Hinata's POV

Ino and I are eating at the Dango shop on the edge of tow. We just left Sakura's house and honestly she's a mess after everything that happened last week. This weekend was Team 7's last few days of leave and we need to get this mess cleaned up before they start training on Monday. The last thing we need is an all out battle between those three.

"Ino what are we going to do?"

"I don't know but this isn't good. Have you talked to Sasuke lately?"

"No one has. Naruto hasn't heard from him since that afternoon. I want to go check on him."

"It's best if I stay away since I helped Sakura sneak out."

I nod my head as I finish my tea. We both know technically this is none of our business but the three of them mean so much to us. They are our family and it's been rough not having everyone together. Naruto has been laying on the couch for the past two days and I know it's because he hasn't seen his best friends. Sasuke and Sakura have been there for him and not having that support system is hurting him.

Ino walks me to the gate of the Uchiha compound. So many dark memories are linked to this place for Sasuke. I had hoped once Sakura came she would brighten this place. I hugged Ino goodbye as began the walk to Sasuke's house. It was quiet here and I see why Sasuke liked living in a ghost town.

Before I could knock on the door, it swung open revealing a Sasuke I've never seen. His hair was in a disarray and he looked complete broken. I thought he was rough at the hospital waiting on Sakura, I was wrong.

"Did Naruto send you?"

"No I'm here because we need to talk."

I push past the man and took a seat in the chair facing the door. These three need a little tough love. Sasuke took a seat opposite me and the showdown began.

"What do we need to talk about? Anything that happened between Team 7 should stay that way."

"Cut the act Sasuke. I can see how this has changed you. Naruto and Sakura are your family, your comrades. Sakura is the love of your life and Naruto is your best friend."

"Hn."

"Whatever happened last week is nothing compared to what happened all those years ago."

His glare went to the floor. When he left the village he destroyed those two and others. Rookie 9 may not all agree on everything but we are all family.

"I'm just trying to understand. My fiancé is sitting at home not moving from the couch because of the argument."

"We can't trust each other anymore. Sakura went behind both of our backs."

"Did you ever think that maybe she needed to? Maybe she needed to look her enemy in the face and show him that he can't break her. For men it's a lot easier to put on the tough guy façade. Sakura has worked her ass off to get to this point."

"You think I don't know that. I've seen how far she's come."

"Then just fucking talk to her."

I rise from my seat and see myself out of the home. Now I need to get Sakura's perspective on the situation. Naruto told me that things were bad but I never imaged it would be this bad. These three have put each other through different kinds of hell and bounced back.

Sakura's sitting on her porch when I reach her house and she's just as bad as the other two. Ninja rely on trust to complete mission and build teamwork. All of their hard work as been thrown off course.

"Sakura can we talk?"

"Sure."

She moved over on the bench and I sat next to my close friend. If it wasn't for Sakura I wouldn't be with Naruto, she gave me the courage to confess everything. Her head rested on my shoulder.

"I messed up Hinata."

"I know Sakura. Why did you break their trust?"

"It just felt like something I had to do. Everyone was treating me like they did back in our genin years and I hated it. I'm one of the top medics in the world and everyone treated me like they forgot about that. I was 12-year-old Sakura all over again."

"You should've just told them that. Naruto and Sasuke care so much about you."

"They won't understand. They never had. If I hadn't gone and talked to him, we would've never learned that he finished his creation. It was something I had to do Hinata."

"I know…"

I felt my shoulder get damp and I smelt the salt from her tears. This was the Sakura not many got to see anymore. She's put a wall around herself and everyday since Sasuke came back home a piece was taken away. Now she doesn't know what to do without her wall or her love.

We stayed like that for a while and I make sure she is fine before I make my way back home to Naruto. When I walk through the doors I hear his snores filling our home. All three of them reminded me of our genin days all over again. I grabbed Naruto's phone and dialed up the one person who could truly help me.

'Yes Naruto.'

"Actually Kakashi it's Hinata."

'My bad Hinata. How can I help you?'

"Funny that you should say that. I need you to get Team 7 rounded up today."

'I'm assuming that you have a plane.'

"Yes I do actually. Get them to the training grounds."

'Will do.'

The phone goes silent. Sometimes people need a push in the right direction.

Sasuke's POV

My phone started to ring. I don't feel like talking to anyone right now but it could be something about Asuka. I click the message.

'Training grounds. ASAP. Mission.'

