Thanks for all the wonderful, wonderful reviews. You will have noticed that the rating has risen.

"Sasuke?"

"Sakura" the tall dark haired man walked over to her flipping back the long cloak he wore. His arms reached out and pulled the pink haired Konoichi into a tight embrace. "I've missed home." Though his actions seemed warm, his voice was even and cold.

"Kakashi" he turned and shook hands with the tall Jounin. "Good to see you."

"Sasuke, we wondered when you would be back. It's been over a year." Kakashi replied.

"It took a long time to track down all the Akatsuki but it is over. All of it." He turned to Sakura, "I'm home for good."

"I've just got to go to headquarters and then home. Can I catch up with you two later?" he still seemed even, undaunted by the faces he hadn't seen in a year.

"sh...sure" Sakura stammered. "We are heading to the pub, do you want to meet us there?"

"I'll try Sakura" he pulled the large hat from his head and turned to walk towards his group.

"Bye" she called to his back. She turned and looked at Kakashi. In a split second everything changed. She could feel her heart pounding from Sasuke's embrace and she felt like crying from the sight of him, the heat rose in her face.

"He's been gone so long" she whispered, "It's so strange to see him."

"Sakura, why don't we skip the drink?" Kakashi said to her.
He could see the conflicted emotions in her face. He suddenly felt like the young Jounin with his Genin students on the first day of training, not exactly knowing their dynamic fully.

She looked slowly over his face. Her mind began a tumultuous rollercoaster ride over thoughts and emotions. Over Kakashi and Sasuke. She looked back at the cold Uchiha still walking away ahead of them and then back at a man whom she had considered from time to time to be a kind of soul mate. She agonized over her situation and as her gaze shifted around with her mind she finally rested back on Kakashi. He looked serious. She felt the rush his look gave her as well.

"No, I want to go, come on." She smiled though she didn't feel overly happy. She wrapped her arm in his and pulled him toward her apartment.

When they arrived she slipped into her bedroom and changed into a light zippered black sweater but kept Kakashi's shorts on over her fresh undergarments. She set his shirt on her bed and decided it would be tonight's pajamas.
"Sorry, I like these too!" she said, tugging on the shorts, he just nodded at her. She pulled the sweater up to tie a string at the pant waist to tighten them a little and he could see the top of her pink panties gently caressing her soft stomach.

He turned his head to keep his mind in check.

They finally left for the pub and Sakura completely forgot that she was going to try to get another kiss. She remembered as they reached the pub but it was too late. She began to regret her obvious emotional distress at seeing Sasuke, in front of Kakashi.

She loved Kakashi, she wasn't sure if she was in love but she wanted to protect him and be near him all the time. She knew she felt something for Sasuke, seeing him again brought it all back but his coldness was almost repelling. It was never easy with men and now it became complicated ten fold.

They stepped inside and found a number of people had made their way to the tables for golden liquids and dark sustenance from the drizzly depression outside. Kakashi led her to a table in the back where there were many of their friends around. Gai, Genma, Anko, Naruto and the quiet Hinata.

"Sakura, Happy Birthday!" Naruto announced so that everyone would know the meaning of the day.

"Thank-you, again!" she said to him indicating that she wasn't happy for the announcement.

"Oh,ho,ho, get the waitress over here!" Gai yelled and as if she was waiting, one hurriedly appeared moments later standing close to the sliver haired Kakashi.

"Hi Kakashi-kun" she ran her fingers through his hair. Sakura fought the urge to slap her hand away.

"I'll have a glass of wine" Sakura said quickly and a little loudly to redirect the waitresses attention. Gai and Anko smirked.

Kakashi smiled, there it is.

"Sake today, thanks" Kakashi added.
She winked at him as she walked away.

"Naruto, we just saw Sasuke, he's back." Sakura leaned over to him.

"Oh...when? Just now?" Naruto's eyes were wide, his voice became excited. "Did he go to the headquarters?"

