Is my first time writing english so please, pardon any small or big mistake in my writing.

This is the first chapter, if my story is well received, then a will continue it!

REVIEWS are welcomed!

Please, enjoy!

I do not own Naruto.


CHAPTER ONE

.

.

.

BLESSED SPRING

.

.

.

"The green of spring reminds us that life is a call to hope"

Abel Perez Rojas.

.

.

.


The Hospital was submerged in compete silence and calm.

It was a normal day and there were no emergencies to attend to, thankfully. It seemed that after the war, all kind of dangers disappeared; at least the missions weren`t so dangerous anymore. It was more common to find the danger in a daily illness not well taken care of than in a ninja attack during a mission.

Of course that fact was not so nice for some shinobi of Konoha.

"I can`t believe that there are no missions at all!" exclaimed Naruto entering the kunoichi`s office, who jumped on her seat being surprised by the sudden intrusion.

Naruto burst into her office without permission, as always, and complaining. Behind him, Sasuke walked upright and proud, his face expressionless, but Sakura knew him pretty well and she could see that the Uchiha was irritated by his teammate ... After all, she was sure that Naruto had not stopped complaining in hours.

"As far as I know," Sakura replied standing up from her seat and heading to one of the cabinets, she took a medical record that she was going to check up again. "You just came back from a mission, Naruto baka!"

Naruto flopped down on the chair across from Sakura, who began reviewing again the record of her last patient. Sasuke leaned against the window to watch people passing by on the street in front of the Hospital. He was very tired and there was nothing that he wanted more than get home, go to bed and head to sleep. But he couldn't refuse when Naruto ordered to go with Sakura first.

Team Seven`s men were not strong enough to say "NO" when it came to Sakura.

It means, it wasn't that Sasuke wanted to see Sakura at all.

It was simple routine: before a mission they had to go through a medical check by their personal medic, Sakura. During the mission they should report to Sakura and after the mission they had to go and see Sakura ...

Actually, Sasuke did not know if they were going to see Sakura to please her, or to please themselves.

Sasuke did not know.

Or maybe he did, but pretended not to know.

And because of that small pretending he was there, in the office of his pink haired kunoichi, listening to the complaints of his best friend and rival, seeing people walking under the sunset ignoring his tired bones and his stomach demanding to be filled with some food. Sure, he would not say anything about being hungry because he was sure Naruto would drag him to Ichiraku, and definitely he did not want that.

"Taking an old man to his village is no mission." Naruto grumbled pulling Sasuke out of his thoughts. Sakura looked at the blonde and Naruto sighed reproachfully. "It took days because the man did not want to walk, but he wouldn't let us carrying him ... Those are not missions, Sakura chan."

"Hn."

"Our first mission together after years!"

Naruto jumped for joy.

Sakura smiled tenderly.

Sasuke just looked at them with apparent ease.

Kakashi, reading his beloved orange book was thanking the heavens for giving him the opportunity to protect the people he loved.

"Team Seven is invincible, dattebayo!"

Invincible...

They had survived the Fourth Ninja War. The three had been walking along the edges of death during that bloody and great battle taking out victorious and successful only the terrible scars and painful memories of what had been the past for them. A difficult and dark past they left behind over time, after all, after all the wounds, betrayals, tears, blood, sweat, lost lives, they were free from those heavy chains that bound them to their past mistakes.

Sasuke mainly.

He didn't say a word at that moment. From time to time he let himself fall deep into memories of the past few years and then again he would just listen to Naruto`s complaints and Sakura`s laughs. Naruto was telling her with clear details what had happened during the "mission" something Sasuke had to agree with Naruto, these missions were not missions ... When they had lived and succeeded in the mission to save the world, nothing could be called a mission then on.

"You killed people of Konoha and other nations."

Tsunade looked at him with deep seriousness, around her were the other Kages that likewise regarded him with deep bitterness and reproach, after all, he also had tried to kill them.

But Naruto was there ... next to Kakashi and Sakura.

And then, Sasuke knew that whatever happened, they would always be there.

Just like Itachi had always been there.

"But you saved Naruto, you saved Sakura, Kakashi and Konoha. You saved the world ... and saved the reputation of the Uchiha clan."

Tsunade looked at him now with determination... and Sasuke could see in her eyes hidden, almost an invisible glint of pride and joy.

"Konoha forgives you."

And in that moment, Sasuke knew he had chosen the right path.