Great a mission. Running to my room I threw on my mission clothes and grabbed my katana. Facing Sakura was going to be a challenge. Our relationship took a hit last week and honestly I don't know if there is still one at this point. Going behind my back and lying was something I couldn't stand. Locking the door, I bolted across the village to the training grounds.

When I arrived I was beyond livid. Hinata and Kakashi were standing next to each other while Naruto and Sakura were standing ten feet apart.

"Before you even think about running off Sasuke, get over here and join the team."

Taking my time, I stood in the middle of my two team mates. Sakura's eyes were puffy and her face seemed drained of all color while Naruto looked depressed. These two were never like this and my heart tugged at seeing these two people like this. Hinata's voice echoes through the air.

"Now you three fix this. You all need to talk."

With those words, the two vanished. They tricked us into meeting with each other. Naruto knew that I wasn't angry with him in anyway but Sakura is a different story. I've spent the last week trying to understand what made her turn her back on me. Ever since I've been home all I've done is try to change myself. Naruto had moved over to the three posts with Sakura slowly behind him. All those years ago we learned how to work as a team and what it took. Naruto sat with is back propped against the middle post. I sat in front of him with Sakura not too far away from me.

"We've come so far since the day I was tied to this post."

"Yeah…"

"Hn."

"Sakura, why would you go behind our backs? All Sasuke and I want is for you to be safe."

We've protected her ever since our genin days. It's something that comes naturally but the aspect that I was still trying to understand was the protection I wanted to give her as her lover. I want to carry all the pain and burdens for us. Seeing her take on something without me hurts in ways I've never known.

"My gut instinct was telling me to go. We wouldn't have learned about his creation being finished if I had gone with supervision. If he would've seen Sasuke or you there he would've just played games."

"Then tell us! You can't go off and do whatever you want. We are a team."

I watched the scene in front of me. Even if Sakura had asked me to stay away while she went I wouldn't have listened, neither would Naruto. The day we found her chained up will be engraved in my memory forever.

"Yet you two can do whatever you want. All I wanted was to stand up for myself without you two protecting me. Ever since we were children you both have treated me like I can't."

"We know you're capable of protecting yourself but it's just an instinct. You are an important person to us Sakura."

"I realize that and I'm sorry. I didn't think that it would cause this big a rift in our team."

"Sasuke do you want to be included in this conversation?"

My eyes cut back to the blonde. Of course I wanted to say something but I'm trying to figure out the right way to say it. I turn my attention back to the woman who had broken down my walls that I kept up for so long.

"You lied to me."

"And I'm sorry Sasuke."

"Instead of sneaking off, you should've talked with me first."

"Talking to you has never worked before. So I figured it wouldn't this time."

"So you didn't even bothering trying. Do you not realized how worried I was? Part of me thought that Asuka had escaped from prison and took you again. After watching you lie in that hospital bed for weeks fighting for your life, I knew that you wouldn't make it back from being tortured again."

Her eyes went wide and her mouth opened slightly as if she wanted to respond. Every nerve in my body was shouting at me to make a run for it.

"I would rather be beaten to an inch of my life before seeing you injured again."

My body acted on its own and stood to walk away. I needed time to reflect and meditate. Every nerved screamed at me to run to the one place I knew I could find sanctuary and quiet…

Naruto's POV

My best friend just ran from us again, but this time it wasn't to seek darkness. Sakura's sobs filled the air and my heart couldn't ache. After years of searching for Sasuke to come back to her and accept her love, she managed to break down his walls. Now it's like he put up his defenses and shut both of us out.

"I just wanted to finally show you two I can stand beside you."

"What do you mean Sakura?"

"I've watched you two excel and I was always stuck in the background. I figured I could finally do my part and be an equal."

"You don't have to prove anything to us Sakura. Sasuke and I both know how much you've grown. We need you more than you know."

"I don't know what to do… I can't lose him. Not after everything."

The tears had stopped but there was no life in her face. Pink locks covered most of her face as she walked away. This wouldn't have been so bad if Sakura would've just talked to us before making that decision. Yeah Sasuke is stubborn but he would've agreed to her going alone. Sasuke most likely went back to the Uchiha compound and Sakura will go back to her house. Hinata told me they haven't talked since the incident, while is unhealthy. We can all agree that what Sakura did wasn't right but it's not worth ruining our friendship and their relationship over.

