Tiger Priestess: Maybe we should take the Uchiha brothers to a few manners classes? If they break something again...it's coming out of their paychecks! *stands over broken vase and glares* "This happens again to my things and you will think that angry Sakura is a snuggly bunny after I'm done with you!" And you're right, MUCH better than cable!
Animeartist17: *contented sigh* thank you! I kinda feel like no one cares about the reviewers. An author takes the compliments and criticism but doesn't care one way or the other if someone is offended. I do my best, I'm glad my 'higher than most' standards about what goes into my stories, and what my reviewers think, is being appreciated.
Alayneni: Hahahahaha! I have everything planned for the papooses. It's going to be one interesting ride!
Mistyfire: maybe Sasuke will crack, maybe not...we shall see...I still struggle with thinking that I'm making him too...unlike, himself....atleast later on in the story. Ugh! I hate this doubting thing! I look over it and go 'This is horrible, there are a thousand stories out there that are SO much better than THIS!' Blah!
Blue Wallpaper: Welcome to the club of reviewers! And THANK YOU SO MUCH! I try to make the characters and plots more than the usual 'Sasu/Saku get together' stories out there. Yes, you will know about when they get to 'that bridge' but I will not go into any detail. And as for Sasuke at the begining, switching from wanting to kill her and falling for her, that's simple to explain. I was thinking about how his character is, he doesn't want any bonds, yet he can't truly get rid of them. So he fights the bonds and the feelings for her by being angry. He wants to kill her so he can move on and have the clan without turmoil, yet he can't really bring himself to kill her because, well the bond is just too strong. He can deny it until his dying day, but it's there as strong as the steel sword he carries. In short, he's pretty messed up in the mental department.
: *Hyperventilates but refuses to die* Thank you so much! I'm glad to give you a purpose, lol. I'm amazed that so many people like my story, and WOW. I'm feeling very happy and giddy! AND ABSOLUTELY!!! If you want to draw a scene of the story, or multiple scenes, Go for it! I would LOVE it! I will post links to anything drawn on my home page, if not in the story itself in the last chapter! I'd be so grateful! *hyperventilates in excitement*
HikariZaichuYami: I say we add some hot pepper to their meals, show those Uchiha boys what it's like to cry! And I ADORE the scene of Sasuke holding Tatsu, I saw it in my head, in poured onto the paper, and I just about died laughing. Yes, it was something of a filler, but the daily life is important, and c'mon, who wouldn't want to see that blow up of Sakura's and that scene with Sasuke and Tatsu? haha...I think I did miscalculate...I was writing and numbering chapters and thought, 'wow, I'm at 40 already, and I'm not even close to the last two or three chapters.' So It may very well reach 50-55...possibly 60...But I don't think it will make 65...unless...hhhmmmm....Maybe, I'll see what I can do! =)
Azreal-x: That is how I saw it too...Sasuke= '-__- uhm...what do I do with this thing?...help?' The kids have another mother (Sakura) they need a dad, so Sasuke steps in whether he is aware of it or not. And I think maybe Sakura needs to get some caution tape and wrap it around her arms, legs, waist and possibly her head too. Just in case?
candygirl22: Welcome to the world of reviewers for my story. And thank you!
Empty-spaces: Slowly like a snail in a blizzard! But they ARE coming together, eventually they will be a strong clan who knows how to watch out for one another, not to look out for one. (one = themself) If Sasuke came up and said that to Sakura....I can't imagine her reaction....I kind of want to use that now...I'll fit in in somewhere I think... You're brilliant. It will be unexpected though, so keep an eye open for it!
To Everyone: I know this is a short one! SORRY! But the next ones will be longer...and at the end of this you will see why the one after will be intense! ENJOY!
-Lady-of-Laughter
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Waking up the next morning Sakura lay still. Sasuke was still sleeping, but his arms were in their customary places, around her waist holding her close. Simply enjoying the feeling of him being in contact with her, Sakura pushed down the thoughts of despair that hit her. Would her life really be like this forever? Would she have to content herself with being touched by him only when he was sleeping?
