Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, cuz IF I did; I wouldn't have to post these stupid remarks before starting up another new chapter…xD
OMFG…This story has been up for hardly three weeks and it already has over 100 reviews!
THANK YOU SO MUCH READERS who have been reviewing!
I seriously appreciate all your comments and constructive criticism. It seriously has helped me in writing and has boosted my confidence greatly.
Anyway, here's chapter seven!
The Strength of the Heart
Part 7
The door to the huge garden slid open almost silently. Bare feet padded on the wooden walkway that led to the garden, but paused as soon as the owner of the feet saw the person sought.
Her hair blew around her face with the wind, sunlight reflecting off of the light strands. Her porcelain skin glistened with fresh tears that would remain silent to everyone except herself. She looked angelic.
But deep down inside, there was something vaguely and painfully familiar to the onlooker. It was a heart that burned with fiery pain of anger and hatred.
Sasuke shivered involuntarily. No pure heart like Sakura's should have that plaguing them. He watched as she stood up from her crouched position in the flowerbed, tending to the newly planted bulbs that would come up in spring.
Daffodils.
Amazement filled his mind as he watched her gently and tenderly finish planting. Such care was put into it; almost unreal in a way, for the way she had been treated, one would never even guess that she could know how to act so loving…
But Sasuke did.
FLASHBACK
Tsunade sank into her chair, her chin resting in her hand. "She wants to do WHAT?" She asked incredulously upon hearing Sasuke's request. "She asked if she could be present at her father's execution." Sasuke repeated, raising an eyebrow at the Hokage, briefly wondering if she was drunk or buzzed past the point of regular comprehension.
"I can't allow it." She said after a moment. "Sakura is too fragile right now. I'm afraid even the littlest thing will make her snap—"
"Don't doubt her so much." Sasuke interjected. "She's gotten a hell of a lot stronger."
Tsunade inwardly smirked. 'So, he thinks he knows her better than I do?' she thought. "Fine, but I will leave it up to you to decide whether or not she should attend. Since you seem to know her so well." Tsunade added, watching the young shinobi's reaction.
Sasuke merely nodded, however, and exited her office.
END FLASHBACK
He watched as she stood up, brushing dirt from her knees and hands. Sakura turned her head to stare in his direction. "I'm ready whenever you are Sasuke-kun." She said, picking up her scoop and walking back towards the house.
"Sakura."
Pausing mid-step, she turned to face him. "Look, I know you've expressed your concerns to me about this. But why won't you believe me when I tell you that I'll be okay?"
At that moment, Sasuke chose to let loose his anger. He pulled her close to him by her shoulders and stared her in the eyes. "Because I know that this won't make you happy!" He shouted. Sakura's eyes widened fearfully. "You're starting to act just like Itachi did! That's the very last thing I want for you!"
He noticed her shocked and fearful look as he slowly drew in a deep breath. His eyes widened slightly as he realized what he had just done. He let go quickly, dropping his gaze from her face.
"I'm sorry!" She whispered, her eyes suddenly squeezed shut. Her breathing came in ragged gasps as she fought hard not to cry. "I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry!" She felt her knees give out on her and she slowly started to sink to the ground, had it not been for Sasuke who reached out instinctively and grabbed her shoulders again.
"No." He said, pulling her close again. "It's me that should be sorry. I-I didn't mean to hurt you Sakura." He said softly. At that moment all that could be seen by him was a blur of pink as Sakura threw herself forward and into his arms. He instantly wrapped his arms around her protectively. This was where she belonged.
A long moment passed. Sakura sniffed softly and he just held her, never letting go.
"I
didn't mean to upset you." She said softly breaking the silence,
her voice slightly muffled by his chest. He pulled her closer to him
by wrapping an arm around her neck and shoulders while he buried his
face in her hair. His other arm stayed firmly wrapped around her
waist.
"I promise I will never do that again." He said
quietly. He could feel her take a deep breath, as if forcing herself
to get a grip. He felt her nod. Never before in her entire life
did Sakura ever feel so vulnerable, but at the same time so
safe.
"Do you really want to do this?" He asked softly in her ear. "You don't have to face him you know." Sakura turned her head to look up at him. His gaze was intense and overpowering. He really doesn't want to see me hurt anymore, does he? She thought silently. A sudden wave of emotion overtook her, but she kept herself in line. This only makes me love him all the more.
"I just want to see it end, nothing more." She replied quietly. He nodded, gently turning them both around. "We'd better go." He said, his voice sounding like it usually did: stoic.
Sakura merely nodded.
---
"Haruno Tetsuki." Tsunade's voice was sharp, stern. The blonde-haired man looked up at her. His gaze was unreadable. "Hai, Hokage-sama?" He asked, his voice barely containing his control on his fear and most of all, anger.
"Are you prepared to face your punishment for your heinous crime?"
