Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
"You know this person?" asked Sasuke, pulling Sakura back lightly by her shoulder to get a good look at the woman.
"I work with him," she answered quickly before turning back to Genma. "What are you doing here?" she questioned.
"I could ask you the same thing." Genma folded his arms, taking a step back from the two bodyguards on either side of him, as if his mind needed physical space to fully understand the current situation. His gaze hardened: judging and harsh.
Sakura gasped and flinched. "That's none of your damn business. Are you following me?"
"I know I've shown some interest in you, Sakura, but I'm not that desperate."
"Are you sure this is the person?" Sasuke interjected, turning his attention to his two bodyguards who had picked up Genma in the first place.
"Sir, our previous sightings of the individual led us to believe so. He resembles the man who was spying on—"
"Resembles? So you are not sure?"
Genma stepped forward when he truly realized just what exactly was being discussed. "Wait, wait, wait: you think I've been spying on you two?" Genma gestured between Sasuke and Sakura with disbelief.
"Are you?" asked Sasuke.
"Why the hell would I?" Genma glanced at Sakura once more. "Clearly you've got something to keep under wraps," he stated lowly.
Sakura's head snapped in his direction and a simmering fury singed in her eyes. "What are you trying to imply?"
"Do I have to say it? It's quite obvious."
It seemed all her repressed, abysmal frustration with the failing of her marriage had began bubbling up to the surface. Though she had put away those feelings before, they were still there, buried deep, inside of her… and they were redeveloping quickly… "Yeah, well go on and fucking say it then."
Genma raised his palms in mock defense, taking a step back. Sakura wasn't one to mess with, especially when she was angry. He saw Sasuke grab a hold of Sakura's wrist in preparation for what they both thought would ensue…
"Look," began Genma, "I know you better. I don't want to believe it, but it's right in front of me, and—"
Sakura mentally cursed herself when her voice came out laden with emotion. "You know me Genma. Don't you dare put this on me for one second."
"I'm not," he insisted in sympathy, finding that the tension had reduced a fraction. "But since I've come this far, you might as well tell me."
Sasuke spoke before the pinkette could answer, figuring there was nothing more beneficial to say. "That's not necessary—"
"He cheated on me." Sakura averted her gaze, her mind flitting back to when she had her first suspicions confirmed. "You know how happy I was with the marriage," she whispered, unaware of the way Sasuke's black pools bored into her back with untold sentiment. She jabbed her finger in Genma's direction, "you know I would never do such a thing to him. You know it. I loved him," she insisted, as if she was trying to prove her point and be as convincing as possible. Her jury of one man stared on; his heart silently reached out to her in need to provide solace.
Sakura was about to turn back, ready to go but Genma's next words stopped her.
"Sorry to disappoint, but whoever you're looking for: it isn't me."
Sasuke assumed his usual diplomatic role, taking a step forward. "Well we did confirm that there is someone Ryou has employed to spy on Sakura." He sent a glare to his bodyguards who skillfully avoided eye contact. "We just have the wrong person." He held out a hand to Genma, in formal apology. "Sorry to have created any inconvenience for you. I trust that we can keep today's events between ourselves."
"Of course." Genma accepted his hand. A part of him was struck that this was indeed the executive of one of the most successful businesses in Japan. But it wasn't the appropriate time for autographs.
"If you'll excuse me," Sasuke informed, before turning away. He walked back into the restaurant, not bothering to wait for anyone—not even Sakura.
Sakura stared at his disappearing form a sort of knowing feeling growing inside of her that something… was wrong. "Thank you," she whispered warmly, glancing at Genma one last time before she hurried back in after the raven-haired man.
Genma nodded his head in acknowledgement and began walking the opposite way. "Nice to have met you fellows," he called to the two black-suited men as he waved his hand singly.
Who knew he would have met Japan's biggest businessman in an alleyway behind a restaurant?
Genma had thought Hana would've left. He had been gone a while. However, as he turned the corner, he saw the familiar shimmer of her dress, and he couldn't help but smile.
"Hey, I'm really sorry about that."
Hana looked up in surprise then smiled upon seeing him. "That's okay, really."
"No, I sincerely apologize. I didn't know…"
"What was it about?"
Genma pursed his lips before answering, remembering Sasuke's request he keep what had happened a secret. "Business stuff."
"It's okay if you don't want to tell…"
I'll make it up to you," he offered suddenly.
