Breathe

by CharlieBrownLover21

I saw the sun prickling gently over the horizon and my heart thumped with anxious honesty. It made me think of you and the end. The end, that wasn't really the end, but a beginning. A beginning of a fresh start. A new life. Finally, I could breathe again.

26. Chapter 25: Somewhere I Belong

A/N: Here it is. The last chapter of Breathe. There will be some bonus chapters, and an epilogue, but for the end, this is it. This is when we say, aora voir.

Thank you for loving and giving love to "Breathe". This story will always hold a special place in my heart.

"Breathe" has been dedicated to my best friend in the whole wide world, Alexis, or to call her by her fanfic name, hayden14. She has pushed me and pushed me to continue "Breathe" even when I sometimes felt it was going nowhere. She has been there for me even before we came to this site, and has never once let me down. We've had our hard times, but we're still besties till the end! :) I love you, girl! ;)

Keep enjoying, even though it is the end.

000

(When this began)
I had nothing to say
And I get lost in the nothingness inside of me
(I was confused)
And I let it all out to find
That I'm not the only person with these things in mind
(Inside of me)
But all that they can see the words revealed
Is the only real thing that I've got left to feel
(Nothing to lose)
Just stuck, hollow and alone
And the fault is my own, and the fault is my own

I wanna heal, I wanna feel what I thought was never real
I wanna let go of the pain I've felt so long
(Erase all the pain till it's gone)

"Somewhere I Belong, by Linkin Park"

000

Chapter 25: Somewhere I Belong (They Say Goodbye)

000

He knew it wasn't a dream.

How could it be? He could feel himself standing upright and walking; walking towards the figure that was beckoning him with utter silence and a familiar presence.

It felt real.

The figure said nothing, made no move, no sound, and no nothing that could help Sasuke distinguish just who or what this figure was.

As he grew closer, the feeling grew stronger; it was a feeling of doom, one that made his stomach do cartwheels as if it were in a show. Somewhere in there, though, a sliver of light was cracking through the gloom. He felt like he was going to vomit.

What was this?

He continued his pace, and it was consecutive as he put one foot in front of the other, dreading the moment when he reached what was awaiting him at the other side of the unknown place.

As if he had been blind, his sight began to blur but then return clear, and the figure he saw waiting for him was one that gave him a surge of hope, one that made him quicken his steps so that he could reach it sooner.

The face that stared back at him was one he longed to see, one that he thought he would never see again.

Itachi.

He reached towards him, amazed that he was here when Sasuke knew inside that he had killed him.

So then...

...was he dead?

Then he realized it. Nothing with Sakura ever happened. The fight happened.

He didn't survive it.

Everything after his blackout was just a dream, an imagination meant for the foolish.

But if that was true, then why were these feelings of remorse and guilt still pounding through his mind at the sight of Itachi?

"I'm sorry." He murmured to his big brother.

Itachi said nothing, only smiled, and reached out with one hand to touch Sasuke's shoulder.

"You were never supposed to find out." He whispered.

Sasuke snapped to attention at the sound of his big brother's voice. It sounded so real, as if he was really there. The feel of Itachi's hand on his shoulder felt real too.

Could it be that Itachi didn't die?

But then he remembered: He and Sakura buried Itachi. He remembered placing the flowers on his grave and sobbing, sobbing from the feelings of loss and guilt and everything else that he just couldn't put into words.

A small cry filled his ears and his eyes shot down to Itachi's other arm. It was cradled around something tiny, wrapped in a blanket and moving. Something surged through him and he touched the tip of the cloth, moving it, so that he could see what was underneath.

He did, and his heart soared at the sight of the most beautiful baby in the world, gazing up at him with pinkish eyes. Its hair was raven black, as his own, its tiny hands reaching up. It let out a cry and he placed his hand on its hand realizing with great surprise on how small it really was.

"Inaru Uchiha." Itachi proclaimed with pride.

Sasuke nodded, knowing that his son was safe, in the best hands capable.

"Will you...take care of him?" He asked softly.

"Of course." Itachi smiled. Sasuke couldn't understand why he was acting so happy. What was there to be happy about?

An image of Sakura floated into his mind. He wondered how she was doing in his absence. He wondered if he would ever get back from this place. He felt suspended, standing on nothing, as his soul and heart seemed to stop as the time did. He felt frozen, and yet he could speak and move. The feeling was atrocious.