Tetsuki's eyes scanned the large room. It was where he had been tried the day before. A mat lay at the center of the room, four shinobi posted at each end…
The burial cloth.
He shivered involuntarily as his eyes came back to meet Tsunade's. "I have just but one request, Tsunade-sama." He said in a low voice.
He could nearly fell her anger radiating off of her in waves. He was the reason why her apprentice was in pain. Kami-sama knew if she would ever be whole again. "What is it, Haruno?" Tsunade snapped.
"Please allow me five minutes alone with my only daughter."
Sakura gasped in fright from the back of the room. Naruto gripped her hand tightly in his, his normally cheerful blue eyes narrowing dangerously on the convicted criminal in front of him.
"Tsunade-no baa-chan…" Naruto began, his voice sounding murderous.
"Five minutes." Tsunade's cold voice cut through whatever statement Naruto was about to make.
Sasuke's grip around Sakura's waist only intensified as Naruto trudged out into the hallway.
"Uchiha, let's go." Tsunade said, coming forth. She handed Sakura a kunai. "It is infused with my chakra. Any wrong move made by him and I full authorize you…no, I outright order you to use it." She corrected, whispering this in Sakura's ear. "Be safe." She said before nearly prying a very pissed off Sasuke away from her.
The door shut with a snap.
"Sakura."
Sakura froze at the sound of her name rolling off of her father's
tongue. "Come closer. There's something I need to tell you."
Sakura clutched the kunai steadfastly tight in her grasp as she approached him. He was on his knees, his hands resting at his sides. The minute she face him, however, was when she truly felt something go wrong. Her heart jumped into her throat as she felt him jump her. Pinning her to the ground, he spoke in a deadly calm voice. "You should never have been so trusting you little brat." He growled. Sakura opened her mouth to scream in horror when his fist collided with her face.
"SASUKE-KUN!" Sakura shrieked.
Just then, her two teammates burst through the door. Sasuke's eyes were swirled into the Sharingan and he had a furious look on his face. Naruto, however, was a different story altogether.
Orange chakra leaked out of his hands, soon surrounding his entire body. "You. Fucking. BASTARD!" He yelled, throwing himself at Tetsuki. He tackled the man to the floor, and began punching the shit out of him. Sasuke on the other hand, raced to Sakura's side, checking her over instantly for injuries. When he saw that she was basically unharmed, he scooped her up off of the floor. Tsunade was back in an instant, her anger flaring up and her eyes narrowing on the sight before her.
Naruto couldn't stop. She watched in utter amazement as he used almost inhuman speed to attack Tetsuki from all sides. Over and over and over again, she soon feared the man would drop dead…but that was to be his fate anyway. Tsunade gathered her chakra to her right hand, forming a powerful jutsu similar to Neji's, only stronger. The minute her fist touched his chest, an electric shock would be pulsed through his entire body, torturing his nervous system and eventually stopping his heart.
"Naruto, stop. Sakura is safe now."
But
the blonde shinobi didn't listen. Instead, he turned on her, his
bloody gaze searching for his prey, which had scampered to the slight
safety behind the Hokage.
Five chakra tails were writhing about
from behind Naruto.
"NO!" Sakura screamed. "Naruto! Stop it! Don't let Kyuubi out!" Naruto's, or Kyuubi's gaze shot to her instantly, and he grinned maliciously.
"Give the kunoichi to me, Uchiha." It spoke in a sickening voice. Sasuke's red eyes narrowed. "Tsunade-sama, what the hell happened to him?" He asked, his grip on Sakura tightening. "He's going to be overtaken by the Ninetails." She murmured, her voice sounding incredulous. Tetsuki cringed in fear behind her. Her attention turned back to the man, her right hand raised.
"But I'm dealing with you first." She growled. Just as she was about to punch her fist into his chest, was she prevented. Haruno Tetsuki was being mauled up terribly by Naruto. He bit anywhere his growing canines could sink themselves into, and he growled in satisfaction at the taste of blood.
"Uchiha! It's up to you to stop him!" Tsunade yelled, racing to Naruto's side. Sasuke gently set Sakura down and out of harm's way. He raced to Naruto's side, slinging a hard punch into the blonde's cheek. Naruto reeled with the blow and angrily turned his attention to Sasuke.
Sasuke sighed deeply as he forced more chakra to the Sharingan. "I really hate to do this to you Naruto, but you leave me no choice. Tsunade-sama will be able to bring you out of it, once you're back to normal."
Sakura watched in horror as Sasuke grabbed Naruto by the shoulders, staring him straight in the eyes.
"TSYIKUMOI!" Sasuke shouted.
Naruto slumped to the ground, his eyes closing and the orange chakra tails disappearing rapidly.