" ... Sasuke kun..."

His black eyes met two huge emeralds staring at him with concern.

"Where is Naruto?" he asked. Sasuke was so immersed in his memories, he did not notice when his blond companion left the office.

"He`s just left." Sakura said turning around and returning to the archive. "He went to see Hinata chan." she paused for a moment and then a little smirk appeared in her lips. "I think he's falling madly in love with her."

"Hn."

That was the most common response to any comment said and Sakura was used to that sound.

"She's been in love with him for so long ... and he is such a fool. How could he take years to realize that Hinata was there, right in front of him?"

And suddenly Sasuke had a sense of dejavù but Sakura seemed so alien to her own words, as if she didn't know what she was saying.

Didn't hear herself? Really?

"... is pretty, is strong, smart." Sakura's voice was filling the silence, she spoke freely, expressing every thought and that somehow made Sasuke feel good, knowing that after all this time, Sakura felt confident in his presence.

Confident and Free.

" ... And the only one with the patience and kindness enough to stand him day and night, seven days a week, 356 day of the year ... seriously, 24 hours straight." Sakura paused and looked thoughtful for a moment, watching her carefully, Sasuke tried to guess what she was thinking but it was impossible, Sakura had become a complete mystery to him.

And Uchiha loved mysteries.

"... I think they should get married."

Sasuke frowned. He might have thought that Sakura was joking but the tone she had used was serious and somewhat nostalgic? Sometimes Sakura acted irrationally and the things she said made no sense. She was a woman after all.

"They are 18 years old, Sakura." Sasuke's voice echoed in the room for the first time, Sakura was pouting.

That woman was terribly amazing. She was a sea of emotions in which Sasuke could not afford to drown.

Where the hell came out this whim of Naruto getting married? Sasuke could understand that Hinata was the ideal woman for that knucklehead, and did not doubt that at some future both finally decided to share their lives (Hinata should think twice about it), but what now? What the hell was Sakura thinking?

And just at that moment, Sasuke remembered.

"Sakura."

She was there leaning on the window of her office watching the stars dancing around the moon. The night light fell on her face illuminating her emerald eyes.

"Sasuke kun, what are you doing here?"

But the Uchiha decided not to answer and Sakura decided not to ask a second time.

"Tomorrow is the Spring Festival ... I like Spring but I like Winter more and do not know why."

Sakura spoke to the wind, as always. But her voice was sad.

That night came Spring and Sakura was sad.

"Tomorrow is your birthday."

Sasuke's voice was hoarse, rough, dark ... but the intent of his words was good. He wanted to give her partner a reason to rejoice, to smile because for some reason he could not stand to see that look in her eyes. It was not normal. It was not right. It was not natural.

But her eyes darkened even more surprising the sole heir of the Uchiha Clan.

And then the raven understood why.

"Sakura, give me the results of your analyses."

Sakura looked surprised and scared. Although Sasuke's voice was gentle, that had been directly an order that she would not like to obey, but for the young kunoichi it had always been hard to ignore and rebel against the Uchiha.

So Sakura went to the desk and taking the key out of her pocket, she opened one of the drawers and pulled a white envelope that was still sealed. He held the envelope and Sasuke Uchiha watched her for long and hard.

But almost immediately, his cold eyes softened at the sight of Sakura biting her lower lip nervously...

She was scared.

And he was worried.

During Fourth World War Ninja, Sakura had managed to use the Divine Restoration Jutsu Tsunade taught her and yeah, it had been something amazing, incredible and inconceivable. The problem is that she had not used in herself as it should`ve been, as she had been taught.

The little cherry blossom had had the courage and the power to use that technique on Sasuke, Naruto and Kakashi ... in all three at the same time, which almost killed her.

Tsunade had warned her that the use of this jutsu shortened the life of the people who will use it ... well, that's why Tsunade had ordered her to do such studies, Sakura had managed to not only use the jutsu on other people, she could not even explain how she had done it yet, but she had achieved to apply that jutsu in three persons at the same time ...

"You have not seen the results."

It was not a question, rather a statement that Sakura confirmed with a little nod. Sasuke sighed; he did not have to ask why.

"We are ninjas, Sakura. Our path is always directed to save the lives of the people around us."

Sakura looked at him expectantly, finding that since he had returned to Konoha, she had not heard him that much, and his words were soft and firm.

