Note: But who is she?! Two chapters in a day? Yes. Because I worked on them and I did not want to make you wait. This might not happen often, but when I can, I'll try to post more often for sure. Also, you guys are awesome, so I won't let you wait another week and a half for that one! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

***Some offensive language in this chapter. Not much, but sill there. Just warning ya!

Chapter 20

Sakura had a hard time falling asleep the previous night and having only two hours of sleep did not help her current mood. Her night had been cut short when the nightmare resurfaced, leaving her shaking in bed, yet again. This time though, there was something different. Something that she had not seen before, but she could not pin point what it was. She had looked at the battle for a bit longer before to turn her head and avoid the rest of it. The rest of the night, she tried to make sense out of her dream, but it left her more exhausted than anything else. It was still dark when she walked to the hospital. Ama was behind the counter.

"Sakura-sama, what are you doing here this early, are you ok?"

"Yes, I am fine." Ama looked like she wanted to ask something. "What is it?"

"Izuna-kun told me that I should ask, but I knew how busy you were and-" seeing Sakura's eyes telling her to get on with it, Ama straighten her back and let a deep breath out. "I was wondering if you could teach me advanced medical ninjutsu. I promise I will train hard and work to deserve this training and-"

"Yes."

"I can do more hours if you need me to and-" Realizing the answer, Ama's face broke in a wide smile. "Really?" Sakura nodded and Ama jumped on her side of the counter, hugging the pink haired medic in a tight embrace. "Thank you so much!"

Feeling awkward, Sakura gently patted her back and pushed the Senju woman away from her body. Clearing her throat, she regained her serious expression.

"We can start tomorrow, but for now I need a favor." Ama's attention was back on her. "Can you please take care of the hospital today? I need to rest. Just come and get me if there is no other choice." Taking in Sakura's general appearance, Ama understood that she needed a well-deserved break. Bowing to her, she straightened back up with a fierce expression on her face.

"Hai Sakura-sama!"

That being done, Sakura left the hospital and went back to her home. She needed to relax and figure some things out. Closing the door behind her, she sat at her table. Her mind wandered back to the night prior. She had such a great time with Tobirama. But part of her could not feel happy yet since this nightmare was coming to haunt her every single day. It was like a presence always looming over her, waiting for her to put her guard down…

What did she remember from it. What was different? Was it they key explaining to her why she had been launched in the past? What was she missing? Grabbing her head between her hands, she sighed. She would have to face the whole nightmare once and for all but was definitely not ready to do so.

A knock on the door startled her and she realized she hadn't move in hours. Feeling the familiar chakra, she mumbled a "come in". The door opened and a hesitant Tobirama dressed in his armor and hapuri walked in. Taking in the sight in front of him he tilted his head. She was still wearing her comfortable clothes and was not ready for work. She looked defeated by something and it worried him that not once had she looked at him since he entered. How long had she been there? Approaching her, like he would a wounded animal, he crouched next to her and placed his forearms on the table, leaning his head on them.

"Sakura?"

Hearing his voice so close to her, she let go of her head and met his eyes, realizing that his face was a small distance from hers.

She looked tired. Had she even slept since he left her last night? He had doubts about that... Observing her longer, he could not figure out what was going on. She finally broke the silence, still looking at the table, frowning.

"I think I'll stay home today." Her eyes drifted to the window and he saw her jaw clench. There was an unrest in her chakra and he could feel it. When was the last time she had let some of her frustration out? He hated to admit it, but he was going to borrow a page from Madara's book since it looked like it was working pretty well on the kunoichi.

"No, you are coming with me." Snapping her head back to him, she was about to protest, and he shook his head, continuing: "Something is on your mind and by thinking too much about it, you won't find any answers. You need a new perspective on whatever is bothering you." She huffed, rolling her eyes.

"Your perspective?"

"Not mine. Yours. When you let all this frustration out of your system." By being distracted, she would be able to face the problem with another angle, and maybe it would help her in the end. That was his main thought.

