Chapter 10: A Date to Remember

A/N: Hi everyone! I'm sorry it's been so long since I last updated. I just finished finals and I'm in the process of regaining all of the sleep that I have lost throughout this semester. Anyways, I promise that my stories haven't been dropped and I will be updating asap since I'm free for a month. On that note, one of the readers asked if the final pair will be SasuSaku. The answer is yes, but there will be some twists :) I hope everyone enjoys this chapter!

Sasuke quickly made his way over to the infirmary to check on the members who had returned. All thoughts of Sakura were pushed to the back of his mind as he slide the dojo door open.

"Naruto?"

"Oi, Sasuke! Get this chick away from me."

The scene that awaited Sasuke had him yearning a cigarette. Naruto was currently trying to fight off one of the female nurses that was threatening him with a needle. Muttering a curse Sasuke turned on his heel and was seriously pondering if he could go back to Sakura's place.

"Teme!"

Naruto's boisterous voice squashed that thought immediately.

"Shut up Dobe. Get treated and head over to my quarters. We need to have a talk."

Sasuke's tone had Naruto pausing his ongoing struggle with the nurse. Tilting his head to get a better look at Sasuke over the nurse's shoulder, a small smile began to replace the grimace he was wearing earlier.

"How's Sakura-chan?"

Immediately Sasuke straightened his back and turned to glare at Naruto. The grin on his face only served to irk Sasuke. In two short strides, Sasuke grabbed the needle from the nurse and stabbed it in Naruto's arm.

"Bastard!"

"Hn."

Naruto glared at Sasuke's retreating back as he waited for the nurse to finish patching him up. His injuries were mostly superficial wounds but that didn't stop the damn woman or Sasuke for that matter, from injecting him with a shot of whatever weird medicine that supposedly prevents infections. Grumbling to himself, Naruto quickly chased after Sasuke.

"What the hell was that for?"

"You were taking too long."

"Yeah right, you were just embarrassed because I caught you thinking about Sakura. Hell, I saw the tips of your ears getting red."

"Tch."

Unconsciously, Sasuke lifted his fingers to brush against his ears as if to confirm whether or not what Naruto had said was true. Deciding it was best to ignore him, Sasuke reached his room and slid the screen door open. Not waiting for Naruto, he walked over to his desk and quickly searched through the drawers until he found what he was looking for.

"What is that?"

Naruto eyed the beaten journal that Sasuke was frantically flipping through. His curiosity peaked when he noticed a frown forming on Sasuke's face. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Naruto walked over to Sasuke and grabbed the book from his hands before skimming the passage that Sasuke was reading.

"Oi, is this?"

"Yeah, it was Itachi's old journal. He used to document every meeting and conversations he had with the other heads. When I was talking to Sakura earlier, she mentioned that she was actually engaged to Itachi due to an agreement between Kizashi and my brother. Apparently that was the catalyst that started the Naka incident."

Naruto's usually lively blue eyes were flat as he tore his gaze away from the page to face Sasuke.

"Explain."

Sasuke motioned for Naruto to sit as he began to retell Sakura's story. Throughout the entire story, Naruto's gaze remain fixated on Sasuke. After the tale was completed, the two remained silent, allowing the information to sink in and take root. Minutes passed until Naruto rose from his seat and turned away from Sasuke.

"Naruto..."

"To think she was able to overcome all of that and still smile. You chose a pretty amazing girl, Sasuke."

Ebony eyes widened in response as Naruto's beaming smile greeted him. This wasn't the response that he had expected.

"Aren't you..."

"What, upset? There really is no reason to be."

"Explain."

Naruto sighed in response as he absentmindedly scratched his cheek.

"The way I see it, Furido's group is the one responsible for the entire massacre not Sakura. Who could blame Kizashi for rebutting Kazuma? Besides, even if I redirect my hatred to the girl, she has already suffered enough. Losing her eyesight, witnessing her mother being killed before her and bearing the guilt that is was her fault that her mother died...I'm amazed she can even smile."

