Say it Again
August: Far From Betrayal
"Say it again for me…"

"Ta-dah!" I exclaimed, smiling broadly as Sasuke blinked and eyed the box in my hands. "Happy monthsary!"

"You're…" he began, his tone sounding amused. "A day earlier."

I kept the smile on my face, even as a drop of sweat rolled down at the back of my head as my brain began to recall the past few days, as well as the date.

Sasuke half-smiled at me, still amused.

"No I'm not." I said stubbornly.

"Hn. Okay…" he unfolded his arms and took the box from me. "Let's pretend it's the 14th of August then."

"We don't need to, it is the 14th!" I insisted, pouting, even when he took my arm and led me to his kitchen.

"So, that means we've been together for six months."

"Yeah." I nodded smugly.

"And this is our fifth monthsary."

"Yep."

"I guess we could probably take this to the next level then?"

I blinked, flushing a bit when we finally reached the kitchen, but it was dark.

"What do you think?" he asked me, wrapping an arm around my waist and lowering his lips and nose to my neck.

"That depends…" I said, pressing my hands against his chest and gripping onto the fabric of his shirt. "What kind of step are you talking about?"

He switched on the lights, and my eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness of the room for a moment, and I squealed the moment I saw a small basket on the kitchen table, and in it was a puppy, sleeping.

"It's so cute!" I rushed towards it, eyeing its pure white fur. "What's the breed?"

"Would you believe… a white German shepherd?"

My eyes widened, and I immediately turned to Sasuke, seeing him smirking and eyeing the pup.

"Kiba's sister runs a pet store, and she reserved a pup for me."

"Oh…" I said, eyeing the puppy. "What's its name?"

"You're its owner, so you should give it a name."

I stiffened a bit, and then turned to Sasuke.

"What?" he asked.

"You mean… it's mine?"

"Aa." He walked over to me. "I was supposed to give it to you tomorrow, but you keep on insisting that it's our monthsary today, so…" he shrugged.

I smiled, and wrapped my arms around his waist from the side, head turned to the little pup that began to awaken. "Thank you."

"Hn." He kissed the side of my head. "Advance happy monthsary."

"It's funny," I said, eyeing the box that I gave him. "The gift I gave you and the gift you gave me…"

"Why?"

"Well, open yours!" I said giddily, inwardly praising myself for doing a neat job in wrapping it up despite doing so only a few minutes ago.

He nodded and unwrapped the box, raised a brow at me when he spotted the holes.

"Just open it!"

He pulled off the lid and peeked inside, and then laughed slightly at the sight.

"Well..?"

"You got me a cat…" he said, picking up the black kitten which had deep blue eyes. "Why?"

"First of all, it's still a baby cat, so it's a kitten. Secondly, you'll need company, and since you like silence or solitude most of the time, it's the perfect pet for you, since it only demands attention when it needs something." I paused and smiled. "If I got you a dog, you'll have to deal with its barking, its mess, and its teething stage."

"Hn, cats can be a handful too," he told me. "They can scratch furniture."

"I'm pretty sure you can handle the little guy."

He checked the gender of the kitten, and smirked. "Yours happens to be a boy too."

"Really?"

"I figured male dogs would provide better protection, and if the time comes for their mating season, you wouldn't have to worry about more puppies, I doubt your parents would be thrilled at the idea."

"Dad wouldn't mind, but my mom would be a different story," I grinned. "But since this puppy came from you, she'll make an exception."

"Hn."

I smiled as he handled the kitten with care. "He seems to like you."

"Yours wants to be held." He commented.

I picked up the white pup and grinned upon seeing its onyx colored orbs. "I'll call you Bolt!"

Sasuke raised a brow at me. "As in… the name of the dog from that Disney movie?"

"Yeah! I always wanted one after seeing that show, and thank you for giving me one!"

"Hn." He eyed the kitten. "I can't name this cat Mittens."

"Of course you can't!"

"I suck at naming."

"I'm sure you'll be okay."

"Wanna bet?" he smirked. "One time, Suigetsu, Karin, Juugo, and I were assigned for a mission, and I named us Team Hebi (Snake), afterwards, we were given another mission, and I named us Taka (Hawk/Falcon)."

"…Okay you suck."

