Summary: Sasuke Uchiha returns after many years to Konoha. At first Sakura and Naruto are mad but then they learn about Sasuke's real reasons for joining with Orochimaru. Naruto is overjoyed to have his best friend back, but Sakura isn't so sure. Can they return to the way it use to be, or will it be even better? Can Sakura let go of her feelings for Sasuke, and will Sasuke in turn be able to fit back in when everything has changed.

Major pairing: SasuSaku

Minor pairings: NaruHina, TenNeji, ShikaIno

A/N: Thanks again to all who reviewed and helped out. There will be a few more chapters, THIS IS NOT THE END, but not too many more. Maybe around three or four more. Anyway thanks again and enjoy

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Previously

"I can't do it anymore; I have to know the truth"

"Then ask him" Hinata said firmly.

"I can't" she cried as Hinata patted her on the back.

"Its ok I understand"

"You do"

"More than you know" Hinata laughed as Sakura managed a weak smile.

"So you're…" Hinata asked awaiting an answer.

"I'll just wait and see" Sakura said firmly.

"Really" Hinata asked.

"Yes but if nothing happens then its over" Sakura replied as Hinata nodded.

"So if nothing happens you're going to…"

"Let him go yes" Sakura finished for her. "For my sake as well as his"

A dream comes true

Sakura sighed as she walked down Konoha streets. It had been five days since she had woken up naked with no Sasuke and she hadn't talked to him since. In fact she hadn't seen much of him at all. He was always training with Naruto, and she couldn't bring it up with him there, and she was always at the hospital working. In fact the only time they did come across each other, which were very few, there was always people around and they just acted like nothing had happened.

She was starting to think that she had just dreamed that kiss and everything else that happened afterwards. Maybe he had sleep walked and that's how she ended up wearing nothing. It could have been possible. Then again maybe she was just making excuses for Sasuke's behavior. True it wasn't like he acted awkward with her and denied it completely.

On the three brief times they had met he had acknowledged her like he always had as Naruto talked loudly and soon enough dragged Sasuke away or on the third time she had been dragged away before he could even acknowledge her presence. So it wasn't like he was ignoring her, though he wasn't exactly making an effort to see her.

"But when does he, that's not in his nature" her inner told her.

"So?"

"So he doesn't take initiative like that, he never has"

"Well he should"

"Why, I mean he doesn't know how to show or express feelings so it isn't uncommon for him to hide it now is it?"

"True I guess"

"See"

"But how do I know I didn't dream it"

"You didn't"

"Or that he thinks it's a mistake, it's not like his mentioned it or anything"

"Have you?"

"Huh?"

"Well have you made any effort to mention it or do anything?"

"Well no"

"And you defiantly haven't approached the topic"

"I haven't had the opportunity"

"Maybe he hasn't either"

"I guess but his the one who started it and he is the one who left"

"But we all know that he can't approach things like this and how do you know he isn't waiting for you to make the first move"

"But his pretending it never happened"

"And so are you"

"Damm" she cursed out loud making an old lady stare at her.

"In any case maybe you should try and say something"

"No I'm sick of doing it. He knows where I stand its time he makes the effort"

"Maybe he just needs you to get the ball rolling"

"I'm not discussing this further" Sakura snapped as she ignored her inner's further comments and approached the hospital. She quickly changed into her uniform and collected her list of patients for the day. She was just thanking the nurse and turning to the folder containing her first patient's details when a loud voice made her shake her head as she turned to see Ino making her way over.

"Don't you have the day off?" Sakura asked as Ino grinned.

"Yeah but I knew I would find you here" she replied as Sakura raised an eyebrow.

"You did, did you?

"Yeah this is like your second home"

"Thanks" Sakura muttered walking down the corridor as Ino hurried to catch up.

"Hey I wasn't done" she called as Sakura shook her head and slowed down a little.

"How is the situation with you and Shikamaru?" She asked cassually.

"Huh oh there isn't one, its over remember"

"I see" Sakura said looking as Ino sighed. "And you're still happy with this decision?"

"I was never happy with it but I had to didn't I"

"I know" Sakura told her. "So is their a reason your following me?"

"Huh oh yeah I wanted to ask you to dinner"

"Really?"

"Yeah, you know the gang like always" Ino explained as Sakura smiled.

"So is this including Shikamaru?"