Hana stifled a laugh, touched by his proposal. "What day and time is okay for a busy man like you?
"I thought you'd decline after what had happened," Genma admitted, gesturing for her to walk along with him to his car.
Hana shrugged. "Consider it a second chance?"
"Tomorrow night?"
She stared at him warmly. She wasn't sure if he knew the full extent of her feelings… "Sounds good."
She thought he would sit back down at their table, but something inside her panicked when she saw him walk past their half-eaten dinner with quickening strides. He was a few feet away, but she was finding it hard to keep up with the amount of people and waiters who were walking around, blocking her way. She knew it would only worsen the situation if she called out after him.
"Excuse me," she spat in frustration when a particular waiter with his arms filled with dirty dishes wasn't moving fast enough out of her way. Regaining her footing, Sakura glanced up, and Sasuke was a bobbing head well up in front in the moving crowd.
She stumbled after him, exasperated when he simply exited the restaurant through the entrance as if he was unaware that she was not with him. Pushing the entrance door open only to let in a group of eager customers, Sakura almost saved herself from falling over again when she finally made it outside. She easily noticed Sasuke's form standing at the end of the street, tucked away in the building's cast shadow with his phone raised to his ear.
"Yes, meet me there," she heard him say before he stuffed his phone back into his pocket.
Sakura opened her mouth to say something, but her words were stuck in her throat when she noticed the look he gave her when she finally made it to his side. She shivered, feeling the cool air run carelessly over her bare arms and shoulders, and she automatically pressed herself close to him as he stood silently. She noticed that something had changed in Sasuke's demeanor when he didn't bother to speak to her… or wrap an arm around her either.
Sasuke stiffened when he felt her press herself even closer to him. Hearing Sakura's short admittance of her relationship with her cheating husband, and how she… loved him made him feel… different. He wasn't quite sure what it was, but it was bothering him. He felt like an outsider… like the other man. He could tell she had caught onto the slight change in his behavior; her eyes were on him. He could feel it.
He clenched his jaw, suddenly walking out to the street when his bodyguard pulled up to the curb with his car. He quickly rounded the vehicle to the driver's side and got in.
Sakura hurried to the car, calling out his name uselessly. Once inside, she reached out, her fingers lightly touching his shoulder as he swerved onto the street, but she withdrew them immediately when he paid no heed. "Sasuke, what's wrong?"
"There's someone spying on you. That's what's wrong," he responded tightly, not bothering to look at her.
Sakura bit her lip, mentally cursing herself when she felt her eyes glaze over with fresh tears at his indifference. Why was she suddenly so emotional? She had experienced enough hurt, betrayal, emotional wounding with Ryou. She didn't want the same thing to happen… with Sasuke; this was her second chance…
What had she done wrong?
"Sasuke, please tell me," she pleaded, her voice hoarse.
"I told you already," he replied curtly.
Sakura shook her head, continuing once they stopped at a red light. "I can tell you're mad. Tell me why." She smoothed her hand up his shoulder, trying to convince him.
His head turned the slightest so that their eyes would meet, but his coal-like orbs were indecipherable.
"Tell me, please," she implored earnestly. "Did I do something? Did I say something?" He didn't respond. Sakura pulled back when the car lurched forward. She saw his head shake as he let out a loose breath.
He felt a stab of guilt to see her this way… but why? He had never been sensitive to such feelings, but he found that he wanted so badly to reach out and comfort her. She needed his support more than anything, not his impassivity. He hadn't ever asked her about her husband… the need to do so never arose. But, just hearing her speak of the man… the happiness she felt with him—it stirred something up inside of him. Jealousy? Hesitance? Second thoughts? Whatever it was, it was petty to let get in the way. However, he still remained silent.
Sakura shifted in her seat, pressing herself against the passenger side door. Her lower lip quivered unnoticeably as she stared out at the passing buildings and streets that flew by at increasing speeds while the car sped on. Before she knew it, the vehicle was pulled off alongside the curb and the door to her apartment building glinted softly in the moonlight.
Sakura remained unmoving for a couple minutes before she stole a glance at the man seated next to her. He had his head back against the headrest with his eyes closed. As if feeling her gaze, he shifted, turning his head to look at her and for some reason, there was a different glint in his eyes: it was like he was searching, digging for something her emerald irises were giving away without reservation, but her lips would not reveal.
Drawn to him, Sakura leaned over the small compartment between their seats, feeling as though their proximity would help with needed conversation. "Please tell me, Sasuke, what's wrong?" she repeated.