I laughed when I placed Bolt down and ran off, Sasuke running after me after he set his kitten down.

"Get back here Sakura!"

"No way!" I yelled, giggling as I ran upstairs, leaning against the walls for support since I couldn't stop myself from laughing.

Sasuke still had that amused expression on his face, even if he pretended to be angry at me for saying he sucked at naming, but oh well!

"Heeeey! Stop it!" I said, still laughing when he caught me around my waist and began to tickle me. He smirked as I struggled and tried to break free. "Okay, okay! I'm sorry! But you said you were bad at naming!"

We finally dropped down to the floor, our backs against the wall as we caught our breaths, me still grinning while he just smirked a bit.

"So, where are we going tomorrow?" I asked, hugging his arm and resting my head on his shoulder.

"I was the one who decided on our last date, so it's your turn."

"…Can't I pass?"

"No."

I grumbled but decided to just let it go. "Hmm… we've been to an amusement park, watched movies loads of times, hung out here or at my place, we've also been to the beach, so…" I scrunched up my face, knowing for a fact that he was eyeing me, still amused. "I'm not in the mood for ice skating…" I murmured. "Hey! I know!" I grinned at him. "We'll go karaoke!"

And I didn't know how to react when I saw him stiffen.

Drat. I was so excited for karaoke night, but my boyfriend called around noon and said he needed to take the place of a teacher in the school he was working in.

"You didn't have to come you know."

I glanced at him when he sat down next to me on the log.

"I can tell how bored you are."

I just turned back to the firewood the little boys gathered earlier.

Apparently, the school hosts a camping trip once a year, and a class was assigned today – unfortunately, their original teacher couldn't make it since his wife just went into labor. It just so happens that Sasuke was the only one available for the day, so the school called him.

"Hey."

He poked me on the cheek lightly, and I scrunched up my face, and he smirked at that.

"Come on, at least we were allowed to bring Bolt with us, as well as my cat."

"Kitten." I corrected, and he just shrugged. "This isn't exactly a pretty romantic way to spend our monthsary…"

He sighed and looked at the kids who were enjoying their time playing with Bolt and Sasuke's nameless pet.

"I was pretty much looking forward to today." I murmured.

I nearly jumped when Sasuke cursed under his breath, loud enough for me to hear it, but not too loud for the kids to learn a new word.

"Stop making this any harder." He told me, turning to face me. "I couldn't just refuse the request! They were all looking forward to today as well Sakura."

He was trying to hold his temper, but I don't think he'll last long – I mean, how long has he been trying to be patient with me?

"So, what? The kids, and your job, are much more important than our monthsary?" I snorted.

"What?" He looked pretty surprised at what I just said, but the glare was still on his face. "What made you even think that way?!"

"The way you're acting right now was pretty much a dead giveaway!" I stood up, and he did as well. "Admit it, you're probably tempted to yell at me! Heck, if it weren't for your morals, you would have probably hit me already!"

"What has gotten into you?" I tried hard not to roll my eyes. "I understand that you're upset that this happened, but I expected you to at least understand!"

"I do understand! And at least understand how I feel about this!" I marched off, not wanting him to counter, but his hand suddenly grabbed my wrist and made me turn back to him, our faces dangerously close. "What?! I shouted back, glare still in tact, matching his.

"You are so annoying!" he said through gritted teeth, and I didn't expect his other hand to pull me towards him and make my lips touch his, and curse myself for giving in.

Damn Uchiha… always knows what to do to get me to calm down.

I mean, can you blame me?! He's a good kisser!

"Don't think," He said after pulling away, forehead against mine. "Don't even think for one second that I don't care about you, or about us." His eyes opened to narrowed slits, the dark orbs directed at me, and I couldn't look away. "If I didn't really care, do you think I'd ask if you want to come along? Heck I would have demanded you to come with me but I know how much you hate it when you're being ordered around!"

I think he's the one in need of calming down and not me.

"And… geez, I don't really like having to cancel on you, I'm not even relieved that we're not going to go… karaoke, despite how much I hate it, because… well… because…" He looked away. "Tch. You know…"

I smiled. "No, I don't."

He glared. "Don't even force me to say it."

I grinned. "Seriously, I don't know."

"Damn you." And he just decided to kiss me again.

Boy, this feels like grade school all over again!