"I am not fru-" Not letting her the time to finish, Tobirama grabbed her arm and pulled her on her feet.

"Now go change and get your weapons, I am bringing you out for a spar." There was no question, this was a statement. Not wanting him to drag her out in her night clothes she stared at him, not happy at all.

She did not know what was more frustrating at the moment. Her nightmare or the fact that he had been able to read her so easily. Huffing again, she sent a glare his way and went in her bedroom, slamming the door behind her.

"No, not frustrated at all…" He thought he mumbled it low enough for her not to hear, but the door opened violently, and a shuriken flew his way. Avoiding it, it embedded itself deeply in the wall behind him. Crossing his arms on his chest, Tobirama had a small smile. "You are just proving my point."

A few minutes later, Sakura and Tobirama were on their way to a training ground. The farthest one since he knew about her destructive tendencies. Turning in one of the street, Tobirama saw his brother's back. He could hear him asking some clansmen if they had seen him. Stopping dead in his tracks, Tobirama grabbed Sakura's arm and pulled her in a corner where his brother could not see him if he turned in his direction. Raising an eyebrow, Sakura sighed. Peeking his head out, Tobirama saw that his brother was not there anymore. Without answering her silent question, he dragged her behind him from street to street, running at a fast pace, hiding, and avoiding Hashirama. They finally made it under the safe covers of the trees when Sakura ripped her arm from his grasp and groaned.

"What are you doing? Why not simply telling him that we are going on a spar?" Shaking his head, he frowned.

"Because he is going to try to talk me into going to the office and leave me there all day to do his work." A laugh bubbled in her throat and her eyes softened. Of course, the white haired Senju could not say no to his brother… Seeing her relax made him feel better, even if she was laughing at him. Once her hilarity melted away they silently continued their way to the field.

Once they reach the training ground, Tobirama saw the medium sized river at the end of it. It would be an interesting spar.

They started with a light taijutsu match. His goal was to change her mind for the time being and for him to do that, he would have to up the tempo. Using his hirashin and marked kunai, he disappeared and reappeared behind her. She saw him just in time to dodge his fist. She tried to send a kick his way but disappearing again, she missed, tumbling forward. Using the same trick over and over again on her, she grew impatient. She could not land a hit on the man.

Training with Tsunade, Sakura had learned how to dodge almost any attack coming her way, so she did not have any problem avoiding his blows, but the frustration of not being able to touch him really made her angry. She now wanted to spar. She needed to hit something and right now, he was making it impossible for her to do just that. Tired of his games, she stopped moving and stood still. A rush of air on her back alerted her that he was standing behind her. She tried to appear as relaxed as she could. Feeling his body heat through her tank top, she sucked in a breath when he whispered so close to her ear.

"Tired already?" The teasing tone was enough for her frustration to come back tenfold. With his guard down, he did not see the kick coming. Her foot collided with his sternum and pushing with a bit of chakra enhanced strength, she kicked him across the clearing and he landed on the river. Taking in a deep breath, a smile tugged on her lips. That felt good… And he deserved it.

Getting up on the water by balancing the chakra on his feet, he rubbed his chest, wincing. It had been painful, unexpected, and he did not want to know how it would have felt without his armor…

Walking slowly, Sakura got closer to him and she smiled, cocking her head on the side.

"Tired already?" The way she used his words made him roll his eyes.

"You wish." She laughed at his reply and joined him on the river. Now the spar was fun. Using his jutsus against her, he tried to destabilize her with a water dragon jutsu, but she avoided it, trying to attack him in his blind spot during the attack with her weapons. Throwing his marked kunai at the last moment, he transported away, her kunai barely missing him. Their spar continued for a while and they ended up facing each other on the river, soaked to the bone and panting. He loved how she could keep up with him. It was quite exciting.