Sasuke took a minute to process what Naruto was saying and realized that he was correct. To have to go through all of that at once, any sane person would've tried to kill themselves. Yet, she is still able to smile from the bottom of her heart.

Naruto watched as a gentle smile replaced Sasuke's usually somber expression. It was blatantly obvious that he was infatuated with the girl, making it that much more difficult to hate her.

"Plus, she probably blamed herself at one point for the entire incident, knowing her personality."

"Hn."

A chuckle filled in the room as Naruto watched Sasuke's expression switch from a gentle smile to one of annoyance. He had never seen Sasuke this expressive and he was going to enjoy every moment of it, but first...

"Although I am able to cast aside the silly notion that Sakura is at fault, the other members may not see it the same way. Even though you have spent a year regaining their trust, you already know that they are only following you because you promised them vengeance. If they found out that the entire incident was due to Sakura's rejection..."

"They will probably demand her life after they have taken Kazuma's."

"Exactly."

"Which is why I want you to take Itachi's journal and tell Kisame to hide it. There is a section that talks about the conversation between Itachi and Kizashi before the massacre. If it gets out..."

"I understand."

"For once."

"Shut up."

"After that is complete, prep another group to head out. I want district seven to fall under our control by tomorrow. Soon Kazuma will be limited to only district three and Naka. Once we obtain three, it will be time for the full frontal assault on Naka. As of now, Sakura has given us a month to obtain our vengeance."

"More than enough time."

"Yes, but Kazuma is a wild card. He isn't going to be sitting around while we collect the districts. He will make his move soon."

"True. We will do our best."

"Just be careful Naruto."

Naruto ran his fingers through his hair as he smiled ruefully at Sasuke.

"When am I not? Ne, Sasuke, don't you sometimes wish everything would just end?"

"Hn...dying is easy Naruto, the real difficulty is trying to live."

"Spouting words of wisdom at 24?"

"We have seen and done too much to be considered young. Besides, 24 is pretty old considering the lifestyle we lead."

"Fair enough. So how are things going with Sakura?"

"We have a date tonight."

"What the hell? While I'm off kicking ass you get to go on a date. Life isn't fair."

"Hn."

"Well, if your amazing personality doesn't scare her off, tell her I'm available to show her what it's like to date a real guy."

Naruto nimbly dodged the tanto that was coming straight at him. With a wave, Naruto walked out of the room before Sasuke could find something else to throw at him.

"Looks like I was right, he's serious about her."

A chuckle filled the hallway as Naruto headed out to meet the others. It was going to be a long night.

"Shit, shit, shit! What am I going to do Ino?"

The blonde hair vixen chuckled as she watched her friend lose her composure. It wasn't often she got to see Sakura this rattled. With a quick toss of her hair, Ino continued to rummage through Sakura's closet. She was on a mission to find an awesome outfit for Sakura's date tonight.

"Ino!"

"Would you relax Sakura? After all that you have told me, it isn't surprising that you are starting to fall for the guy. What's the problem anyway? I have seen Sasuke and he is pretty good looking."

Sakura bite her lip in response as she ran her fingers through her slightly damp hair.

"But, I'm engaged and all the crap that is going on right now with the different groups..."

Ino sighed as she walked over to her friend, tossing the outfit she had chosen on the bed. Gently she pulled Sakura towards her for a hug.

"I know we have been raised to sacrifice everything for the group, but that isn't a way to life our life. It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Your 'engagement' is on standby and if Sasuke's plan works out, you won't have to marry Sasori at all."

"True, but what about Kakashi?"

"What about Kakashi?"

"You know that I have loved him for some time now."

"I don't think that love you hold for Kakashi, is the same as the one you are developing towards Sasuke."

"What do you mean?"

"Kakashi has always been by your side and I know he was the one to pick you up when you were at your lowest, but the feelings you have towards him are more familial than anything. He makes you feel safe while Sasuke..."

"Makes my heart race. I see what you mean. Thank goodness I have you as a friend."