Tsunade let out a deep sigh of relief. Sasuke turned his attention back to Sakura, who had been watching her two teammates the whole time. "SAKURA!" Sasuke shouted, right as Tetsuki pounced on her, yanking the kunai from her grasp and making to stab her in the heart.
Tsunade was too fast for him. She slammed her chakra-filled fist into his chest, pulling away from him as Tetsuki screamed in pain. His body writhed on the floor and he lay there for a moment before his screaming died in his throat.
Sakura stared down in complete horror and shock as her father's life left his body.
"Are you ok?" a voiced asked from her left. Numbly, she looked up at the own of the voice. Emerald green met cool onyx. "H-Hai." She whispered.
"Uchiha, take her home." Tsunade said softly. "I'll drag Naruto down to the hospital. He'll be fine by this time tomorrow, don't worry."
Both shinobi nodded solemnly before Sakura let Sasuke nearly drag her from the room.
The walk back to his house was solemn and silent. She could feel the pain rising in her throat as she fought hard to swallow. The events of her father's death still very fresh in her mind.
"T-Thank you." She whispered after a moment.
Sasuke looked down at her. He put his arm around her shoulders and squeezed gently. Sakura leaned her head into his chest and closed her eyes as they came to a stop outside of the Uchiha estate.
Sasuke felt her draw a deep breath before she hastily wiped her eyes. He didn't say a word as he lifted her chin, raising her face to look him in the eyes. "Are you sure you're ok?" He asked softly. She nodded, biting her lower lip anxiously as she fought to stop the tears from welling in her green eyes again.
"I just, I didn't expect all that to happen and I—"
Before she knew it Sasuke had placed two fingers over her mouth, silencing her. "Everything's going to be ok Sakura. It's over." He felt her choke on a sob and he instantly pulled her close. "Sakura…" He whispered in her ear.
"Never again. I will be by your side always." Sakura pulled him closer at that. "You promise?" She whispered, not quite believing her ears. He traced a finger down her shoulder until it reached her hand. He took it in his own and entwined his fingers with hers.
"I promise." He said, a smile gracing his gorgeous features. Slowly, but surely, the ghost of a smile that she'd worn for years started to turn into the real thing. When she looked back up at him, Sasuke felt his heart melt.
HIS Sakura was smiling at him. With one swift motion he gently cupped her face with his hand and pulled her closer until their lips met. Sakura nearly melted into him and she wrapped both arms around his neck. He smirked as he gently nibbled on her lower lip. She opened for him instantly, allowing him to taste every part of her. She squealed as he scooped her up bridal-style, carrying her into the Uchiha Estate and down the street to his house. The whole time they never separated.
When he finally reached his doorstep, she pulled away, gasping for breath and her face beet red.
"Sa-Sasuke-kun." She gasped, her cheeks tinged pink and her green eyes filled with love for him. He smirked as he remembered something. He tightened his grip on her by her knees, squeezing gently just above her kneecap. Sakura squealed with laughter. It filled the whole room and filled his heart with so much happiness.
She was gradually coming back.
"H-Hey baka, that's no fair!" She complained as he carried her up the stairs. He didn't stop at her door as she thought originally, but continued straight to his room. Sakura was quiet then as he slid his door open, then closed behind him. With her in his arms, he gently set her down on the bed, his fingers automatically finding a sweet spot behind her neck. She laughed, her giggles filling the whole room. "Ne, yamete Sasuke-kun!" She gasped. He smirked down at her as she made an attempt to grab his hands. He was too strong for her, however, and he got her again, making her squeal pierce through the long-time silence that had blanketed the house for over a decade.
"O-Onegai! Sa-HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Sakura squirmed as he pinned her underneath him, not giving in. He let her struggle a little more before he captured her completely. One of his hands caught both of hers above her head while his other pressed a finger to her lips.
"Now, that's my Sakura." He said softly as her laughter slowly died down as she realized he was growing serious. She blushed slightly, her eyes lowering from his face. Her heart was pounding so hard against her chest, and she was more than positive it wasn't from her struggling against his teasing. She could feel her cheeks heating up with embarrassment as she felt his hand underneath her chin, bringing her to look back up once more.
"It's been a while since I've heard you laugh like that." He said, his voice growing soft. Sakura bit her lip as she smiled slightly. "I didn't really notice." She lied. Her eyes slowly started to sting with upcoming tears.
"I did." Sasuke murmured. He leaned in close, nuzzling her neck and making her let out a deep sigh of content. He released his grip on her wrists, her hands instantly wrapping around him in a hug.
"Why?" She whispered. The long-awaited question that burned in her mind for a while since his return finally found its way out. She felt him pull away to stare her in the eyes fully.
"Why?" He repeated. He seemed to ponder a moment before answering. "I…changed, Sakura." He answered after a while. He looked her in the eyes as he said this too, letting her know that he was serious and he meant what he said. He felt her shiver slightly.