He wondered if this was what death was like.

Itachi's hand still had not left his shoulder. He felt solid, and Sasuke was having a hard time believing that this was all real. It must be just some kind of weird dream, because things like this just don't happen.

"Do you want to hold him?" Itachi asked, ushering the angel in his arms towards him.

Sasuke lurched away from the both of them like a fire was placed under his skin, his heart beating so fast that he thought it might kill him. Well, if he wasn't already dead.

"No." He shook his head. "No, I don't want to hold him."

Itachi frowned, but then bid him back to his original position. Sasuke took two cautious steps towards him. He could feel tears emerging from his eyes.

"Sasuke, you should not be afraid to hold your son." Itachi murmured. "You are going to be a great father one day, and I know you love Inaru."

Sasuke's eyes were glued on the squirming Inaru. It was as if he wanted him; Itachi was having trouble keeping the baby still.

He swallowed and reached his arms out. They were shaking.

I shouldn't.

"O-Okay..." He rasped.

Itachi gave him a reassuring smile, one that brought back memories of the good days, and placed the tiny creature in his arms before he could change his mind.

He gasped and his grip instinctively grew stronger. A sickening feeling in his stomach made him feel as though he might drop the baby if he wasn't too careful. He clutched Inaru to his chest, in a snug but protective hold.

"He's...amazing..." He whispered, rocking him slowly. Inaru cooed in delight.

Suddenly Itachi held his arms out. Confused, Sasuke waited for him for to speak.

"We have to leave now, Sasuke." Itachi said, gently taking Inaru from his arms.

"So soon?"

Inaru began to wail, and Itachi nodded his head solemnly.

Sasuke felt empty now that his son was gone. For that one moment he had felt whole, everything seemed okay and he knew that his son was going to be alright. But now, out of the protecting hold, he felt as if he had nothing to grasp onto, and his world was slowly beginning to slip away once more. He buried his face in his hands, ashamed that he was crying in front of Itachi.

"Everything will turn for the better, you'll see." Itachi promised and turned, light surrounding him, consuming him. Voices that Sasuke hadn't heard in years filled his ears.

His mother.

His father.

Everyone.

"Goodbye..." He choked out, the light blinding him and leaving him wondering what was happening on the other side of it. He could still hear the sure and pleased voice of his brother, echoing in his mind and heart.

"You'll see..."

Sasuke reached his hand out in a futile attempt to find him once again. "Wait, Itachi-"

"...it's not the end."

"Forgive me...Itachi..."

My love for you is strong, Sasuke.

Live.

000

When Sakura awoke, she wasn't shocked that Sasuke was not by her side.

She knew that when her eyes opened, he would be gone, hopefully not too far away, but she couldn't be so sure. She knew that these kinds of emotional ties weren't the type he was used to. She knew that he had never fully given himself to someone else before; he told her himself, and for that she felt unique. But that wasn't the only feeling that was spreading throughout her being.

She was scared.

She was terrified that Sasuke was killing himself inside and that wherever he went, he would not be coming back anytime soon.

She loved him.

That was the only thing swimming around in her brain when she rose from her sleeping spot to go and search for him.

She would search until she found him, but she had no idea what to do when she did. Sasuke had a hard time grasping the concept of love because he had been subjected to none almost his whole life, and Sakura understood that. But she didn't know what she would do if she found him and he wanted nothing more to do with her.

What would become of them now?

Was there any point in trying to continue on in a semi- normal life, go home, and live?

She had to make sure that he continued on living.

Whether it was with her, or not.

He didn't hear her approach.

It wasn't until he heard the soft swish as she swung her feet into the water beside him that he turned, realizing that he couldn't escape, and now was the time to face the music.

It was strange, nothing felt awkward or uncomfortable as many say it does after having what most would refer to as a, "sexual encounter". It felt the same.

She kicked some of the water with her feet, lightly splashing his knee. He smiled at her.

"Hey there, stranger." He whispered.

A look of relief crossed her face and she released a breath that she had been holding since she sat down.

"Hey."

Slowly he reached out and placed his hand on her thigh, she placed her hand over his, intertwining them. She was silent, waiting for him to say something.

"Sakura," He began. Her eyes lit up at the sound of her name and she nodded to him to finish his thought. "Sakura, I saw my son."

Her eyebrows furrowed, and he could feel her hand softly stroking his. "What are you talking about, Sasuke?"

