CHAPTER FOUR
It Was Life
Our mission... Us.
Sakura's bento's were delicious, both she and Sasuke ate their fill together in the kitchen and later on that afternoon, they had dinner outside under a cherry tree. It was a nice day and the sun didn't set until late. Their earlier insecurities seemed not to mater anymore and neither of them brought the issues up. It was better to forget things like that and focus on what was more important, like being together. They had a relationship to work on and they were both eager to do whatever they needed to do to make it work.
Sasuke was full as he leaned back against the trunk of the tree to relax. As soon as he closed his eyes, they opened in surprise from Sakura leaning against him. Her head laid against his chest as if it was the most natural thing in the world but Sasuke held his breath, fearful she may hear the frantic beating of his heart, so close to her ears.
He said nothing, and he wouldn't have dared to move but he willed himself to calm down. This was something he wanted to get used to. He wanted to be like this with her forever. Those thoughts left him with a newfound courage and so, he wrapped his arm around her to hold her even closer to him. It was okay to feel as he did, he assumed, because no other woman had ever made him feel that way except Sakura.
It had to be right.
Before she fell asleep, because she was close to doing so, Sakura stirred, getting to her feet as soon as Sasuke's arm fell from around her. He watched her from where he sat for only a moment before standing next to her and grabbing the basket they'd brought along. They fell into step next to one another without a word and walked the short distance back home.
As soon as they made it to the front door, an ANBU appeared out of thin air. They both stopped and turned to see what he was there for, Sakura really hoped nothing urgent had come up. She may have agreed to go back to work but she didn't really want to leave Sasuke and she didn't want him to have to leaved her either.
"The Hokage has asked to see you both immediately." With those words, he vanished as quickly as he'd appeared and Sakura exchanged a look with Sasuke before they left the basket on the doorsteps and went along on their way to see Kakashi.
It could have been anything. It made it all the more c9onspicuous though, both of them being called. Unless they would have a mission together, they could only assume Kakashi just wished to check up on them. It had been a while since they'd seen him, or anybody other than Naruto for that matter. The only time Sakura even seen Tsunade was once every couple of weeks for a brief checkup and now that she'd been released she wouldn't even have to do that much.
Then there was always the possibility that he'd want both of them back working, separately even. After all, it had been quite some time since they'd done anything and they both knew it couldn't last forever. They arrived at the Hokage's office, prepared to be briefed and sent out in a matter of seconds, only to find Kakashi kicked back, feet crossed at the ankles resting on his desk, a book to his nose. He didn't seem as if anything serious was going on, especially considering his intoxicated state.
"Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura called in bewilderment. She'd seen her mentor like that many of days, but never Kakashi.
"Ah, just the two I wanted to see." He grinned at them, though the only way they could tell was by the way his eyes lit up.
"What's this about?" Sasuke questioned, eager to get straight to the point. He already had a bad feeling about this.
"Oh, nothing really. It's just… Naruto tells me the two of you have been having some… Troubles."
Sasuke flinched and Sakura's mouth dropped. Him calling them there to question them wasn't expected, on either side.
"Troubles?" Sakura asked as if testing the word.
"Kakashi-"
"Now Sasuke I'm sure you think this is none of my business but I can't just sit quietly by while things don't play out so well with two of my students, now can I?" Kakashi sighed, closing his book and dropping it on the desk with a thud.
"Wait a min-" Sakura began, only to be cut off by Kakashi.
"What I think the two of you need is a change of scenery. It's time for the two of you to get out of here for a while, if you know what I mean…" Kakashi gave them a closed eye smile before continuing. "Anyway, I've decided to give you both a mission. You'll be gathering intel, this will be a long-term mission so you should prepare accordingly. This scroll contains any and all information you will need. You'll need to report once you arrive at your first destination and at least once every few weeks after that, unless of course something occurs that I should know about at a certain time."
This was unbelievable. Sasuke was taken aback by the audacity of his former sensei- turned Hokage. This mission was a total fluke and Sasuke didn't need to see the contents of the scroll he'd taken from Kakashi to verify his assumption. Sakura seemed oblivious, listening intently to his instructions but Sasuke knew easily that this was all just a ruse to try and get him and Sakura closer together, but they were close enough, weren't they?