With a sigh Sakura twisted to turn towards the edge of the bed so she could get up and started on breakfast. But the arms holding her pulled her back when she started to squirm out of Sasuke's grasp. Turning her head to look at him in exasperation, Sakura let out a frustrated sigh. But when Sasuke started mumbling in his sleep, she froze and listened.
"Hn. No. No, no. I see, Yes…love her…beautiful…strong…yes. Hn." So this was fun right? His mumbling was almost unintelligible. But as he continued, Sakura found that she wished she had left the second he started talking. "Aiko…mmmmh…love her…not like…Hn…mine." Sakura felt her heart shatter into tiny pieces as her blood ran cold. He loved someone else? And he still agreed to marry her?
Laying still where he held her, feeling as if the contact was physically burning her, Sakura felt sick. She truly was doomed in her marriage. Swallowing past the burning in her throat, Sakura tried to block him out. Yet she still heard every word. "Your wife…Hn…Mine…Pink hair, green eyes. Strong and beautiful…everything…good. Yes, love her. Wife…waited for…mmmmhhhmmm…Mine!"
When Sasuke snarled out the word 'mine,' Sakura tensed as his arms tightened around her. She knew that last part was about her, but what was with the girl called Aiko? Searching his face as if slowly settled into a serene expression, Sakura winced when he started talking again as he settled her even closer into himself. "My wife…love…kids…clan. Her…crazy…Perfect."
With a soft sigh, Sakura wondered if she would ever get out of bed today. Or would she be held captive all day by 'Mr. sleep the day away?' When he opened his eyes, she wondered why a soft sigh would wake him up when she had squirmed around like a worm on a hook. He was going to be the death of her, of that she was sure. And when he gave her a tiny, lazy smile, she decided she was going to die, now, at this very moment.
He cuddled his head under her chin, smirking against the skin of her throat. He just had to do this to her, didn't he? When pressed a kiss to her throat Sakura wondered what had happened to him? Had he eaten a rotten tomato or something? Who hit him on the head? Who stole his brain? What was going on?
Her breath hitched and froze when Sasuke's mouth moved up her throat and to her jaw. Yup, he'd smacked his head on something and set something loose upstairs! "uhm…Sasuke who's Aiko?" Sasuke pulled back and leaned up enough to rest on his elbows to look down at her. His quizzical look only made her more uncertain.
"She is the wife of the Haruno man in Sound. I saw him when I went to get Hideo and we were talking about you and his wife. Why?" His face was void of anything, and her heart ached for the rare moment a few minutes earlier when he had graced her with his never before seen 'almost' smile. Not able to look him in the eye, Sakura's gaze fell to his chest, where his bare chest gave her the scar to consentrate on at.
"You were talking in your sleep. And it sounded like you were saying you loved someone named Aiko, and that she was yours. You said more, some things about me, but I just wasn't sure. I had to ask, I'm sorry." She couldn't think why she had to apologize, yet she felt the need to say it.
"Don't apologize, you couldn't know that it was a conversation I had. I was just telling him about you. About how I was going to marry the one the clan had been waiting for. It was a conversation, I wouldn't trade you for any woman." He pressed a kiss to her forehead, and Sakura took that moment to hide her face.
Burying her head in his chest, Sakura tried not to think, she didn't need his kindness after the way she'd doubted his intentions in marrying her. He hadn't cheated, or looked at other women, he had given her the most beautiful wedding. He hadn't pushed her to do anything she didn't want to do, other than get married of course. He had been good to her so far, hadn't hurt her or anything. He had even taken an interest in her team!
Guilt beat down on her, sure he hadn't said he loved her, but he didn't show that he didn't love her. He had at least been civil, maybe if she tried just a bit harder to talk to him he would be slightly more open? She had noticed, at least with the kids, that he was less cold and uncaring with them. He spoke to them, and practiced with them, and took an interest in them. Maybe if she tried, he would be the same with her?
When Sasuke laid back to rest his head on his pillow, Sakura wrapped her arms around his lean waist and buried her body against his. After the last few months she was tired of the strain, she just hoped that he would respond, or at least not throw her away from himself. She was delightedly surprised when a contented rumbling in his chest met her ear as his arms gathered her close.