A ray of sun broke through the cloud and Sakura got distracted by the way the light was shining on him. The water dripping from him looked like diamonds… And this is when he poofed away and disappeared. She cursed under her breath. She had been staring at a clone this whole time? Suddenly, she felt a hand on her ankle trying to drag her in.

Tobirama smirked under the water… He had her. But then, her body disappeared in a flurry of cherry blossoms. His crimson eyes widened. How was she able to do his jutsu? He felt the cold blade of a kunai against his throat and went back to the surface, she followed him. She had been able to take him by surprise. Pulling her kunai away from his throat, she focused her attention back on him. He was looking at her strangely, which brought this nagging feeling in her stomach.

"Tell me, how did you know this jutsu." He was cautious and watching her intently. Sakura cursed at her luck. She forgot that he had invented it and that he probably had not showed it to anyone yet. Thinking on her toes, she said the first thing that came to her mind.

"I saw you practice it and decided to figure is out and learn it by myself. It is a great justu, I must admit." Her answer sounded true and knowing her strength, it made sense. A small doubt lingered in his mind, but he put it away, smiling at her.

"Impressive…"

She blushed under the compliment, but she knew very well that she did not really deserve it.

Still in the river, Tobirama started to feel the heaviness of his armor. Without any care, he unclasped the leather straps and threw it on the riverbank, hapuri following right after. Sakura stared at him. He had a boyish look when he was soaked, his white hair peaking in all the directions… and his shirt was clinging to his muscles. Again, on the list of things she never thought she would do in her life, being in the river with the Nidaime was added.

Suddenly, he disappeared under the water and reappeared close to her, hair stuck on his forehead, drops of water dripping from his long eyelashes. This man is too handsome, it should be illegal. She smiled and could not help the laugh bubbling in her throat. This situation was out of the ordinary… and she was strangely happy to be there. Thinking about Konoha of her time, she wondered if she would have been able to feel such happiness after everything. Probably not.

On his part, Tobirama could only stare at her. The sound of her laugh brought him so much joy and he was happy to know that he had been able to make her feel better. Forgetting everything else, Tobirama got even closer, face an inch from hers. She stopped laughing but she still had a glimmer of pure happiness in her eyes. For what felt like an hour, both were staring at each other in a perfect moment.

His eyes were not guarded, and she was in awe. To see him trusting her so much and to see the affection deep in his crimson eyes, there was something almost magical to it. Feeling his warm breath on her face, a shiver ran through her. Sakura brought her hand to his face and traced the red markings on his cheeks. Grazing his lips with her index, she proceeded to trace the one on his chin. Her breath caught in her throat when he kissed her fingers. Looking back at him, she saw his wolfish grin too late.

Suddenly, she felt two strong arms crushing her in an embrace and dragging her under water.

"Tobiram-" She did not have the time to say his name that he brought her under water with him. Able to move freely when his grip loosened, she wrapped her arms around his neck to stabilize her position. It was so calm and peaceful around them.

She looked amazing, hair floating like a soft halo around her head. Tobirama leaned in and slowly kissed her under water. Needing air soon after, they resurfaced, and she looks at him confused. Did he assume that she wanted him to kiss her? Yes. Was it a mistake? He did not know. He should have asked… With an apologetic look, he started:

"I'm sorr-" Sakura closed the distance between them and grabbing the back of his neck, pulled him to her, crushing her mouth on his.

A groan escaped him under the assault of her lips. He could get used to this habit of hers… His arms snaked around her, hand wrapping in her hair and the other pulling her body flush to his. The feeling of the water rushing past them was intoxicating. Wild. Tobirama let her control the kiss for a few minutes, enjoying the sweet taste that was unique to her. At some point, he could not take it anymore. Tilting her head back to have better access, he nipped at her bottom lip. She gasped at the small pain and he took the opportunity to invade her mouth with his tongue. Sakura never shared a kiss this good. He was soft yet demanding, exploring every inches of her mouth. His hand slid on her bare back under her shirt and it felt so warm compared to the temperature of the water… This simple touch sends electricity through her whole system.