The sun is sinking lower in the sky as I head to Sasuke's. It's been hours since I was left alone at the training grounds. They both have had enough time to cool off and start to look at this in a rational way. We've put each other through way worse before, so this in comparison is nothing. Knocking on the door a few times, there wasn't an answer. Was there somewhere else he would've gone? Turning to go deeper into the Uchiha compound, I see a light coming from a far building. The building was older than most and it had a spiritual aura emitting from the old wood. I could hear a faint voice coming from inside, I gently push open the door to find something from a history book.

There were hundreds of headstone, each maybe the size of a book. Sasuke was bowing in front of a few and had candles burning on two. This is the Uchiha shrine that I've heard Kakashi sensei mention a few time. The shrine was sacred and only Uchiha's are allowed to enter. Bowing my head in respect, I silently exit and take a seat on the steps waiting for him to finish.

Not too long after taking a seat, Sasuke exits the room. He sits next to me with a stern but gentle expression. His hands rub his knees and calves, Sasuke has most likely been in there since he left Sakura and I this afternoon.

"You know she didn't mean for all of this to happen."

"I know."

"So what now? Sakura is sorry for everything."

A sigh left his mouth as he leaned back onto the railing. Sasuke seemed calmer and more at peace than earlier. Maybe he worked out whatever was going on in his head while he meditated.

"I'm not sure. I'm still trying to figure out where to go from here."

"After you left, Sakura and I talked for a few minutes before she left too."

"What did she say?"

"Remember when we were kids and always protecting her in a fight?"

"Yeah."

"Well she still feels the same. Sakura just wanted to do something we would've done. In her mind, she still thinks that we don't see her as an equal."

A chuckle left Sasuke after a few minutes of silence. It was absurd for her to think that we would ever see her as her genin self. I honestly was scared to death of Sakura whenever she gets angry. She could level the entire village on a rampage if she wanted to.

"That woman is stronger than I ever thought she would be. She's a better medical ninja than Tsunade. There are only three people that I would ever want to fight alongside with and she's one of them."

"I better be one of them."

Sasuke really has changed since coming home. At first I didn't think he would really come back to us at all but Sakura was able to crack that concrete shell of his. Sasuke punched my shoulder with a cocky simile. Well at least he was starting to see the brighter side.

"Are you going to go talk to her?"

"I think I'm going to give her some more time. I know she's always been emotional and right now she needs distance."

"If you say so. It's starting to get late but tomorrow night let's have a guy night. Usual place."

"Might as well. Come Monday we start training again and we have to find out everything we can on this creation."

That's a whole other issue. This thing is stronger than anything we've ever went up against. No matter what issues we are having, we have to learn how to work together in order to protect our village. Sasuke turns to his house as I finish my walk through a once busy community. The Uchiha slaughter is something he doesn't like to talk about and it's basically erased from civilian history. While I sat on the steps I came up with a plan in order to get Sasuke and Sakura to talk but it's going to take a few more people. Opening the door to mine and Hinata's home, I hear multiple voices coming from the kitchen. Hinata and Ino are standing around the island talking about Hinata's squad. She's been needing ideas for teamwork building exercises. Instead of asking Ino she should be asking Kakashi sensei.

"Why not do the bell test?"

"Welcome home. Bell test?"

"Kakashi sensei put Sasuke, Sakura and I through it our first training exercise. There are two bells and you have to get them off of the sensei."

"But there are three students."

I gave her a grin, yeah I was the loser back then but we showed him.

"Talk to Kakashi about it. By the way I need your help Ino."

She gave me a confused look. I never ask for much help but whenever I did it was serious. In order to get these two hardheaded team mates/ best friends to talk we are going to have to force them.

"I need you to arrange an evening out tomorrow night. The usual hangout, usual crew but Sasuke and Sakura have to think that it's a girl/guy night."

"Oh, Naruto Uzumaki you really are a sneaky one. Consider it done. Hinata can you call Temari and Tenten? We can all attack Sakura at her house tomorrow saying she needs a girls' night to get over the fight and celebrate her recovery."

Hinata was smiling while she dialed our friends' numbers. Hinata was the one who set this whole thing in motion today so I might as well finish it for her. Ino got on the phone calling the guys. I wrapped my arms around Hinata's waist as she talked on the phone. From what I heard, they were down for the plan. Placing a kiss on her neck I knew her face was starting to get red. Even after all these years together I can still make her blush. I can't wait to have her as my wife.