"You sure you're alright?"

I nodded at Sasuke and looked back up front, biting my lower lip in the process.

The Test of Courage. Ugh. Hated that game then, and I still hate it now!

Why?

…

I'm afraid of ghosts.

"Look, if you're scared, just say so already."

"I am not!" I said stubbornly, looking back at a pair of kids who held hands tightly and were both looking pretty scared. "I'm just… cold. Yeah, cold." I lied, forcing Sasuke to believe that my shivering was the cause of the sudden drop of temperature tonight.

He raised a brow at me, and I swear I know the one-sided smirk will come up next, and yes, he smirked at me, one side of his lips raised to prove its existence. Damn you.

"I swear!" I hissed, looking back at the kids, hoping they didn't hear. "I'm just cold."

"Hn." He turned back to the kids, afterwards, discarded his dark blue jacket and wrapped it around me. "So I guess you'll stop shaking now."

I glared. He still smirked.

"Oh fine," I muttered. "I'm scared."

His arms were suddenly around my waist from behind, and he pulled me towards him, my back firmly pressed against his upper body. "Still scared?"

For some strange reason, my answer is…

"No," I whispered. "Not anymore…"

His lips pressing on my cheek just made me smile.

"Sensei..?"

We both turned to see the same kids who were frightened earlier staring at us.

"What are you and ne-chan doing there..?" The other one asked, both of them staring at us wide eyed.

"Well…" I tried to say something, but couldn't, since they were asking Sasuke, not me.

"And why does she have your jacket? And why are you hugging her? And why-"

The annoying little boy found his mouth covered by the hand of the sweet little girl, who just turned into an annoying brat when she gave a not-so-innocent smile.

"Sensei… are you and ne-chan… cuddling?"

I never really did like kids...

"Okay…" Sasuke began when he finished checking attendance. "We're down to our final activity, and that is to see how each one of you will react to a challenge given to you, or if you're brave enough and honest enough to answer a question."

I sat still, listening as he explained how the game of Truth or Dare would go.

"Sensei!" one girl raised her hand, so Sasuke nodded to her, and she grinned. "It would be much more fun if you and ne-chan can join too!"

…What do you know? It's the same brat from earlier!

"It's fine with me, but I don't know about your ne-chan." He glanced at me and smiled slightly, and the other kids turned to me with pleading eyes that I just couldn't resist.

I may dislike kids, but I still love them anyway. They're just too adorable.

"Um… sure." I said, sweat dripping from the side of my head as I smiled at them, and they all cheered.

"Alright," Sasuke said, still standing across from me with the boys, who all didn't like sitting too close to girls. "Who wants to go first?"

Several little hands flew up, and Sasuke had a hard time on who to pick, but he settled for the usually quiet girl of the class – or so I've observed since the camping trip started.

"Okay sensei," she began. "Truth or Dare?"

I glanced at Sasuke, seeing him grin. "Dare."

Well, how bad could a kid dare someone anyway?

"I dare you…" she grinned, and it was not the kind of smile I wanted to see. "To kiss ne-chan!"

"Whoa whoa!" I said, forming an 'X' with my arms. "Let's keep things a little… conservative, ne?" I laughed nervously, but the kids all pouted and shook their heads. Heck! Even the boys wanted Sasuke to fulfill the dare.

"Come on sensei! Ne-chan!" A boy cried out. "It's just a kiss! You two have been doing that earlier!"

Damn little brats! They were so not playing with Bolt! They were watching Sasuke and me kissing!

"Alright."

I gaped at Sasuke as he walked over to me.

"S-Sasuke…" I stuttered, blushing when he bent down to be in eye level with me.

He smiled slightly. "It's not a pretty bad or hard dare." He said, and I felt some parts of his bangs touch my face and forehead when he tilted his head slightly to the left and leaned in, brushing his lips with mine for about a second or two, before pulling away, and I heard the kids cheering and clapping.

"Sayako," he called a little girl. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare sensei!" She said happily.

Sasuke smirked. "Give Chiharu a peck on the cheek."

The girl blushed, and the targeted boy gaped. "Sensei! Nooo! I don't want cooties!"

The other guys teased him, while the other girls encouraged Sayako to go to Chiharu.