"Um I think Neji invited him why, it's not like I care"

"Sure so this wouldn't be an excuse to see him would it?"

"Fine Tenten suggested it yes but it isn't a bad idea. Gives you a chance to talk to Sasuke"

"Who said I wanted to" Sakura demanded, stopping as she reached her patients door. Sakura looked at her and Ino smirked.

"I'm not dumb" she retorted as Sakura rolled her eyes.

"Could have fooled me" she muttered as Ino frowned.

"You coming or not?"

"Yeah I guess so" Sakura replied as Ino nodded briskly.

"Good same time, same place as usual. See ya there" she said and she was off. Sakura smiled as she opened the door and began her work day.

-

-

Sakura arrived at the restraunt a little early and was surprised to see that most were already their. Naruto and Hinata were deep in conversation at their usual table. Next to them were Ino and Tenten. Sasuke was sitting by himself a space between him and Naruto which Sakura gathered was for her. She sat down smiling at everyone though she was aware that as soon as she did her stomach did a summersault. She was nervous; this was the closest she had been to Sasuke since that night.

Her thoughts were stopped when Neji and Shikamaru arrived. Neji sat down next to Tenten and Shikamaru next to him. Both seemed to ignore the girls which only irritated them more. Sakura noticed that Tenten didn't seem too happy with her partner while Neji kept shooting her glances. Shikamaru and Ino were even more annoying. They were taking in turns to look at the other then look away when the other noticed. Hinata and Naruto seemed oblivious to this and were now arguing though in a rather joking way.

They were all talking except for her and Sasuke and Sakura was too scared to break the silence between them. She knew she should say something she just didn't know what and her voice seemed to have disappeared. What was she scared of? But she knew the answer to that, rejection. She felt out of it and miserable though she didn't know why.

"Why are you so quiet?" Sasuke asked all of a sudden, though his voice was nothing above a whisper and Sakura barely heard it. She felt her heart pump loudly but tried to ignore it. Instead she just faked a smile at him.

"It's nothing" she replied but Sasuke kept staring at her, obviously he didn't believe her yet he said no more. Sakura tried to keep her breath steady as she gazed around the table at everyone. The tension was overwhelming and Sakura didn't know if she could handle it anymore. Her mind was working hard to try and find excuses to leave but then Sasuke did something unexpected that made her change her mind.

She felt his hand creep into hers under the table and instantly was comforted by it. Sasuke's facial expression didn't change as he started talking to Naruto and Sakura tried not to reveal anything as she continued to stare forward. Yet he was still holding her hand and this little gesture was enough to make her spirits sore a little. So he did still care. Yet he still made no indication that he remembered what had occurred between the two.

It was a relief when dinner came and the talking ceased a little. Though at least now Sakura could concentrate on eating rather then what to do or say to the person next to her. However although the meal was nice and peaceful this was not to last. Ino and Tenten were talking about men when Ino made some comment about lazy arses. Shikamaru whose temper seemed to be just below boiling point ever since Ino had broken up with him snapped.

"Maybe the problem these days is that women expect too much" he yelled as Ino turned to him and narrowed her eyes.

"What so it's to much for us to expect to be treated right"

"It is if you want them to change for you" Shikamaru replied angrily.

"Not change, just treat them with respect"

"With respect, you are treated with respect"

"Were treated like men's toys that's what, all we want is occasionally a little comment or romance here and there"

"More like all the time"

"No just some of the time, there is nothing wrong with wanting to feel loved" Tenten told him as Neji frowned.

"We just like to be told that we are needed is that to much to ask?" Ino added.

"It's not our fault" Shikamaru argued though he knew he was in the wrong. Neji however hadn't seemed to come to this conclusion.

"Its not like you guys tell us that's what you want"

"We shouldn't have to" Tenten yelled.

"Yes you should just do it because you want to, not because you have to"

"Yeah and then you get upset cause we don't" Shikamaru pointed out.

"Because you don't" Ino shouted back.

"Because we don't like to" Neji informed her.

"Well that's the whole problem isn't it" Tenten said, her voice trying to match his. "You guys don't like dealing with emotions"

"I mean if you really cared for us you would tell us every now and again" Ino explained.

"We shouldn't have to" Neji yelled.

"You should already know" Shikamaru added.

"How are we supposed to know if you don't tell us" Ino asked loudly.

