*The Bridge Between Time*

Disclaimer:

I don't own Naruto!

CHAPTER TEN

What's to Come?

Newly wed life with Sasuke was in fact, lovely. Sakura was more than overjoyed everyday. They spent day after day together, loving one another, in more ways than one. They had become so engrossed in each other at one point that Naruto and Hinata would get embarrassed and all too often they were shielding Bolt's eyes from their intimate encounters.

Things on the outside of the castle only got better each day. There were some days that the darkness never even came and the land only remained beautiful and full of life. This kept Sakura happy and in turn, the Uchiha as well. He didn't give her a hard time when she wanted to explore and she didn't even think about going to the front of the castle.

Since they married, there had only been two attacks on the castle and they were less forceful than ever before. When Sasuke would return, he hadn't even so much as broke a sweat. Even so, Sakura still worried about him and prayed everyday for it all to end completely so they could live as much of a normal life as possible. Though for the most part, it had become normal for Sakura, she still knew that things just weren't right. She just didn't care anymore as long as she was by Sasuke's side.

Sasuke had been spending a lot of time doing what he told her was "research" and Sakura never pushed him for details, even though she was beyond curious as to what he could have been looking into. She supposed if he thought she should know, he would tell her and she felt if it was important enough, he would indeed tell her when the time was right, or when he had the information that he was searching for.

It had been about a month since the ceremony and ever since, Sakura had been allowed to visit the beautiful tree many times. She could now anytime she wanted, but Sasuke didn't really like her going that far out alone and so she didn't. She didn't have to, because Sasuke took her often enough, enjoying the walk and view just as much himself as she did, especially having her by his side. He adored Sakura. He had never imagined he could have feelings, much less any so strong as his were for this girl but he did and he wouldn't trade it for anything.

At the time being, Sasuke was standing before the glow in the front of the mansion. The one in the very spot Sakura had appeared. It wasn't always there, in fact this was the first time it had appeared in over a week. The Uchiha lord was glaring at the portal, with angry red eyes. There wasn't much that was mystery to him and his eyes, but this...

"Nonsense." He spat, thinking long and hard about just jumping right in and seeing where he'd end up, but he was fearful of being unable to return and therefore he was at a standstill.

His research was getting him nowhere. Nothing similar to this was in the archives and his mind was drawing nothing but blanks. He wished the damned thing would just go away and never return but he just couldn't help feeling that it never would, not as long as Sakura was there with him. It wanted without a doubt to take her back and away from him but that was the last thing he'd ever let happen.

With one last glare at the bluish glow, the Uchiha lord turned to leave, only an instant before he heard a strange sound coming from the portal and he turned quickly, bracing and readying himself for whatever was to come. He could have sworn he heard voices, ones that grew desperate the very moment that the portal vanished completely and Sasuke relaxed. Satisfied it was gone for the time being, he turned again and started towards the castle where he could smell a delicious aroma which he knew immediately was dinner being prepared.

Sakura was an excellent cook and the more variety she had, the better the meal she could prepare. Hinata was exceptional as well, but Sasuke had a fondness of Sakura's food that he couldn't deny and Sakura seemed more than pleased to prepare any and everything he wanted.

Sasuke smirked upon his entrance to the kitchen, seeing Sakura stirring a pot of what smelled like an amazing vegetable soup. He walked up next to her and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. She beamed at him, excited to see him finished with his research early today. He seemed to be doing more and more of it everyday and she scolded him often about taking it easy because whatever had been bothering him, told in his features. Sakura would have never imagined that he was still stressing over that portal.

"I hope you're hungry, this should be enough for all of us tonight and tomorrow."

"Ah," He affirmed. "I'm starving."

His wife glowered with a roll of her eyes. "I tried to get you to have second's this morning."

"That was then, this is now."

"Just sit, it's ready anyway. I'll serve you a bowl."

With a satisfied smirk, Sasuke went and sat at the table which was already set for all of them. Naruto and Bolt joined him a moment later. Long enough for them to discuss their hunting trip the next morning before the girl's joined them with the food..

Since things had been going so well and even staying so nicely outside. The two of them were going to see what they could find by going out a little further into the open than normal. Naruto assured Sasuke that there were animals around and Sasuke supposed he could be right and he didn't know because he'd never left to look for any and in turn hadn't had real meat in the longest time. So long that he couldn't even remember. Needless to say, he was excited to see if things would go in their favor.

"Here you are," Sakura placed Sasuke's bowl before him, serving him a fresh glass of water before she sat with her own bowl and began to eat. Hinata served Naruto and Bolt before herself as well but then they all ate together as they did most of the time. Happily and hungrily.

"We should probably leave before daybreak." Naruto suggested, returning right to their earlier conversation about their trip tomorrow.