I released her from my grip and pulled out my phone. I sent the guys a text in a group, all except Sasuke.

'I need your help. Remember how we set up the training grounds for the festival?'

Shikamaru- 'This sounds troublesome.'

Neji- 'I have the lights here.'

Sai- 'Why?'

Kakashi- 'When?'

'I want to have it set up for Sasuke. Just trust me since Ino let you all in on the plan. Meet me there tomorrow morning. Stay low key from Sasuke.'

They all replied ok and I placed my phone on my bedside table. On Hinata's side of the bed I saw the velvet black box that I had given her to place her ring in. Whenever she went training or on a mission, she would leave it safe at home. If it wasn't for Hinata I would've been a complete mess. She's helped me learn and cared for me in ways I never expected.

"Naruto, dinner is ready. I made pork ramen."

Yeah I really love this woman. I bolt out of the bedroom and take my usual seat at the table with homemade ramen steaming in my face. Smiling, I took in a big gulp and Hinata laughed at my antics.

Sakura's POV

Yesterday was a disaster to say the least. Nothing was resolved between Sasuke and I, also our relationship is at an unknown status. Not having him beside me the past week has been horrible. The bed isn't warm and the house is too quiet. I've spent the past 24 hours laying in my bed reading through scrolls, not really paying attention. In two days I have to go back to training again and I really didn't want to. For the first time in my career, I was done with training exercises.

Rolling over, I see it's almost 6 p.m. A few months ago I would be getting ready to go out with my friends and dance the night away. Now all I wanted to do was sit in my bed and cry while reading boring medical scrolls.

My bedroom door flies open and I see Ino, Tenten, Temari and Hinata all holding duffel bags. Ino was the leader of the group and threw her bag near my closet while jumping on my bed.

"Seriously forehead, medical books?"

"So?"

"That's it. Get your lazy ass out of bed and in the shower."

"No."

"We aren't taking no for an answer. Get in the shower like Ino said, Temari and I will pick out your dress. Tenten go grab the hard stuff so we can start early."

Hinata had a demanding voice, almost like Kakashi sensei when we were on missions. I don't feel like arguing with them but I don't want to leave the safety of my house. I slowly got out of bed and dragged my feet getting into the shower.

I saw Ino walking back and forth from my room to the bathroom. She probably is plugging in all of the hair tools and getting the makeup set up. I'm going to take my time getting ready since I honestly don't want to go out. Resting my head against the cool glass of the shower I let the sound of the running water drown out the laughing of my friends.

"Sakura I know you're finished. Hurry up! I told them that we would be there around 7:30 for our table."

Ugh…Ino won't let me get out of this. What's the purpose of going out when I'm completely miserable? My hands reached for the faucet and turned off the welcomed heat. Once I opened the door, Ino and Hinata swarmed me. I was wrapped in my robe and they began working on my hair. Tenten brought in a drink and shoved it in my face, taking a whiff my throat burned just from the aroma. Was their plan to get me too far intoxicated to care?

After an hour we all were finally ready and I must say they did a god job in cheering me up so far. Hinata picked out a long sleeve, navy blue laced dress and a pair of black heels while Ino curled my hair loosely and did a smoky look for my eyes. The rest all wore a similar style as mine just in different colors.

"Alright forehead now that you don't look pathetic, let's go party."

"Let's go Sakura! This is going to be a great night!"

Tenten grabbed me by the arm smiling from ear to ear. She already had a few along with Temari because right after Tenten was wrapped around my arm she was on the other. The two mumbled about dancing the night away and forgetting that idiot Uchiha. I didn't want to think about him tonight and enjoy my friends.

The club was packed and filled with loud music. Ino lead me to a table that was reserved for us, there was plenty to choose from as she pounded back a shot of the first bottle she could grab. Throwing my purse into the booth with the others, I grab Hinata's hand and dragged her to the dance floor. We started dancing in a group, Ino was on my tail screaming at me.

"That's right forehead dance! It's about time we have some fun!"

"You're right Ino!"

I laughed and danced for what seemed like hours. After a while both Hinata and Ino pulled me back to the booth. My heart dropped as soon as I saw him, Sasuke was dressed in a navy blue shirt and jeans. I couldn't leave without my purse and I didn't want to stay. Sasuke's eyes widened once he saw us walking towards them. Naruto looked guilty, which I knew he was, and my two friends were just as guilty.

"What is going on?"