/
They wouldn't have to leave until the next morning and for this, both of them were glad. It could be days before they would have a place to stay inside on their travels so they both wanted to make good of it, especially Sakura. Sasuke was rather used to traveling, it didn't bother him in the least. It would be an adventure now though, having Sakura with him and he couldn't wait to get it stared.
They both took long showers and even ate what leftovers they had before climbing into bed together. Sakura snuggled close to him, thankful he laid on his back so her head could rest on his chest. He wrapped his arm around her and closed his eyes savoring the comfort of the bed, the covers, her sweet scent. He'd never been more at peace. He was sure being on the road with her with be much the same.
"Goodnight, Sasuke-kun." She whispered and then yawned, wrapping her own arm around him and tucking it under him.
Sasuke smiled at this. "Goodnight, Sakura."
Why couldn't every night be so good?
…
The next morning, they got up, dressed, had breakfast together, gathered their belongings which they'd packed the night before and were out of the village- all before the sun rose. It felt good outside, although it was a little on the chilly side considering the early morning. There was no rush, but they went along at a decent pace, hopping the trees together through the forest.
First, they were headed to the hidden sand. Supposedly, they had a message to deliver, but even that, Kakashi claimed, was no rush. Sasuke didn't understand how Sakura could be so blind, when it was so obvious what he was doing.
It wouldn't take them but two days to make it to the sand and they'd be able to stay there as long as they wished. This intel was so nonsensical. While Sasuke found Kakashi's antics annoying, and downright idiotic- he planned to make good of the opportunity.
They could go back to the village at any time if need be, but for now there was no need- no need even for this so-called mission but the thing was, they weren't needed. There was nothing for them to do other than travel the world and enjoy each other. It was probably best if Sakura didn't think too much of it, so thinking that they were on a mission would keep things easy. There was no rush, but he could make his move when he was ready.
Now if only he could ever get there.
Stopping to rest only after they'd both worked up a hunger, late in the afternoon, they took about half an hour to sit and eat, thought they didn't talk much. Both of them had a lot on their mind. While Sasuke was brooding over the trip, Sakura was having similar thoughts.
She might have been fooled into thinking this mission was a little more serious than it was, but she wasn't blind, nor was she an idiot. Finally, she was traveling with Sasuke. It was just the two of them, on the road, nobody to bother them. It had been a dream of hers for years now. She couldn't wait to show him how great it could be to have her with him. As much as she hated to admit it, she wanted to make him regret not taking her the first time.
She could only imagine how different things would have ended up.
"What are you thinking of?" Sasuke asked, just as they'd finished eating.
Sakura blushed, taken aback by the sudden question, even though it was simple enough. "Uh, n-nothing." She stammered, avoid his eyes as she went about packing up their empty containers into her backpack. They had two more meals, one for that night and then breakfast the following morning.
Hopefully, they would arrive in the hidden sand village on schedule and then they'd be able to eat there and restock before setting out again. Sakura assumed they'd check the contents of the scroll when they arrived there because Sasuke hadn't bothered with it yet.
Glad Sasuke didn't question her further, she got up, ready to get back on their way. Sasuke joined her. The sooner they got going, the closer they'd be. Also, they needed to find a secure and safe location to stay while they slept. As they went along. Sasuke couldn't help still wondering what was going on in her mind.
…
Just as the sun began to set, they found a perfect little secluded area, where they set up camp for the night. Sasuke started a fire while Sakura set up the tent. She was rather good at it, completing the task in under a minute; Sasuke was impressed. Once they were set up, they sat by the fire and enjoyed the meal Sakura had prepared for them. It was much better than the rations Sasuke was used to during his travels.
"Were you ever lonely?" Sakura couldn't help but ask. It had been so quiet, and although she wanted nothing more than to respect his boundaries, she had so many questions. She'd worried about him so long. Never wanting him to be alone, but knowing that he always was. It hurt her. She didn't understand how he did it.
"Sometimes yes." The Uchiha answered honestly, though sometimes it was hard being honest even with himself. He was doing better these days, but there were days he struggled.