Sasuke nodded, he felt that would be best too. The earlier they left, hopefully the earlier they'd return. "I have no objections."

"Where are you two going?" Sakura asked being that this was the first time she'd heard of them leaving. They never left and so she was instantly worried. Though it may not have been as often, things still got bad out there.

"Hunting." Naruto answered excitedly, flashing her a brilliant grin. "Sasuke's first time."

"Don't worry Lady Sakura, Naruto is an excellent hunter." Hinata told her reassuringly but it wasn't the hunting part that scared her, it was them leaving at all.

She looked down, knowing it would be wrong to complain or argue with them so she said nothing instead and forced herself to finish her meal, though it was a struggle and took her quite some time. She was definitely stuffed afterwards and she excused herself to have a bath which she felt was much needed, even though she'd bathed early that morning.

It felt nice to soak either way and she had some time to herself in there to think over her worries. She was sure she was fearful over nothing. Sasuke Uchiha was a man of power. She had no doubt in his abilities even though she didn't know the extent of them. She knew that he could take care of himself. Even so, the thought of him being so far away was so scary she didn't even imagine it. If he would have to go to the forest to hunt, that was a great distance away. A distance that Sasuke would never allow her to travel, even with him and she knew it. A distance that in fact, he didn't travel himself.

"Sakura?" Sasuke called from just out the door, pulling her out of her train of thoughts and bringing her to realize her water was cool. Too cool.

"I'm just getting out!" She called back, getting out of the tub instantly. She had no idea how long she'd been in but being that the water was scalding when she got in, she knew it had to be a significant amount of time.

She toweled herself off and dressed quickly, hurrying along to her and Sasuke's room where he was waiting on her by that time, having already had a bath himself. He smelled good. Natural and clean. Sakura joined him in bed, snuggling close to him like she loved to do so much these days and Sasuke welcomed her into open arms, loving her there just as much.

"What's bothering you?..." He asked thoughtfully. "Is it the hunt?"

"No." She sighed. Sakura hadn't been wanting to bother him. "I'm just worried about you leaving is all."

"I won't be far or long." He assured her and she nodded. She knew he wouldn't be lying and she reminded herself once more that Sasuke could handle himself. He had proved this to her time and time again.

"Just make sure you're careful. I'll need you back in one piece you know."

"Oh I'll be back in one piece... Carrying some pieces of meat for us to enjoy... Hopefully."

Sakura giggled, loving this playful side of him than even she didn't get to see often. "Hopefully." She agreed with a sigh as her laughter subsided.

"I'm pretty confident. If I find anything, it will definitely be coming home with me. I would prefer not to return empty handed."

"I don't care as long as you return."

"That's something you don't have to worry about. I'll always return to you."

Sakura's heart swelled with happiness. She hugged Sasuke tight, even giving him a quick kiss on the lips, something she didn't do often because Sasuke made all the moves, mostly before she could even try, when she wasn't embarrassed and willing to try anyway. Little things like that kiss were so unexpected that even then Sasuke sat staring at her with dark eyes and a devilish smirk playing on his lips.

"So beautiful," He murmured, loving the way she blushed crazily in moments like this and knowing full well, when he complimented her in such ways, it would only worsen.

"Stop!" She groaned, burying her face into the crook of his neck to hide from him and causing him to laugh. It wasn't the first time he'd embarrassed her into hiding her face.

"You know I don't like it when you hide from me." He told her as seriously as he could, having told her this on several occasions now. He made no move though, he only waited patiently for her to lean back and glare at him, just like he knew she would.

"Ugh!" She rolled her eyes and then her body which was still in his arms, until she was facing away from him and pouting profusely. He chuckled.

"Don't be mad at me," He told her, leaning over so that his breath brushed across the back of her neck as he spoke. She shuddered and the Uchiha's eyes danced with merriment. He'd had yet to have his way with her today and therefore, it was past due and he was eager to have all her worries and anger forgotten which he found that he was quite good at doing.

Her body responded to him so well in fact that the both of them easily forgot everything else but each other when they touched or kissed or sometimes even made eye contact. Their love and need for each other was strong and so they gave themselves to each other freely, knowing that they needed each other. Physically, mentally and emotionally and have each other they did.

Countless times, sometimes several times a day. Neither of them could get enough of the other and so they found themselves making love often. So often that Sakura found herself soar more than once but even still, she always wanted him. The intimacy in their relationship had only made them stronger and by then, Sakura adored the Uchiha Lord with every fiber of her being. It was as if he was all she knew. She knew she had to have a life before he rescued her, but it didn't matter. Her life now was Sasuke and nothing but.

Her heart ached, just thinking of all the hard times he had endured alone. The darkness... It had been all he knew when she'd first come into his life, but now things were different. Sasuke never seemed as if he was in the darkness and he referred to Sakura quite often as his light. She knew just how important she was to him and he was equally as important to her.