"The world is full of dangers and death is always lurking. We are ninjas, Sakura" Sasuke repeated penetrating her with his eyes. "We will die in battle."

And even though those words were cold and raw. They were the best consolation that Sakura could ever find in that situation.

And in the middle of the night, Sasuke burned the envelope in his hand.

Sakura rushed to his arms and cried.

But she cried and her tears and her tears were for gratefulness.

" ... And well Naruto needs to settle down." Sakura exclaimed, dropping onto her desk. "He cannot go through life thinking only of ramen, he needs responsibilities ... I do not know why Tsunade shishou doesn't give him more tasks, after all he has to be preparing to become Hokage."

There were fears that never disappeared.

And the fear of knowing that her life could have been shortened too much was tormenting Sakura unconsciously.

"Sakura."

"Is something wrong, Sasuke kun?"

"Stop being so annoying" said the dark-haired boy with a small smirk on his lips. Sakura glared at him. "Naruto will not marry, he will never accept responsibilities and I do not want to talk about this anymore. Can we go now? I am hungry."

It took a few minutes for Sakura to react, she blinked a few times and came back to reality when she saw Sasuke leaving the office with that attitude of indifference that characterized him.

Sometimes, Sasuke Uchiha could also be unbearable.

"UCHIHA! How dare you talk to me like THAT?!

And Sakura could be difficult woman to treat.

They walked in silence, night had taken possession of Konoha and a warm wind blew announcing the arrival of Spring. He would never say it out loud, but Sasuke loved walking in the afternoon wandering around Konoha.

And he loved I more when he had great company like this.

"Tomorrow is the Spring Festival." Sakura said breaking the silence. "I like the Spring but I actually like more..."

"Winter" said Sasuke finishing the sentence for her. "I know"

"How did you know?" Sakura asked curiously.

"Hn."

"Sasuke-kun, how do you know that? I do not remember saying that before ..."

"There are many things you don't remember ever saying Sakura." Sasuke replied casually.

"Sasuke kun, I love you!"

"Huh?"

Sasuke smiled to himself. Sometimes Sakura was too naive.

"You talk too much."

"And you do not talk at all!" she answered back crossing her arms, feigning anger.

"Tomorrow is your birthday."

And this time, Sakura smiled. "Shall we go together to the Spring Festival again?"

Sasuke hesitated for a moment. He did not really want to go to the Spring Festival, like Shikamaru, he also thought it was too problematic, but again, he was in an impossible situation to say "NO" to Sakura.

It would be even more problematic.

"Hn."

"Thanks for coming with me."

Once again, Sasuke could see how the moonlight bathed Sakura's face making her eyes shone more brightly.

"Hn."

Despite having returned to Konoha, despite having already spent a year in the village, Sasuke still felt uncomfortable. And attending to the first public event it had been almost impossible ... but a new era had begun and he had to start along with it.

"I'm so glad you're home."

The kunoichi words were sincere. Sasuke looked at her from the corner of his eye and although almost invisible, he saw a tear rolling down her cheek. He wanted to clean it, but he did not.

The Uchiha was surprised. War had brought out all the darkness that seemed to be in his heart and was not prepared to face the light. He needed time to adapt.

Sasuke remained impassive. He said nothing. Not really knowing what to say or how to say. But during he moment that felt Sakura grabing his hand in hers and leaned her head on his shoulder, he knew that the words didn't matter at all.

He was at home and he was welcomed.

Since that day, Sakura and Naruto began to melt each and every one of his walls of ice.

Itachi had given him a family, free from hatred and resentment.


"Hinata-chan, what time you want me to pick you up this afternoon? " Naruto asked when desperately, he took to his mouth another bowl full of ramen; he was a monster eating. A slight blush appeared on her white cheeks and she look down shyly to her bowl of ramen that was still intact, unlike Naruto she could wait until everyone was gathered to start eating. "Maybe we should arrive early at the Festival to enjoy all the attractions." continued Naruto while eating.

Hinata smiled shyly. "I would love to, Naruto kun."

Surprisingly, Naruto stopped eating and looked up to meet the pearl gaze of the young Hyuga heiress, she was beautiful, her long black with blue flashes hair and her white skin, mesmerized him, especially he always will find more attractive when her cheeks were painted slight red by the blushing; Hinata looked at him shyly, but her eyes lit that flame of love that had been there for so many years, Naruto was for many an knuckleheaded, but for her, he was his hero.