"I know right! Now come on, we have to get you ready."

"Really Ino, thank you."

Ino's expression softened as she looked at her childhood friend.

"Of course Sakura. I no longer have ties to the yakuza lifestyle, which means my concern is about your own happiness, not what is beneficial to the group. Crap! We better hurry or else you are going to keep your date waiting."

"Ok, let's do this."

A knock on the door had Ino squealing in excitement. With sigh, Sakura waited for Ino to put the final touches on her makeup before answering the door.

"How do I look?"

"Gorgeous."

It wasn't difficult for Ino to compliment Sakura, because it was the truth. Dressed in a knee-length, white laced dress that blossomed out beneath her, Sakura looked angelic. Her hair was loosely curled and tied in a sloppy side bun, with wisps of hair framing her heart shaped face. Ino had went easy on the makeup, only adding a light gloss to Sakura's lips which made them shimmer in the light. With a satisfied smile, Ino looped her arm through Sakura's and began guiding her to the door. She couldn't wait to see Sasuke's expression! With a giggle, Ino pulled the door open and was greeted with a picturesque view of Sasuke, dressed in a pair of black slacks with a dark blue long sleeve button up that wasn't buttoned around his neck. This gave Ino a perfect view of pale, toned skin that had her wishing she was single again.

"Where's Sakura?"

His voice broke Ino out of her ogling of the man. Quickly, she composed herself and pushed Sakura to the door.

Sasuke's eyes widened as he took in the sight before him. Sakura was pretty, that was already confirmed from the countless encounters they had, but today, she looked so pure and innocent, it was hard to believe she was the daughter of one of the strongest yakuza heads in Konoha.

Ino smiled as she took in the sight of a astonished Sasuke as he continued to stare at Sakura. She couldn't help but feel a little envious as she watched a look of admiration replace Sasuke's usual cool expression that she had seen from the few times they had ran into each other.

"Are you just going to keep on staring at her or do you plan to take her out soon?"

"Ino!"

It was fun to see a blush coloring Sakura's pale cheeks. With a chuckle, Ino pushed the two out the door.

"Have fun you two, and try not to stay out to late."

"INO!"

Sakura could hear Ino's laughter as she closed the door shut behind her. With a quick shake of her head, she turned to face the direction she assumed her date was standing.

"Sorry."

"For what?"

"The way Ino was acting, and what she said..."

Gently Sasuke reached out a wrapped his hand around Sakura's and began leading her down the stairs. The contact made Sakura's heart start racing. She tried to compose herself as she focused on trying to follow Sasuke.

"No need, what she said was the truth."

The blush that had stained her cheeks earlier was once again coloring her pale skin. Deciding it was best to change the subject, she asked, "Where are we going?"

"Trust me."

"Hm...don't give me a reason not to."

Sasuke spared a glance at her before responding.

"I would never."

Sakura was surprised by the conviction that Sasuke held when he spoke those three words. A smile played on her lips as continued to allow Sasuke to guide her to their destination.

Ino absentmindedly hummed a song as she continued to gather all of her belongings. It was getting late and she still had to go home and make dinner for Sai. As she continued to check off items from her mental checklist, a knock on the door broke her from her concentration. Furrowing her brow, Ino made her way to the door. It had only been a few minutes since the two lovebirds had left. Did she forget something? Not even bothering to check who was at the door, Ino opened the door and was surprised to see an unknown man standing before her.

"Haruno Sakura?"

Her sense were on high alert as she took in the gruff man's appearance. She could immediately identify him as yakuza, but from which group?

"Who is asking?"

A mouth full of gleaming white teeth was the only response Ino received as she felt something hit her on the back of her neck. The world grew dark as she collapsed to the ground. Quickly, the man picked up the fallen girl and held her to him before pulling out his cell phone.

"Boss, I got the girl."

"Bring her to me."

"Alright."

With an audible click, the man hung up before closing the door to the apartment. Muttering a curse, he proceeded to carry the unconscious woman down the stairs to the car awaiting them.