When he was in the darkness, he felt much of nothing other than hatred, a hatred that was all consuming, and one he thought he'd never escape from. During his redemption, things were different. He thought often of his friends back home. Naruto. And Sakura. Everything had changed for him that day in the final valley, but he had so much to repent for after that. He wasn't yet the man he needed to be, to come home to them.
She wasn't sure why, but his truthful answer surprised her. She turned to him with wide emeralds, lips parted slightly as she contemplated her next words. She knew she had to be careful. "Do you like it… Me being along with you I mean?"
Sasuke met her gaze with fierce eyes, that held a softness in them just for her. "Of course I do," He said simply before adding, "I intended to take you with me, even if it wasn't required."
Sakura knew this. He'd promised it to her after all. She nodded thoughtfully, turning her gaze to the fire before them. "I just… I don't want to be a burden to you."
"You're not." Sasuke told her, annoyed that she would even consider it. "Annoying maybe, but no burden."
That earned him a glare from the kunoichi. "You always say that." She muttered, saying the words to herself more-so than to him.
He smirked. "Because it's true." Her pout brought along a smile to his face that he was somehow getting used to and he poked her on the forehead, leaning in so that his face was close to hers. She watched him with wide eyes, reeling from the closeness and the tender look on his face. "Don't worry, you may be annoying, but you're mine."
A heat like never before took over Sakura's body, her entire face burned a bright red all the way up to the tips of her ears. He'd just said she was his. For a moment, she'd thought her ears deceived her but that wasn't the case. He really said those words and they were all she'd ever wanted to hear, even though she'd known she was his much before then.
"Sasuke-kun…" She breathed in deeply, having lost all her breath after his proclamation. He hadn't budged aside from removing his fingers after poking her forehead with ease. He was so close, face barely an inch away.
He was totally kissable.
The raven-haired love of her life regarded her with knowing eyes. He may have been inexperienced when it came to women on his side, but he'd had many of them throwing themselves at him for nearly his entire life. She wanted him to kiss her, probably wasn't against him taking her body completely and making it his right then and there, but it wasn't like he would do such a thing, there was a time and a place for everything, and this fit neither of those.
He wanted to kiss her, more-so than he'd ever wanted anything at that moment and even though he didn't think it would be perfect, he was sure Sakura would care where they were, or what they were doing. He did though. Needing to make her feel the importance she had to him though, he leaned in and pressed a slight kiss to her forehead, right where he'd poked it. Unable to handle to sudden heartfelt gesture, Sakura fainted instantly.
Sasuke felt defeated. All he wanted to do was show her that he cared, without crossing any lines and yet, here he'd gone and made her fall unconscious. It was silly really, that she would even have such a reaction but he savored it all the same. Eventually, there would be a time when Sakura would be used to him and it would be a fun ride breaking her in.
He carried her to the tent, struggling only slightly with his lone arm as he maneuvered her inside and covered her body. He wouldn't sleep too, someone would have to keep watch but he wanted to lay with her anyway. After putting out the fire and securing their belongings inside the tent with them, he laid next to her. Her body was warm against his and he was sure she'd appreciate his warmth as well. Without the fire to keep them warm, things could get a little chilly overnight.
It was a long time that he'd laid there, listening to the crickets and the wind, and Sakura's quiet breathing. He was tired himself, but he still didn't want to sleep on the off chance someone did stumble across them. Really, he knew he'd be fine to skip sleep for the night altogether, if it came down to it. If Sakura didn't happen to wake up on her own in time to take watch for a few hours before they'd need to head out, Sasuke wasn't going to wake her. He wanted her to rest, he could rest later. He'd rested more than enough lately, that was another thing he just wasn't used to.
"Sasuke-kun?" Her sleepy voice surprised him. In a way, he'd hoped she would have just slept the night out without waking. He would actually feel guilty about her keeping watch for him to sleep anyway, even though he knew it was unavoidable.
"How are you feeling?" He asked, his voice barely a whisper. It was hoarse and velvety at once and just the sound of it sent a shiver down her spine.
"I'm fine." She yawned and stretched, the movement causing his hold on her to loosen, though only slightly. "I uh… I'll take watch now, so get some sleep."
