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Last time:
"So you wouldn't let me have you tonight if I wanted?" He asked.
Sakura's eyes widened and her heart began to pound. Was this serious or was he teasing her?
Sasuke waited for her reply patiently.
She supposed it was the night for truth but Sakura felt awkward all the same.
"I wouldn't say no…Though I was kind of hoping for somewhere with a bed?"
She looked at him, squinting like she needed to brace herself.
"Hmm." Sasuke intoned, interested by her response. His eyes narrowed on her a moment longer, then he stood and walked over to his pack.
Sakura watched him as he went through his nightly ritual and he acted as if she wasn't there. When he was done he walked back to the fire.
He said over his shoulder, "Go to sleep. I'll take first watch."
Sakura smiled from the warm bed roll, happy that Sasuke needed very little sleep. She knew he would take first watch, as always, but she was very grateful. If it were her and Naruto she would be the one sitting by the fire.
"Goodnight then." She yawned, stretching her arms out over her head, before settling down beneath the blankets.
"Good night," Sasuke replied.
She closed her eyes and found darkness there, but Sakura knew it wasn't for long. Tonight she'd dream about Sasuke. He was already running rampant through her imagination.
She pulled the pillow over her eyes.
There was silence from then on.
/
It was weird sitting across from him in the morning because it was ordinary. They packed up and ate their rice in silence. Every now and then he'd say something about the mission, but Sakura kept her words mostly to herself. Her thoughts were running rampant and he wasn't helping. Sasuke's expression said nothing and it was frustrating. She looked for clues as to whether he was annoyed with her, but none seemed present. So she didn't mention the mounting anxiety as he took another blank-faced bite.
He sat, relaxed, leaning his forearm on his knee; it was a move that looked less lopsided when they were younger - and he had two arms - but the familiarity warmed her.
Sasuke downed the last of his rice bento, which sat on his other knee, and stood. He handed the box for her to rinse out with her flask. Sakura didn't mind, nor did she see this as him relying on her. It was typical for her to clean up at camp. Aside from the fact that they were an incomplete cell, this was no different to normal.
Okay, she'd admit it was a little different. They were alone this time and no hijinks had occurred at all.
In fact, the mission had been overwhelmingly successful, with no mishaps, miscommunications, or bad guys at all. They'd seen many villages to get back to here and she was happy they were almost home, ahead of time.
When she was packed up and ready to go Sakura let her bag thump to the ground at her feet. Her arms stretched above her head and she made a satisfied sound.
"I'm ready."
Sasuke nodded and pushed off the tree he was leaning against.
"Ah." He replied, slinging his flask over his shoulder. He headed to the trees that revealed the path to the next town. Sakura followed behind him, unhurried but she also didn't want to be left behind. The path was wide and earthy but it was a clearly sanctioned road. Sakura turned onto the path and ran to catch up to Sasuke who was a fair distance ahead. Her boots landed hard on the ground beside him and he glanced at her with a raised brow. He shook his head and Sakura grinned before they kept walking in silence.
It was seven quiet hours of travel.
/
The door to the serving house slid open loudly on its wooden rails, and Sakura stepped through the beaded curtain to find a room full of patrons. She bowed her head awkwardly to those who turned to look.
Sasuke pushed through the beads smoothly and walked up to the counter as if they weren't being watched. He was perfectly indifferent as they were met by a server, and it gave Sakura a strange kind of courage. The middle-aged man held a notepad and wore a plain brown yukata.
"Welcome welcome. I'm glad you've stopped in from your travels." He smiled warmly. "Would you like a table or room?" The server asked.
Sakura went to say table, the last thing she wanted was for Sasuke to think she was trying something funny, but he spoke first.
"Room," Sasuke said, and the man nodded.
"You must want to rest."
Sakura smiled and nodded to the man. "Yes. I'm relieved to stop." She laughed somewhat nervously.
He bowed his head politely – down to business.
"Your tea will be brought to you. If you're interested in a meal, we have a pork broth we can offer you."
Sakura rejoiced inwardly but managed to keep her outward composure.
"That would be wonderful, thank you." She grinned. Sasuke's eyes glinted with amusement as he observed her through his peripheral.
"Thank you," Sasuke said to the man.
A woman wearing traditional dress appeared silently at their side. She smiled politely. It was obvious that she was well trained.
"Please follow me."
The room was at the end of the hall. Sakura could hear the faint chatter of other patrons through the thin walls. This place made her feel like she'd fallen into the past. The designs on the rice paper walls were intricate and beautiful. It was a wonderful place to stop.
Tea was waiting for them and with a nod the woman bowed and exited.
Sasuke took off his coat and hung it as the shouji slid closed. Then he took a seat at the lowered square table.
Sakura did the same, hanging up her white over coat beside his. She chose to sit to his left.