He closed his eyes, remembering the feel of the small bundle in his arms. He could still hear the tiny noises he made when he touched his cheek. The smile on Itachi's face was clearly evident in his mind. "I held him, Sakura. Itachi was there, with my son, Inaru, and I held him in my arms."

He could feel the warm liquid emerging from his eyes. "He was so warm. He had a little face, and-"

"Sasuke!" Sakura said, interrupting him.

His lip quivered, and she touched his cheek.

"When, Sasuke?" She asked.

"This morning."

He watched the expression cross her face. She bit her bottom lip and her eyes began to water.

"Was he a beautiful baby?" She murmured.

He let out a moan and she grabbed him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and pulling him close.

"He was." He cried. "He was an angel, Sakura."

He could feel her body shaking. "I'm so happy, Sasuke-kun." She mourned.

"Itachi said that I would be a great father, but, I don't understand..." He said through grit teeth; distressed and frustrated.

She clutched onto him desperately. "We're going to be alright Sasuke-kun. Inaru's okay, and so is Itachi," She tried to explain quietly. "You have to leave the past behind you."

"That's impossible!" He shouted. "I have no one!"

She lurched away from him. "You have me!" She screamed.

They were both silent and he watched the tears drip down her face like they were a normal part of her now, and his heart retched. He was always hurting people.

He hadn't meant to say it like that. He lashed out; like he always did. And every time he lashed out somebody would get caught up in his wrath.

"You have me," She repeated firmly. "And I love you more than anything."

He snapped to full alert. That word. That word meant so much.

He had always tried to escape from it. That's why when he was twelve he left; he had wanted nothing to do with love and everything to do with power. Could it be that he had been mixed up the whole time? That this whole time instead of power what he really needed to fill the gaping hole in his heart was love?

It was too late to change his mistakes, but there was still time to change the life he had set out for himself. That life consisted of pain and devastation.

Revenge.

His revenge had won him no prize, although he was almost pushed over the brink of insanity. Though he considered that nowhere near what he was looking to accomplish.

She had said that exact line years before. It was like a rush of bitter feelings and memories now that she said it again.

"Sasuke! I love you more than anything!"

How was it that she still loved him, after everything?

It didn't seem fathomable.

"I don't need anything or anyone."

He remembered the day he destroyed Karin. He had sworn that love was the last thing on his mind and that he wished to stay away from it the rest of his life.

But that was when he still had revenge.

Revenge was not an option anymore.

Live, Sasuke.

He hadn't thought he needed love.

But it seemed as though he was not afraid of it.

Like he was before.

And why was it that this time he had no desire to run from this feeling Sakura proclaimed as love? What was different?

Why did her smile always make the sun shine even brighter in his eyes?

"I will always love you," She continued after what seemed to be months of sitting in silence. "I've tried to live without you. But I can't. I was miserable when you left and all I thought about was you. Whenever I closed my eyes, whenever I walked outside and saw that you were no longer waiting for me so that we could train, it killed me. I saw you in Naruto's eyes, Kakashi's frown, and my own reflection. You were everywhere to me,"

His heart ached as she placed her face in her hands.

"And yet nowhere to be found!"

He pulled her back into his arms, this time; he was the one to comfort her.

"I'm here now, Sakura." He whispered.

She pressed herself closer. "But...will you stay?"

000

"Neji-kun? Are you awake?" Hinata questioned softly to her unmoving cousin.

"Hn."

She sighed, making sure to keep her left hand well hidden behind her back as she sat down in her chair next to his hospital bed.

"Neji-kun, there is some very important things that I must tell you." She spoke none above a whisper.

He turned so that he was facing her, a look of pure curiosity placed upon his features. "What is it, Hinata?"

"I-I-I h-have...a s-surprise...." She stuttered underneath the intensity of his gaze. Her eyes began to wander, and she cursed herself for doing so. It showed that she was uncomfortable.

"Spit it out, Hinata." Neji growled, growing highly annoyed.

Quickly, before she lost her nerve, Hinata brought her left hand forward and flashed the diamond.

"I'm getting married."

Neji was silent as he examined the brightly shining jewel on her finger. His eyes narrowed.

"It's Naruto." She squeaked, thinking that she should clarify before Neji got his hopes up that another man might have won her hand.

"Hn." He turned his head away.

"W-W-Well-" She couldn't get the words out. "Aren't you...surprised?"