"Rules are rules." Sasuke said, the smirk still on his face, and he glanced at me to give a sneaky wink, and I had to giggle.

I never considered Truth or Dare to be an exciting game with kids, but it was actually fun – I actually found myself enjoying this trip.

Let's see…

Earlier, I assisted Sasuke in teacher the kids how to set up tents, and even went with the girls to pick up a few berries. We also went to a lake nearby, and even enjoyed ghost stories after the game of Truth or Dare, since the kids didn't want to sleep just yet, so Sasuke resorted to scaring them about how ghosts would appear and get a child who isn't asleep soon.

I have to hand it to my boyfriend; he's not a hundred percent soldier after all.

"The ghost might get you, you know."

I smiled and looked up at him, seeing him come out from a Sayako's tent, since the little girl was too scared and refused to sleep, even if she had her "buddy" with her.

It was cute how Sasuke suggested that he wait till she falls asleep.

"As if you'd let anyone get me." I shot back.

"Hn." He sat down next to me on the log, and I snuggled into his arms. "Sorry about today."

"Don't be," I said, closing my eyes halfway. "I enjoyed this trip, I'm just a spoiled brat."

"Far from it." He whispered, kissing my temple. "Where's Bolt?"

"Chiharu took Bolt with him, says he'll sleep better," I smiled. "He even took your nameless kitten, just in case."

"You know," he said. "Maybe you ought to name my pet."

"No," I said, grinning. "You can do it, I know you can."

"Fine…" He looked up at the sky and smirked. "Yoru."

I raised my head to see the sky, knowing that he meant the word "night".

"What do you think?"

"It's a start," I murmured, looking at him as he looked down at me. "And someday, you'll be naming our babies." I grinned, and he just smirked.

"How many do you plan on having?"

"Hmm…" I thought about it. "At least two, I actually want twins you know, a boy and a girl."

"And if we don't have twins?"

"It's okay, but I want two, at least." I leaned my head onto him again. "It's lonely being an only child."

I could tell his expression softened, so he kissed my cheek, making me look at him.

"Is that why… you always defended Riku, even if what he did was wrong?"

I lowered my head, nodding once.

"You were lonely."

"Yeah, I was." I turned back to him. "But not anymore."

And we shared another kiss.

"Get some sleep." He murmured later on, and I nodded, wrapping the blanket around us better. "I'll be here, so don't worry."

"Yeah," I whispered, snuggling to him. "I know."

"You spent your monthsary with Sasuke camping..?"

"It was fun." I admitted, closing up the flower shop of Ino's family. "I actually got to see how he acts with kids."

"Slow down there Sakura, you both haven't reached a year in your relationship yet." Ino teased.

"Well, it's funny." I said, smiling. "He even asked me how many kids I wanted to have someday."

"Did he?"

"Yeah," I stepped out of the shop with Ino following. "Riku always avoided the topic, but Sasuke… he actually took the initiative to ask me."

"That could only mean he aims to be with you till the end."

"I know, and…" I looked up at the stars. "I'm glad."

"So, is he picking you up or not?"

"Hm?" I blinked, and then got what Ino was asking about. "Oh, not today, his parents asked him to come over."

Ino raised a brow at me. "I know that guy, so tell me how you talked him into not picking you up."

I giggled. "I told him I'm hitching a ride with you."

"Sakura! Why didn't you tell me?! I could have rescheduled my date with-"

"Relax!" I cut her off. "Enjoy the night with Shino! My place isn't that far, and the night is still young."

Ino looked at me for a while, skeptic about leaving me alone, but it didn't last long since Shino arrived with his car to pick her up. "Can we at least give you a ride instead?"

"No." I said, declining her offer, and then turning to wave at Shino, who also offered to take me home, but again, I refused.

"Last chance Sakura." Shino called as soon as Ino got into the front seat.

"Just go, I'll be fine."

"Send me a message once you get home, alright?"

"Sure Ino." I said, waving goodbye to them as they drove off.

I then began my way back home, softly humming a tune to accompany myself with as I passed by stores that closed, and a few people who were rushing to catch the bus, or perhaps go elsewhere.

It took about five minutes for me to realize that I was actually taking the long way home, but I shrugged it off and continued on, enjoying the silence, despite how awkward I feel with it at most times.