Almost immediately his unemotional façade slid back over his face and he leaned away from her. "It's late," he said quietly.
"Sasuke why are you…?" She hit her fisted hand against the edge of her seat in distress. "Talk to me—"
"Are you happy?" he asked suddenly.
"What? Happy?"
Sasuke assessed her confused expression before repeating himself. "Are you happy?"
"I don't understand… yes, I am," she concluded suddenly, though still unsure of what he was referring to exactly.
A second of silence passed between them before Sasuke leaned forward, his index finger tipping up her face. Sakura thought he would kiss her but instead his lips pressed against her forehead. "Get some rest. It's been a long day," he insisted quietly.
"Sasuke…" she quickly snaked an arm around his neck, and before he could pull away as he would have wanted, Sakura pressed her lips to his in a sort of silent plea for understanding. His mouth suddenly became more fervent as his hand slid up the side of her head to grasp her pink locks. Secrets and unexpressed emotion poured into the way their lips melded together, but it was kept to a chaste minimum. She managed to pull his head down once more for a fleeting lip lock when he tried to pull away, but all he gave in return was a kiss to the corner of her mouth. "I want you," she whispered, unwilling to let go of the hold she had on his neck.
The kind look in his eyes made her grip lax and he easily pulled back. "Not tonight."
"Talk to me," she murmured once more. She gripped his collar this time, unwilling to let him go... willing to try one more time...
"It's nothing," he finally said. "You should get going."
Sakura was the first to pull away feeling as though her attempts had been in vain. And they had. He wasn't going to talk, and she knew it would remain that way no matter how hard she tried. "Well, it is something," she concluded quietly, "You've never refused me before."
Despite himself, Sasuke smirked, mildly amused that there was something remotely funny about the day's events.
"You won't come in?" Her hand stopped on the door handle while she gazed up at him hopefully and with a small smile.
Sasuke shook his head, although his gaze was a tingling, dark coal of unspoken feeling.
"Not even to my door?"
Sakura quickly got out of the vehicle when he didn't respond, but turned suddenly when she heard the sound of his door being closed. Sasuke silently came to her side, ushering her into the more comfortable warmth of her apartment building with a hand on the small of her back. The elevator dinged lowly, announcing its arrival at the lobby floor and the two of them boarded silently. Her luxuriously furnished floor seemed barren as their footfalls thudded lowly while they walked down the hallway and to Sakura's apartment.
"What are we going to do now?" she asked, trying to change the subject. Sakura was obviously referring to Ryou… not the two of them.
"He should have been back in Japan days ago. We'll see," Sasuke concluded in a mumble, glancing at his phone.
"I had given him divorce papers to sign," Sakura began, stepping away from her door. Sasuke's eyes suddenly zeroed in on her, apparently interested in what she was going to say. It seemed he was finally paying attention to her since their departure from the restaurant. "I haven't filed them yet," she blurted in her nervousness and drowning guilt.
"Why not?" he spat a bit more forcefully than needed.
Though he was barely speaking above a whisper, she could clearly hear the accusation in his voice. Her emerald eyes stared at him almost supplicating as she continued with an explanation of the delay on her part. "I don't know… I just got caught up in everything—with you..." Sakura pressed her palms against the sides of her head in regret, feeling her previous emotions of frustration and hurt surface for the second time that night.
"I have to go." Sasuke glanced at his phone once more before slipping it back in his pocket. "We'll talk later."
Sakura caught his arm before he could turn to leave. "You still won't come in?"
Sasuke shook his head. "No."
"Sasuke… I—" her words fell short. She didn't know what to say. He was making it hard… on her. She couldn't understand him. "Never mind." Without another word, the pinkette entered her apartment not bothering to look back.
Once inside the blanketing darkness of her abode, Sakura dropped her purse to the ground and fell onto her couch with inaudible sobs. She had an obsessive husband who most likely had intentions of ruining her in some way… why else would he want to spy on her? On top of that, the man whom she had thought was her second chance was acting indifferently—she didn't want to lose him… she had felt that tonight.
It was then, with her tear-stained face turned up to the ceiling, she realized what she truly felt for the man.
It wasn't that she was used to being served coffee in the morning, but on this particular day it would have been nice. Sakura grimaced as she got up at the tacky way her dress clung to her skin. She needed a shower. The remains of her dried tears from the previous night felt unusually obvious when she yawned and got to her feet.