Maybe the wedding would be sooner than expected.

"Maybe you can leave your displays of affection aside… for now." The empty monotonous Sai´s voice struck Naruto and Hinata who had closed the distance to bring their lips closer, forgetting that they were not alone. Hinata blushed even more and Naruto was somewhat annoyed at the interruption. "I find it a little uncomfortable to witness how you are about to share saliva ..."

"No need to be so explicit and unromantic, Sai." reproached Ino, who, minutes ago was immersed in a conversation with Shikamaru, who seemed to be looking nowhere. "There is no more beautiful example of love than a sweet kiss arising impulsively at times and places less suitable or not indicated." Said Ino, romantic and dreamy as she sighed and leaned against Shikamaru shoulder, the man looked at her with apparent indifference.

"How troublesome, woman" Shikamaru muttered looking at his girlfriend, however, under the table, slipped his hand to entwine his fingers with Ino Yamanaka, causing a silly smile on the lips of the girl.

"I still do not understand why females and males need to relate lovingly and give demonstrations of affection." observed Sai. "After all, they always end up fighting, or in the books I have borrowed from Kakashi, the woman ends up with a broken heart, or the man cries like a girl... Just as happened to Kiba with that female Suna ..."

"Well ...heartbreaks occur occasionally. " Ino explained thoughtful. "But that happens when someone is not your soul mate..."

Do soul mates really exist?

"Dobe, for once in your life, do you want to stop eating like a pig?"

Ino's explanation about heartbreaks was soon interrupted, when Sasuke´s deep, demanding and sarcastic voice caught the attention of all, he was so sick of hearing stupid talk about love, he felt very uncomfortable and definitely wanted to hear no talk of those issues, therefore he found no other comment more fully appropriate to divert the course of the conversation that had already been developed. Moreover, he had long to know Sai, and knew that the silly questions he was asking will lead to Ino to cover much more uncomfortable issues.

Uchiha Sasuke was supposed to have no heart… then why he would be hearing those stupid comments about love?

Hearing his usual nickname, Naruto looked up to watch his eternal rival in mock annoyance, he also knew his friend too much to know that that comment was a simple attempt to change the topic of conversation, and at that time, Naruto thought the best way to annoy Sasuke was ... putting him into evidence.

"Teme...Does it really bother you to hear or talk about love?" asked Naruto with some malice in his voice, gaining just a frosty look from Sasuke.

"Hn"

"Was that a yes or a no?" Sai asked.

"It was none of your business." The Uchiha heir replied coldly.

"Oh Well…" interjected Ino interested in the conversation. "I did not know that talking about love was really uncomfortable for you, Sasuke."

"It is not, and it does not bother me, but it just really seems irrelevant."

"It is not irrelevant in your life." Naruto intervened with the intention of provoking Sasuke. "Is a topic you're looking to avoid, because ... I bet all my savings that you have already fallen victim of love!"

And even though he didn't want to accept it, he couldn't deny it either.

There was a silence of wonder at such a statement. Shikamaru lift his eyes to observe the expression of Uchiha, he looked like a stone, a stone whose eyes were fire ... a fire ready to burn to Naruto.

"...You don´t even have savings, Dobe. " Sasuke´s response broke the tension and suspense, but mentally, the young Uchiha made a big note that later he would made Naruto pay for his daring.

Betting he had fallen in love? With who? Impossible.

But then again, killing Madara and Obito seemed so impossible at that moment too.

"Sure! I've seen how you look at her, how you care for her, how you behave when you're with her ..." followed Naruto, whose words drew surprised looks from those who were sharing lunch, everyone looked at Sasuke with expectations, yet he remained peaceful, gathering all his strength not to hit Naruto, after all, Hinata would be the poor girl worried for him all afternoon in the Hospital. "…The whole time you're flipping around to see if she is close ..."

Actually he was with her most of the time, but because she was the only tolerable woman in Konoha, she was his partner, a frien, part of his family, just like Naruto and Kakashi…

Except she was a woman.

"Who are you talking about, Naruto?" Ino asked. Inevitably, the blue-eyed blonde wanted to be the first to know everything, or confirm any suspicion that has already been machined in her mind. Poor Shikamaru, living with one should really be one hell problem.

"Sakura-chan! Who else would it be? ... She is ..."

A big blow hit the blonde´s head and prevented him to continue.

"Why the hell are you talking about me in my absence?"