Sliding his hand on the back of her thigh, he pulled her up and Sakura automatically wrapped her legs around his waist. She held on his shoulder; other hand tangled in the messy white hair. The kiss deepened and they were both clinging to each other, which made her shudder against him. She could feel the muscles of his arms flexing against her back, his solid torso against her breast. Moving her hips upward to keep her balance, a pleasured moan escaped her when her core rubbed against the bulge in his pants and her head fell backward, giving him access to her neck. The same contact happened again, she heard him hissed in her ear, bringing his mouth back to hers, their kiss became wild. With this simple friction, a line had been crossed and they could not care less, lost in the moment.

It was crazy for her to know that she could have this effect on a man. But she did. And he had this effect on her too. When he was touching her, kissing her, she could not remember where she was of even who she was. She could only feel. What would it feel to let him touch her in a way that no other man ever did? To go through it completely. Was she ready for this? She barely knew the man. But it feels so right…

Her thought process got sidetracked when he pulled his face way, leaving open mouthed kisses along her jaw, her neck, lower to her clavicle nipping as he went and soothing the bite with his tongue. Her back arched against him, the movement grinding their hips together again. She felt the breath hitch in his throat and his arms tensed around her. It felt so good…. Kissing lower, he was about to reach her breasts but stopped, looking around them. A disappointed moan escaped her, and she gave him a questioning glance. With fast movement, still holding her, he threw his armor behind some bushes and silently carried her behind one of the bigger rocks. She was about to talk but was interrupted when his finger landed on her mouth. Listening, she heard Madara and Hashirama not to far from where they had been.

"Someone told me they would be here…"

"They probably left to the hospital together, let's go back Hashirama."

"You're right."

Hearing their voices fade in the distance, Tobirama removed his finger from her lips. She slowly let out a shaky breath and detangled herself from his body, blushing furiously. She could not believe that they almost had been caught by the two leaders. Caught doing what? What were they? Thoughts spinning in her head, she followed him back to the riverbank and out of the water. Seeing that he would not talk yet, Sakura rubbed her hands on her arms and tried a laugh.

"That was close." Her shy voice echoed around them, but the man did not look at her, nor did he answer.

It had been close. If somehow his brother did not appear, he would not have been able to stop what they were doing and for some reason, it worried him. He was ashamed. He was supposed to be the one with the best self-control. He was the cold headed one. This behavior was not like him. Did he enjoy it? Yes, most definitely. Would it have been a good thing to go through with this? No. There was a simple reason for this: she deserved to be courted, not to be jumped in a river. But was he ready to court anyone?

Sakura could see his frown and his closed expression. Was she that bad of a kisser for him to react in such way? Did he not enjoy this? Judging by the groans and heated kisses he had been giving her, she thought she had been doing just fine. So what was it?

Getting out of his thoughts, Tobirama saw the glint of hurt in her eyes. Not one to be good with words when it came to reassurance, he walked to her, grabbed her face until she looked at him and gave her a small kiss on the lips, lingering for a few seconds. Her eyes search his for an explanation and she realized that she had been worrying for nothing. Pushing that fear away, she did not know what to do in this situation. Seeing her hesitation, the white-haired shinobi looked at the sky. The sun was finally out, and it had gotten warmer. Taking in both of their appearances, Tobirama scratched the back of his head.

"We should probably dry up before to go back." She had a small laugh and nodded.

"Agreed!"

Looking at the destruction of the field around them, they found a place under a large oak tree that offered a good rest area. Plopping down on the ground, she stretched her legs in front of her when he sat next to her.

"Do you want me to heal your injuries?" He considered it for a moment but shook his head.

"No, I only have bruises, I will be fine." Remembering her appearance this morning he looked at her. "So what was bothering you this morning?"

Her happiness dampened for a moment, and she met his eyes briefly before to look back to the river.