As much as she would have liked not to, memories of the previous night flooded her mind in vivid detail. She felt troubled when she began thinking of Sasuke and the way he had behaved with her last night. Sakura still could not pinpoint what the source of his sudden attitude change was. She had done enough retracing the night before, desperately trying to figure out what may have put him off. In all honestly, it had hurt her… she wanted to make amends so badly. She didn't know what was in store for her once Ryou found out that she had moved out. What would he do? Just the thought of him spying on her sent shivers down her spine.
Ryou was being obsessive. Why couldn't he let her go? It was scary to think of.
Stripping off her clothes, leaving a trail of fallen garments as she walked to the bathroom, Sakura drowned herself in the placating steam of a hot shower. She stood under the showerhead, letting the water run down her body in continuous rivets until her fingers were pruned and a feeling of lightheadedness made her tip slightly. Turning off the showerhead, Sakura slipped on a silk bathrobe and tied up her wet hair.
So far, she had succeeded in clearing her preoccupied mind. Maybe some television would suffice in making that effect last longer?
He knew calling her would be the best option, especially since how he had behaved with her the previous night. He obviously did not want to admit the reason for his sudden attitude, but he could not bear to just call her.
He needed to see her. It was… killing him.
Sasuke swiftly took the elevator down to the ground floor, and sat in his car. Before he knew it, he was well on his way in the direction of her apartment.
Though whatever he had to discuss with her could easily be done over the phone, the guilt that had plagued him through the night and morning was too much to bear. Her could hear the same words she had used during their rendezvous with the person who had supposedly been spying on them. They rang clear in his head.
"You know how happy I was with the marriage."
Just hearing her talk about another man, not to mention the very man who had cheated on her—her husband…
"You know I would never do such a thing to him. You know it. I loved him."
His grip on the steering wheel tightened until his knuckles burned white.
"You know it. I loved him."
Love.
He muttered a curse as he sped the car into a turn that made the tires screech noticeably. Why would he care? Hadn't he initiated this relationship on the simple grounds of physical pleasure?
Sasuke couldn't deny it any longer. As much as he wanted to, he had to acknowledge he had gotten in nose deep. He was beyond simple fascination, infatuation.
Which was why he needed to at least see her… even if he wasn't going to say so.
Within ten minutes, he had parked and reached the floor on which the apartment was located. As he walked down the hall, Sasuke weighed a key in his hand in indecisiveness. It was a key to Sakura's apartment… she had given it to him when she had first bought the place as a means of making their secret interactions easier. Dropping it into his pocket, Sasuke decided that this time, knocking would be a wiser choice.
Sakura frowned.
She wasn't expecting anyone to drop by, not even Ino. Who could possibly be knocking on her door at this time? Sakura glanced at the clock that hung on the wall as she got up and tightened the belt on her bathrobe. Running a hand through her damp locks, she walked to the door, curious as to who it could be. She systematically undid the lock and let the door swing wide open.
"Can I—" Sakura gasped taking a step back.
There was just no way…
How did he know? Why was he here?
She took a tentative step back, and her hand immediately reached for the door, but her visitor took a step in and pushed against it, preventing her from closing it on him. His lips were turned upward in a sinister smirk, a deviant look present in his hazel eyes.
"You can't run from me, Sakura. I'll always find you."
His name fell like a dreaded whisper from her lips. "Ryou."
He abruptly reached out, grabbing her forearm and tugging harshly—
—her scream died in her throat as she reached out, clutching the cushioned headrest of the sofa. She greedily took in large gulps of air, willing to calm her erratic heart beat. Quickly surveying her surrounding, Sakura realized she must have fallen asleep… again. Sure enough the television was still on, and she was nowhere near the door.
But it had seemed so real.
Sakura let out a relieved breath and sat upright, running a hand through her hair as she mentally returned back to reality. It had all been a dream—
The sound of someone knocking on the door alerted her and she stared at its wooden expanse wearily. With careful steps she got up, tightened her robe, and reached out with a shaky hand to undo the lock.
Whoever was knocking had apparently gotten impatient, and the sound of knuckle against wood was louder this time. Sakura took in a deep breath before allowing the door to creak open—
"Sakura… you okay?"
The pinkette visibly relaxed. "Yeah, I'm fine, Sasuke." Sakura turned, immediately heading for the kitchen, aware of the fact that Sasuke had followed her in. She rummaged through one of the cabinets before she produced a bottle of painkillers.
