people presumed long ago, sometimes going as far as to skip his lessons and even his meals. He had given up striving to meet his parents expectations, knowing he could never be the son they wanted him to be. That was a harsh and undeniable truth he learned when he was young and he was constantly reminded of the fact. Since that is the case, he finds himself asking again, what is the point? He had no drive, no desire, no passion. All he could do was take it day by miserable day- uncertain of his future.

Sasuke picked up a fine stone and began polishing the Kusanagi, his treasured sword and most prized possession. Simply holding the blade offered him a form of comfort he couldn't explain, calming his mind. The sullen prince was currently sitting on his windowsill, his room the only place he felt relaxed and at ease. Peace and quiet was not easy to come by these days and he was more than unhappy about it.

As of yet, his mother and father seemed to be more persistent to get him to take his role more seriously, causing him to outright decline dinner earlier this evening. In the past whenever they got particularly dedicated and stubborn, it meant they were plotting something that would no doubt irritate and annoy the prince. He was certain he would rather be left alone, although a small part of him childishly clung to the attention, a part he often scolded and ignored. In the end it didn't matter what his parents had planned. This past week Sasuke had not attended even one of his lessons and would often sneak out of the castle to take refuge in the forest.

A knock from outside his room brought the prince out of his thoughts and alerted his senses. He placed Kusanagi back into its sheath and the fine stone next to it on top of the sword's stand. When a girl's voice called his name he remained silent, having no desire to be in another's company. She called for him once more and went on about food, most likely the usual servant that would bring him his dinner when he didn't eat with his parents. He told her he wasn't hungry and expected her to leave him be like she always did. He did not expect for her to talk back and went across the room in anger, yanking his door open. Instead of the familiar female servant, Sasuke was face to face with a young girl with pink hair. He was taken aback by how green her eyes were and for a moment, he almost forgot about his anger, opening and closing his mouth.

He was certain she was new to the castle, if he had seen her before he would definitely remember doing so. Her features were unique, not found among all the people he had met and been introduced to. Sasuke asked her who she was, suspicious of her presence and even more so of her job title when she answered. Sakura was apparently his newest attendant and had taken it upon herself to bring him supper. He wasn't impressed by the gesture, but after she described the items she had prepared, his dark eyes could not resist looking. His stomach clenched at the sight of tomato soup and rice balls, reminding him that it was not pleased with his lack of food these days. It smelled as good as it looked and he had no choice but to give into his hunger.

He sighed and let her leave his food on the table before quickly making her exit, though not before smiling and curtseying to the frowning prince. Then she bid him goodnight, her happy demeanor confusing and . . . . different. Sakura had even waved as she left, so unusual that he didn't know what to make of it. He had not come across someone that took his bad attitude with genuine happiness. He hadn't done anything worth getting happy about, in fact he had been quite rude. Yet Sakura was acting, dare he say, friendly. The smell of the food she left reminded him he had other matters to focus on and he went to the table to sit.

It was obvious she had taken it up right after she made it, the steam still coming off in warm waves. Sasuke started with a rice ball, making quick work of them and the soup soon after. He didn't know if it was because he was hungry or if it was because Sakura was a good cook, but to say he enjoyed it was an understatement. The prince wasn't necessarily a picky eater, at least in his eyes, but he did have high standards. He was used to eating the best ever since he was little. However, as his appetite lessened over the years, so did the quality of the food.

The highest compliment he could give was that the meals were decent, adequate. It may have been his taste buds, his parents still found meals satisfying enough despite his disagreement. He surprised himself by finishing every last bite on the silver platter save for the cut up peaches. While he did in fact like the fruit she set to the side of the other items, he absolutely hated the taste of a peach. There was something about the texture and the mellow tartness that he couldn't stomach.

Suddenly the feeling of exhaustion gripped Sasuke and he realized it was getting pretty late. He was undecided whether he would attend his lessons in the morning but he wanted to be well rested nonetheless. He changed into his nightwear and got into bed, throwing the blanket over his tired form. It was strange that even when he did nothing he would still feel so worn out at the end of the day. He absentmindedly thought about why that was the case before he slowly drifted to sleep. The next morning the prince was awoken by a soft knock at his door, a voice following soon after.