"Just a recurring nightmare. I feel like there is more to it than what it looks like, but I cannot figure out what it is. It's like a puzzle with a missing piece."

Tobirama hummed, knowing that it would be the only thing he would get from her about the subject. It was probably not the first night she had it since she looked beyond tired. Even him, with his reduced sleep schedule did not look this exhausted… He hoped she would be able to sleep tonight.

Pushing back on his hands, he scooted forward and laid on his back, looking up at the clouds, an arm behind his head. Sakura joined him a few seconds later, keeping a respectful distance between them. She did not trust herself to be too close to the man right now, still unable to forget the feeling of his body against hers.

Closing her eyes, she relaxed. The warmth of the sun soon lulled her into a comfortable sleep. Unbeknownst to her, in her sleep, she searched for comfort.

Tobirama was looking at the sky when he felt her arm land across his torso and her head on the crook of his neck. Looking down, he saw her asleep. Smiling to himself, he continued to gaze at the clouds. She probably needed the rest so he would let her as long as she needed to. He needed a break from everything else, so what better than this? They were both winning.

Remembering what just happened, Tobirama felt a warmth deep in his chest. She had been the one initiating the kiss. She did not protest when he had been pulling her close, when he deepened the kiss, and did not jerk away when his clothed member rubbed on her core… With the moan that escaped her, he would say that she probably enjoyed it. She had been so receptive. He still felt ashamed, but he knew that she was the kind of person to speak her mind if something did not please her. He had no doubts that if she had wanted him to stop, she would have told him. His mind drifted back to the first time he saw her near the river, destroying the trees, he could not have thought that they would have grown this close… He probably had to thank Hashirama for that. Since his brother almost died and he carried her exhausted body to his place, their whole dynamic changed. He was grateful to have her in his life and he was determined to explore this thing he was feeling when he was around her.

She had been asleep for more than an hour when he felt her stiffen next to him, gripping his shirt with her hand tightly. A frown found her face and she started to move restlessly. Tobirama reach cautiously and shook her shoulder lightly, not to alarm her. It obviously did not work since in half a second, her eyes snapped open and she was straddling his hips, kunai aimed at his throat. She was panting, looking around her. In other circumstances, he would appreciate their positions, but right now, it was different.

Both hands in front of him, Tobirama tried not to appear like a threat. He saw the exact moment when she snapped out of it because the veil in her eyes lifted. She had great reflexes even when sleeping, he had to give her that… And remember not to wake up a shinobi in the middle of a dream… Basics, really.

Sakura had forgotten where she was and when she felt a touch on her shoulder, she jumped into action. The fog of her nap left her brain and looking down, she was surprised to see her own kunai on the Nidaime's throat, small pearl of blood forming where the skin had been pierced. Looking from the kunai to his eyes a few times, she threw the kunai away like it burned her, hands shaking, letting herself fall on the ground next to him. She tried regulating her breathing and curled her hands into fists. She almost hurt him, she almost- This was crazy. Ashamed, she covered her face with her arms, panting.

Tobirama was looking at her, understanding. Sitting up, he hauled her to a sitting position, taking her hands from her face and wiping the tear that escaped her eye.

Sakura did not know why he was this calm when she could have done something terrible a few minutes prior.

"I am so sorry, I did not mean to do that. I don't know what happened-"

"Never try to wake up a sleeping shinobi, I brought it on myself." His teasing voice did not reach her.

Seeing the small stream of blood leaking on the side of his throat, Sakura knelt in front of him and brought her chakra hand to the cut to heal it quickly, not able to look him in the eyes. Tobirama knew that it took a while for a shinobi to be able to sleep comfortably without being alerted by everything around them after a battle. He also knew that everyone was different and that even if the battle she had been a part of had happened months prior, she would be jumpy for a few months still. He grabbed her shoulders and searched for her eyes. When she finally looked at him, she had new ribbons of tears staining her cheeks.