The steaming liquid had such a pleasant aroma that it relaxed her without needing a drop. However, Sakura sipped at her tea gratefully. It filled a hole where no lunch sat and her want for food became less dire. Within a few minutes, she had consumed her first cup and was pouring herself another. She paid no head to traditional custom, but as a kunoichi she knew how to present a real tea ceremony. This was no ceremony though. She was a ninja today and a thirsty one at that.
"This mission has taken awhile." Sakura filled the silence when she was half way through her second cup. Sasuke sipped his first cup slowly and he looked over at her.
"Hn. I've heard of information missions going for six months to years."
Sakura swallowed and looked thoughtful. She took a sip of her tea.
"I don't know. That's a long time." She sighed, pondering a moment longer.
She said truthfully, "I think I could do it for my village, but I don't know that I'd want to."
Sakura didn't consider how closely related this conversation was to Sasuke's travels; he obviously did.
Sasuke exhaled softly, looking serious.
He met her eyes when he said, "It depends if your want to achieve is beyond your village."
Sakura paused mid-action and then, slowly, placed her cup back on the table. She felt the energy in the air pick up.
"Do you still feel like you used to?" She asked him, hoping for an honest answer.
Sasuke answered, "Konoha is my home."
He paused. His eyes grew serious.
"The people I care for are in Konoha. I want to protect them and my village. I want to build a better name for my clan."
"That's what you want to achieve?" She was a little surprised that he was telling her this. Sakura was pleased though. Sasuke had talked of power for so long that it was refreshing to speak with him now. Sometimes, he showed her his goodness and she knew to have hope. This was one of those moments.
"I want the same thing," Sakura said. Her eyes grew dreamy as she gazed into space. Then she blinked. "I mean, I want that for you and…I'd also like to become the best medic in Konoha. I'd like to have a family, but mostly I want to spend my life protecting the people I care for."
"I'm one of those people?" He asked.
She made a face. "You know that, Sasuke. I wouldn't look after you when you're hurt or sick if I didn't care for you…and I wouldn't get jealous when women hit on you, like yesterday, if you weren't special."
Sasuke sat back and sighed. He observed her a moment and she watched him curiously.
"You would treat my wounds if you hated me. It's who you are." He said. "And those women are jealous of you."
Sakura frowned. "I don't think so…Of me?"
Sasuke frowned and explained, "I don't know those women. You're the one I know."
Sakura watched him with her mouth slightly ajar. It was vague but she got the intention behind his words. Her heart was suddenly beating very quickly.
Sasuke took a sip of his tea, placing the cup back on the table. He looked to side - leaning on his hand as if he were bored - his eyes slid back to her.
"You have no need for jealousy. When I'm not with you, you're still the closest to me."
Sakura almost thought she was dreaming but this was all real.
She managed to stammer out, "That's - good to know."
A stupid smile came to her face slowly as she held her tea in two hands, looking down at the mostly drunk liquid. Sakura's cheeks were surely pink.
Sasuke poured himself another cup.
There was a knock at the door before the rice paper wall slid open. The man from earlier stood at the entrance with a tray of hot pork broth and fresh bread.
Both ninja sighed quietly in relief and Sakura made an excited 'Yip!'. They had waited too long to eat. Sakura wouldn't make that mistake again.
"Do you have somewhere to stay tonight, shinobi?" The man asked before he left the room.
Sakura smiled, "How did you know we are ninja?"
Sasuke snorted, "Isn't it obvious?"
The man nodded. "Yes, I noticed your clothing. I know that your village is a fair distance from here. It isn't much, but my family have a room we can offer you."
Sakura thought they would travel for longer, there was still a little day light left, granted it was limited. Maybe they'd sleep under the stars once again, if Sasuke wanted to push for more distance.
Sasuke spoke up, giving the server a somewhat friendly expression.
"We accept your offer, thank you."
Sakura felt a tingle run down her spine that wasn't quite familiar.
It wasn't usual for Sasuke to act differently, and accepting this man's offer was definitely out of character. There was still day light outside for Kami's sake. This was unheard of for him. She wondered if this had to do with her confession.
The door slid shut and Sakura gazed at him over her steaming broth.
"So we're staying the night." She said, keeping his dark eyes on hers.
Sasuke blinked once, focusing back on her green stare. His pupils were dilated and although his expression was blank, Sakura felt intention behind his gaze.
"We're staying." He nodded, confirming. Then his focus shifted to his meal. He took a sip of the broth.
Sakura let the moment wash by, blinking back to reality.
"Is it good?" She asked him.
"Mm. But it's hot." He replied.
"I'll be careful." She said. He looked unbelieving.
Sakura blew on the liquid before she sipped the broth, but was quick to make a face.
"Ow. It's hot!"
Sasuke snorted, which turned into a laugh.
"It's not funny." She stuck her wounded tongue out.
Sasuke clearly disagreed.
She couldn't bring herself to be upset that he was laughing at her expense. Sakura loved the sound of his laugh. And truly, his smile made her day.