"Hey."

I stopped in my tracks when my ex greeted me about five feet before me.

"Uh… hi." He said, looking down.

I narrowed my eyes. "Hi and goodbye." And walked pass him, but his hand grabbed my arm to stop me, and surprisingly, it wasn't a hard grip. "Let go."

"Can we… talk?" he asked.

His voice sounded strained, and I glanced at him to his head still lowered, and his eyes half-closed.

"I want a closure." He added. "At least I can properly move on."

"…You sure that's what you really want?" I scoffed, tugging my arm free. "How do I know this isn't one of your plots to get back?"

He sighed. "It's been months, Sakura." He told me. "And I can tell that you're really happy with… Sasuke, was it?"

Hmm… tone of voice, normal; no acid or hatred on the name of my current boyfriend.

"So… can we just… talk and end things properly?"

I sighed, narrowed my eyes, and then looked at him. "Is this going to take long?"

"Give or take, an hour or less, if you're that uncomfortable with me."

"Make it thirty minutes."

"Alright." He said, glancing at his house, which I only noticed now.

Okay, did I unconsciously take the long route home as an old habit when walking back because it passes by his house?!

"I'm actually surprised to see you pass here, you know." He told me, leading me inside, as I hesitantly stepped in. "I thought for sure you'd avoid this route."

"Yeah well, I see no harm in it, I didn't think you'd actually be home anyway."

He looked at me for a moment, before sitting on the couch and asking me to take a seat – which, again, I hesitantly did so.

"So…" he began, while I discreetly sent a message to Ino to inform her of my whereabouts. "How are you..?"

"I'm doing fine," I said. "I'm a lot happier you know."

"I can tell, I've been an ass."

"Right you are." I said, still not looking at him.

"Well, sorry about everything I did, but just know that…" I dared to meet his gaze, and for the first time, I actually saw my reflection in his eyes. "I did love you, and I was afraid to lose you, and I was really temperamental."

I didn't blush, thank God, but I cursed myself for having goosebumps at what he said.

"Do you mind?" he asked, leaning closer. "I just… want a last kiss from you."

I began to panic after he said that.

"I can understand if you don't trust me right now, but… just this one last time," he begged. "Please, Sak…"

His pet name for me… it's tugging onto my heartstrings, and I don't understand why.

"Just a final kiss goodbye." He pleaded.

"…No, Riku." I told him, looking away when he was near enough to touch my lisp with his. "I'm with Sasuke, I can't let you kiss me, nor do I want to kiss you, because it would appear as if I'm cheating on him."

"Maybe a hug then?" he asked, hopeful.

"Um… hey, I better go…" I quickly stood up and rushed to the door, but before I could reach it, Riku had suddenly wrapped his arms around me from behind, pulling me to him. "R-Riku! Let go!"

"Goodbye." He said softly, but he still held me.

So he was serious…

He wasn't planning anything, he just wanted a closure, he just wanted a last hug…

"No funny business..?"

"No." He answered, and I relaxed a bit. "Just something serious."

And I didn't know how to react when he suddenly forced me on the ground.

"You may have been skeptic, but as always, you will eventually let your guard down, and you are easily fooled."

"Riku… let go!" I struggled, but he flipped me on my back and straddled my hips to minimize my movements. "Let go!"

"You keep forgetting how many sources I have, so I knew you're alone, and no one can save you right now."

"Let go!" I demanded, glaring. "Let me go! Damn it!"

"I told you I'd get back at you, and what better way than to force myself on you?" he pinned my arms at either side of my head and leaned down. "It gets better, actually, because I've installed a few cameras here, and it's recording us at this very moment." He smirked at me. "And I'd be glad to send it to your boyfriend, and maybe even get him killed."

"Don't even think about it you asshole!" I yelled, still struggling. "Let me go you bastard!"

"Not until I'm through with you." He moved until he held my hands with one of his, while his other free hand pulled apart my shirt, causing the buttons to fly off and reveal my bra and upper body to him.

"Riku! Don't!"

He didn't heed me and just proceeded in undressing me in a harsh way – ripping and tearing some of my clothes as I continued to struggle in hopes of slowing him down.