"Sasuke-sama… I've come with your breakfast." She told him, speaking clearly but softly. "Shall I bring it inside for you, sir?"

Sasuke stretched his muscles and nestled deeper against the sheets, choosing to go back to sleep rather than answer whoever was calling him.

"Sasuke-sama!" She wasn't giving up, a loud knock following his name. "It's time to wake up and eat now…"

It was clear now that this was the same girl from last night, the one that still needed to learn how things were done here. She would learn soon enough like all the other servants. The prince remained where he was, not wanting to leave the warmth of his bed.

"Sasuke-sama… I'm coming in." Her voice turned serious then and Sasuke shot up in bed, not believing she would go so far, but at that same instant she opened the door and let herself in.

"I don't remember giving you permission to enter." Sasuke grumbled, throwing daggers at the pink haired girl.

"Oh, so you are awake?" She smiled brightly at him, completely ignoring the glare he was giving her. "Don't you have lessons starting within the hour, sir?"

He watched in silent irritation as Sakura walked the tray over to the table, setting it next to the one from last night. She was anything if not bold, Sasuke gave her that much. She wasn't afraid of him either which was more so impressive yet frustrating at the same time. He rested his face on his knee, his hand fussing with his bed head.

"I have no intention of going." He stated and took in her attire. It consisted of a black dress reaching just above her knees, a white apron laced over it. "What . . . is that?"

"Hm?" The girl eyed him curiously just after she had taken hold of the tray from the previous night. "What is what, sir?"

Sakura truly had no idea and Sasuke couldn't fault her for it, it was probably the staff playing a prank. No other servant in the castle wore anything remotely as . . . unique as that. The maid outfit put her distracting legs on display and he wasn't going to deny that the sight affected him. In fact it was quite the opposite and that was the problem. He was all too aware of how the dress hugged her body in all the right places and he was certain he wasn't the only one. If he let her walk around like that it was only a matter of time before someone took advantage.

"That dress . . . it isn't suited for your position. I forbid you to wear it." He told her.

Sakura looked down at her attire before turning her head away from him, but that didn't hide the fact that she had turned red all over from his eyes.

"I'm terribly sorry, sir… But the queen herself brought my uniforms to me…"

Sasuke's eyes widened in disbelief and he stood, having half the mind to go to his mother right then and tell her to leave the staff alone. This wouldn't be the first time she had done something like this to mess with him and he did not find it the least bit amusing. He pinched the bridge of his nose and made a mental note to talk to her later about ordering Sakura another set, his mother was really too much sometimes.

"Tch. They will have to do for now." He said, frustrated that his mother put him into this situation. "The queen will order a proper set by the end of this week."

"Yes sir, thank you very much." She gave him a curtsy. "You should eat now, your study starts soon."

The prince raised an eyebrow, uncertain as to whether she heard him earlier or decided to ignore it. "I am skipping Lady Konan's lecture. Tell the stable boy to have my horse ready, Sir Nagato should be on his rounds anyway." Sasuke ordered and then remembered her current state of dress. "On second thought, tell another one of the servants to do it."

He curiously went over to the table to see what Sakura had cooked. A bowl of porridge sat alongside a glass of milk, fruit placed neatly on a plate. He took a couple pieces of freshly peeled orange and tossed them into his mouth.

"Yes sir… are you sure I shouldn't do it myself though? I can do it and that way I can wait for you there." She was smiling so sweetly at him that Sasuke could only look away from her.

Once again he felt uneasy at her cheerful nature. The green eyed girl was a mystery to him and he wasn't sure if he would ever figure her out. He sat down and kept his gaze on his breakfast, not wanting to confront her happy persona at the moment.

"No." He said sternly.

"When should I meet you for the lesson then?" She asked.

It was then he noticed that Sakura was under the impression she had to accompany him during his lessons and duties. Based off of the attire his mother picked, he could only imagine what the queen had informed her position would entitle.

"It isn't necessary for you join me." Sasuke pointed out. "I don't require your presence."

"I want to join you, Sasuke-sama. I need to be with you in the event you require my services. I will be at your side to assist you with your needs." She told him, refusing to take no for an answer. "So, what time shall I meet you?"

The prince wasn't used to any servant speaking to him in this manner, never having seen this level of foolish determination. "So be it." He relented, deciding that once she got a taste of his horseback riding she would regret her decision. "I expect you to be ready within thirty minutes, you may knock on my door when you arrive."