"That's where he said he was going." Kakashi added. "He said he'd try to catch up with us later."

Naruto seemed beside himself with excitement but Sakura let the white wine that arrived at the table wash down quite quickly.

"One more please." She called over to the waitress's back.

Her face kept turning to the doorway and Kakashi could sense the struggle in her. She was waiting for him, was it fear or longing, he couldn't tell. He felt sorry for her, and what it was doing to her, but he knew this day would come, eventually.

The night wore on and everyone felt warm comfort and happiness except two people.

Kakashi turned the day's events over in his mind. He had kissed her, but it was just for her birthday or so he could pretend. They had become really close, too close maybe and now the man that she loved since she was a child had just walked back into her life. He thought that maybe he should give her some distance to figure out what she wanted. He cared about her enough to do that even though it would be hard on him. They had no arrangement, he couldn't be sure that there actually was anything except their playful game and companionship. It pained him to think she may get hurt though.

"Kakashi, why are you looking at me like that?" she smiled.

He just shook his head and looked back over to the crowd, laughing and joking, sipping drinks.

Damn it, why did I have to act so stunned in front of him. You're twenty for god's sake. Be a woman, Sakura. Sasuke is cold and this man is warm, don't be a fool. Push Sasuke out of your mind. Seduce Kakashi, show him you want more than just one kiss.

While the mental oration rolled over her inner self, a strong looking dark haired man approached the table.

"Sasuke!" Naruto yelled, he jumped up and hugged the Uchiha tightly.

"Oi, Naruto, enough" Sasuke smiled half-heartedly and straightened his dark pants and long sleeved jounin shirt. He had obviously been home to change.

"No changes in you then, eh?" Naruto smirked.

He sat down while Genma again motioned for the waitress. The group began to quiz him on his lengthy mission and what had happened.

Sasuke had told them that he and three other ANBU captains had been sent to eliminate what was left of the rogue group of Akatsuki members. It was a long and difficult mission and he was pleased to be home. They had lost one member on the mission but the fact that three had returned was more than they hoped for. He explained that they had taken robes and hats for their journey back from the Akatsuki hideout after Kakashi remarked on the shock he got from seeing them that way. Sasuke said his cloak was a trophy and he would keep it always. It had belonged to Itachi.

He said he was happy to be back and that he was taking a long vacation.

He quietly thought on it as the intoxicated chatter increased, he had no other things he needed to do. Everything he wanted in his life had been completed save one. He didn't mention it out loud but the perpetuation of the Uchiha clan was his last duty.

He had thought long and hard about it on his journey home and decided that he would choose a woman to help him. He figured Sakura would be the easy choice because she seemed to have that undying devotion to him and he felt she would agree.

He thought of her as pitiful that way, as she was always trailing after him even when he pushed her away. He could have children and continue the bloodline that had all but died out. Uchiha was too important to let go. Sakura was beautiful and devoted, he figured it would be an easy sell and that she would take him without promise or declaration of love. Since she wasn't hard on the eyes it would be easier for him to tolerate.

He would give it time for them to get to know each other again and then would persue her. He didn't love her and didn't want to, he wouldn't lie to her about it. He had been with quite a few women on his travels and never entertained thoughts of love or compassion, it was purely lust or gratification he wanted, and now it would also be assistance in his last goal.

He looked at her for a few moments, she was indeed beautiful and had not changed much in the many months he had been away. Maybe it was good that he was away from her for a while. Looking at her still did not stir anything in him with the exception of, perhaps, having a look at her without her clothes on.

Sakura looked over at him to see his dark intense stare watching her, a small smile on his lips and she almost felt some fear of it. He had some intention in his eyes. She looked down and then around at some of the others letting her focus fall on Kakashi who was listening to the conversation. She felt better sitting next to him, she almost reached out and took hold of his arm as she had many times in the past but hesitated because she still felt that gaze on her.