Inhaling his scent Sakura smiled, he had always smelled so good. But she froze when his hands reached up her shirt to rest on the exposed flesh of her back. He was touching her! He was finally touching her! He didn't touch her, ever! And he was touching her! Feeling herself start to hyperventilate in happiness, Sakura felt Sasuke's chest shaking as he laughed.
Eventually they got up and headed out for the day, and since today was Sakura's day off at the hospital, she only had to train with her team. Kanae was in a good mood, and she kept the others in her team in a good mood also, which made training much easier, even when they needed to work harder at something. As the day progressed and the sun started to set, Sakura took her team to a restaurant and treated them to lunch.
As they left the restaurant a messenger from Tsunade told her to report to the Tower. Telling the children to head home, Sakura told Kanae she would be home as soon as she could. As the children ran off, Sakura went swiftly to Hokage Tower. She assumed that Tsunade needed help with a medical Jutsu or some kind of procedure, maybe even another examination of Juugo.
But when she walked into the office, Tsunade and Shizune had expressions that told her this was not something normal. Stepping forward Sakura gave a slight bow, transferring her gaze from Tsunade to Shizune and back. Shizune looked worried and upset, Tsunade looked stern and concerned. And when she was handed a paper, Sakura scanned it in surprise. Ayame really had meant that it would be soon.
"It's time Sakura, Orochimaru has been found, he's taken over Kabuto. It's time for you to kill him, he's one of the ones you much face. Ayame has told Takeshi who you must face, you have four battles, this is your first." Looking up at Tsunade in stunned silence, Sakura gulped. Well, she had promised she would do this, and a steele resolve filled her, it was time.
"Alright, when do I leave?" She had his general location, how long it would take to get to him and back, and all the other information she would need. She couldn't believe that he had found some medical Jutsu that had restored his arms, but he had found it in the corner of a country in the corner of nowhere.
Word had come that the scroll containing the Jutsu had been destroyed in the war, but apparently it had not. And he still had a very few number of Sound nin still loyal to him, one had sacrificed himself to make the Jutsu work. She couldn't think what would make anyone, no matter how vile they were, loyal enough to sacrifice themselves to someone as evil and self-serving as Orochimaru.
"Now Sakura, you must go quickly and destroy him once and for all. If he lives, he will become more powerful, and I don't think we will be able to defeat him if he gets much more stronger. It's up to you Sakura, you were sent for this, only you can do this." At the grim look on Tsunade's face, Sakura knew it was true, it was time for her to keep her promise.
"Go pack, and say goodbye, I'll have everyone meet you at the gate to say goodbye. But I think maybe you should have a more private time with Sasuke and the Uchiha children. Your team will meet with Yamato while you're gone. It shouldn't be more than a month and a half." Nodding, Sakrua left and headed home, but she wasn't sure what kind of goodbye to expect from Sasuke.
She got home and found the Uchiha children gathered in her living room, watching little Tatsu stand with the help of a sturdy grip on the couch his clan members sat on. Fresh resolve filled her, she had to save them all, it was her duty, the onlyreason she was here! Gathering them all close, Sakura explained that she had a mission to go on, and that she would be gone for a time, but would be home.
Kanae's eyes filled with tears as she hugged Sakura. Explaining that her team would meet with Yamato, and that they would like him, Sakura hugged all the children and kissed their foreheads. Even Fusao didn't hesitate to hug her back. Looking at them all, Sakura spoke. "Remember what I said, clan is important. While I'm gone, watch Kanae for me, and help her with practice. Promise?"
They all nodded, even as Kanae lifted Tatsu so Sakura could cuddle him for a moment. Telling them that she had to go, Sakura handed Tatsu back to Kanae and headed to her room. Packing everything she would need, including her medical supplies and instruments Sakura strapped everything on just as the door slammed open.