"As you wish, sir." She told him, more happy than she should have been. She left him without another word, taking the tray from the night before with her.

Sasuke ate the porridge first and then the fruit, leaving the peaches again. After he chugged his milk, he noted that he might not have further problems with skipping meals. The food was better than he would like to admit and he would need to keep his energy up for his sword training. Even on the days he skipped it, Sasuke was not one to sit around all of the time, he needed to be in motion and then laze about afterwards. He left the empty glass on the table and stretched his shoulders and back.

Next he changed into his riding gear, pulling the black fabric over his large frame. Once everything was in place, he set to getting his dark hair in order. He combed through the ruffled and small tangles until it straightened into its usual style. Sir Nagato always hated it when Sasuke showed up early, knowing he skipped Lady Konan's lesson and interrupted his rounds throughout the stables and the rest of the grounds. Sir Nagato also knew that Sasuke would go riding without him and so had no choice but to accompany the young prince.

It amused Sasuke to see the usually calm man bite his tongue despite his blatant displeasure. Not many could get a reaction out of the peaceful Sir Nagato, the red haired man worthy of working under the Uchiha name. The same could be said of his other teachers, otherwise his parents never would have appointed them in the first place. Half an hour had soon passed and the expected knock was right on time. Sasuke walked over to his door and opened it to reveal his newest servant. He was again hit with her apparent beauty. It was troubling how her eyes seemed to see right through him and that pink hair of hers, he couldn't get over it.

"Are you ready, sir, or do you need any help with anything?" Sakura asked sweetly, batting thick lashes as she gazed up at him.

However, his attention was still on those long pink strands pulled back into a braid. "I'm ready, pinky." He answered, the name naturally flowing off his tongue.

When the girl's complexion changed to match her hair the young prince smirked, unable to help himself. "P-pinky?" She stammered in embarrassment, averting his gaze then. "Um my name is Sakura, sir."

"I know." He said as he walked past her, closing the door behind him. "Let's go, pinky."

Sakura could say nothing more as she followed close behind him, not willing to be left behind even if she was shaken up by this nickname he had given her and the smirk that tainted the prince's lips remained in place until they arrived at their designation. The servants they passed on the way had gawked in surprise at seeing the second prince show some emotion, not having seen him remove his stoic mask in years. The fact that he was smirking was too much for them to grasp and the news was certain to pass throughout the castle, everyone desperate to know the reason behind it.

Sasuke himself was oblivious, but his demeanor quickly changed back when he saw who was talking to his teacher. Sasori, one of the gardening hands and one of the most distasteful flirts he had the displeasure of meeting. It was a miracle he was still a member of the staff and it was no secret he and the prince didn't like each other. Another one of the staff, a stable hand, had Sasuke's horse, Raikou, by the reins and bowed upon his presence. Sir Nagato bowed his head from his spot atop his horse, Sasori following suit with a scowl tugging at his lips.

"Your highness." Sir Nagato greeted, raising his head. "I presume you are here to start your lesson early?"

Sasuke gave him a curt nod but kept his gaze on the other redhead that was currently leering at Sakura. The stable hand passed the reins to his prince and took his leave, said prince purposely pulling Raikou to block Sasori's view. The action caught Sir Nagato's attention and he turned his eyes to Sakura.

"Hello, miss. You are new here, correct?" Sir Nagato asked, staying alert to his prince's reaction.

Sakura nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, yes sir. I only came to the palace just yesterday. My name is Sakura Haruno."

"I see. Welcome, Miss Haruno." He said. "I hope you get on well with the fellow staff members."

"Thank you very much, kind sir." She replied, that soft smile forever gracing her face.

Sasuke looked over his shoulder at her and then to his teacher. "Let's get going."

"Is Miss Haruno to stay here?" Sir Nagato mused, finding this situation very interesting.

"I could show you around, Sakura." Sasori quickly inserted. "I'm Sa-"

"Overstepping your place." Sasuke cut him off and gave him a warning glare. "Miss Haruno shall ride with me. You are dismissed."

Sasuke knew exactly what the garden hand was up to and he would not stand for it. Sasori did scowl then but wisley held his tongue, knowing better than to push the prince when he was serious and reluctantly left the three of them alone.