"I realized something after I left," he continued. "I realized how much of a moron I was for betraying Konoha, betraying you. I came back after I accomplished my stupid ambition. You were right. It wasn't worth it. Revenge didn't help, but vengeance did. If Itachi were to live, he would come after those who had become important to me. I couldn't let that happen…" His voice trailed off.
Sakura couldn't speak. She stared up at him in complete disbelief. "Sas-uke-kun?" She whispered after a moment. Her heart had swelled in her throat. Tears had also risen to her emerald orbs. He cupped her cheek in his hand.
"I also couldn't stand to see you cry again." He said softly. Within a few nanoseconds, the distance between them closed, the salty taste from her tears dripping onto her lips filled both of their senses. Sasuke gently slid his tongue across her already slightly swollen lower lip.
As Sakura opened for him, he had already gathered her into his arms, holding her close to his warm body. Her eyes had closed, long-since ignoring the tears streaming down her cheeks.
When they broke apart, Sasuke leaned his forehead against hers. "I don't ever want to hurt you again Sakura." He said softly. "I will be here for you, always." He felt his upper body being held against a smaller form. He looked down at the mess of pink under his chin. He ran his fingers of his free hand through her pink tresses, his other arm already wrapping around her body protectively.
They remained like that for a while before a knock was heard on the door downstairs. Opening his onyx eyes in a frustrated fashion, he cuddled Sakura closer to him, allowing himself to fall backwards on the mattress.
The knocking continued for a short while after that, but it eventually subsided. Sasuke closed his eyes, mentally thanking kami-sama for the relief.
"Sakura?" He asked after a minute. He felt her stir next to him. She pushed herself up on one arm to look him in the eyes. "Hai?" She asked, shivering slightly with her lack of warmth, separating her body from his. He let her sit up completely before he sat up as well, grabbing her hand.
"C'mon, I want to show you something."
He said, pulling her gently by her hand. Sakura followed him as he stood up. Sasuke led her to one of his windows. He smirked at her as he pushed the window open wide. He climbed out onto the roof, and held his hand out to her. Sakura took it without thinking, her heart pounding as he helped her out onto the roof with him.
The two walked hand in hand up to the top of the Uchiha home. Sasuke sat down, gesturing for her to do the same. Sakura settled down next to him and tucked her knees up to her chin. She gasped as she took in the view. It was simply gorgeous!
Their view overlooked the magnificent lake, which was now shimmering with the sunset's bright, magnificent colors. "Sasuke-kun, this is…" She couldn't finish her sentence. Her eyes drank in the view, imprinting this scene to her memory, not wanting to let it disappear. "Do you like it?" he asked quietly. She nodded. "It's so, peaceful." She said, looking back at him. Her breath hitched in her throat when she saw him. His hair was blowing slightly with the wind, showing off his flawless skin. Sakura met his gaze and her heart jolted as she realized that he was staring at her intensely.
"Sasuke-kun, nani—?" She was cut off as she felt his hand slip behind her neck, pulling her closer. Sakura felt his lips capture hers before she knew what happened. Sakura's eyes widened but after the initial shock wore off, she pulled him closer so that their arms could go around each other. She'd waited for years for him to do this, but she'd almost given up on it. She was so glad that she hadn't.
Sasuke smiled as he felt her freeze initially. But soon she melted against him, pulling him closer to her. He waited a moment for her to get comfortable before he gently slid his tongue across her lower lip. Sakura opened for him instantly. Tears of happiness streamed from her now closed eyes as she felt Sasuke deepen the kiss.
SHANNARO! He's FINALLY discovered his love! I KNEW waiting for him was the right thing to do! Inner Sakura was hollering.
Eek! OMG! I can't believe, Sasuke-kun!
When they broke apart, Sakura's eyes were wide. Her shocked expression turned from that of surprise to happiness. "I still love you, you know." She said, smiling shyly up at him.
The weight on Sasuke's heart lifted. He looked considerably relieved.
"You do?" He asked, his voice sounding incredulous, but hopeful.
"Of course baka!" Sakura said smiling brightly and cupping his face with both hands. "I could never stop loving you! It's what kept me going all those years that you were gone! How else was I supposed to live? I can never love anyone but you!"
Sasuke smiled. He took both of her hands in his, pulling her close again. Sakura closed her eyes as she felt their lips meet again. Her arms went around his neck pulling him close again. She felt his arms go around her slender waist, pulling her closer to him. Her heart was filled with happiness as she realized that one of her dreams had come true.
Her first kiss had been with the one that she loved.
"Thank you, Sakura." Sasuke whispered in her ear as they broke apart, breathing hard. Sakura smiled, even though she was more than positive both of her cheeks were bright crimson.
Sasuke smiled. "Sakura?" he asked.
"Hm?" she asked.