My eyes dart back to Naruto. I know that he's the one who set this up. Eventually I was going to talk to Sasuke but I wanted more time for him to calm down. By the looks of it Sasuke didn't know that I would be here either, so I know our friends set us up.

"We think you two have avoided each other long enough."

Ino stood with her arms crossed across her chest. They meant well but would a simple talk fix this? I'm defeated by a couple of blondes….

"Sasuke I think we should go somewhere else."

Naruto leaned over and whispered something into Sasuke's ear. He nodded and handed me my purse. I followed behind him and the walk was quiet between us. As we walked, I realized we were headed towards the training grounds. Why were we coming here?

Turning the corner to walk through the gate, I saw all the lights. They had recreated the festival lights. A smile crept on my face as I hugged my arms tighter to my chest. The air was getting colder each day as we approached winter. Sasuke walked towards the water and I followed right behind him like I always had. Turning to face him, I knew the only way to move forwards was to apologize and let him know exactly how I was feeling.

"Sasuke I'm sorry. You were right, I should've talked with you first."

"Sakura…do you really think that you aren't good enough to fight beside Naruto and I?"

Naruto had told him, which I had to know he would but I hoped he wouldn't. I truly felt inferior compared to them.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because you two have always had to protect me."

"We don't have to anymore. You are more than capable of taking care of yourself. In my eyes you have surpassed the Hokage. Naruto and I just act on instinct when it comes to you."

"Instinct?"

"You're very important to both of us. We can't stand the thought of something happening to you when we know that we could prevent it."

I know exactly what he means. In the hospital I put the well being of all my patients before my own. I can't tell you how many times I've drained myself of chakra healing everyone.

"This past week has been torture on me Sakura. Just when I start to fully open up to you, you go behind my back about something I felt very strongly about."

"I know and I'm sorry Sasuke. I just wanted to finally prove myself."

His eyes looked me over and concern was washed on his face. What was he seeing?

"You don't have to. Naruto and I both see you as an equal."

A tear runs down my face as my brain registers what he said. Sasuke finally sees me as an equal. I'm not the annoying, weak fan girl anymore and he knows that. My body reacts on its own and I wrap my arms around Sasuke's neck burying my face in his neck. I held the tears in and just held onto him for dear life. I felt his arms wrap around my waist and pull to him even tighter.

We stand like this for a few minutes before his grip loosens. I take a step back and his lips are on mine. My entire body relaxed into him and I felt whole again. The kiss ended too soon for me and I slightly pouted.

"Sakura, I don't understand everything that comes with a relationship. I don't know how to handle my emotions, but I do know one thing. I can't lose you again."

"I don't want to lose you either. You finally came home to us. I love you Sasuke."

"Do you promise to talk to me from now on and never lie to me again?"

"Yes Sasuke."

He flashed me a quick smile before his lips were on mine yet again. I'm guessing we had fixed the damage done. Pulling away to catch my breath, I look around to see our friends walking through the gates.

"See Ino I told you our plan would work!"

Naruto was staggering towards us and I could tell he had a good buzz going. I punched him straight in the arm.

"You idiot."

"You're welcome Sakura! Yay my two best friends are back together!"

He started jumping around and laughing like a dummy. Yeah I was pretty happy to have Sasuke back by my side. Sasuke grabbed me by the waist and pulled me to his side, his lips were on the outer shell of my ear.

"I love you too Sakura."

My face was hot and Ino started giggling. This was how it was supposed to be, all of my favorite people together enjoying the life we have. Hinata grabbed Naruto's arm and started pulling him towards the exit.

"I think it's time to call this a night. Hangout at Sakura's tomorrow?"

They all nodded and I smiled the hardest I had in a long time. Everything was going back to normal for now. Sasuke laced our fingers together and we walked in the back of the group.

"Your house or mine?"

"Doesn't matter to me as long as you're there Sasuke."

A smirk was the response as I was swept off my feet and the cool air was rushing in my face. We were at my house in a matter of a minute. Kicking off my heels at the door, I ran to my bedroom and jumped into my bed. Sasuke wasn't far behind me, he threw off his clothes and took out a spare pair of sweat pants. I unzipped my dress and peeled my bra off, I threw on one of Sasuke's shirts. Joining him in the bed, I laid my head over his heart and listened to the rhythm. This is where I was meant to be. With a kiss on the top of my head, I let the peaceful sleep consume me.