"Obviously we do" Shikamaru pointed out.

"Yes but we still need to hear it" Ino told him.

"Even if feelings and emotions are difficult to get out you should still make the effort" Tenten said stiffly.

"Why?" Neji demanded.

"Oh lets see because it's nice to hear it, nice for us to know you that you care for more than pleasure." Ino shouted.

"We need to know that the love is still their, that were not wasting out time"

"It is their" Shikamaru and Neji said at the same time.

"Well how are we supposed to know" Ino snapped.

"You don't say or show it do you. You don't even make an effort and if you loved us then you would" Tenten yelled. All four were being so loud that most of the restraunt, if not all, were staring at them.

"Would you all just stop" Hinata screamed as they all turned to stare at her. The DJ seemed to get that this was a private conversation at last and started the music up again as the table's occupants resumed their talking, eating or dancing.

Meanwhile everyone continued to stare at Hinata in amazement and shock. She had never raised her voice before and now she was staring at them all sternly without an inch of shyness or fear.

"I know you have problems but can you please try and discuss them more civilized. Shouting will get you know where, you need to talk. And I mean properly talk" She said as they nodded weakly.

"Um come on Hinata lets dance" Naruto said with a grin as he dragged his girlfriend to the dance floor leaving the table in a stunned silence. Neji was looking at Tenten who was staring at her plate. Shikamaru and Ino were glaring at each other as Sakura wished that Sasuke hadn't taken his hand away when the food arrived. Neji was the first to break the silence.

"Tenten" he said a little timidly as the said girl refused to look at him.

"Yes"

"Um I think we need to talk" he muttered as Tenten looked up at him and nodded weakly. She felt guilty about what had just occurred and knew that she could no longer pretend anymore. He knew she wasn't happy and it was finally time to tell him, even if it meant loosing him. She had to be strong.

Neji looked at her then stood up and nodded to the others. Tenten followed his lead and turned to face everyone else.

"Night" Tenten said rather miserably as she followed Neji out of the restraunt. Sakura had no doubt that the two would work things out. Sakura looked at Ino and Shikamaru who were know both breathing heavily still staring at one another.

"We should go for a walk" Sasuke muttered to her as Sakura nodded. It was probably a good idea to leave the two alone to sort through their own problems. Sasuke began leading the way through the crowd of dancers, in which Hinata and Naruto were apart of, both dancing happily with each other.

Ino watched them leave feeling a little scared to be left alone with Shikamaru and began tugging nervously at her hair. Shikamaru noticed this and sighed turning away from her.

"I'm sorry" he apologized as Ino nodded.

"So am I" she said and Shikamaru knew that she wasn't just talking about the argument.

"I guess I haven't been acting like a proper boyfriend lately have I" he admitted as Ino looked up.

"I guess not" she mumbled.

"I should have noticed these things earlier, tried to make things right. But I didn't, I failed you"

"It's not just your fault I guess" Ino muttered. "I do push to hard sometimes"

"Yeah but this time your right" he told her as she looked up into his eyes.

"I have been treating you badly, you deserve better and I took you for advantage" he admitted as she continued to stare at him.

"Uh" she said not knowing what to say.

"But I want you to know that I never just thought f you as a toy, I might not have said or shown it but you are important to me"

"Shika"

"No let me finish please" he begged as she nodded.

"Ok"

"Ino I know that I can be annoying and I know I call you troublesome but I don't mean it. I would be lost without you, I am lost without you. You're not troublesome and I don't think of you like that"

"You don't?"

"No I don't. I may not say it but I care for you, more than anyone else. Feelings and emotions are troublesome and I guess I was just so glad to finally have you that I stopped suing them. But you're worth it you really are"

"Um thanks" Ino said a little uncertain. Shikamaru laughed and shook his head.

"I'm really bad at this aren't I?"

"Yeah" Ino agreed as he smiled at her.

"I have the highest IQ in Konoha and yet I can't even apologize properly" he muttered.

"Its ok I get what your saying" Ino told him.

"You do?"

"I think" Ino replied with a small smiled as he looked at her once more.

"Ino I love you, more than anything and nothing will ever change that. I may have not shown it and I know I should have. But I have always loved you and I always will." He confessed as she looked at him, tears threatening to appear.