"Your face is red." He said, causing Sakura to blush prettily before she turned her head. He spun her back around by her shoulders and she fell into his lap.
"I love you too." He whispered as he held her. She cuddled into his chest as they both watched the rest of the sunset. Sakura looked up above them to see the stars start to appear. "It's so pretty." She whispered, her eyes wide like a child's. Sasuke followed her gaze and he too, smiled. "What, looking at the stars?" He asked. Sakura nodded.
"Have you ever seen a shooting star Sasuke-kun?" She asked, looking up at him. He shook his head.
"Wanna stay up so we can see one?" She asked, her eyes looking playful. He looked back down at her and saw her face. He laughed. "We're 19 Sakura; we don't have to worry about going inside early." Sakura smiled sheepishly. "I know, I just—"
Sasuke put a finger to her lips, silencing her. "I'm up for it if you are."
Sakura's face lit up. "Okay!"
Well look who finally took my advice… Inner Sasuke swooned. Sasuke rolled his eyes, but the smile never left his face.
Your advice? Wasn't it technically already mine?
Pfft, whatever. Damn you for being a genius!
Hey,
I can't help it. I've been this way since I was little. Sasuke
laughed silently.
"What are you laughing at?" Sakura asked
curiously. Sasuke looked down at her. She looked so pretty just
lying there like that. Her pink tresses were splayed out on his lap,
and the stars reflected in her eyes. The moon had come out and its
light reflected on her porcelain skin, giving her an angelic look.
"Nothing." He said quietly, brushing a few strands of her
hair from her eyes.
Sakura smiled up at him. Her eyes grew wide after a moment, and she pointed over his shoulder. "Look Sasuke-kun, quick!" Sasuke looked up in time to see the shooting star Sakura was pointing at.
He closed his eyes and made his wish…
Sakura squeezed her eyes closed and made her wish too…
Sakura giggled as she sat up. "I hope it works…" She whispered to herself.
They sat for a while, just staring up at the stars. It was some time before Sakura finally shivered. Sasuke took note of this, but chose that moment to act. From the depths of his pocket, he pulled out a black velvet box. Squatting down before her, he looked her deeply in the eyes, taking her hand in his. Her eyes grew exceptionally wide as he smirked, opening the small box to reveal a beautiful engagement ring.
"Sakura…" He began. His voice sounded somewhat timid, if that were at all possible for an Uchiha. "Would you, would you please give me the honor of spending the rest of my life with you…becoming the second Uchiha in Konoha?"
Her free hand had clapped itself over her mouth as fresh tears stung her eyes. That was quick. She thought inwardly. She thanked that star that she'd just wished on…
"YES! OH HELL YES!" She exclaimed, throwing herself in his arms. He caught her lovingly, burying his head in her hair, breathing in her scent.
She was his and his alone.
His Cherry Blossom.
Sakura hugged him tightly to her then, never letting go. Oh Kami-sama, you truly do work miracles, don't you? She thought gleefully to herself. As they pulled away, Sasuke gently slid the ring onto her finger. He was gentle, making sure that she felt the ring slide completely on.
An
involuntary shiver ran up her spine. "C'mon, we should get
inside. Tsunade will kill me if you catch a cold."
Sakura
smiled. She took his hand and they both walked carefully back down
the roof until they reached Sasuke's window. He pulled her through
the open window and set her down once they were inside.
With a quick glance at the clock, Sakura's eyes widened. "It's really late…" She whispered. Sasuke took her hand and led her back down the hallway. "You should get some sleep." He said opening her door. Sakura nodded. She fell against his chest as fatigue finally took her. Sasuke caught her and picked her up. He carried her to the bed and tucked her in. Sakura cuddled into the warm covers. Her eyes opened as she felt Sasuke start to leave. "Sasuke-kun?" She asked softly.
He turned around. Sakura smiled at him. "Aisheteru."
He smirked and walked back to his future wife's side. He leaned in close and kissed her softly on her forehead. "Aisheteru." He said. Sakura pulled him close for a hug and she breathed in his scent. He made her feel so…safe.
"W-will you stay here tonight?" She whispered, her eyes looking up at him, pleading. He nodded almost instantly. He slipped his shoes off and climbed in next to her. She cuddled into his chest and smiled when she felt his arms go around her. Sasuke noticed immediately how well their bodies molded together. Perfect.
She fell asleep almost instantly.
---
He stood impatiently on the doorstep, his foot stamping softly on the ground. He knocked again. "I don't think that persisting will bring him downstairs any faster…" a stern voice said over his shoulder.
Still no response. He finally gave up trying to be patient, and he drew a deep breath, filling his lungs with air before…
"SASUKE-TEME!
WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU?" Naruto screamed as loud as he could. He
pounded on the door again, only this time instead of his fist
colliding with the door, it collided with a nose.
"DOBE!"