It only took a moment for her to remember what had happened. She couldn't believe she would actually faint after such an intimate moment with Sasuke. She was angry with herself because of it and she wanted him to sleep so she could collect her thoughts without being so embarrassed.
Sasuke understood and while he hated to do it, he knew if he tried to object she'd only get mad at him, so begrudgingly he relented and gave into sleep. Sakura was glad. It felt good having Sasuke pressed so closely against her, but she was thankful he was asleep because she just seemed to be unable to collect herself. She had to steel herself, so she could be the woman that Sasuke needed.
Telling herself it had been from the shock, she didn't scorn herself too much for fainting after he'd kissed her forehead. No matter what though, she couldn't allow herself to do something like that again. What if he'd really kissed her, on the lips- if she passed out she wouldn't be able to enjoy it, or kiss him back and he'd more than likely lose all faith in her.
Something stirring outside brought her out of her wayward thoughts, but after taking the trouble to escape Sasuke's hold and exit the tent, she only found a couple rabbits. They ran off quickly and she sighed in relief. She hadn't known what to expect, but she was thankful it was nothing. She got back in place next to Sasuke, careful not to wake him, even so much as taking his arm and wrapping it back around her. Even lying on the ground seemed like the most comfortable place in the world as long as she was next to Sasuke. His hand fisted into her shirt in his sleep and he stiffened. She wondered if he was dreaming and prayed silently that if he was, they were good dreams.
/
Sakura was out of the tent long before daybreak. Sasuke would be up by then at the latest so she had less than half an hour to stretch and ready their supplies for breakfast. After making sure the area was secure, she went down to the river that was close by, gathered some water and went back to boil it. It was much more difficult trying to start a fire for her, than it was for Sasuke- obviously. She gathered the firewood though and went about trying to light it the old-fashioned way, sadly she only kept breaking sticks in her attempts and she was quickly becoming annoyed.
"Let me help you with that."
"Oh," Sakura turned, surprised at the sound of Sasuke's voice. He gave her a smile before lighting the fire instantly. Sakura blushed but turned her attention quickly to setting up the pot holder so she could boil the water. While she waited for it, she pulled out their breakfast.
"Did you rest well enough?" He asked as he took a seat next to her on the ground.
She nodded, a happy smile on her face as she proceeded to set out their meal. "I did, I feel like I slept all night actually." Just as she'd finished setting out their food, the water began to boil and she removed it from the fire so it could cool. The had enough to drink with their meal, but they'd need some for their travels and she wanted to have extra just in case of sandstorms.
Noticing Sasuke had already began to eat, she used her chopsticks to grab an eggroll and stuff it in her mouth while at the same time, she went about filling their water bottles. It was probably going to be a long day and traveling in the sand was never easy. Then again, Sakura supposed even that would be enjoyable if she had Sasuke with her.
"You seem excited." Sasuke noted, there was only a subtle change in her attitude, her facial expressions, but he caught it.
Sakura giggled at this. "It's not that I'm excited, I'm just ready to get there is all." Sakura rather enjoyed visiting the sand village and her comrades there, but she didn't feel the need to elaborate.
"I see." Sasuke muttered as he continued with his meal. Sakura continued eating as well, after all they both wanted to get on the road as soon as possible.
As soon as they were finished eating, they packed up and got on their way. They hoped to make it by late afternoon but if worst come to worse, they'd arrive no later than nightfall. Sakura's backpack felt heavy and she'd be glad to have it off and be able to spend some time in another village with Sasuke. It was exciting enough just running through the forest with him, occasionally landing on the same branch at the same time and the way he smirked at her…
Kami, her heart couldn't take it.
When they made it close to their destination, they slowed being that they ended up way ahead of schedule. They walked through the remainder of the forest together, slowly. The desert was a mere mile away. Sakura blushed when she noticed how close Sasuke walked next to her. Once again, she found herself in awe by his presence alone. She wished she could just watch him forever.
"You're staring." He mumbled under his breath, calling her out purposely. Her blush deepened just as he knew it would.
