I know this is slow, but bear with me as I set up to the more juicy stuff that allows you, as readers, to see how my mind is trying to make the connections.
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His eyes opened suddenly, realization setting in that he had still been sleeping.
"Sorry! I was trying to be quiet and didn't mean to wake you. Figured I would make us some dinner before waking you up." It was a dream within a dream. He had not hurt Sakura, either time. Thank goodness. Wait, dinner? What time is it? He glanced at the clock and it appeared he had slept all day. Regardless of the nightmare(s), he was surprised that he rested that long. Normally he could only sleep an hour or two due to always being alert of his surroundings. Did being in Sakura's home or being near Sakura provide a certain comfort that he would be okay or trust in her abilities that if something were to happen, he would have backup? Either way he took a moment to process the dreams and the smell of food. Though he had not been active all day, the aroma of food had instigated a quiet plea from his stomach to be fed.
After dinner, they both sat in the living room. She indicated she had informed Kakashi of his return and that he was receiving a much needed rest, doctor's orders, indicating that he would report in the following day. He understood and appreciated the kind gesture. However, he did contemplate whether or not he should still check in when suddenly Sakura spoke. She began to inquire about how his trip went. This was most likely her attempt to keep him from being stubborn and going to Kakashi regardless of her kind gesture. He internally sighed at the questions he knew would come. Okay, here we go, he thought. "Sasuke, we don't have to talk about it now, but just know I am interested in what you have seen and done. Two years is a long time to be away and, well, I've never been away from Konoha for anything other than a mission so I'm a bit curious. But you don't need to talk about it if you don't want to." She began stumbling with her words and apologies, worried that she may be offending him. Honestly, it wasn't a big deal, he just didn't have experience in conversations of this nature. In order to stop her from babbling he began discussing his journey.
As the conversation progressed, he realized that it was rather easy to talk with Sakura. It wasn't a struggle to keep the conversation going and explaining things to her seemed relatively easy. Without realizing he was speaking to another living person rather than his inner monologue, he spoke all the way up until the nightmares of the prior night. When a gasp came from Sakura, he realized what he had just said. Wishing he could retract a lot of items he had not wished to mention to her, she simply placed a hand on his right arm and said, "A lot has happened, logically your brain is processing old and new information which will intermix. I don't regret having you here nor do I feel like I am in danger regardless of what you may think or feel. Also I am a grown ass woman, there is no need for you to baby me like our genin days. I believe I actually outrank both you and Naruto as you both are still technically genins." This made Sasuke close his eyes and laugh out loud which surprised both of them. But the moment of surprise passed and he agreed, she was right. Dark thoughts still lingered but he was not in control of everything so he let them pass by without looking back, for now.
It seemed after discussing his journey with Sakura, the weight on his mind seemed to lessen. Maybe this is what it means to strengthen bonds, to share each other's burdens. However, a lingering thought still plagued his mind. He did not wish to burden Sakura with all his sins. He still had a lot to make up for but having her there for him was comforting. Before he knew it, he had fallen asleep. He didn't remember dreaming of anything in particular but felt well rested when he awoke the next morning...
As Sasuke sat up and stretched his body he glanced at the clock. It was still too early for Kakashi to be in the Hokage tower so he decided that maybe he should go out and train. Looking around and listening carefully, he did not hear any sounds within the house outside of his own breathing. He tried to sense for Sakura's chakra but it appears she had left the house. Maybe she had to work today. Finding a note on the table, his assumptions were verified as she had written "Off to work, use the key I left you, it's yours anyways. Also, stop by the hospital, you need an exam. Doctor's orders, don't be late!" Smirking to himself, he could feel the warmth of her words and genuinely appreciated the concern. She was careful to leave a note, a key, and be quiet enough to allow him to continue sleeping. Still, he was slightly surprised that he did not hear her. However, he did not linger on the thought. Being well-rested gave him more energy than he knew what to do with. He had to get up and out of the house.
Upon reaching the training grounds, he noticed the fields looked unused for the most part. It appears the calmness following Kaguya had made training less important in terms of rebuilding and peace. Pushing all thoughts aside, he closed his eyes and cleared his mind. Focusing his chakra he lit up his chidori through his sword. "It's improving." He thought to himself. After the passing thought he proceeded to practice channeling his chakra through his sword and other means to test out some new techniques he had been meaning to try. Being on the move a lot prevented him from finding a place that he could train freely and knowing that any damage caused to the area would be fixed by the ground keepers.
Suddenly, during mid swing, the wind picked up and the smell of flowers filled the air. An image of Sakura flashed into his mind. So clear that he froze in place. After the image passed, he closed his eyes and stood up straight. Heart pounding from what he only imagined was the intense training he had been doing. He packed up his things and decided it was time to see Kakashi...
Shikamaru dropped another load of documents on Kakashi's desk. "I know you have a lot to do already Lord Hokage, but this matter on top of this stack is the most urgent. It appears rumors are spreading of a chubi cloak drug being passed around. Given our last experience, I figure we may wish to address this matter right away."