Kakashi suddenly stretched out a little and expressed how tired he was getting. He had been training and using his chakra a little more than he planned today. Sakura almost blushed at the thought of it. She looked to see his face did seem tired. Perhaps using the Sharingan had worn him out, she remembered he had used the Raikiri as well.

"I'm going to take off." He stood and made his goodbyes, "Sasuke, can we catch up tomorrow?"

After mulling it over he decided he didn't want to get in the middle of a triangle between the three of them. Sakura was smart, she would have to make up her own mind. Kakashi was not one to pursue women, there usually was no need, but Sakura was special. If she wanted him, he would be there, unfortunately, he recognized the power Sasuke had over her, even now as she had trouble meeting his eyes.

Sasuke nodded.

"Happy birthday, Sakura" he smiled and gripped her shoulder lightly.

Sasuke's eyes widened, he forgot when Sakura's birthday was. He didn't realize that this group gathered for her. He watched everyone waving to Kakashi as he made his way to the door.

Sakura watched him walk away.

Damn it. Go after him. This is it.

She stood up and felt the nerves in her legs twitch and the stitches pained her a bit, her body was warming with excitement at the thought of being alone again with him. She could easily catch him.

"I...I'm going to go too. Thanks for the drinks. Sasuke, I'll see you tomorrow?" her face still towards the door.

She felt his hand catch her wrist. She turned to see his onyx eyes piercing her.

"Sakura, I haven't seen you in over a year, and it's your birthday, stay and I'll buy you a drink." Sasuke watched her intensely, it sounded almost like an order.

She turned and sat down timidly looking at his hand on her wrist. "But I was just...I was going..."

"Kakashi can find his own way home." Sasuke remarked quietly.

Genma and Anko looked at each other and Gai raised his eyebrows.

"Um...alright." She sat down next to him with a last look at the door and then gave him her attention. He waved to the waitress to bring more drinks.

Naruto did most of the talking throughout the evening, he was excited to have Sakura, Sasuke and Hinata sitting there with him. His two best friends and his girlfriend. He was thrilled.

Sakura would notice Sasuke looking at her, there was no kindness left in his eyes. She began to drink more than she usually did, trying to quell the anxiety. The wine rolled over her tongue easily slipping down her throat and within a couple of hours she was comfortably sedated.

Time flew in her intoxication but she was happy for it, happy to not have the nerves grating on her as they did earlier. It was finally almost midnight. She had drank so much that she felt light headed and her stomach churned slightly.

She felt warm and tired and decided it was time to go home. She stood up knocking over a glass or two at the table, waving an apology. She felt someone grab her waist and usher her towards the back door of the pub. Her head was swimming and she was having trouble focusing on her movements, strong hands directed her.

She felt herself pushed out the back door and she stood in the alley between the pub and the shop next to it. She turned and leaned on stone wall for balance to see Sasuke looking at her with purpose. She felt his scrutinization and his appraisal as his eyes moved over her frame. She wanted to cover herself from his prying gaze.

"Sakura" he walked over to her and pressed his body to hers holding her against the wall. "I want you"

"What?" she said, fear breaking through the intoxication.

"Sakura, you're so beautiful, I want you, now!" Sasuke kissed her neck and held her hands against the wall, his strong fingers pressed her palms.

"Sasuke, stop, STOP!"

He looked at her.

"What are you doing?" her drunken voice blurted out. "I haven't seen you in a year and all you can say is I want you."

"What do you want me to say" he spoke into her neck.

"That you care about me, that you missed me, something less direct." She tried to free her hands from his pressure.

"Sakura, this isn't about love or caring, I've been wanting to tear your clothes off since I saw you."

He kissed her mouth hard, she could feel the cold stone against her back from the wall and found she was pinned. His hands slid down from her arms and began to move under her sweater to caress her breasts as his body released her slightly. Her hands quickly moved to his shoulders trying to push, but because of the conflict in her, it was not forceful.