And there she was again, saving everybody from the Fifth World War.

An invisible smirk appeared on Uchiha´s lips seeing Naruto rubbing his head, and a furious Sakura behind him, waiting for a response.

"Sakura-chan," complained the blonde. "I was just telling the others that Sasuke was in love with you ... deep down."

"Dobe"

Sasuke's voice was terribly threatening, but that did not intimidate Naruto, but Sakura's eyes, the hell they did ... All looked at them with a feeling of suspense; Hinata feared the worst: her boyfriend surely be attacked by his two teammates.

But the laughter of Sakura, again broke the tension.

That laugh that was like medicine, always healing.

"Sasuke-kun has always been in love with me but he is just not ready to accept it." Sakura joked at the time she stood aside and grabbed Sasuke's arm, leaning on his shoulder. The raven did not move, but was frowning; over time he had come to develop a strange relationship with Naruto and Sakura, by now he allowed more physical contact with both, though his expression did not change in the least.

"Hn"

"Was that a yes or a no?" Sai asked in an almost mechanical way.

"Happy Birthday, Sakura." Shikamaru's voice spoke before Sasuke Uchiha could respond Sai, rudely. The genius realized that if he did not want the lunch ended in a fight about ninja's problem, it was necessary to stop the conversation against the Uchiha now before it too late. Sakura thanked him with a small smile.

"Did you like the kimono I gave you this morning?" Ino asked excitedly, as she too in her hands her bowl of ramen.

"I still haven´t the chance to see how it fits me." Sakura confessed. "I have been busy in the Hospital."

"But you're not busy tonight, right? It is the Spring Festival; you cannot miss it, dattebayo!" Naruto exclaimed.

"Of course I'll be there. "Sakura said. "By the way, I loved the cake you prepared this morning ..."

"In fact, Hinata-chan baked it, she is a great cooker" Naruto said causing a blush on the young Hyuga.

"It´s good that you liked it, Sakura-chan." Hinata said shyly.

That afternoon, at Ichiraku, all happened as normally as possible, Shikamaru, Ino, Sai, Naruto, Hinata and Sasuke had come to that place with the sole and firm intention to celebrate a little Sakura Haruno, who was living her 19 birthday.

It had been two years since the Fourth Ninja War had come to an end, it had been a bloody battle and one of the longest in the history ninja.

Team Seven, recognized as the future Sannin team, had defeated Madara and Obito ... and had taken out the world from the darkness I which was submerged. Many lives were lost, but many more were saved by the heroic act of Team Seven, who fought to death to get free from the demons.

Sasuke, Naruto and Kakashi had fought tirelessly against their opponents, Sakura had supported them all... but when her men fell on the field, dying without any more strength, Sakura did what no one had ever managed to do ... breaking the seal Yin, she divided her chakra and gave her life to save the three men ...and completely restoring them, she returned them to the battle ready the final attack.

And then the war ended with cries and tears of joy.

The village was almost totally destroyed, and many bodies lined the streets. It was just a terrible sight, but after that, people were sure that the danger was gone completely, and now, once again they had to work hard to rebuild the village and also to recover from the terrible human losses they had suffered.

The first important event that occurred a week later in the village, was the imprisonment of Uchiha Sasuke and his team Hebi in Konoha cells. After a trial rather long, the Council had ordered the immediate death of Sasuke and his companions, however The Hokage Tsunade was strongly opposed and dismissed the Council, one of the promises she had made to herself, was to rule Konoha with much transparency as possible, and now that Danzo was dead she could eliminate the root, after all, ninjas were just not working for the interests of the few. In the same way, Tsunade sent to trial all those who had participated in the secretly massacre of the Uchiha Clan, thus giving Sasuke some justice for what had happened with his family and to give dignity back to the extinct Clan.

Kakashi, Sakura and Naruto strongly opposed to the conviction of the Uchiha, after all Konoha even existed because of him. However, Tsunade said that Sasuke needed to obtain a punishment for his actions; he had betrayed Konoha after all. Six months in jail was quite right, so there was no more opposition from Team Seven. Kakashi and Naruto went to see him in prison at least twice a week, Sakura didn´t even go once. Naruto said something like "this is your punishment for leaving her on a bench ..."

Yes, surprisingly Sasuke knew he deserved that and more.