Kakashi looked up from his book, his eyebrows giving the young ninja a plea as he said, "Please, Kakashi is fine. I really wish everyone would stop calling me that, it just doesn't fit my nature." Shikamaru just stared at Kakashi thinking that after what he said his concern was about being addressed so formerly….sometimes Shikamaru wondered how safe the village truly was but shrugged it off."
Kakashi picked up the papers and eyed them carefully. He decided to wait to see if more incidences pop up. Given this is an individual event with no real backing since it is just gossip, he figured it was best to see what the seller/contributor plans to do if he so existed. Shikamaru agreed and left Kakashi's office.
"I wondered when you might stop by to see me." Kakashi said while he rested his chin on top of his intertwined hands on his desk. "At least you are aware of your surroundings. Your gate guards could use some guidance on this." Sasuke was still irritated by the lack of awareness exhibited upon his return to the village and Kakashi appreciated his concern. Sasuke didn't say much else other than briefing Kakashi on the recent events, most of which was already known to Kakashi as he was the one who connected him with the Raikage to assist in finding uses and homes for the shinobi Sasuke freed.
As they were finishing up their discussion, Sasuke was caught off guard if only for a moment by Kakashi. "So, how is living with Sakura? Do you need to borrow one of my books?" Sighing internally as Sasuke knew what Kakashi was implying. "This does remind me Kakashi, I do plan to stay in the village for some time. I wish to repent for the damages I have bestowed on Konoha as well. I also cannot keep burdening Sakura with my presence at her home." Kakashi looked at Sasuke with a grin and mirth in his eyes, "Why not? Plus the village is packed to its max with incoming people left and right. I don't believe there are any vacancies in the area currently. Might as well take up Sakura's hospitality and stay with her." Hidden by a shadow, Kakashi could only assume Sasuke's eyes were glaring in his direction. Kakashi couldn't help but pick on his adorable student. Still young and naive to the ways of the world and relationships. This will be a good opportunity for him to grow.
"Actually Sasuke, I would like you to continue to stay with Sakura." Kakashi began. He knew he had to give a good reason to keep Sasuke there….like a mission, otherwise the fool would sleep outside if he had to…. "As you know, Sakura tends to work herself to the ground but her work has produced significant results. She may not have mentioned this to you but she has been stalked quite a bit lately and with her being the world's best medic shinobi and researcher, you can understand how the contents of her research could be beneficial but also extremely harmful. Biological warfare is no joke and many who do not agree with the alliance but do not have the numbers to fight it may seek other methods to break it up."
"Sakura is a strong and powerful shinobi, she can handle herself. Or did you forget, she is the main reason why Naruto and I succeeded with Kaguya?" Sasuke interrupted. Kakashi thought back proudly of his students and how they had accomplished so much individually and as a team. It was not lost on him that Sasuke admitted out loud willingly his opinions of Sakura's skills. But he bet he would never admit those things to Sakura, probably thinking he didn't need to validate her as she should already know. He sighed and tried to explain to Sasuke further. "Yes, she is one of the smartest and strongest shinobi we have, but like I had mentioned before, she has a tendency to push herself to the breaking point in her research. And I've already tried to put her under house arrest to have a break but she did acquire a bit of stubbornness from the 5th Hokage. Basically, Sasuke, you living with Sakura for a bit longer will serve a dual purpose. You will have accommodations and can provide security for the research and discoveries uncovered by our very own Sakura."
Sasuke understood Kakashi's request but why did it have to be him? Wouldn't it be easier to have black ops do it? It isn't like he disliked being around Sakura but it wasn't like someone else could do the job just as easily. "I know you probably think anyone could do the job." Kakashi spoke up, pulling Sasuke out of his thoughts. "We have considered it but Sakura is stubborn and with the recent issues with black ops and not knowing who is an ally or a spy until we work out the kinks, it is best to go with someone we know. Plus she also trusts you and wouldn't think anything of it if you asked to stay. And who knows, this could be a great way to re-open closed doors." Not knowing what Kakashi was implying, he simply decided to accept Kakashi's logic and stay with Sakura. Given that she made periodic comments during their night long conversation about her having too much space in the house for just her and how her teammates are always welcome to stay, including himself, and given the situation with her stalkers that seemed to irritate him more than he realized, all made the situation less annoying and less personal in terms of treating it like a mission.
As Sasuke started to leave Kakashi's office, he sensed something, turned around and grabbed it. Kakashi had thrown him a book. "Something to help you out in times of need." Kakashi said with an evil grin. With eyes covered by his hair he turned to leave the office, making sure Kakashi see the book he held up in his right hand as he burned it with his black flames. Kakashi feigned sadness for a moment but then leaned back and chuckled to himself as he pulled out an exact copy of the book he had tossed to Sasuke and began opening and reading its contents.
Okay, now I feel better.
Hmmmm….I think it's about time Sasuke chatted with his friends again...