"We're here."

"Where is here?"

Sasuke smiled as he held the car door open for Sakura. He watched her expression as she tried to figure out where he had taken her.

The sound of running water took Sakura by surprise as she tried to picture where she was at. Fresh air embraced her, carrying the faint scent of grass and trees. It didn't take that long to reach the place from her apartment and the only area that had a water source was...

"We are at the Naka river. What an interesting choice."

Sasuke arched an eyebrow in response.

"What do you mean?"

"Hmm , from what I remember, when I used to go on dates, guys would try to take me to the flashiest places where they could show off their wealth and connections. It was actually comical now that I think about it..."

Sakura's voice trailed off as she allowed herself to be engulf in past memories. In doing so, Sasuke was internally displeased as he examined her blissful expression. Was she thinking about some past lover? Kakashi? Or someone else entirely?

"Too bad they all turned out to be idiots."

"Hn."

Sakura could tell something was off by the sound of Sasuke's "hn." Chuckling quietly to herself, she reached out and gently touched him.

"Don't worry, I'm not comparing you to them. Besides, that was when I was younger, before I became blind."

Curiosity peaked, Sasuke couldn't helped but ask, "You didn't date after the incident?"

"Who would want to date a blind girl? Plus, I wasn't in a good place at the time so dating was the last thing on my mind."

Thinking he was broaching on a touchy topic, Sasuke decided it was time to change location. Walking to the back of the car, he pulled out the dinner that he had packed for them. Slamming the trunk shut, Sasuke returned to Sakura's side and started leading her to one of his favorite spots.

"I usually come here to think and get away from it all."

"Oh? It does seem like a perfect area to do so. Describe it to me."

He was temporally silent as he processed her request.

"Hm...there are a vast amount of lush green trees that surround the river bank. The water is usually a clear blue, but since it is getting dark, it will soon become a mirror for the moon. If you listen closely, you can hear the trickling of the mini waterfalls that are created by clusters of stones. There are a few fishes that swim near the surface, and in the daytime, their brightly colored scales glisten in the water."

Sakura closed her eyes and allowed Sasuke's voice to paint the image before her. She could clearly imagine the lake and the different surroundings before her. Another smile formed on her lips as she reopened her eyes , ending the illusion that Sasuke had created for her.

"Very poetic. I could clearly picture the area. Thank you."

A light blush colored Sasuke's cheeks as he murmured welcome. The two stopped walking near the bank of the river. Quickly, Sasuke set up the picnic, allowing the two of them to settle down and begin indulging in the delights that he had brought with him. In between bites, small conversation ensued and it was easy to see a comfortable air surround the two.

"I haven't had so much fun in a while. Thank you, again."

" That's twice you have thanked me in one setting. "

Sakura arched a pink eyebrow in Sasuke's general direction.

"I'm demonstrating my gratitude."

Gently, Sasuke reached a hand out to brush a few strands of pink hair from Sakura's face, slowly he leaned towards her, just stopping before he was inches away from her lips. Sasuke watched in amusement as a small blush began to form on Sakura's cheeks, before placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

"That's how you should demonstrate your gratitude."

Although Sakura was blushing furiously, she couldn't help but quip, "Should I thank every man I meet in that sense ?"

"No, you are only allowed to do so with me."

His reply was so swift that she couldn't help the laughter that escaped her lips.

"Ah, you mean if I want to do so."

"Hn."

"I'll consider it, but I'll reward you in a different way for today. There has been a question you have been meaning to ask me. I will answer as truthfully as possible so ask me."

Sasuke was surprised that she had noticed, and was hesitant in asking her.

"Well?"

"How are you able to smile after all that has happened to you?"

"Heh, good question."

A rueful smile was forming on Sakura's lips as she turned away from Sasuke.

"Earlier, when I said I wasn't in a good place after the incident, what I meant was, I was very close to killing myself."

Sasuke was shocked by this revelation but he could understand why she had felt that way. After the Naka incident, he was close to doing the same, but the insatiable need for vengeance kept him from doing so.