"Are you okay?" he asked again, watching her swallow the pills. Her eyes were slightly red, her pink hair messy. She looked purely angelic with her ivory skin glowing, and her lips as pink as ever in compliment with her locks. The smooth texture of the robe she wore complimented her figure perfectly, accentuating the curve of her hips. A small part of his mind was focused on her cleavage that peeked over the v-neck of the garment with mild interest when she folded her arms over her chest. What was she wearing under that robe…?
"I'm fine," she repeated, well aware of his wandering gaze as she emptied the glass in the sink and placed it back in a cabinet. "Would you like anything to drink… eat?" she asked with a snivel.
"No, it's fine. I won't be long."
"You should've just called then." Sakura walked past him and to the living room, switching the television off.
Sasuke followed her silently, his eyes never leaving her face as she turned toward him after setting the remote down. There was a different look in her eyes…
"Ryou called me this morning. He's back in Japan."
Sakura's eyes widened a fraction.
"He was asking about you."
Sakura gasped. "What? Does he… know?"
"No, he doesn't. He thought I might have an idea where you were." Sasuke averted his gaze, taking a step toward the door. "He's looking for you."
Sakura wrung her hands together and groaned in frustration, pacing the living room randomly.
"He won't find you," Sasuke assured, though it did nothing to help her relax.
Sakura wrapped her arms around herself. "I could go see him… find out what he wants," she suggested, taking a couple steps in his direction. "I know he'll call me… again."
"He did before?" Sasuke questioned in curiosity.
"Yes, but it was a missed call. I didn't return it."
"I don't think you should go see him," Sasuke snapped gruffly.
Sakura tilted her head in confusion. "I can handle myself," she bit out, her voice strained. "Don't speak to me that way."
His mouth tightened into a line. "Don't go to see him so soon," he pressed despite the warning in her voice.
"You can't tell me what—"
"Just give it a few days."
"For what reason?"
Sasuke sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Just do as I say, Sakura."
She rolled her eyes, focusing her eyes on the blank wall. "Is this all you came here to tell me about?" Sakura asked after a few minutes of silence.
"There's something else." Sasuke cleared his throat. "We need to stop seeing each other… for a while."
Sakura stilled, but nodded a couple seconds later. However, to hear him say those words… it burned. "No, I get it." She swallowed the lump in her throat, trying desperately to prevent any emotion from leaking into her voice. She at least expected some sort of reassurance… that they would be together away from the public eye, sharing secret words, kisses, and pleasures.
But he didn't say any of that.
"Going out yesterday was done in effort to confirm if there was someone keeping an eye on us… you," he corrected suddenly. He had noticed the crestfallen look on her face, and it panged him to make her feel that way, but he was doing it for the sake of making sure their relationship could continue… even though he had driven a rift between them after what had happened last night.
"Sakura, I…" he had nothing more to say, though there was much he wanted to. She stood in front of him, turned away, and he couldn't help but let his eyes travel down, over the prominent indent of her jaw, and trace the angled curves of her shoulders and collarbones. It felt like it had been ages since he last kissed her… touched her…
Feeling as though he could hold back no longer, Sasuke strode forward, grabbing a hold of her face while an arm snaked around her waist. Her cry of surprise was immediately muffled when he closed his mouth over hers. His hand smoothed up her neck and into her damp locks as if trying to convince her to respond to his kiss when all she did was struggle in his hold.
As much as she wanted to resist, she felt her physical self begin to melt in his hold and give in. When her last push had seemed futile, Sakura buried her hands into his hair, pulling his head as roughly to hers as she could. His hands burned their way down her shoulders and back and rested just above the curve of her bottom. Their kisses were starved and uncontrolled as he backtracked them both to the nearest wall. Their mouths parted once she hit its cool surface with a light thud. His fingers were intertwined with hers, and he held her hands up on either side of her head, while the rest of his body leaned against hers, keeping her in place.
Sakura felt her belly clench when his noses brushed and his hot breath tickled the flesh of her lips. She didn't want to ruin the moment, but she wasn't going to give in so easily… this time. "I suppose this is when you tell me what happened to you yesterday," she whispered, her tone slightly hopeful.
"Nothing happened yesterday," he defended evasively, his hold becoming lax.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about." Sakura's gaze hardened and she immediately turned her head when he tried to kiss her again. His frustrated groan tickled the skin behind her ear, and she tried once more to push him off. "You're not making it easy for me to understand you."