"Am not!" She denied it all too quickly, turning her head in the entire opposite direction of him, not even bothering to watch her step and because of which, she tripped over a branch almost instantly.
Sasuke reached out, steadying her before she even had a chance to stumble. "Are you alright?"
"F-fine, I'm fine!" She declared shamefully, her embarrassment growing by the second.
"Relax." Sasuke scoffed, rolling his eyes at her. Sometimes she was nothing like her old self, then other times, that's all he could see in her.
Sakura scolded herself for acting so childish. She didn't want to be this way when it came to him anymore, she wanted to be mature, like she should be; like she thought she was. Somehow though, he seemed to bring that side out of her more often than she'd like. She didn't want to push him away by acting like some crazed fan-girl of his. That wasn't what she was, at least not anymore.
"We should have a drink before heading into the desert. Hopefully we can make it through quickly."
Sasuke nodded, pleased that she seemed to keep her head in the game. "We can rest for a bit, if you'd like."
"I'm fine." She shook her head, though she appreciated the offer. They both took a moment to drink and then they were on their way again, the dryness of the sand getting to both of them shortly after it started. Sakura could never get used to it, no matter how many times she traveled it.
It was hot, whereas the temperature had been mild for the entire first day and a half of their trip. They wasted no time, running through the desert. It was a stretch and people had died in the open but they hadn't come into any complications so far. Halfway through however, the wind and the sand along with it picked up, signaling a storm was likely to come.
"We should find somewhere to wait it out." Sasuke suggested. "Better safe than sorry."
Sakura couldn't have agreed more.
They found a cave just twenty meters ahead of them. Once inside, they were safe, though they made sure to keep a good distance from the entrance of the cave just in case things got worse. Sakura felt like she had sand everywhere, in all the wrong places but there wasn't much she could do about it with Sasuke right next to her, so she would just have to suffer.
Sasuke sat on the ground and pulled Sakura down onto his lap. There was only a limited amount of light in the cave and Sasuke only hoped the storm would blow over before night fell.
"You're not hurt, are you?" Sasuke asked, his smooth voice etched with concern. He noticed the way she squirmed in his lap, and honestly it was bothering him.
"No, I'm fine. Just a little sand." She laughed, looking up at him, though she could barely see him as dark as it was.
"Figures we'd catch a storm, huh?"
"Yeah…" Sakura sighed, leaning against him, her head resting against his chest. She could have easily gone to sleep. Sasuke was so comfortable and this surprised her, considering how toned and strong his body was. How could something so not-soft be so comfortable to lay against? She didn't know, but she didn't care either, all she knew was it was right and there was no place she'd rather be.
"You're tired, you should sleep. I'll wake you once the storm subsides."
"But-"
"No buts." He cut her off, effectively ended the argument before it started. "Just sleep."
She didn't really want to argue anyway, not with sleep calling for her as it was and with him telling her to sleep, in his hold no less. Sakura was happy. She was in love. Nothing in the world could ruin the elated feeling she had as she slipped into the dream-world, finding Sasuke there as well.
/
Watching her sleep intrigued him, so much that even after the storm was long gone, he did just that. She was so strong, so capable and yet she felt so small in his lap. She still smelled good, even after two days of travel and she was soft, nothing like he was.
With the strength that she had, he'd have expected her body to be more bulky, muscular even but she was all woman, slim and beautiful; delicate even. Even though he was sure he'd known for a while, he knew without a doubt as he watched her sleep peacefully in his arm that he loved her- and even more so was in love with her.
Knowing he'd wasted enough time and not willing to allow her to wake up herself and notice the storm was over, he shook her a bit, whispering next to her ear for her to wake up. She groaned, having obviously already gotten into a deep sleep before he woke her but with a following yawn, she was wide awake.
"Wow, I slept like a log."
Thanks to Sasuke, she was sure. She'd slept so soundly. They were both certain she could have slept for the remainder of the night with no problem.
"We should get out of here before another storm comes." Sasuke suggested, secretively shaking his arm for a moment once they were standing to rid it of its numbness. He hadn't even noticed until he wasn't holding her anymore.