...

...

The next morning however, her love for him only seemed more real when she and Hinata stood just outside of the castle, Hinata holding onto Bolt's shoulders as he stood before her, grinning up at Naruto, his father and looking just like him as he did. I bit my lip, feeling on the verge of tears as I saw Sasuke off. He stood, laying his hand casually on top of my head, with a soft smile gracing his lips. It was definitely a sight to see.

"Stop looking so miserable. I'll be back before you know it." He promised her, leaned down and kissed her swiftly.

"Ugh." She pouted profusely, glaring at the ground in disappointment. That little kiss definitely wasn't enough to get her by, but she wouldn't dare say it. Not around Hinata anyway. Sakura tried not to do anything that would embarrass her which ended up happening all the time anyway. Her face was pink more than it was white.

Sasuke chuckled. He was surprised and yet thrilled by how much Sakura had opened up to him and it was easy to see the love she had for him in everything she did. He leaned down again, smirking devilishly as his lips came merely an inch from her own and only then did she come out of her funk and realize how close he was. The tips of her ears went blood red at the same time that he kissed her hard.

By the time he pulled back, Sakura was drunk off his kiss and flushed on a whole other level. Heart hammering ridiculously, she smiled up at him bashfully. They were so engrossed in one another that neither of them noticed Hinata and Naruto had distanced themselves and were once again shielding their son's eyes.

"We will be back in time for dinner."

"I'll be waiting," Sakura told him brightly, though she'd still miss him, that kiss had demolished her sour mood.

She and Hinata watched as they walked away until they disappeared from view. Bolt was running around excitedly and waving frantically at the two figures even when they were long gone.

"I suppose I should get some cleaning done while they're away." Sakura turned with a sigh and opened the back door to re-enter the castle.

"Okay M'lady, I'll get the preparations for dinner started as soon as I lay Bolt down for his nap."

"If you must." Sakura giggled. Hinata refused to let her have all the work to herself and by now, she didn't bother arguing with her.

Time seemed to sit still as Sakura wandered from one room to the other, dusting, sweeping and mopping each and every room in the castle. She took extra care of their bedroom. It was far different than the dark cave-like room Sasuke had stayed in before. It was nice to see how much he changed, right along with this world everyday.

Things seemed peaceful. They were all happy. It was soon time for the sun to set. The day had thankfully remained beautiful and dinner was waiting as the girls and Bolt opened the back door and glanced around for their husband's. They were no where in sight but they didn't panic, instead they made their way back inside, praying the two of them would return safely and soon.

"Don't worry, Lady Sakura. I'm sure they will be back soon. Probably got carried away having fun." Hinata whispered.

"Probably." Sakura agreed with a chuckle but even so she couldn't help but feel anxious of their return.

This was the longest she'd gone without Sasuke since she'd met him and she was nearing withdraws. She couldn't even think about dinner, which she wouldn't eat until Sasuke was there to join her anyway. It just didn't feel right. She silently wished she'd had something for lunch instead of skipping when night fell across the land and they still hadn't returned.

Hinata had long since fed Bolt dinner and got him into bed for the night. Sakura was lost in thought, standing at the back door and wishing she could see out of it. She didn't like, or rather she wasn't comfortable with the outside when it was dark and so she didn't even open the door to look for him. The windows in the castle were impossible to be seen through with the way they were secured for the attacks on the castle. They hadn't always been that way. Over time Sasuke had taken extra precautions to their living environment and Sakura was sure it was mainly because now Sasuke did have people he cared about and wished to take care of. Things weren't so calm now that it was unnecessary but still, at that moment Sakura really wished she could see. She needed Sasuke to be home. He'd been gone too long. She couldn't help but be worried now.

Just as she sat, thinking about it as she leaned against the wall beside the back door, she felt a rumple that shook the entire castle. Her heart stopped and she jumped to her feet. Panic was all she knew at that moment. Hinata was in her room with Bolt and she was sure she'd have themselves safe and so instead she tried to worry about herself, all the while fearing for Sasuke and Naruto.

"Sasuke can take care of himself..." She repeated to herself over and over while hurrying upstairs and into their room. It was safe there if it wasn't anywhere else. Sasuke was adamant about her staying securely there during any kind of disaster.

Though the tremble in the room was no longer noticeable, the tremble in her body was. She held onto herself, heart lurched into her throat as she waited. She hoped everyone was okay. That all this would pass soon and Naruto and Sasuke would be walking in the door. She sighed and walked over to the window. The only one that showed the outside world for what it truly was and she could see it clearly.

From their room, the valleys surrounding the front lawn were no longer seen. The only thing visible throughout the never ending darkness was a glow of blue and Sakura instantly knew what it was. That portal. It was back. Sasuke wouldn't be happy about that. Sakura stood there for the longest time, watching the portal as it glowed brightly in the dark.