Sasuke released his hold on her, taking a few steps back. "You should be used to that by now."
"Don't have to tell me twice." Sakura sent him a glare, walking past him. She undid the lock on her door. "In the spirit of not seeing each other anymore, you shouldn't be here." Sakura held the door open for him and gave him an expecting glance.
His facial expression was as cryptic as ever as he walked out without another word.
Once in the comfort of his office, Sasuke leaned back in his chair, trying to collect his thoughts. He should not have let himself get out of hand by kissing her. It just made his efforts all the more difficult to achieve. However, he had succeeded in stalling Sakura… for how long? He didn't know, but he knew he hand time.
He had figured out a way to eliminate any evidence of his relationship with Sakura and allow the divorce to take place without inhibition, and it would start with that damned spy Ryou had employed…
Once his thoughts were collected, Sasuke pulled out his phone and dialed a number. One of the quirks of being such a successful businessman was the connections he had with top agencies and services. It was one of the things he valued most.
"Been a while since you've called. You must really need something," answered an enthusiastic voice.
"Naruto I—"
"What is it this time? Got a crazy, obsessive girlfriend who won't leave you alone?"
"Maybe if you'd shut up and listen I could tell you," Sasuke answered, annoyed.
"Deep shit, huh?"
"Nothing you can't handle," Sasuke answered smoothly.
Naruto laughed. "Sometimes, I think you really want me to lose my job, you know?"
"I have the power to prevent that."
"I have the power to say no to you," countered the blonde smugly.
"But you won't."
"We've known each other too long," Naruto commented lowly with a sigh. "What do you need?" he asked in a more serious tone.
Sasuke heard the swift typing of a keyboard before he began to answer. "I need you to track some payment transactions."
"Who's exactly?"
Three days.
Well four, if one wanted to count the present morning, since Sakura was sure the day would unfold much the same: no contact whatsoever.
It had been three days since she had last talked to Sasuke… since he had last kissed her… since he had last told her that they should stop meeting.
Presently, Sakura was eating breakfast with Ino before they'd both have to head off to work. She listened to her blonde friend chat away, though she was only partly paying attention. She hadn't told her about Ryou's alleged spying or the argument she had had with Sasuke a few days before. Ino was a possessive friend, and Sakura was sure she'd get a bit out of hand if she told her.
As she took another spoonful of her cereal, Sakura vaguely remembered Sasuke's instruction not to meet with Ryou right away. For some reason, she had obliged—the more rational side of her reasoned that Sasuke was merely trying to protect their relationship… though he wasn't exactly tell her how. What he'd gain by keeping her in the dark she didn't know, but she had faith that he was doing it solely for her—
"Hey, Sakura, did you read the paper yet?"
"You know I don't. I just picked it up this time because you like to—" Sakura stopped suddenly when she noticed Ino's expression: worried, shocked. "What is it, Ino?" Sakura asked, rounding the table to stand next to the blonde.
"It's nothing." Ino shrugged nonchalantly, flipping the page and setting it down on the table casually.
"Ino." Sakura forced her friend to look up at her. "Please tell me."
The blonde gave in, turning to the first page only to reveal a rather large sized picture of Sasuke with a smirk on his face—
Sakura gasped, her eyes wide in shock.
—and a rather familiar looking woman with her arms around his neck, smiling widely. The headline read "Japan's Number One Bachelor: Taken?"
"Sakura… I'm so sorry—"
"Wait, Ino, I've seen her before," Sakura remarked suddenly, picking up the paper to scrutinize the face of the woman depicted.
Ino peered at the image as well, suddenly grabbing Sakura's shoulder when she had realized who it was. "It's the girl from the bar, remember?"
"When?"
"I took you out a while back… he owned the bar, and he just happened to be there…"
"No, I remember," Sakura confirmed gravely. Though the picture was in black and white, there was no mistaking who it was. "It's Karin."
Author's Note:
I know it's not the most eventful of chapters, but it's more emotionally progressive. It focuses a lot on Sasuke and Sakura... something I hope you like.
I added a Naruto tease I will be including much more of in the next update! Hope it piques your interest. He will play an integral part in the following chapters, especially with helping Sasuke.
I truly feel ecstatic when I get feedback from all of you. Please let me know what you think! It's such a motivational feeling to read such insightful reviews ^_^