After spending six months behind bars, Team Hebi was released, Suigetsu and Karin left with the promise that they would never be part again of the exiled ninjas and murderers, and sought rather for an apparent life of adventure and tranquility (well, that was kind of impossible for them, they were always fighting each other.) Sasuke was pretty sure that Karin still haven´t forgiven him, he tried to kill her without mercy. Juugo had stayed in Konoha helping to find a cure for some diseases, he was the origin of the curse seal, so between his veins, scientists hoped to solve many mysteries.

Sasuke had spent the next six months on probation, performing missions range D and C, under the supervision of Sakura and Kakashi, it was an almost endless time of boredom for Sasuke attacking him every single day, continually wondered if it had been better to remain as one of the most wanted and dangerous ninjas as exiled doing what he pleased, but certainly, that life would not had allowed time and share moments with people like Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi, who despite everything, were still there for him.

After a year of staying in Konoha, Sasuke enlisted along with Naruto for the Chunin exams, which they passed almost with closed eyes and were now preparing to enlist in the ranks of the ninja jounin, along with Sakura, whose dream now was to become an ANBU doctor.

Now two years had passed since the fight against Tobi and things seemed pretty quiet and calm. That night, after a long time, would be held the Spring Festival, where they would plant a fair and at the end a show full of costumes and colors.

Their lunch went quiet and boys listened the girls only talk animatedly about things they would find that night during the Festival. It would certainly be an exciting event.

"So, see you this afternoon girls." Ino said goodbye while took Shikamaru by his arm and started walking in the opposite direction. "And I want to see the new kimono, FOREHEAD!"

"Ino pig! Of course I'll wear it" Sakura replied feigning anger.

"Hinata-chan and I will go Neji´s house, we´ll see you tonight, dattebayo!" Said Naruto taking Hinata´s hand and started walking away after a small wave goodbye to their friends.

"They look very happy together, right Sasuke-kun?" Sakura sighed as she watched her friends and disappearing in the distance seeming very happy.

"Hn"

"Is that a yes or a no?" Sai inquire again.

"It's a get out of here. Get lost" Sasuke growled.

Sai shrugged and waved goodbye also to Sakura and Sasuke as he walked away muttering "I did not know that two letters meant so much ..."

"Sometimes you are very rude" said Sakura with a serious look.

"And you are very annoying" replied Sasuke and then started walking.

"Where are you going?" Sakura asked, somewhat confused.

"You´re going to the hospital, right? I'll walk you there."

It was an order. For a moment Sakura was surprised and looked at him as his unconcerned and indifferent steps slowly began walking away, the pink-haired girl grinned and ran to him hanging from his arm. Sasuke didn´t even flinch.

"You are coddling me because it's my birthday?" Sakura smiled.

"I have nothing better to do."

"That was an evasive answer." Sakura complained.

"But it was an answer."

Sakura pouted, she seemed like a little girl whenever she was near him. At first, their relationship was devastating, Sakura wasted no time reminding him that he had been away, that he had left them and left Konoha for no good enough reason. He betrayed them. Sasuke just listened to her complaining, it was the least he could do and even if he understood she did not understand him. Over time, the relationship had improved somewhat, Sakura did not behave in front of him like a silly girl, much less like a fan girl, but as a ... true friend. The same attitude she had with Naruto, she had it with Sasuke... and that, for a moment, didn´t like anything to Uchiha, who blamed Konoha for the recovery of some "human" feelings, apparently, the Village could cause this effect: strengthening ties.

The way to the hospital quickly passed, perhaps it was because Sakura had not stopped talking about surgeries that she had attended during the morning or because she was just babbling about the thousands of changes that would do to her department. Yes, Sakura lived alone, had lost their parents during the Fourth War and now, she was just like Naruto and Sasuke: an orphan.

"Thank you, Sasuke kun". Sakura smiled before entering the hospital. "See you tonight."

"Hn"

And without another word, Sasuke turned and began to walk away ready to get lost between the walls of the Uchiha Mansion. Really, he didn't have any bit of enthusiasm to go to the damn Festival, he just wanted to rest, to read or to train, no to socialize with half Konoha in a stupid Festival… like Shikamaru would say, Festivals were problematic.

"Sakura!" Shizune's voice appeared behind the pink haired girl, taking her by surprise. She hasn´t even closed the door and they were already looking for. She turned around just to find her charismatic friend who greeted her with a huge smile. "I hope you're having a wonderful birthday, Tsunade-sama wants to see you."