I need help right now, I really do…

I stirred a bit, wondering why it was so warm and soft in my current position, but then, it also felt as if I'm wearing nothing…

"…Riku." My eyes shot wide open, and I instantly sat up, breathing hard as I checked my surroundings, almost giving myself a whiplash from the sudden movements I made.

Where am I? What had happened? How did I pass out or even got here?

I looked down at myself, sighing in relief when I saw that I was clothed in a loose shirt, but I wasn't in my room, so I couldn't relax just yet.

Again, I checked my surroundings, spotting a closed door, a shut window, an air conditioner switched on, and another door that probably led to the bathroom.

Turning to my left, I spotted a desk, the objects on top of it arranged neatly, and a flat screen computer – ahem. Apple brand – was next to it.

Wait. I know where I am. Shit.

"Calm yet?"

I turned to my right to see a pair of dark eyes staring at me, looking cold, but still quite inviting.

"How did I…" I trailed off when he handed me a glass of water. Looks like I've been out for hours, since my throat felt so dry. "What happened..?" I asked afterwards, him taking the empty glass from me without getting up from the chair he placed next to his bed.

"You tell me."

I flinched at his tone.

"I received a message from Ino, and I was expecting her to tell me that she already took you home, and for me not to worry," he narrowed his eyes. "I didn't expect her to tell me to save you from Riku." He turned away from me when he said my ex's name, brows furrowed and clenched fists shaking. "You said you'd hitch a ride with Ino, and I trusted you, but what happened?" he turned to me, and I was taken aback by his glare. "I find you in Riku's place, passed out because he made you inhale chloroform!" he lowered his head, glaring at the floor.

I remained silent, and I stiffened when he raised his head to look at me.

"To make things worse, you told Ino where you were, not me."

I kept my mouth shut.

"Did you plan on telling me?"

I lowered my head.

"Did you?"

He sounded angry, and maybe he had every right to be.

"God," he said, placing a hand on his forehead and bringing it down after a few moments. "Do you have any idea what could have happened to you?!"

"And do you have any idea what he would have done to you?!" I shot back, daring to look at him as tears trickled down from my eyes. "He would have killed you!"

"Sakura…" his voice had softened, so I held my gaze in his. "What makes you think I care about my life if yours is on the line?"

"I… could ask you the same thing." I said softly, letting him pull me into his embrace.

"Don't lie to me." He said, and he sounded so desperate. "Don't ever lie to me."

I just gave a nod and closed my eyes.

"And for the record," he pulled away. "Riku wouldn't be able to take me down even if he willed himself to," he looked to the side. "He relies too much on ganging up people."

I just smiled and shook my head. "You saved me again."

"You have a knack for getting into trouble," he shrugged. "So I have to stick by you to keep you out of it."

"Not all the time."

He raised a brow at me and smirked.

"Okay, fine… I attract trouble, a lot."

"Hn." He leaned his lips to my forehead. "You wouldn't be you if that isn't the case."

"Yeah but… I hope I won't pass it down to my future kids someday."

He poked my nose lightly and smiled as he leaned his forehead against mine, eyes half-closed. "Don't you mean… our kids?"

I looked up at him.

"So… twins, right?"

I giggled and snuggled closer.

"Should you name them, or should I?"

"I'll name one, you name the other."

"Hn." He smirked at me, and then pulled me back to lie down on top of him. "Are you sure you're going to trust my naming skills?"

"I see no reason to not trust you." I grinned. "Besides, they'll be carrying your last name, not mine."

He twitched. "Very funny."

And I just giggled.

To be continued…

September: Duty and Honor

I looked up despite the tears that spilled, afterwards, forced a smile. "You will… come back, right?"

He glanced to the side, eyeing the sunset, remaining quiet for a moment.

"You will, right? And then…" I hiccupped, and struggled to keep my smile. "And then we'll… get married, and have kids… twins… and you'll name one… and…"

He pulled me into his arms.

"Just come back!" I yelled, wrapping my arms around him, and I felt him embrace me tighter. "Promise you'll come back!"

"I love you."

My eyes widened. "Sasuke…"

"Bye, Sakura..."

"Cause I love the way it feels…"

A/N: I'll start running and hiding now… and well, ugh… I'm sorry for the rushed chapter – but the August part is basically this short. Sorry. I didn't want to add more fillers… and I did say I'd update before the month ends.