"Sasuke, stop, not like this, not here. Please don't do this." She pleaded as he slid his fingers lightly over her, feeling the arousal of her taut nipples. She felt her will being broken down, no one had ever touched her like that.

"Let's go to your place," he whispered.

"No, I'm not ready for this yet, I've never ..." she bit her lip, she was overwhelmed by his touch.

He stopped, "You have never been with anyone, you're a...."

She nodded.

He smiled devilishly, she hated that smile, it scared her.

"Let me take you home." He whispered in her ear and took her arm almost forcefully leading her down the street. It didn't take long to reach her apartment; Kakashi lived only a block away.

Damn him, why did he have to leave.

They reached her apartment and she fumbled in her pocket for her key. She unlocked the door and tried to stop him there but he pushed her inside lightly and then pulled her into his arms kissing her again, it was hurried and hungry. His fingers dug into her back gingerly, his tongue in her mouth.

She didn't want this to happen so fast, she wasn't comfortable or in control. He began to slide his hands inside her sweater again and she groaned from the feeling. His hands ran to the sides of her breasts, moving his thumbs, gently tickling her nipples until they became erect.

He smiled seeing what it did to her. He wanted this control, it would work nicely into his plan for his future. She had waited for him, she would give herself to him. All those other women he had been with, he never thought once about her but she had saved herself for him. He almost laughed at it. His bride would be a virgin.

He directed her to her bedroom and she fell back on the bed. He pulled her zipper down and her sweater open, looking her beautiful body over before letting his tongue trace down from her neck to a breast. He pulled the bra away from it and sucked gently on the soft tender area, his tongue traced circles forcing her moans. He could feel her back arch as she grabbed his hair. His hand slipped to her shorts and pulled on the string at the top.

"Stop" she said. "Sasuke, stop" it was breathy but clear.

He stopped. He looked up at her and her eyes were wide, he couldn't tell if it was fear or excitement. He knew he could break her down but he stopped anyway. If she was to consent to marry him, she would have to trust him. He wouldn't take her now, but it would be soon.

"Alright Sakura, I won't push you."

"Sasuke, what does this mean, why are you here?" she was confused and had grown to an intelligent woman, she wasn't afraid to ask and her inebriation allowed her the confidence.

"You are mine, Sakura. I know you have waited for me. I'm back now and I'll give you what you want, but you will give me what I want too." He pushed himself against her and pinned her on the bed, he kissed her hard tasting her mouth with his tongue.

She pushed him lightly to stop his kiss. "What do you want? What do you think I want?"

"You want me as much as I want you." he ran his hot tongue over her neck. "You're mine."

"Please stop, Sasuke, this is too much to absorb." She said plainly.
"I haven't seen you in over a year and then our first meeting after you get back ends up like this?" she managed to push him off so he rolled beside her.

"It's awfully arrogant to think I've been saving myself for you. I'm not that twelve-year old child that used to smile and blush at you. I don't even think I know you. You don't know me." She pulled the sides of her sweater back around her.

"Sakura, I'm sorry, I must have sensed something that wasn't there. The way you looked at me, I thought you still cared about me. I thought we could start fresh, and give this a try, together." He was trying to smooth it over and sound convincing. He would have his way.

"Sasuke, of course I still care about you... but it is a little overwhelming for me. I'm not going to just jump into bed with you." her look softened and Sasuke felt like he was winning again.

"I won't force you, Sakura." He lifted himself from the bed. "I know it's a shock but you'll get used to seeing me again. I'll go, I see I'm making you uncomfortable." He smiled again but there was no genuine kindness in it. "Why don't we catch up tomorrow? Start again? Please?"

She nodded, her eyes wide.

"I'll find you tomorrow, then" he said softly. He leaned back on the bed to where she was sitting and grabbed her hair gently at the back of her head and pushed his mouth to hers again.

He turned and left, watching her as he went. Then she heard the door click shut.