"You want me to ride with you, Sasuke-sama? I've… never been on a horse before." Sakura looked to him nervously then.

"You will be in good hands, Miss Haruno." Sir Nagato assured, amused by the little show he had been privy to. It wasn't often his pupil got his feathers ruffled, in fact it had been some time since he last saw him this animated. "His highness is a professional."

"Oh, I don't doubt it, sir. It's just a bit nerve wracking to think about riding for the first time." She explained.

"Just get on the horse." Sasuke ordered, wanting to get on with it. "I won't let you fall." He promised and moved closer to the saddle to help her up.

"Yes sir." Sakura walked up to the horse, marveling in it's beauty momentarily. It was a black stallion, so tall and magnificent and even intimidating, just like the prince himself.

The girl tried to calm herself with a deep breath, but the horse was just so tall and if she had dared to even attempt to climb up and onto that saddle in her dress she knew it would not bode well. With the prince right behind her, there was no way she could struggle her way onto that horse with her backside to him and her skirts as short as they were.

"Forgive me sir… But I'm afraid. Could you get on first and then help me up?" She was nervous to ask, but she had to attempt to save herself from the ultimate humiliation.

"Hn." Sasuke grunted and mentally scolded himself for not having done that in the first place.

He had let Sasori get under his skin and in turn asked a girl who had no previous experience to get onto his horse. He could feel his teacher's eyes on him and quickly mounted his steed. Once seated, he reached down and offered a hand to Sakura, making it easier on the girl.

She reached up, grabbing onto his much larger hand and in one swift tug she was sitting side saddle and feeling like she was on top of the world, and with her body pressed so close against the prince no less. The prince, however, was second guessing this whole ordeal. He was not used to being this close to a woman and felt as if he was crossing some sort of boundary. Sir Nagato was no longer upset Sasuke had skipped Lady Konan's lesson, ecstatic he was witnessing the stone faced prince squirm.

"Oh dear… we're up so high, Sasuke-sama." She breathed, giddy even in spite of her nervousness.

Her voice was so soft and pure. She was so innocent and so easily pleased. Strangely enough, he didn't mind how happy of a person she was. Actually, it was refreshing in a way. Sasuke was used to the mood always dampening whenever he entered a room, not that he could really blame them. He knew he wasn't a joy to be around and didn't care one way or another. Yet the genuine air about Sakura made him want to somehow be apart of it. It was hard for the young prince to explain and he wasn't sure why he felt this way.

"Hold onto the saddle." Sasuke instructed as he secured his arms around her, holding the reins. He could feel her soft hair on his neck and the distinct scent of strawberries filled his nose. This was undoubtedly crossing a boundary.

Sakura did as she was told while Sir Nagato gave his prince a look, not believing he was truly seeing Sasuke act arguably civil towards the girl. He paid his teacher no mind and clicked his tongue, signaling Raikou to trot towards the forest. Sir Nagato followed suit and the trio began trailing down the dirt road. Sasuke did his best to ignore the way Sakura's body fit against his chest, swaying back and forth in time with Raikou's steps. He forgot all about his plan to make the girl regret inviting to come along and found himself at ease like he always was when he rode Raikou.

Ever since he could remember, the black stallion would be the one the prince went to when he had one of his episodes. They scared him as a young teen and for some reason being near Raikou helped them pass. It had been a while since he last experienced one and he was more confident in his ability to handle them, though no one knew he even had these episodes. He felt that if anyone discovered them he would yet again face disappointment and feel weak. Sasuke had had enough of that and long ago decided to keep it hidden. Raikou began to speed up, sensing his master's unfocused and wandering mind, trying to gain his attention.

Sasuke gave the reins a slight pull and Raikou returned to keeping pace with Sir Nagato and his horse. They were deeper into the forest now and Sakura was quiet but her green eyes were looking around, enjoying the scenery as well as the ride. Sasuke wondered how she would take hunting, whether she was the type to want to save the animal rather than catch it. He wasn't sure if she would insist on being apart of the hunt, but she wouldn't have a choice. He couldn't just leave her in the forest somewhere as he and Sir Nagato went off the trail. However, since he had her riding with him, Sir Nagato would be the one to shoot their prey.