Jumping slightly Sakura turned to find Sasuke giving her a black glare. So much for the happier days of marriage that she had dreamed about just this morning! Biting her lip, Sakura waited for his explosion, his quiet fury, anything. Yet he simply stood and stared, making no sound or movement. Yup, the raging Sasuke was much easier to handle than the stone cold Sasuke.
"What?" She couldn't take the silence so she asked him that, just to make him talk. He strode over to her and grabbed her upper arms, holding her at arm's length and staring her in the eye. Still waiting for whatever it was he was going to do or say, Sakura stood with wide eyes. When the silence grew long again, Sakura couldn't take it, either he had something to say or he didn't!
"Why are you going alone, and who are you going after?" Unsure of if she was allowed to say anything, Sakura blinked. "I'm going alone because no one can be there for this fight, it's one of the fights that Ayame spoke about. I haveto go alone. I'll be fine, don't worry about me, I'm not weak anymore." His narrowing of the eyes told her he didn't believe her. Baka!
Straightening her spine and jutting out her jaw in stubbornness Sakura glared back at him. "I will be okay!" At his grunt Sakura rolled her eyes, he just couldn't handle it could he? Moving past him she told him to come with her to the gate, the least he could do was see her off. He followed like a puppy after its master, something she thought was rather amusing.
At the gate everyone but the people of the Haruno clan argued that she needed a team, she needed back up. Sasuke shot her an 'I told you so' look, and again Sakura rolled her eyes. She would be fine!It irked her that they had such low expectations of her, although she knew that most didn't know about her secret, but at least Naruto and Sasuke shouldn't have been so hasty to make her feel useless again!
Although everyone had been told it was a regular mission, those who had gone or lived in Hanayo knew better. Those that knew her secret knew that this was no normal mission, but that she had to go alone. They may not have completely liked it, but they understood that it was not their places to go with her.
Hugging everyone goodbye, Sakura finally came to stand in front of a disgruntled Sasuke. "I'll be fine, and home soon. And don't try to follow me, it's dangerous for you, not for me." Of course it was dangerous for her, but she didn't care, she would be okay! With everyone staring at them, and Sasuke's eyes shifting between her and their audience, Sakura knew she wouldn't get any goodbye other than a grunt from him, they were in public.
Touching his shoulder in understanding, Sakura turned and started walking away from Konoha. As she passed Tsunade, a hand stopped her. Whispers in her ear told Sakura that when she got back, things would be different and that she was to be ready. Tsunade was having a select group of ANBU ninja who would be disposing of the council elders and Danzo. So when Sakura returned she was to be ready for changes that were going to be taking place.
Nodding Sakura continued off down the road, headed straight towards the sun that was just starting its decent from high in the sky. She had half a day before having to stop for the night. Looking back at the group by the gate Sakura saw a blur from the group that looked to be mere ants in the distance.
The blur flashed up to her, stopping just in front of her, stopping her in her tracks. Then her body was being crushed against a larger one as strong arms held her close and warm lips crushed hers. Sasuke released her lips as a cheer went up from far behind them, and in that moment Sakura saw the worry in Sasuke's eyes. Leaning up and pressing a soft kiss to his lips Sakura felt her face being cupped gently.
"I'll be fine Sasuke, don't worry I'll be home. I promise." His eyes were killing her, he couldn't just leave it at his looks and body could he? He just had to have eyes that make her knees weak too didn't he? She didn't know what to do with him, but she had to go!
"Please, come home to me?" His words tore her heart to shreds. Did he honestly think she wouldn't come back? She had just promised to be home, hadn't she? He was being unusually irrational and suddenly, not to mention alarmingly, emotional just a slight bit. Did he really think she would go back on her promise to him? She had married him against her will, why would she not return home when she wanted to return as soon as she could?
"I promised I would, I keep my promises. I'll be home, the question is, will you be here waiting for me?" He pressed his forehead to hers, "As long as Tsunade doesn't send me on any missions, I'll be home waiting for you." Smiling into his blank face and slightly uneasy eyes, Sakura hugged him and pressed another soft kiss to his lips. With a ragged sigh, Sasuke let her go, walking back to the gates of Konoha backwards to watch her leave.