Sasuke shouted, catching his now bloody nose with his hand. Kakashi
merely rolled his eyes in annoyance.
"Have you seen Sakura-chan? I stopped by her house earlier but her door has been burned down and—"
"I'm afraid you have Sasuke-kun to thank for that Naruto." Sakura's voice came from behind cheerfully. She came to Sasuke's side dressed in the clothes she had on the previous day, her eyes narrowing worriedly as she gathered chakra to her hand. "Here Sasuke-kun, let me see." She said gently. Naruto watched in complete shock as Sasuke willingly dropped his hand from his nose, blood starting to pour out. Sakura staunched the blood-flow first, then gently and carefully set his nose before healing it. He looked up at her and smiled. "Thanks." He said. Sakura smiled, pulling him into a hug. "No problem." She said happily.
Kakashi nearly dropped his latest copy of Icha Icha Paradise. Ad dubious look on his usually laid-back features.
Naruto's jaw had just simply dropped. "Wh-what the hell happened?" He asked his cerulean eyes wide. "I'm going to go get dressed." Sakura said cheerfully. "Do you want breakfast Sasuke-kun?" She asked. "Sure." He said, smirking at her. Their eyes met each others for a second and they silently agreed, both getting the other's questionable look. Sakura leaned in close for a moment to peck him on the cheek. "Ok! Invite Naruto-kun and Kakashi sensei in, will you? You guys wait in the living room, I'll be right back."
Naruto dropped to the ground anime-style. Kakashi sighed, shooting a quick glance at Sasuke; he stepped over his blonde student and into the house. Sasuke kicked Naruto in the shins. "Get up dobe. You're looking like an idiot." Naruto was on his feet instantly. "Ne Sasuke-teme, what happened with you and Sakura-chan?" He asked again, shaking his head as if to clear it. He still couldn't believe the display in the front hallway. Sasuke rolled his eyes. "We've gotten, closer." He replied. He pointed to a chair in the living room and gestured for Naruto to sit. "I'll be right back."
Naruto nodded dubiously and sat down, his brain still trying to put two and two together.
…
Sakura twirled around in her fresh clothes in front of the mirror. She brushed her hair and smiled brightly. The morning sunlight came through the window, illuminating the whole room with its warm rays.
She giggled. Last night was so much fun! She thought as she ran the brush through her shoulder-length hair.
It's about damn time you two finally got together! Jeez, I was thinking that you'd stopped caring about him! Inner Sakura was ranting, throwing her hands in the air exasperatedly. Sakura frowned suddenly.
How can you say that? I could never stop caring about Sasuke-kun! I've always loved him! YOU of all people should know that!
Pfft yeah, sure. Perhaps instead of a shinobi, you should have considered the job of being an actress…
Oh honestly!
Hehehe, he's standing outside our door you know…
Sakura gasped slightly before her smile took over her face again. "Sasuke-kun, I know you're standing there." She called. The door opened. He entered, looking like a kid caught with their hand in the cookie jar.
"Just wanted to let you know that Naruto's hungry…" He said, smirking. Sakura twirled around, facing him with a happy smile on her face. "I know, I said I'd be right down, didn't I? You guys can wait two seconds, right?" She grinned at his shocked look. She grabbed him by the collar of his blue shirt and pulled him close, pressing her lips to his. He responded almost instantly. He ran his fingers through her freshly brushed hair lovingly. He suddenly seized her by her shoulders, backing her up until both of them fell onto the still un-made bed, with him on top. He leaned in close, capturing her lips again with his own. When they broke apart, Sakura giggled. "Ohayo." She said. He smiled. "Ohayo indeed." She grinned happily up at him. "Did you sleep ok last night?" He asked softly, the fingers of his right hand caressing her face softly. She nodded. "Of course I did Sasuke-kun. I had you to sleep with."
He smirked. "Get used to it."
She smiled back. "Oh you better believe it." She never let the grin leave her face as she grabbed him by the back of his neck and pulled him down for another kiss.
"NE SAKURA-CHAN! IS BREAKFAST READY YET? I'M STARVING!" Naruto's voice could be heard from all the way downstairs. Sakura's eyes widened. "You're not kidding." She said giggling, pulling Sasuke along with her. "I said I was coming Naruto, jeez!" She called as she and Sasuke descended the stairs.
They entered the living room only to find Naruto sprawled out on the couch watching anime. They both burst into laughter. Their third member of Team 7 really was like a kid at heart. He was 19 already, but acted like he was 5 again. Naruto looked over the back of the couch to find his two teammates laughing. He quickly changed the channel. "Stop you guys!" he whined, sitting up. This only made them laugh harder. Even Kakashi smirked behind his mask. Sakura stole a glance at her teammate. His blonde hair clashed horribly with the blush on his face. "Alright, alright." She said, getting up. "I'm going, I'm going." She said. "Sasuke-kun, you stay here. You two behave until I call you for breakfast!"