She sucked in a deep breath when he turned back to face her, his face scrunched up with something that resembled repulsion.

"Of course I'm not surprised that you're marrying Naruto. I knew about it the whole time."

Her mouth dropped. "Wait, what?"

"I am, in fact, paying for the wedding." Neji continued, only causing her to smile bigger and brighter with each word.

"Neji-kun..." She squeezed her eyes shut so she wouldn't cry. "Thank you so much for this..."

Neji rolled his eyes as if it was nothing big to him. "You're my cousin Hinata, and I-"

Her eyes sparkled as she waited for him to finish his sentence. He swallowed and turned his face away from her. "I guess I love you, that's all." He mumbled the words so fast she almost didn't catch it.

"What?" She questioned playfully.

"I am not saying it again!" Neji shouted.

She laughed and gave him the hugest hug ever, without hurting him of course, and to top it off, placed a huge kiss to his cheek. He squirmed and cried in annoyance just like a child, only making her laughing increase.

"Jesus, Hinata, QUIT!"

She clapped her hands. "I'm just so happy, Neji-kun!"

"Yeah, whatever..." He crossed his arms.

After a second, Neji's eyes shot open to full attention and he leaned towards Hinata, beckoning her closer.

She smiled. "Yes?"

"Hinata, Naruto hasn't...defiled you yet, has he?" Neji whispered and looked from side to side as if someone might hear. Then shuddered as if the question was too much to bear.

"Umm...." Hinata poked her fingers together; an old childhood habit that she would do whenever she became nervous.

Shit.

"What is...your definition of...defiled?" She asked quietly.

Neji's eyes narrowed. "Sex."

"Uh..." She began to blush.

"NO!" Neji screamed. "HE DID DIDN'T HE?

"Well-"

"Oh my god, I don't even want to hear about this, this is so wrong, so wrong." Neji's eyes looked crazy as his body spasmed with shaking.

"I can't believe him," Neji continued on talking to himself. "My cousin!"

Suddenly the door swung open with a loud slam, and Hinata's heart sank to her stomach.

"Hey there, BROTHER!" Naruto hollered as he skipped into the room. He waltzed right up to Hinata and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Did you show him the ring?"

Hinata tried to convey with her eyes that this was not the best time to be in the room, if Neji's sadistic look wasn't enough to scare him away.

"What's the matter sweetheart?" Naruto questioned with a worried glance. When she didn't answer, he looked to Neji and grinned.

"Hahaha, I'll bet she's just excited that's all." He winked at Neji as if sharing an inside joke. "If you ask me, I'm more excited about the honey-"

Hinata squeezed his leg with all of the strength she could muster. He shrieked and hoped away from her; closer to Neji.

"What was that for?"

Hinata growled. "Hush, dear, we should be leaving."

Naruto scratched the back of his head and chuckled. "Oh, nyahaha, I get it. You don't want to talk about our hot, sweaty-"

"NARUTO!"

She leaped up from her chair, her cheeks flaming, about ready to drag Naruto out of the room by his ears when Neji let out a scream and proceeded in trying to strangle Naruto with his IV.

"YOU DEFILED MY COUSIN!"

"BLAK! HELP ME HINATA!"

"HOW DARE YOU, NARUTO!"

Naruto managed to weave his way out of the cord along with Neji's grasp and quickly bolted to the door.

He pointed a finger at Neji and laughed out loud. "HAH! I didn't DEFILE anyone! Ask Hinata, she WANTED it!"

SLAM.

He was gone.

Hinata burned with embarrassment and she refused to turn around and witness the look on her cousin's face.

She took one step towards the door.

"HI-NA-TA!"

And then she dashed out of the room.

000

They had somehow managed to become a tangled mess of arms and legs, her body snuggled closely on top of Sasuke's. Their hands were intertwined like the perfect link and she had her face buried deep into the crook of his neck.

She didn't remember how long they had stayed that way.

She knew that he was thinking though. He was thinking over the question she had asked him earlier.

"But...will you stay?"

She wasn't going to rush him. He could take forever if he wanted; as long as she got to stay in this spot for eternity.

She had confessed her love, and strangely, didn't feel regretful. She was prepared for the worst, and yet hoped with all of her heart the worse did not arise.

But she had no idea what the worse might be.

He could tell her he never wanted to see her again and not return to his home. He could spit in her face and tell her everything was an act.

He could die.