Her head spun with what just happened. Did she really want this? Those old feelings resurfaced, he was so handsome and he wanted her. But didn't he say it had nothing to do with love or caring? Didn't he say he just wanted to tear her clothes off? Didn't she have another man that she was feeling things for?

She was confused. She lay back in her bed and almost felt like crying. When she was younger she dreamed of a moment like that but back then she would not have stopped him. Now she was unsure of what she wanted.

She felt the coolness of night breeze through the bedroom window and grasped for her zipper. She found she was too drunk to do up the sweater and just pulled it off. She fumbled around the bed and her hand found another shirt, soft under her fingers. She lifted it to the moonlight to see that it was Kakashi's shirt.

She pulled it to her nose and drew in his scent deeply. She slipped off her bra and slipped the shirt over her head. She hugged herself as she lay in it feeling the softness against her skin.

Damn it. What do I do?

Morning again so soon, she thought as she lay in bed still wrapped in her blankets.
She put the shirt cuff to her nose again and to her dismay it smelled more like her and less like Kakashi.

She thought about staying in bed. Her head hurt and her stomach felt hollow from the evening's events. She felt guilty for kissing Sasuke but she couldn't deny the power her had over her emotions. She felt like the twelve year old who longed for a first kiss from the brooding dark haired mysterious boy. He was still mysterious but cold and most likely never would be anything else. The way he groped and touched her was hurried and rushed, almost...selfish.

She looked at the clock to see it was already 10:30. She wasn't late, she had nowhere to be. Her typical day today would probably have been a fun game of 'mask tag' with Kakashi and then hanging out or training. She had invested a lot of her time and feelings in him and still wished to, but now there was another element, Sasuke.

She finally roused from her bed and got showered trying to let the feel of Sasuke's fingers slide from her body. She closed her eyes and let the water trickle down her face and skin.

She walked slowly out into the street and took a leisurely pace towards nowhere in particular. She was nervous about who she would run into first. She walked for a while and found herself at the small orchard on top of a building that looked up to the faces of the monument.

She thought back to that first day that Kakashi had become their sensei. He asked them their hopes and dreams while sitting right there on the railing. She foolishly thought about Sasuke as a dream, he thought of death and revenge. Who knew at that time that the man asking would be such a compliment to her. That he would become one of her hopes, her strengths.

She looked around the village and saw a small figure sitting on top of the head of the Fourth Hokage and realized whom it was.

She darted up the long staircase to find herself at the top of the monument, and she could see him sitting out cross-legged watching the village hum with day-to-day activity. She unsnapped the button on her pouch and saw his head turn a little. His fingers pressed into the stone as if he were ready to leap up.

She stopped and snapped her pouch closed again and stood waiting. He didn't speak to her. She watched his fingers relax and then walked slowly behind him. She didn't feel like playing today.

She just needed to touch him and feel his warmth. She needed to be near him. She slowly walked behind him trying not to seem like she was ready to fight and sat down behind him. She didn't want him to look at her. She just needed that familiar feeling to set things right. She sat behind him, her legs apart, bent at the knees and at his sides. She moved her body close to his and laid her head on his back between his shoulder blades. Her fingers moved to the front of his vest around his waist and clutched at it pulling him tight.

Kakashi turned his head slightly but didn't speak, he knew something was wrong and just allowed her the comfort of their soft contact. A small, hidden smile on his lips.

Sorry about the mistake in months for Sakura's birthday. I figure someone will catch that soon. I might even go back and fix it. She was born in March not May.

The story line of this fic will pick up, I didn't like this chapter but I think the plot may rival Left Behind when it gets going. I'm trying to get the triangle dynamic right first. There are two or three chapters that I am just itching to write.

The outfit of Sasuke's was not meant to be anything really, just travel clothes but I thought I better address it as many of you guessed it may be Akatsuki. Ooops. Hope my explanation was sufficient.

Thanks again for reading, Love leafy