"This is nice… peaceful." She commented after some time, a wistful sigh escaping her. "I can only imagine how it must feel to really ride. Not that I want to try it though, it would probably be awfully terrifying for the first time."

"You'll never enjoy it until you get past that first time." Sasuke said. "Perhaps on your own horse someday."

Sakura shook her head at that. "Oh no, I couldn't possibly. Speak of terrifying. I don't think I could even ride at this pace alone."

Sasuke raised a brow at this even though she couldn't see it. "This coming from the girl that dared to walk into my chambers uninvited?"

Sir Nagato's eyes widened at this, wondering how a sweet girl like Sakura could have the courage to do such a thing. Even Sir Yahiko didn't have that kind of nerve.

"That is a whole other situation, sir. I could get injured riding a horse, I entered your room since you were ignoring me but it's not like I have to worry about you hurting me." She spoke with conviction and certainty.

The prince was amused at how quickly she separated the circumstances and reverted back to the bold servant he was understanding her to be.

"I see." He said, agreeing with her argument. He would never put his hands on a woman. However, that did not give her free rein to do as she pleased.

"Shall we begin the hunt, sire?" Sir Nagato interjected, mindful of the time and situation.

"Hunt?" Sakura questioned curiously, Sir Nagato's words taking her by surprise.

"We will be tracking small game." He explained. "It is one of the skill's the prince has to master. He is a sight to see when he puts forth the effort."

"It is you who must put forth the effort, Sir Nagato." Sasuke stated. "I can't shoot with the girl here."

Sir Nagato smiled. "An expert archer could shoot under any circumstances." He teased and Sasuke shook his head.

"While I am fair with a bow, my true calling is the sword." Sasuke claimed.

"That is true, however, your training continues even with Miss Haruno." Sir Nagato said and Sasuke glared at his teacher.

This was most likely revenge for interrupting his morning rounds, cunningly finding a way to get back without direct insult. The prince may not be particularly close with his instructors, but he held them in high respect and possessed a certain familiarity with the talented teachers. Otherwise Sasuke would do more than just glare at his smart remarks.

Sir Nagato's smile didn't falter under the glare, but he did relent on making Sasuke shoot. "I will take aim, your highness, do not fret. It would be unkind to put Miss Haruno in such an awkward position."

"Thank you very much." Sakura took a breath of relief. It wasn't that she doubted the prince's abilities. It was just that she'd prefer to start one thing at a time. Even being on the horse would take some getting use to, she wasn't certain about being in the prince's way while he was trying to make a kill.

"You are very welcome." Sir Nagato said before turning his horse away, the hunt about to begin.

Sasuke pulled the reins for Raikou to follow him off the dirt pathway and into the more wild part of the woods. His obsidian eyes scanned the surroundings for any signs of the rabbits he knew populated the area. Tracks were easily spotted, the fresher ones followed. Sir Nagato was an exceptional hunter and Sasuke had grown to become a rather good one as well, considering he was learning from an expert.

It wasn't long before their pace slowed even further, the first rabbit showing itself. They were smart creatures, often moving whenever a hunt happened. They never aimed to kill more than a few at a time, and each day they hunted different game. The prince pulled his reins, stopping Raikou on the spot. Even the horses were silent, sensing the change in the atmosphere. Sir Nagato readied his bow and they all watched as the rabbit hopped along, looking around but remaining oblivious to them.

Sakura covered her eyes with her hands and Sasuke was quick to take note of this. She may not protest against it, but she had never witnessed an animal being killed before her very eyes. Sir Nagato released an arrow that flew at blinding speeds towards the rabbit, killing it instantly upon impact. Then he collected the corpse and tied it onto the side of his saddle. This pattern continued until four rabbits had been caught and secured, every time Sakura closing her eyes during the kill. It made Sasuke feel something akin to guilt, as if he forced her to suffer quietly and without complaint. When he thought about how he had done the same thing years ago, he decided he would talk to her about it.

The ride back to the stables was fairly silent and Sasuke chose to take Raikou back to his stall himself, Sir Nagato going his separate way. He got off of Raikou first and grabbed Sakura's waist without thinking, taking her off his horse and setting her on the ground. She had held fast to his arms and glanced at him shyly. He found himself a little flustered once their eyes met and he quickly went to take off Raikou's saddle.