He could die while never believing he had the chance to live on.

That. That was the worst.

"I want to go back to the Leaf, Sakura." He finally spoke. She nodded, relief spreading through her.

"I am going back with you, this time, to stay."

Was this a dream?

Her eyes closed and she inhaled his scent, not knowing if they would ever be this close again.

"Do you want...us?" She questioned quietly. Her hand squeezed his as she waited.

She felt him lean forward and press a kiss to her head. "And nothing less."

She smiled. "Good."

All her fears seemed petty once the words were said. The air felt fresh, and she felt like crying, but then realized with some sweet satisfaction that there was nothing to cry about. A bubbly feeling arose from within her and tickled the insides of her stomach like a thousand butterflies were bumping around.

Was this what they called happiness?

Sasuke lifted her chin up so that she was looking deep into his eyes. The black pools of endless intensity made her heart flutter away to her stomach so that it could fly around with them.

"How did we get here, Sakura?" He murmured.

"Where?" She questioned, wondering if he meant the heaven her heart was floating around in.

"Here." He repeated, brushing her hair behind her ear. "How did you come to love me so much, after everything?"

"I have always loved you."

He closed his eyes, as if recalling a memory.

"If you could go back, what would you change?" He asked her, his eyes remaining shut, his breathing slow, steady.

The question stumped her. What would she change?

She thought about all of the pain. Every tear and every heartbreak that caused her to think that she hated this man. Every fight. The stinging pain when his hand came in contact to her cheek. She remembered it all.

Who was this girl that couldn't stand the pounding in her own heart? It only seemed to grow when she was with him, but without him, she was empty, a dull and hollow being with no reason to continue on. He was her other half; her soul.

She remembered the day she woke up for the mission. The mission that started it all.

"Tsunade-sama, are you sure that I am the one for this simple task? Can you not send a genin, or someone else?" She had questioned their leader.

"I could, Sakura. But it seems when if you have nothing to do, you deteriorate from the inside out."

She was right at the time.

"That's not true, Tsu-"

"Are you questioning me, Sakura Haruno? No one else is available to do this tiny task, so you will go."

"Yes ma'am."

"Quit sulking. It will not take long. You'll most likely be home tomorrow."

Yeah, right.

She let herself slip and become lost in his eyes, wondering just exactly what could have been different. If things had changed, would they be in the position they were now?

"Sasuke," She breathed his name and smiled. "I wouldn't change a thing."

000

"Anything?"

"Nope. Nothing."

"That isn't good." Hinata mumbled.

"Yeah I know," Naruto groaned. "Tsunade is going crazy. And Neji's accusations aren't helping either. Sakura should be home by now."

"Do you still think they'll come home?" She asked.

"Yes."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Because...I love them. They're my best friends. I believe with all my heart that I will see them soon."

"But what if-"

"Impossible."

Hinata punched him and he yelped. "What was THAT for?"

"Making a scene at the hospital and almost giving Neji a stroke."

He chuckled. "You know I love you, Hinata-chan."

"Humph." With a flip of her hair she spun around and crossed her arms, refusing to look at him.

He scrunched up his face and whined. "Are you really that mad at me?"

She waited for a moment, and then smiled.

"Impossible, Naruto-kun."

000

"If you could go back," She asked him slowly, laying her head on his shoulder. "What would you change?"

It wasn't a hard question. He had thought of it before. He just didn't know how many memories it would bring back when it was directed at him.

He could feel tears pricking at the corners of his eyes and wondered, just how many times had he cried today?

"Everything, Sakura."

She was silent.

"I would change everything."

She stared at him with sympathy in her eyes. He hated it.

"I would change my clan, and make them good people; the idea of war would never exist. I would change Itachi, and remove all of his pain of his childhood and allow him and me to live a normal life. I would change the fact that I wanted power over love and that I couldn't see it at the time because I was blinded by the foolish revenge and the way Orochimaru slowly reeled me in by praying on my weaknesses. I would change the way I began to despise Naruto, and the way I hurt you and Kakashi."

He took a shaky breath and averted his eyes. He couldn't look at her anymore.

"I would change me."

She touched his cheek.

"Everything." He repeated.

What would be his next words were hushed when she pressed her lips to his. They were soft, sweet, though he couldn't quite determine the taste. All he knew was that he loved it.