Sasuke smirked at Naruto's dubious expression. "Ne, ne, ne, Sasuke-teme, really, tell me what happened!" Naruto said, facing his best friend. This caught their sensei's attention a bit, and Kakashi lowered his perverse book a little to gaze expectantly at Sasuke, who just merely shrugged. He didn't want to give it all away without letting Sakura have her chance to explain as well, so he just shrugged it off and said, "We talked."
Naruto's eyebrows lifted. "That's, it?" He asked disbelievingly. Sasuke smirked. "Why do you care so much? Haven't you made a move on Ino yet?" He asked, turning the pressure on to his best friend. Kakashi's eyes widened and he looked from Sasuke to Naruto to back to Sasuke. This certainly was a new twist for them. Instead of competing over abilities, they were competing over women? He leaned back in his chair, dropping his book over his face, groaning. "I never knew this day would come with you two…" He groaned. Naruto squirmed uncomfortably in his seat. "Ano sa, Sasuke-teme, that's not fair…" He said, frowning slightly, acting as if Kakashi hadn't said anything. Sasuke raised both eyebrows and gave him an expectant look.
"Well?" He asked.
Naruto nodded. "Wearegoingonourfirstdatetonight!" He said all in one sentence. Sasuke rolled his eyes. "How about in something other than mindless babbling?" He asked, taunting him. He knew he'd hit a nerve when Naruto's eyes narrowed. "WE ARE GOING ON OUR FIRST DATE TONIGHT!" Naruto shouted, loud enough for the entire village to hear.
Sakura popped her head in the doorway, a bowl in her hand and a questioning look on her face, right as Kakashi chose that moment to start laughing.
"Who's going on a date tonight?" She asked. Sasuke looked up at her smugly.
"Our Naruto has grown up and gotten himself a girlfriend." Kakashi answered smoothly, looking across the room at the blonde ninja. Naruto's face turned a brighter color than his black and orange outfit. "GUYS! Leave me alone already! Jeez!"
Sakura giggled. "Congratulations! I'll have to drop in at Ino's house to make sure her outfit makes her look hot tonight!" Naruto's jaw dropped another inch and he sweat-dropped. Sakura smirked as she looked at Sasuke.
"SASUKE-TEME!" He shouted. Sakura threw one of the couch pillows at him. "Naruto, chill. I'm almost done with breakfast. I'd appreciate if you didn't tear the entire house down, ok?" She departed, heading quickly back to the kitchen. Naruto plopped dejectedly onto his chair once more. Sasuke leaned back on the couch, a winning smile on his usually stoic features.
"I'm going to get you for that you bastard." Naruto grumbled. Sasuke only smirked.
Sakura called them both for breakfast a minute later and Naruto raced to the kitchen. Sakura had prepared a wonderful breakfast in such a short time. Fruit, eggs, rice and toast filled each plate, with a tall glass of milk for each of them. The boys sat down and ate almost ravenously, as if they hadn't eaten in days. Kakashi smiled as he politely slipped his mask back on behind his book. "Well kiddos, I must be off. I have to run a quick errand before later. I'll meet up with you all soon." With that, he disappeared with a poof.
Sakura rolled her eyes. "Naruto, are you training today?" She asked after she watched the blonde wolf down his breakfast. He nodded. "What about you Sasuke-kun?" She asked, looking over at her other teammate…and future husband…She added mentally.
He nodded too. She sighed. "I think I might go see Tsunade-sama then. Have fun you two. Don't kill each other, ok?" She said, getting up and depositing her plate into the sink. The guys looked up at her defeated look.
"Ja ne!" She said, forcing a smile before disappearing. Sasuke stood up quickly. "Finish up; I'll meet you at the bridge to wait for Kakashi." He said, following suit and following Sakura out the door.
He caught her at the door, pulling her shoes on. "You used your chakra to speed up the healing process, didn't you?" He asked, leaning up against the door panel. Sakura spun on her rear to see him standing in the doorway. "Kinda. Sorta. Not really. Yeah…" She said, giving him a sheepish look. "How could you tell?" She whispered.
"You
seemed more fatigued yesterday, and also how quickly you fell asleep
last night. It really wasn't all that late you know…" Sakura
bit her lip. He'd caught her.
"I just want things to go
back to being normal, you know?" she said softly. "Sakura, your
body will heal in time. Don't over-do it, ok?" Sakura smiled,
looking back up at him. "This another one of those things that you
think I need?" She whispered. He smirked. "I don't think,
Sakura. I know." She giggled as he pulled her close,
burying his face in her neck. She smiled. "You and Naruto be
safe today Sasuke-kun." She said, hugging him close.