Nodding her agreement, Sakura led the way out of the cave and they hurried along towards the sand village entrance. They were welcomed just as warmly as Sakura assumed they'd be. They happened to cross paths with Temari, the Kazekage's elder sister on their way to deliver the letter.
"Delivering a letter to Gaara, I see." She smirked, eying first Sakura and then Sasuke. "I was just on my way to see him, so I'll join you."
Though Sasuke wasn't into the idea, he wasn't about to voice his opinion and Sakura didn't seem to mind having her along. The two women quickly started a conversation that Sasuke paid no attention to, what with all the giggling, he assumed he'd rather not know anyway.
"Lord Gaara," Sakura acknowledged the Kazekage immediately upon entering the room. Sasuke gave him a mere nod of his head and Temari rounded his desk to stand next to him. "We've come to deliver a letter from the Sixth."
After Sakura's explanation, Sasuke retrieved the scroll containing the message from his pouch and handed it over to Gaara. The Kazekage took it, opening it immediately for inspection. A faint smile traced his features as he read over the contents, destroying the scroll the instant he was done.
"So, where is your mission taking you?" Gaara asked curiously. "Sakura, you know we welcome you anytime and I would appreciate it if you would stay while you can, or for as long as you want."
Beaming, Sakura nodded. "We'd love to stay, at least for a night if it's okay."
"Of course, like I said you can stay as long as you want." Gaara told her, a kind smile on his face. "Temari would you show them to a guest house?"
"Certainly." She gave her brother a smile, before turning it to their guests. "Just follow me. I'll be back in a bit Gaara."
Sasuke and Sakura followed the skilled, sand kunoichi out and into town. It was a straight shot to the guest house she leads them to and it was rather nice, to be offered to them for no cost. Temari bid them farewell the moment they arrived and they quickly went about checking the place out.
It was clean, no sand and fully furnished. The house itself was two stories, the bedrooms upstairs while the kitchen and living area was downstairs. They made themselves at home, finding a room for them to share. They'd become used to sleeping together by now so there was no point in them having separate rooms. They unpacked and then both showered, thankful there were two bathrooms where they could both get clean without having to wait.
They dressed and left the guesthouse in search of the grocers. They were both hungry but thought it best if they bought their own food to cook instead of going out. They would stock up before leaving, but for now they just got what they'd need for the night and next morning.
Sakura enjoyed shopping with Sasuke and finding out all the things he liked and more importantly, the many things he hated. He sure was a picky eater but tomatoes were a long-time favorite of his and for that, Sakura was thankful. She'd known this for a long time and gained knowledge accordingly. There were dozens of tomato-based dishes she'd learned to prepare, one of which she planned to introduce to him as soon as they were back in the guesthouse.
They sat down the bags filled with groceries on the counter and Sakura quickly went about unloading everything and pulling out what she'd need for the night's meal. She put the rest up for later, moving too fast Sasuke didn't have a chance to help, or even think of what he could do to help, so he sat at the kitchen table and watched her while she worked.
She didn't need his help, she was amazing it seemed, at everything she did. Since there was nothing else to do and he didn't want to get caught staring at her, he dug their mission scroll out of his pouch and unraveled it. The mission was more bogus than he'd first thought, it was so bad that he couldn't have even allowed Sakura to read it. The intel was supposedly to be collected on these wanderers, it was a mission that was next to impossible to be completed and originally, never intended to be.
There wasn't the slightest of details on these so-called wanderers, no specific locations, no number of suspects. Even at the end of the paper was a note from Kakashi.
-Have fun!-
Sasuke glared at the paper, cursing Kakashi in his mind. Sakura would probably stomp her way back to the village the second she read it, so Sasuke would keep it to himself and drag it out as long as he could, or until they were needed for something real.
Something smelled delicious all of a sudden, and Sasuke found himself on his feet and following the scent coming from the stove. A pot full of what appeared to be tomato soup was just beginning to boil, Sakura was chopping up various vegetables to add in and even they smelled good. Sasuke stomach made a sound to testify its hunger but thankfully, Sakura didn't notice.
The male watched in wonder as she added all her ingredients, stirring the pot consistently as she did. Once she was satisfied, she put the lid on the pot and turned the stove down a bit so it could cook. It would be a little while but definitely worth the wait. Sasuke remembered his mother making something similar when he was a child and he could already taste it.