It wasn't a lust filled kiss, more of the kind that said, "I'm here," and even so, it caused his heart to beat strangely. It just seemed right; the way their lips molded so perfectly, how there was no rush or any need to pull away. He cupped her cheek in his hand and eased her closer, enjoying how when she was so near him, he somehow felt his worries rise and dissipate throughout the air above them.

He had only felt this with her, never with anyone else. Before, kissing to him was something that just happened before sex. It was all about the sex with him and Karin, there was never any desire afterwards for him to be close to her. But with Sakura, it felt as if he wasn't close to her, he would break.

And he knew what it felt like to have a complete and utter breakdown.

He had given up all hope of anything and everything.

And she had saved him.

And she loves him.

So what more should he ask for?

Her lips left his and she sighed, her smile glowing brightly in his eyes.

She looked up and her eyes sparkled. She pointed to the sky. "Sasuke, look."

He followed the direction of her finger.

"Tell me what you see." She whispered softly.

He stared for a minute, and watched the sky change colors from a peachy pink into a bright orange as the sun began to rise. Birds chirped quietly around them, no longer the tiny cricket noises that were there a few minutes ago. Small tweaks of the sun peeked over the hills and made the shadow that hovered over the land disappear as soon as it was touched by the light. There were few clouds; only a clear blue sky was visible besides the new day.

"Sunrise." He answered, wondering why it was so important.

"Yes," She said smiling. "Sasuke-kun, it's a new day."

He continued to watch the sun move until it was in place over them.

"It's time to move forward," She pressed on, watching with him as the world seemed to come alive each new minute. "And treasure each new day that comes."

000

It was the hardest thing in her life that she had to do.

But by the looks of it, his hand clasped tightly in hers, Karin knew now where Sasuke stood.

And it was not next to her.

Suigetsu stood beside her and her heart warmed as she rethought his words.

She was not alone in this.

She could survive.

She would continue on.

"Sasuke," She began. "This isn't easy for me."

He nodded. "I understand."

No you don't.

Can you even comprehend...

...my pain?

"I want to start by saying, thank you," She swallowed. "For everything."

The rift was still prompt; Suigetsu and her on one side, Sasuke and Sakura on the other. Her eyes stayed pinned to Sasuke's face, part of her secretly hoping and praying that he would laugh and run to her, proclaiming his love for her on the spot and apologizing for all of his faults.

It was a silly fantasy.

She could feel the peace between them now. Right next to Sakura, that was where Sasuke belonged. She could feel it. His aura seemed to glow radiantly.

"Karin," He locked her gaze. "I'm sorry for all of the misery I have caused you."

"I know."

"I thought long and hard about this," He continued, squeezing Sakura's hand before releasing it, and taking a step towards her. "And I've decided that I wouldn't want to go back and change the way that I lived my life. I've learned from my mistakes, and our experiences together have taught me that life shouldn't be wasted."

Her throat felt thick as if there were a glob of peanut butter stuck in it. She felt as though she was trying to swallow cotton balls, and the fact that her eyes were beginning to water was not helping the situation at all.

"So I'm going home. I belong there."

Her eyes fell to Sakura. The pink head averted her gaze. "I am happy for you, Sasuke-kun."

"Thank you."

She bit her lip to keep from saying anything more. Short and sweet, that's what she had promised herself.

"I wish you well." She murmured.

He smiled. "And the same to you." He looked to Suigetsu. "Both of you."

Suigetsu nodded swiftly, his hands crossed over his chest. "Jugo has left on his own, and Karin and I plan to stay on the move for now. We don't need the trouble of your village."

"I understand."

Silence.

Karin could feel him staring at her. Their eyes met once more, and she wondered what that look of compassion was in his dark orbs. He reached out and brushed her hair out of the way of her eyes, and she watched him with suspicion.

Suddenly he seemed to snap out of the trans and stepped back, his hand hovering mindlessly in midair next to her face. "Ah, I'm sorry. It's just-"

He stopped. Smiled.

"He has your eyes."

Karin gasped. "W-W-What are you talking about?"

Sasuke closed his eyes. "Our son. I've seen him. He has your eyes."

Oh.

"Inaru-san."

Why would you tell me this?

She clutched her stomach, wishing she could fill the emptiness that was now there forever. Not only there, but the hollow hole in her heart that was breaking more with every word Sasuke spoke.

The tears spilled over and her body tremor. How could she just abandon the feelings for the father of her child?

I have no part of him left.