"Thank you". Sakura smiled back. "Do you think she´s calling me to give a great gift?" teased the young kunoichi, Shizune shrugged with a shy laugh.

"Could be" Shizune said with a bright smile. At that moment she opened the glass door from the entrance when she saw a mother carrying her child, who was bleeding profusely from one hand. "Go Sakura, I take care of this." She added quickly before Sakura could take the child's case in her hands. Sakura nodded and headed for the elevators.

It did not take long to reach the Hokage´s office, Director of the Hospital and her former teacher that had had, for a long time, a maternal role in her life; since her parents died Tsunade had become her tutor, mentor and was mother to her, always looking after her and taking care of her and her career. She knocked on the door asking permission to enter and immediately it opened, Sakura entered the room to see how the blond haired woman was submerged in piles of paper on her desk, visibly tired. Tsunade looked up, and seeing Sakura, she relaxed her position and grinned, got up from her seat to go to her pretty young apprentice and squeezed her into a tight hug.

"Happy birthday, Sakura." She said once she had releasing the young from the hold.

"Tsunade-shishou, thank you very much." Sakura replied with a small blush.

"I hope the festival would be a perfect celebration for you tonight." A voice behind her startled her. Sakura turned to see Shino, tall and completely covered, as usual. Although she could not see it, Sakura knew Shino cracked a small smile, even though at the time she wondered what he was doing in Tsunade's office.

"Well, I just have called you for this" Tsunade said as she sat down in her big chair, guessing the thoughts of Sakura, and handed her a scroll.

"A mission?" Sakura asked with visible astonishment. It seemed that the last mission she had was years ago.

Tsunade nodded. "I think that you really wanted one and well need it too, so let me get you this mission as a birthday gift."

The idea was completely exciting for Sakura, but suddenly it dawn to her that she had responsibilities in the Hospital. How would she leave her patients?

"I will personally take care of your patients." informed Tsunade, reading again Sakura's thoughts.

"But..." Sakura hesitated noting the pile of papers on the desk of Tsunade. "You already have a lot of work, shishou..."

"Well," said Tsunade with some malice. "I have not assigned a punishment to Uchiha and Uzumaki for destroying Ino's shop in their last fight; it could do good to have them locked into my office reviewing my papers."

Sakura laughed; certainly she would love to see the face of both when receiving the news of their punishment. She was really happy; she had needed the mission that was now in her hands.

"It's a C-rank mission, but you should still be careful, Sakura. It is simple but laborious." Tsunade reported grimly. Sakura nodded firmly and continue listening. "You'll travel to the Land of the Stone, as you know their leader is a priest and there happens to be a strange situation which is causing women getting poisoned."

Sakura frowned. "Are they dead?"

Tsunade moved her head saying no. "That's what you have to avoid, none of these people have special skills, so I think it will be quite easy for you and Aburame to finish this quickly. Just find the antidote and find who or what is causing this poisoning. Specifications are contained within the scroll. I think a period of three months is more than enough for you to return with the mission accomplished."

"If not sooner." Shino replied haughtily.

Tsunade nodded. "Well, you can leave tomorrow when you feel like it".

"Thank you, shishou ..."

Sakura had a bright smile on her face when she left the office. Tsunade smiles too, sat again on her big chair and took out a bottle of sake… it was just for celebrating her apprentice birthday.

The sunset was giving way to the night; the sky was being painted by a dark blue almost black soon it will become adorned with stars, the streets of Konoha were full of civilians, and also had some ninjas who walked briskly back and forth engaging in lively discussions or conversations. Many couples were walking holding hands, smiling and showing each other affection.

It was definitely a special occasion to Konoha. The trees were dressed in pink, when cherry blossoms flowers flooded the branches of trees, even at night the distant birdsong could be heard, celebrating the arrival of spring, people seemed to have no concerns or worries at that time: the beauty and harmony predominated everywhere, there were high lights decorating the streets and endless red ribbons hung on trees to symbolize "the birth of love" almost like all traditions, it was believed that in the spring lovers found the perfect moments to prove their love.

Sakura was really happy; Tsunade had given her the best gift so far. Finally, she could go again on a mission, a very rare and somewhat eerie apparently, but a mission at least, she let her thoughts ramble on how the mission would be, she had never really been on a mission with Shino, whom she liked, but he seemed quite strange ... For a moment, feeling as the water bathed her skin, she wondered what would Sasuke and Naruto say about it, they might not like it at all, but it´s not that they could do anything about it, even though they were still quite protective, she was no longer a weak and defenseless girl ...