"It really isn't necessary for you to accompany me on hunts." The prince said, his back turned to her.

"Oh, but I quite enjoyed it, sir." She told him and her words sounded nothing but truthful.

Sasuke spun around with surprise and confusion. "Then why . . . ?"

The girl smiled sweetly at him before responding. "Why did I cover my eyes? It wasn't because the kill bothered me… it was just that I've never watched it be done myself and I was unsure at the time if I wanted to see it with my own eyes."

Relief washed over the prince and he felt himself relax, not knowing how tense it had made him to think he had forced her into it. He nodded and returned to taking the gear off of Raikou. When the horse was bare he nosed his master's hand and neighed, wanting attention. Sasuke gave into his wishes, stroking his jaw and patting his neck. Raikou's tail flicked and moved closer.

"He's beautiful…" Sakura murmured in fascination, wanting to reach out and touch him as well, but not letting herself do so for fear of crossing some boundary. "What is his name?"

"Raikou." He answered and noted how Raikou's eyes shifted in interest to Sakura at her voice. "You may pet him." He added, remembering that it had been her first time riding a horse, perhaps being this close to one as well.

"Really?" She asked excitedly, taking a step forward, but looking to the prince for assurance. When he gave her a nod her eyes turned to Raikou and she reached out to run her hand down his neck. "So smooth." She marveled at the feel of him, smiling brighter than she ever had.

Raikou neighed again, seeming to be taken with her. "He likes you." Sasuke mused.

"You think so?" Sakura looked back at the prince, eyes shining with pure happiness.

He quickly looked away, not used to seeing such a look directed at him. All he could manage was a weak grunt in answer. "Hn."

The two of them stayed there for a few moments more before leaving Raikou and returning to the castle. Their walk was silent until Sakura noticed Sasuke walk by his own room and continue to follow her on her way towards the kitchen.

"Sasuke-sama, you should go clean yourself up and wait for me to bring your lunch." She told him, watching him curiously as they walked along.

"I will only need to change to train with Sir Yahiko." He stated. "I'm hungry now." For some reason the hunt left him feeling hungrier than it usually did and his stomach quite liked her cooking. It had nothing to do with the fact that he didn't want to leave her alone in her current attire.

"Do you intend to take your meal in the dining room then, sir?" She asked in wonder, knowing Sasuke normally took all his meals in his room unless he was joining the king and queen.

"No." He denied this, not wanting to see his parents at the moment. "The only option is for me to eat in the kitchen. It isn't necessarily forbidden for someone of my stature, so there shouldn't be a problem."

"If that is your wish, Sasuke-sama." Sakura wouldn't protest. She assumed he must have been rather hungry to want his food the instant it was prepared.

They made it to the kitchen then and Sakura quickly washed her hands while Sasuke took a seat at the counter close to her. It was strange feeling his eyes on her while she worked, but she decided to make something quick being that he was so hungry. She didn't want him waiting long, so she started some rice and vegetables, deciding to leave off any meat for now. She's make him a healthy portion and surely he would be pleased with it. If not, she could always make him something else.

It took her all of twenty minutes to have his meal readied and as soon as it was she carried it over to him, serving him right where he sat. Once she fetched him a glass of water, she waited to make sure the food was to his liking. Sasuke was not disappointed with the taste and was pleased she had made the meal light. It wasn't smart to spar with Sir Yahiko with a full stomach, he would only end up working harder than necessary. After he had finished eating, the young prince left to change, Sakura giving him another one of her smiles and waved. It took no time at all for him to dress in his red swordsman gear and he fastened the Kusanagi to his side. Training with his prized sword was one of the few things he still enjoyed, something he was able to excel at without feeling as if he wasn't good enough.

He exited his chambers and found the girl already there, patiently waiting for him to finish. He wasn't sure why it was so important for her to go everywhere with him, but he would accept it for now. After all, he didn't particularly hate having her near, neither did he necessarily dislike it. It was an odd form of tolerance that had the potential to become something more. In a way it was unsettling, yet he was curious to see where this would go, though he had no idea what to make of the girl. She brought a lot of strange emotions out of the prince and he couldn't fathom why. All he knew was that it had managed to disrupt his life and he didn't like it.