Sasuke is leaving.

Inaru is dead.

My soul is dead.

A stern hand on her shoulder caused her to look up. "It's okay." Suigetsu whispered.

She shook violently but nodded through her tears. Looking back to Sasuke, she saw that he was crying as well, but no sounds escaped his lips. For him, it was like the tears did nothing to him anymore. They were just there, as she was, as he was, pouring soundlessly down his cheeks.

"Goodbye..." She said softly, looking away.

The world tilted and to her utter surprise, she was in Sasuke's arms; clasped tightly into a hug.

Painstakingly, she lifted her arms up to return the gesture, now knowing for sure that this was goodbye. She pressed herself close, determined to remember what he felt like, smelt like.

He pulled her back so that she was staring into his eyes. "We made something beautiful together, so it couldn't have been that bad." He said, cracking a smile.

She nodded, waiting for him to say the words she knew were coming next.

"We're just...not meant to be together..."

"I know."

"I pray that one day..." He pressed her closer and clutched her tighter. "You find some way to forgive me."

"I...wish you the same, Sasuke." She glanced over at Sakura. "I know you're in good hands."

Giving him one last squeeze, she released him for her grasp and wiped her eyes.

"Sakura?" She asked, looking to the worn out girl. She and Sasuke both looked as if they were dragged through the mud and back; a tired expression was mixed in with the sadness on her face.

"Yes?" She seemed guilty.

"Can I...hug you?"

Sakura stepped forward without a sound and grabbed her. She wrapped her arms around the once upon a time stranger's back and held on tightly, wishing she could pour out her thanks through the small gesture of friendship.

"Thank you for helping me find myself." Karin whispered. "I know now where I belong."

Sakura nodded against her shoulder. "And thank you, for guiding me to him."

She didn't have to say the name for Karin to know that she was referring to the raven haired angel behind them.

"Take care of him." She ordered.

"I will." Sakura promised.

She took in a shaky breath. "Love him with all of your heart."

"Yes."

"And," The hardest thing. "Give him everything I could not."

"I swear."

She sighed. "Good."

Then a smile.

"Cause if you don't," She receded from the embrace to regard her pink haired enemy/friend in the eyes. "You can expect to see me again."

Sakura flashed a grin. "Now we wouldn't want that, would we?"

Karin smiled and seized her once more, making sure that she never forgot the huge part Sakura Haruno contributed to her life.

Then she let go.

000

"Hey," Sakura called to Suigetsu. "Don't think you're getting away without a hug or two."

He smiled, rubbing the back of his head as he welcomed her embrace.

"Y'know, I think that I just might miss you, Sakura." Suigetsu whispered.

She grinned. "We did have some good times together, didn't we?"

He chuckled. "You got that right. But most important," He gripped her tighter. "I know what I want now. I'm better. I'm moving forward. And we've both seemed to have received what we really wanted. Right?"

"Right."

"So this is goodbye." He confirmed.

She looked up to him. "But not forever, right?"

"Heh. Of course not."

Holding her tears back, they stepped away from each other and Sakura watched as Suigetsu and Sasuke shook hands causing her to scowl.

"Would you two just hug and make up already?" Karin growled, reading her mind perfectly.

Sasuke rolled his eyes but before he could make another move, Suigetsu practically jumped him.

"AGH!"

"I'M GONNA MISS YOU SASUKE-KUN!" He squealed, tears leaking from his eyes. Sakura looked to Karin; she was crying as well.

Sasuke patted him on the back twice, refusing to embrace him. His face was contorted with sadness and Sakura wondered if he was hiding his emotions.

"Yeah, whatever. Now get off me." He muttered.

"YOU'RE SO COLD!"

"I know, shut up."

"BUT I LOVE YOU!"

"Jeez."

"YOU'RE LIKE A BROTHER TO ME!"

Sasuke didn't comment. He was quiet and connected eyes with Karin.

Slowly, Sasuke grasped his hands around Suigetsu shoulders in a hug that lasted no more than a few seconds.

"You too, Suigetsu. I hope that-" He stopped and Suigetsu looked at him expectantly.

"I hope that maybe...I see you again sometime...you know..." Sasuke whispered, pushing his hair back and slapping Suigetsu on the back.

Suigetsu too realized how long they had been hugging and lurched away, laughing and scratching his head. "Yeah man," He wiped his eyes. "Cool."

Sasuke smirked. "Yeah."