She left the bathroom and began to dress, the kimono Ino had given her was really beautiful. The rays of the moon began to rise in the sky announcing that the night had come. "Damn," she muttered when see that it was already quite late.

"You have been dressing over an hour now".

Sasuke's voice sounded on the other side of the door, surprising her. For a moment, Sakura thought to open the door and let him in, but preferred to do it until she was completely ready. She couldn´t believe that Sasuke had been waiting for so long, she didn't even notice when he entered her house. His chakra was well hidden. For a moment, she was glad to have given Team Seven a key of her apartment, obviously confident that they would never abuse that thrust; at the end, they knew very well that in case of any unfavorable situation they could help each other by owning their teammate´s keys. A low sigh reminded Sakura that she had to hurried, she smiled. It had been only two years and finally she could see Sasuke quiet, cold, silent, like human being with feelings, but with them. Together again.

"Just ten minutes." Sakura replied rushing. "I'm almost done."

"Hn"

Leaning against the door of her room, Sasuke was waiting for Sakura with apparent patience, however, the truth was that impatience had began to take shape. There had not been only ten minutes, but twenty ... what the hell took Sakura so long? He reproached himself for the thousandth time for making the decision to attend the damn Festival where he would be forced to socialize in some way or another, but if he had stayed at home, probably Sakura, Naruto and Kakashi have gone up dragging him out of there...

The door opened and Sasuke's black eyes caught the beautiful figure of Sakura, who appeared completely dazzling. Quickly, Sasuke forced himself to regain the composure that for a moment he had lost at the sight of his partner so beautiful. He didn't know he was holding his breath… completely astonished and amazed; of course that was going in his insides, because his expression remained as cool as usual.

A beautiful emerald green kimono with pretty sakura´s flowers contrasted perfectly with the hair and the eyes of the kunoichi. A beautiful butterfly shaped pin engraved in silver with green crystals adorned Sakura´s loose hair, down to her shoulders, barely. The pink gloss on her lips increased the tension growing inside of Sasuke, who was speechless...

She could feel the intense gaze of Sasuke upon her, and a light blush reddened her cheeks; she felt a shiver went down on her back… she felt nervous and with butterflies on her stomach but immediately she tried to put that sensation aside.

"Aren´t you going to say anything?" Sakura asked, somewhat stressed by the minute of silence that had been formed.

"Hn" Sasuke said, regaining control.

"Is that all?" Sakura asked with a frown, a little annoying but also a little ... disappointed.

"You look ... fine" Sasuke said giving up just a bit, but Sakura raised an eyebrow questioning his statement, almost like a challenging. Sasuke snorted giving up more..."Okay, you look beautiful."

Although he no longer looked at her and his voice was quiet and cold, and his face completely expressionless, Sakura grinned. This was Sasuke. Just like this.

"You look very handsome, Sasuke."

"Hn"

"All right, we can go now." Sakura said as she closed the door of her room and headed for the front door. But a hand stopped her, Sakura turned to look at Sasuke who was watching her with a smirk on his lips, turned to open the door to the room and guided Sakura inward.

Before him stood Sakura expectantly. For a few seconds, Sasuke did not know what he was doing or why he was doing it, but then he remembered that Sakura had always been one of the people closest to him, one of his precious people and certainly ... he liked her, or more than that, but he did not allowed himself to think or feel what it was to remain suppressed.

Sakura's eyes opened wide, surprised to see a small box of dark blue velvet lay on Sasuke's extended hand.

"Happy birthday, Sakura."

It was a beautiful, beautiful shining silver moon, on the tip of the moon hung low a small emerald stone. It was a gorgeous ... worth of Sakura.

A tear ran Sakura's cheek and Sasuke was pleased to see her expression and that she really liked it...

"Sasuke-kun, thank you very much." Sakura said hugging him ... and Sasuke suddenly, returned the hug.

There was a warmth between the two ... a warmth that Sakura had felt before and now Sasuke allowed himself to feel.

No doubt, it seemed like a perfect beginning for that magical night.

.

.

.

Take this absurd truth

And tell me where can I keep this loneliness

Take with you your voice

So never say goodbye at all

.

.


THANKS!

THE SONG IS "RESTOS DE ABRIL" DE CAMILA!

REVIEWS, PLEASE :)