"Don't worry; I'll be sure to leave him in one piece. He can't become the future Hokage if I mess him up too much." Sakura giggled. "Hai, hai. Plus, that won't go over too well with Tsunade-sama. She kinda likes him you know. She'll never admit it though."
Sakura sent Sasuke a shy smirk as he opened the door for her. Sasuke caught her by her hand and pulled her back for one last kiss. "I'll see you later, ok?" He said, letting her go. She nodded, heading down the street, the sun filling her vision and hope rising high in her heart.
Things will be ok; I'm more than positive of it. HOLY SHIT! Just wait until everyone finds out! I'm going to marry Sasuke-kun!
Both Sakura and Sasuke thought silently to themselves, I'm thanking that star with everything I am right now…She/I said YES!
A/N: Hehehehehe. There was quite a bit of SasuSaku fluff in this one. I'll explain the things in the next chapter that I didn't get around to doing in this chapter.
I'm not done just yet, don't worry! I think that there are maybe one or two more chapters left. xD
Thank you's are going HERE from now on. I know you people just wanted me to shut up at the beginning, so here's my total and complete appreciated THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH to the fabulous reviewers!
lookupon scarletskies Yeah, her father fked with the WRONG shinobi, that's for sure! xD Buyo-Chans Hehe, yeah, Naruto almost did the job for ya girl! But he's gone now. Kinda sorting paving the way for GOOD things to happen to Sakura now. WOOT! narutofan4ever Hope you liked this chapter! Thanks for reviewing!Shinobi Darkbeak Thank you, I will do my best! hot-ninja-babe Oh believe me, this is almost done! xD Thanks for reviewing! snow-leopard-demon24 Sadly, yes. But have some hope because when one story comes to a close, another one is just starting. I have an idea for a future fic after I get done with this one and Stained Cherry Blossoms. Egyptian-Fire Hehehe. Yes, Sasuke-kun deserves a tomato. he hates sweets so saying he gets a cookie would just make him mad…xD Mezumi Uchiha Yeah, he had it coming to him, seriously. I dunno if what Sasuke-kun said to him in the prison had any effect on him at all. Guess we'll never know..xP He WAS a bastard though. Pink-Kunoichi-16 Yeah, she isn't hell-bent on it like Sasuke was in wanting to see Itachi die. But it was just enough of a hint to freak Sasuke out. Everything's ok now though, as you can tell…xD white-rosekiss More SasuSaku? GLADLY! xD Hope you liked this chapter! Pinstripe Teehehehe. Thanks a MILLION Pinstripe! Outsane Yep. Emotions are against being in the ninja-rule book. But we're all human. xD Black Rose Dye hehehe! Thank you so much! Hope this was good enough!sweetmaidenHai! I think our world today would be so much better off if we were short all those people on this planet who are like Tetsuki. Stupid loser meanie people. xP Thanks for reading! Magan LOL! Sorry it took me so long to update/ I had school crap I had to do this week. xP neon kun OMG, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. Your review made me feel so happy! I try my hardest with my stories and I'm always afraid people are going to hate them. Thank you so much for your continued support! You officially rule by my standards…xD MeiMeiPrettyFlower WEEEEEE! Yeah! xD Sad endings always make me feel uber depressed. I don't like feeling that way. So…HAPPY ENDINGS ALL THE TIME HERE! xD AnimexMusica lol, thank you! And Sakura doesn't follow that path for long. Thank you so much for reviewing! Raefire606 SHANNARO! Thank you so so so so very much! HeartAngel Hmm…I didn't really get to that too much in this chapter. But rest assured, I will explain it next chapter, I PROMISE! xD Thanks for sticking with me! kafwinn Yeah, I'm so sorry for making you wait longer. I edited this chapter three times, pulled a huge chunk of replacement story from another file that I'd wanted to add in later, and I had to make sure it all fit together before I updated. Thank you so much for reading! Blue Moiraine Sedai He did, didn't he? xD Don't worry, Naruto's ok. xD angel bathed in hell fire Aww, thank you so very much! I hope you liked this chapter! blackXheart NOO! Don't kill yourself! That bastard is DEAD! Don't worry! xP x.emri.x Wow. Just, wow. I can't believe you actually took that much time to review that long! Thank you so much for your advice. I took as much of it as I could and I incorporated. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing! inuyashababe44 Wow, are you serious? That really makes me feel honored. Thank you so much! Kiyumi Nazuma Yeah, I have actually. But it sucks cuz no such occupation exists. I share ALL my work with my mom we're really close and she tells me that she wants to send some of my stuff off to publishers and stuff. I always refuse cuz I never think my work is good enough. xP SabakuNoBrandye lol, I shall! Fear not! xD hehe, jk. Thanks for reading!
OK! So, it's coming to a close, but like I said, it's not completely done yet! Don't worry guys, I'd never leave you all hanging permanently. xD Hehehehe!
Thanks so much for reviewing!