"Shika" she managed to say as he looked up at her. A single tear escaped and made its way down her face but he stopped it with his finger and lifted her chin up a little.

"I love you Ino" he whispered as he softly kissed her on the lips. It was meant to be a short one but as he went to pull away she flung her arms around his neck and kissed hi passionately. He responded eagerly and placed his hands at her waist, pulling her closer as he deepened their kiss. God had he missed the taste of her.

They broke off yet remained where they were. He looked at her as she did the same, unaware of where they were or who was around them. He lowered his head slightly unsure of what to say before getting back into his character.

"So am I of the hook?" he asked teasingly as she frowned.

"Not yet"

"Damm" he muttered as he smirked and kissed her again, which turned into another heated make out session.

"But I do accept your apology" she mumbled.

"You do?"

"Yes" she told him as he smirked.

"Good" he said as this time she kissed him, her tongue entering his mouth as he held onto her. He could hear the music faintly in the background and had an idea of how to get back into Ino's good books.

"Ino" he said as he broke off.

"Yeah" she mumbled trying to catch her breathe.

"Would you like to dance" he asked as Ino's eyes widened in shock. Shikamaru smirked at her as she smiled happily up at him.

"I would love to" she replied as he stood up and took her hand in his then led her onto the dance floor. He out and arm around her waist as she leant her head against his chest.

"Shika"

"Yeah"

"I love you to" she told him as he smiled and hugged her closer to him. He knew things still weren't right and that he needed to change a few things to make them work. But they had tomorrow to discuss those things. For tonight he just wanted to hold her, to remind himself how much he needed her in his life.

-

-

Once outside Sasuke paused, wondering what to do now. He knew that they needed to talk and that there was things he needed to tell her but he couldn't do it here. He needed somewhere where they wouldn't be disturbed, where they would both feel comfortable. Preferably still out in the open, since buildings seemed to be a little to claustrophobic for the two if them right now, where they could get some fresh air and Sasuke did have a thing for the night.

Sakura was beside him though made no signs of moving or leaving. After thinking for a moment he realized the perfect place and began walking, Sakura following without a word. Together they slowly made there was across the fields, the moonlight lighting their path, and down to the bridge where they use to meet back in the old days.

When they reached it Sasuke approached it and leant of the pole with a sigh. Sakura watched him for a minute or two, using this opportunity to gaze quietly at his handsome features before she stepped forward. They stood side by side by side, both staring at the full moon above them, as silence followed. But Sakura couldn't take it anymore. Her inner was right. She had to know what she meant to him once and for all so she could move on. It was silly living like this, in hope that something will happen when it might never will.

"Sasuke"

"Hn" he said giving her permission to continue glad that she has spoken first before he went mad with uncomfortable silence.

"What are we" she asked as he turned to her, she however was still gazing out upon the water and refused to look up at him.

"Huh" he replied a little confused.

"Well what are we. Are we just friends or are we something more?"

"Hn" was all he said. He had figured that she would ask soon enough which was what he had wanted. He had regretted leaving her that morning but truth was he was afraid, afraid of what her reaction would be. He had needed time to think in which he had realized how much he had needed her. But telling her was a completely different thing, something he wasn't sure he could do. But he had to.

"Did I dream the kiss or something" Sakura said loudly, turning around as Sasuke just stared at her. He hadn't expected an outburst like this, then again he did take away her virginity then leave before she woke. His eyes met hers and he could see the pain in her face. He didn't know what to do so he settled with letting her get it all out first, figuring out exactly what she thought and felt about this and where he stood before saying anything to her.

Meanwhile Sakura could feel her heart once again melt at the site of his eyes. She would like nothing more than to break down in front of him and cling to his T-shirt, begging for his love. But those were the old days and she was stronger than this. She had managed to move on before and of she had to she would do so again. She could handle this. Couldn't she?

"Hn" was all Sasuke said unsure what else he could say. The words still didnt seem to be able to make it out of his mouth.

"And what was that night was that just you satisfying you urges. Is that all I am, a toy"

"Is that what you think?" he asked, his voice was different than normal. He was a little shocked and angry at himself for allowing her to think that way. His voice was so boyish, so un Sasuke like that it took Sakura awhile to reply. Mainly because she didn't know what she thought anymore and because his gaze was so intense she felt she was drowning in it. But she took a deep breathe and continued.