His mouth watered whenever she went about rolling dough to be baked and eaten along with the soup. Sakura was more skilled than he'd ever anticipated. He loved every new thing he learned about her, and the more time he spent with her, the more he did learn. She wasn't as hesitant as she'd been when he'd first come back but still, it didn't appear as if she would be making any moves in their relationship any time soon.
It annoyed Sasuke that he could do nothing, and with her paying him no attention as he hovered her, busy as she was, he decided it best if he give her some space. The living area had a small, but comfortable couch. Sasuke sunk down into it, closing his eyes for a brief moment of rest. There was nothing else for him to do and he didn't want to keep getting in Sakura's way. She'd call for him when she was ready, or if she needed him for any reason.
Feeling as if he had only just dozed off that instant, Sakura called for him and he was up and making his way into the kitchen without thinking twice. It didn't surprise him that she'd already filled a bowl for him and had it waiting on the table. She was always doing anything she could to make it easier on him, but he wasn't used to letting anyone do that for him so even though he tried not to say anything, it irked him.
Taking his seat, he sighed as he watched her set her bowl next to his, taking the time then to pour them both a glass of iced water. She already had the fresh-baked rolls in a basket on the table and everything smelled so good. Sasuke had to force himself not to dig in right away. He wanted to wait on her, she deserved that respect. He'd give her that if she wouldn't allow him to give anything else.
She took her seat, just as eager to eat as he was. "What are you waiting for." She giggled before excitedly taking a taste of her creation. She'd only cooked this soup once before but it turned out even better than she'd expected, though she considered it being due to her hunger.
Sasuke joined her, not having to be told twice and all it took was one taste for him to know it was the best soup he'd ever had. Even the rolls were delicious, and went well together with the soup. He cleaned his bowl, not complaining at all when Sakura got up and filled it once more. He could definitely go for seconds.
Sakura was stuffed after only her first and she went about cleaning as Sasuke finished up his second bowl. He joined her at the sink, bringing his dishes and placing them in the soapy water to be washed. Letting her continue to wash as she was, he assumed the rinsing, it was a much easier task with him having one arm. They made quick work of it and after a few minutes, the entire kitchen was spotless.
It wasn't too late, but both of them wanted to fall asleep soon after their meal. Neither of them wanted to pass up the opportunity to catch up on their sleep for the night. They could always do more the next day. Sasuke couldn't help worrying about Sakura's health as well. She may seem to be better, but it wasn't so long ago she was standing at death's door, and that wasn't something easily forgotten by the Uchiha.
"I'm kind of tired." Sakura mumbled, looking away from him shyly. "Do you um… I mean if you are too… We-"
"Let's go to bed."
He took her hand, pulling her along behind him and smirking only when she couldn't see his face. It was all too amusing, the way she acted. Sasuke loved it, but took pity on her. It was much easier that way.
They got in bed, not bothering to dress down. Sakura yawned as she snuggled against Sasuke, surprisingly the best pillow she'd ever had- if he could have been considered such. Sakura's fingers curled into his shirt at his chest, just next to where her face laid. He smelled good, a heady mixture of soap, shampoo and him. Sakura inhaled deeply, enjoying the scent of him. His arm was around her back, resting on her arm which felt cold under his warm hand.
"Will we need to leave tomorrow?" She asked just after her eyes closed, seemingly for good.
Sasuke rolled his eyes to himself, cursing Kakashi once again. "If you want, but we'd be safe to stay a few days if you'd like."
"We should stay then, at least for a day or two."
"Ah." Sasuke agreed, wanting nothing more than that moment. It felt so right, he was so at peace, and so was she. Barely a minute later, both of them were sleeping soundly.
A/N:
So... Are the chapters too long?
Updates too soon?
Like it, hate it?
I really hope you like it and want more! :)
What do you guys think about Sasuke and Sakura's travels together?
And who is keeping up with Boruto? Honestly, I love it and can't help feeling we will get some SasuSaku moments sooner or later.
NEXT CHAPTER THE JOURNEY CONTINUES-