Karin snorted and muttered, "Men." Sakura nodded agreeing.

They gravitated back to their original spots, the rift again present but none the more important. They had filled the gap.

And now was to the difficult task of turning away, and not looking back.

"Goodbye."

"...Bye..."

They turned.

They took the first step.

They didn't look back.

000

"We're almost home." Sakura said aloud, unable to believe that they were only moments away from seeing the Village Gates.

"Yeah." Sasuke answered. His pace seemed to quicken, and she had to take hideously large strides to keep up with him.

"Sasuke, wait. Stop."

His feet halted and he turned to face her. "What?"

"Are you sure-"

"Yes."

She swallowed and stepped forward taking his face in her hands. He let out a sigh of contentment and rested his face in her hands.

"What is it, Sakura?"

She said nothing but only stared as his face; eyes closed, peaceful. It seemed unreal to her, after what she had seen what sadness could do to people.

But here he was. In her hands. Real.

Her hands slid down to wrap around his waist and pull him closer. Their heads softly bumped together and stayed there, each of them having their eyes closed and being silent.

After a minute, "Sakura?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm going to kiss you."

She smiled as she felt his warm mouth press forceful against her own. The feeling was still the same; butterflies sunk to her stomach and a hot feeling made her face flush with the secret wanting of something more.

She felt him sneak his hands under her shirt and she gasped, allowing him to torture her by grazing his rough hands along her sensitive skin.

"Sasuke," She rasped. "There will be plenty time for this, later."

He growled. "Mmm-mnn. You've gotten me all worked up."

She stifled a moan, unwilling to let him know what his words did to her. All he needed was to say one thing that involved that smirk of his and she was done for.

"Ngh!" She shoved him away, straightening her shirt in one swift process.

"Let's go, please?" She groaned in annoyance, although inner Sakura was cursing her for interrupting the new and compromising position.

He cracked a smile and offered her his hand.

She returned the cocky gesture with a wink, and before she knew it, she was in his arms again.

000

"Naruto-kun!" Hinata rushed in screaming, she was out of breath, her face red from wind burn and through all of that, she still looked happy as she slammed the door to Naruto's room open.

"What in the world-?" He exclaimed when he saw her.

"Naruto," She bent over to catch her breath. "They, they're...gates...and-"

"Spit it out Hinata!"

"Sasuke and Sakura are at the Village Gates!"

000

It was just as he remembered.

The tall booming gates stood before him. He was no more than three feet away from crossing back into his home.

And into his past.

Speaking of past, an important of it was standing next to him. She had gorgeous pink locks that fell to her shoulders and eyes that could see through the deepest lie. Green was the color of spring, and whenever he gazed into her eyes he could see the lush fields of flowers. He could see everything in her. And he loved it.

Their hands were clasped together and she squeezed his tightly.

"Ready?" She asked.

"No."

She cut her eyes to the side, catching his stern gaze.

"Sasuke, I love you."

He stared straight forward, and the thought of the future that was ahead made him smile.

"I love you too."

It came out so easily.

She beamed and they both took a step together, but halted when the sight of bright yellow emerging over the hill in front of them came closer into view.

"Naruto." Sakura breathed.

Sasuke chuckled at seeing the figure in orange and black cross his arms, as if he had been waiting far too long. He threw his head back and laughed, the wind caring the sound all of the way to their ears.

Sasuke swore he could see the biggest of smiles plastered across the dork's face.

"Sakura," He murmured. "Let's go."

She nodded, her face submerged with emotion, her breaths coming out in rasps.

"We...made...it..." She choked out.

He gently rubbed her back with his free hand. "Breathe, Sakura."

He looked back to the waiting Naruto. There he stood, expecting them. Not shocked at all. As if he knew it all along.

Sasuke smiled.

"Breathe, Sakura. We're home."

And the new day has now begun.

000

Fin

000

A/N: THE END! There will be some extra chapters and an epilogue so stay turned later. I have been asked if I would like some pictures drawn of "Breathe" to be put on . YES! IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DRAW YOUR FAV. PART IN "BREATHE" LET ME KNOW, DO IT, AND SHOW ME! I WOULD LOVE THAT YES! :) New Story Coming Up: "The Addict". When it gets put up, PLEASE GIVE YOUR LOVE TO IT! Thank you to all of my readers, you have been marvelous! :))

Loves~ Always, Charlie.