"Well then what was it, was it a mistake?" her voice was a lot more strained now, as if she was tying hard not to cry. Sasuke hated that tone because he knew it was his fault. He had to make it right. She deserved that much at least.

"No" he replied.

"Well it doesn't look like it" she managed to say as Sasuke found himself once more lost for words.

"Hn"

"Did you even want to kiss me?" Sakura asked her heart pumping loudly as she continued on her rant. All the things she wanted to know…needed to know. Everything she had wanted to say the morning she had woke up with him not there was finding its way out at last.

"Yes" he said straight without even thinking first. Sakura however didn't seem to have heard him.

"Did you want me at all?" she cried and he continued to stare at her, wanting more than anything to comfort her but not knowing how. He would defiantly have to work on that.

"Of course I did…do" he finally said.

"Well it doesn't feel like it" she snapped angrily, her body shaking uncontrollably. She didn't know where this anger was coming from but guessed it had something to do with him leaving even if she had no reason to be mad. But after living years with that anger it couldn't just go away.

"It doesn't at all, I was wrong about you wasn't I. You haven't changed at all" She shouted in anger and instantly regretted it. Sasuke looked her in the eyes and stepped closer so that she could feel his breath on her nose. She suddenly felt fearful again and thought she had blown her chance completely. Why couldn't she have just controlled her temper?

"Together" he whispered at last making Sakura choke on her breath. Did he just say what she thought he had said?

"I want to be together" he repeated, more softly and less demanding the before.

"Why though" Sakura asked, her voice trembling as she spoke. He was so close to her and she only wanted him to be even closer. To kiss her again and pretend that everything was ok. But she couldn't stop now, she had to know if this was for real.

"Why did you kiss me" She had to know the answer. He had always rejected her, always turned down her offers to be more than friends when they were younger. He had never shown any interest in her and ignored her attempts to tell him how she felt.

So what had changed, why was he suddenly returning her feelings. Did he really mean them at all? These questions were all buzzing madly throughout her mind and she felt like she was about to explode. Yet she still couldn't seem t yell, her anger had disappeared only to be left with the same hope in her heart that she had when she was twelve.

"Sasuke" she begged and he looked at her, not being able to form the right words in his mouth.

"Why did you…" she began but was cut off as Sasuke, having enough of struggling to tell her how he felt, suddenly pinned her to the tree instead and kissed her intently. She struggled against his touch at first but this didn't last long and soon enough she felt herself give in as she responded. She couldn't fight temptation and as much as she tried she knew she wanted this.

She felt him lick her bottom lip as if he was asking for entrance. Sakura didn't even hesitate this time and granted him permission. She had lost all rational thought as her body began acting on its own accord. Sasuke darted his tongue dart into her mouth, tasting her and massaging her tongue with his own. Sakura moaned into it as he deepened it further. He stopped when their lungs cried out for air and stared into her emerald eyes, finding in there the strength to say what he needed to say and in barely a whisper he spoke in one breathe:

"I love you." There he had finally said it as Sakura didn't respond, to shocked to do anything.

'Is he lying, is he leading me on?' she thought but then looked into those onyx eyes and knew he wasn't lying. It was all their, lust, passion, desire, need, longing, pain, hope and love. She couldn't take it anymore and grabbed his shirt and forced their lips to meet, instantly opening her mouth as he responded to it. She moaned as it was deepened if possible anymore. Sasuke then began to place kisses down her neck making her moan with pleasure even more.

"I love you to Sasuke" she whispered as his lips once more met hers in an even more passionate and lust filled kiss. Sakura wrapped her hands around his neck and she felt his arms go around her waist and pull her closer so their bodies were smashed up against each other, feeling the warmth of one another's body. Sakura moaned yet again, as their kiss went on. She didn't care about anything, except that she wanted this moment to last a life time.

Her dream had finally come true, she was going to be with Sasuke and whatever happened from here on out they would deal with it together. But right now she wasn't thinking about any of that, for the first time ever she wasn't thinking about the past all the future. She wasn't thinking at all. She was simply living the moment as she felt herself and Sasuke drift off into another world. A world of nothing but pure happiness, and a deep desirable love.

A/N: As I said before this is not the end, there will be a few more chapters. I plan on making it go to fifteen if I can. Anyway please review, thanks and goodbye. Oh and any ideas will be greatly appreciated. Thanks again