Sasuke led their descent to the training yard towards the back of the castle. He found Sir Yahiko wrapping up a session with some of the new guards who were training to join the royal guards. When the orange haired man finished his last words, he dismissed the men and turned with his sword still unsheathed. The second the prince was within range he lunged, Sasuke drawing his Kusanagi to block the sudden attack.

"I see you are as sharp as ever, sire." Sir Yahiko ginned and withdrew his sword. "I was worried since you missed your last six sessions."

"I had other matters to attend to." Sasuke responded smoothly.

His teacher nodded but knew the bluff for what it was, the prince had simply ditched. "And who is this young lady?" Sir Yahiko asked as he looked towards Sakura.

"The newest addition to my staff." Sasuke said and motioned for the girl to introduce herself.

Sakura gave Sir Yahiko a polite curtsy before speaking. "My name is Sakura Haruno, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir."

"I am called Yahiko and the pleasure is all mine, miss. 'Tis a shame you ended up under the tyranny of the gloomy prince." Yahiko stated and dodged a half hearted thrust from said prince.

"Less talking, more fighting." Sasuke ordered, wanting to put a stop to his ideal chatter.

Sir Yahiko was quick to draw his sword again and flicked it up once in invitation. "On your mark, sire."

In the blink of an eye Sasuke swung his blade and the battle began. The sound of metal clashing echoed across the grounds as they met each others strikes, feet dancing along the ground trying to gain an advantage. While Sir Yahiko had more experience and honed skill, Sasuke had more speed and seemed to grow in ability after every spar. The rate at which the prince evolved was almost scary and Sir Yahiko had high hopes for his pupil. Sasuke was never as focused as he was with his sword. He didn't have to think about unnecessary things, he only needed to react. Swordsmanship was something that came easily to him and he had bested his teacher more than once. He lost track of time and was surprised when some time later he saw the sun setting, sweat coating his skin.

"That is enough for today, your highness." Sir Yahiko said and put away his blade, mildly winded against the energy the prince possessed.

"It seems I will have to defeat you another day." Sasuke mused, his slight panting soon relaxing into even breaths.

Sir Yahiko bowed and then took his leave. Sasuke watched the sunset for a moment and sighed, worn out and wanting a bath. He flipped his bangs out of his face and turned to Sakura who avoided his gaze. He paid the action no mind and she silently followed him back into the palace. There were hardly any servants in the halls at this time of day, most having gone to bed while the number of guards increased. They had passed at least four before reaching Sasuke's room.

"Would you like me to prepare your bath before I make your dinner, Sasuke-sama?" Sakura asked then.

Sasuke looked at her in shock for a moment until he realized that it was something she would define as tending to his needs. He had always drawn the bath himself and wasn't sure if he should grant her request. He thought about it and concluded that it should be alright considering it was her job.

"Hn."

He opened his door and let the pink haired girl inside. Sakura walked right into the bathroom, not wasting any time to complete her task. While she busied herself with her work the prince returned his sword to it's stand. Then he absentmindedly began undressing, making quick work of removing his shirt. Sakura came back just as his hands went to take off his pants and he scolded himself for actually forgetting she was there.

The girl's eyes widened at the same time she yelped in surprise at the sight of him, turning red all over and whirling around, covering her eyes at the same time. "A-ah, S-Sasuke-sama… your bath is ready… I must go make dinner now, bye!" Her voice was high pitched and she wasn't even done speaking before she was all but running out of his room, a flustered mess.

Sasuke ran his fingers through his hair and felt his face grow warm. He had never done something so . . . indecent. His mind had been focused on nothing except resting his muscles, not thinking as he took off his clothes. He should have just drawn his bath himself instead of nearly flaunting the family jewels. It was as much embarrassing as unbecoming of his position and he decided to take an extra long time in the bath, hoping to miss Sakura when she brought him his dinner. He wasn't sure he would ever get used to her always being around, following him wherever he went.

He needed to talk to his mother.

A/N:

Hello readers!

Got the update out as soon as we could and though we were aiming for weekly updates, we're not sure if we can assure that. Gotta find the motivation to keep it coming, so the updates will get out as soon as possible. It just won't be as often as we updated A Walk in the Park, or how we're updating To Walk Alongside You every few days!

Thanks so much for all follows/ faves/ reviews! We appreciate each and every one of them!

Til next time...

-KanaTyy