A part of her felt that she should go to it but she just couldn't. Sasuke would never forgive her and not only that but she had no way of knowing what that portal was capable of. There was no way she wanted to be taken away from Sasuke. She didn't want to be forced to forget him. She'd come to the conclusion some time ago that wherever she was from, the portal had to have sent her here and more than likely somehow in the process, she'd lost all of her previous memories.

She was thankful she'd remembered her name with time but she didn't feel as if her lost memories would ever return. She didn't really care, she didn't need those old memories as long as she had Sasuke. He made her more than happy and life was as amazing as she could imagine it being.

Aside from her feelings, there was just something about that portal that she was drawn to. Could that have been how she went through it the first time? Had she known then what it would cause and done it anyway. She knew she was from the future, from having learned of Sasuke Uchiha and this very castle. It seemed like her time would have had to been ages after the time they sat in now but she couldn't be sure of anything.

...

...

It was an hour later. It had been the longest most antagonizing hour of her life. The outside world was still in darkness but she couldn't wait any longer. If he wasn't going to come back, she was going after him.

The feel of the castle shaking seemed to slow with each step she took on her way down the stairs and she didn't waste any time. The was nothing but still ground felt as she padded her way barefooted to the back door and swung it open without a second thought.

"Sasuke!"

He was there, carrying Naruto's weight across his shoulder, for Naruto was unconscious though he didn't appear to be badly injured and Sasuke, though breathless and seemingly exhausted, didn't have a scratch on him.

"What happened?" Sakura nearly shouted in worry as she stood inside for Sasuke to carry Naruto in.

"We had to leave our kill behind. As soon as we crossed back over the border to the kingdom, things turned ugly."

"Another attack?" She pressed carefully, bright green eyes wide and fearful.

"Ah," Sasuke sighed just as he lay Naruto down on the floor. "It wasn't much of one and I handled it with ease. I had to put Naruto to sleep because he started panicking... And I couldn't carry everything."

Sakura almost laughed then but refrained and instead rolled her eyes at him. "You shouldn't have done that to Naruto."

"Forgive me, it seemed the best choice at the time."

This was true. Sasuke was nearing insanity listening to Naruto as he ranted about the beasts he'd seen for the first time. These things only happened within the kingdom's grounds and Sasuke knew that. Fighting his demons and listening to Naruto all at once was too much for him and therefore, he put Naruto to sleep and did what he had to do.

"Oh!" Hinata came into view and was instantly running to be at Naruto's side.

"He's fine. Shouldn't be out too much longer." Sasuke told her and she nodded in understanding and took a seat on the floor beside where he lay to wait for him to wake up.

Sasuke turned without another word and headed towards the stairway. Sakura hesitated only briefly before turning and hurrying after him. She caught up to him quickly and then continued to struggle to keep up with his long strides.

"Don't you want dinner?" She asked with concern. She was sure he'd have to be hungry by now.

"No thanks. All I want is a bath."

Sakura didn't argue but she still felt as if he should have something to eat and so while he bathed she went back downstairs and prepared him some of the dinner that had thankfully not been harmed and with a few other things he would like and something to drink. She returned only a moment before he entered the bedroom.

"You didn't have to do that." The Uchiha told her softly. Truthfully after the day he'd had, his appetite was non-existent. He sat on the bed and took the food Sakura offered him with all intentions on finishing it just to please her.

He did just that, his appetite surprisingly returning as his body began consuming the food. Sakura cleaned up the mess and sat it aside but didn't bother taking it downstairs yet. It could wait for morning. All she wanted to do was be next to Sasuke. She had been so concerned earlier about him being late. He was who he was but at the same time, accidents happened.

"You really shouldn't worry so much." He told her softly, his tone amused. She glared at him as they got in bed together and she snuggled close to him, resting her head on his chest as he wrapped both of his strong arms tightly around her.

"You do too you know."

He couldn't argue with her there. He did worry and he expressed his worry endlessly. Now that he thought about it, he probably worried about her more than she worried about him because he had more to worry about. There weren't many men left in the world with power that even came close to equaling his own and Sakura though she had witnessed a small taste of it, she could never imagine just how powerful he truly was.

He didn't want to worry her, he just wanted her to be safe and happy. There wasn't much he could do when he had to face his demons. Only he could do that and he had the strength to keep doing it, now that he had Sakura in his life. What he didn't know was there was something even more precious to him on it's way and with it, his determination to finish things once and for all.

Things were really about to start changing for them and their world. Sasuke knew he had to make sure of that if they were going to have any kind of future. The Uchiha name had to be carried on and now that he had his wife, he could be sure that it be done. Time was all he needed and the courage to do everything that had to be done within said time.