"When I had first woken up, I was surrounded by darkness. I was scared and had no idea what had happened. I was lucky Kakashi was there by side. He relied the events and allowed me to breakdown in front of him. I spent 6 months in the hospital, trying to adjust to losing my sight and the entire time I was there, I felt like I was a prisoner. A majority of time was spent reliving the moment my mother died while the other half was wasted on the guilt I felt for interfering with the fight. I kept thinking, what if I hadn't stepped in, maybe my mom would still be alive right now. It wasn't an easy place to be in, I was essentially driving myself insane, to the point where I wanted to take my life."

Sakura had paused and was taking a deep breath to compose herself. Sensing her need for some sort of support, Sasuke pulled her towards him engulfing her in a hug. Silently the two remained locked in an embrace before Sakura pulled away from him to continue her story.

"I was lucky that Kakashi was there with me. He had walked in one night while I was contemplating my death. I still don't know how Kakashi knew what I planned to do, but he roughly pulled me in his arms and embraced me. It is funny now that I think about it, Kakashi was hugging me while lecturing me on why it was a bad idea for me to kill myself. I believe his exact words where 'death is the easy way out, living is the true test'. Of course that didn't help me at all at the time, but what Kakashi said next really had me rethinking my death wish."

"What did he say?"

" 'Why dirty your mother's death by taking your own life? After all, she sacrificed her own to make sure you were able to live.' " That statement really got to me and I realized that Kakashi was right. I couldn't spend my life thinking what if I had done this or what if I hadn't done this. It was no way to live, and my mother's death would've been done in vain. After that day, Kakashi and I started working on getting my life back together. He was there for me when I started to learn how to adjust to my loss of vision, and he hasn't left my side since. I love him because of that."

Sasuke stiffened as he heard Sakura's love confession. He could feel a part of him break inside as he listened to the girl he was falling for profess her love for another. Slowly he withdrew from her, a blank expression in place, hiding the pain that he was feeling. Just as he was about to release her from his embrace, he felt a hand stop him. Surprised, Sasuke looked up to see Sakura's unfocused gaze aimed towards him.

"Wait, let me finish."

Sasuke fixed his ebony eyes on her as he complied to her request.

"The love I feel towards Kakashi is strictly familial, it can't compare to the feelings I am developing for another."

A glimmer of hope flickered back to life as Sasuke continued to examine the woman before him.

"Tell me about these feelings that you are developing for this person."

Slowly Sakura smiled in response before taking Sasuke's hand and placing it against her chest. He could feel her strong heartbeat, pick up its pace, making his own quicken in response to the gesture. The two remained in their intimate position, allowing the steady rhythm of each other's heartbeat to quell them into a peaceful silence.

A vibration broke the two from their reverie. Quickly, the two scrambled away from each other, both of them sporting a furious blush as they realized the position they were in. The incessant vibration continued, making Sakura realize that it was her own phone that was ringing. Surprise was clear as day on her face as she answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Sakura? Do you know where Ino is? It's been a few hours and she still hasn't returned home."

A dreadful sensation begin to fill Sakura, eradicating the warmth and joy she had experienced earlier.

"Have you tried her cell Sai?"

"Many times, but it just goes to voicemail. I even stopped by your apartment, but no one was there. I'm worried something might have happened to her."

Panic began to take over, but Sakura quickly squashed. She needed to focus on the problem at hand.

"Alright, I'll be returning home right now Sai. Don't worry, I promise I will find her."

"Please hurry."

With that Sakura hung up the phone and began dialing another number. Within seconds, a deep voice could be heard from the other end.

"What's wrong?"

"I need you to go over to my apartment and see if there has been any signs of a kidnapping or a breaking in. Bring Asuma and three other guys with you. I'll meet you at my place."

"Alright."

Sakura was thankful that Kakashi didn't question her request.

"We need to go, now."

Sasuke already had a majority of the items packed up and was by her side in an instant.

"What happened?"

"My best friend is missing."