"If you think that a small kunai would have been the end of me, I am genuinely hurt."

Hearing his amused voice, she looked at him perplex. Was this an attempt to make a joke? The smile he sent her way a few seconds later gave her the answer. Her body relaxed and seeing this shift in her posture, he let his hands slide along her arms. Grabbing her hands, he helped her up.

"Now, let's go back to the village. You need to rest." Silent, Sakura followed him to the bush where he threw his armor. Getting his armor back on, he started walking, thinking she was behind him. Turning around, he saw her looking at his back, small smile on her lips.

"I don't want to walk, is it possible to take a shortcut?"

She must have been really tired since she normally hated his transportation justu.

"Definitely." Shrugging, he went back to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, waving the sign with one hand. They soon reappeared on her porch. Looking up at him she gave him a smile that made his heart skip a beat.

"You are right, I am getting used to it…"

Tobirama wanted to kiss her at that moment and was about to do so when a frantic voice interrupted them.

"Sakura! Finally, I found you! You need to go to the hospital, there was an accident with a few of my clansmen. A katana practice went wrong…. Ama needs your help-" Izuna stopped in front of them, taking in their disheveled appearance and damp clothes and the fact that he clearly interrupted something. Filing this in his memory, he sent an amused look at Tobirama and waved at Sakura to follow him. Now was not the time to tease her.

Giving an apologetic smile to Tobirama, she stepped out of his embrace and left with Izuna for hospital. And life gets busier... Tobirama watched her pink hair until she disappeared. Sighing, his footsteps took him to the office he was sharing with Madara and his brother. He knew what Izuna had seen, and also had a feeling that he would mention this to their brothers. Sighing, he opened the door and sat at his desk. For now, he still had things to do.

Hours passed and the Uchiha men were as good as new. Some of the cuts and stab wounds had been more serious than she thought, but in the end, she had been able to fix everything. When Sakura was finally done with the surgery, she was exhausted. The short nights of sleep she was getting did not help replenishing her chakra as she wanted to and on top of that, her spar with Tobirama tired her some more. Getting out of the operating room, she bumped into a tall Uchiha. Passing her, he turned around and gave her a hateful look, flashing his sharingan in her direction.

"Careful where you are going, Senju whore." The words were spat with such venom that she stood still, registering the words. Whore? The man left, shoving Izuna away in the process. Izuna gave the man a weird look and saw Sakura standing in the hallway.

"Are you alright?" Sakura's head snapped up and she gave him a tired smile.

"I am fine. The men of your clan are not really fond of me it looks like. It's the second one acting that way with me in the past two days…"

Izuna rubbed his chin. It was not uncommon for Uchiha to be tactless, nothing worth reporting to his brother since some of the clansmen were still unsure about the alliance. They would be on board at some point, but this kind of thing took time.

"What did he tell you?"

Sakura shrugged and waved it off. "Nothing important. I wanted to tell you that the men are all healed and sent back home."

Izuna smiled at her and gave her a quick side hug.

"Thank you, I really appreciate what you did." Pausing, he smirked down at her. "I hope I did not interrupt anything between you and Tobirama this morning…" Flustered, Sakura jabbed her finger in his ribs and jerking away he laughed. "That's what I thought, I will see you later Sakura!." He started to make his way to the entrance.

"Izuna!" He stopped in his track. "Ama worked so hard on one of your clansmen, would you mind taking her home and make sure she is ok?"

Turning towards her, she could see the red tint of his cheeks before he changed direction to go and pick up the young Senju medic. Before he disappeared in the hallway, she shouted:

"You children better behave, she is training tomorrow!" The exasperated look he shot her over his shoulder was enough for her to laugh the whole walk back to her office.

Tobirama had been disappointed to have his morning moment cut short but was proud to know that she was accomplishing great things. He really had to get started on some village matters that his brother probably did not do the night prior like he had asked him to.

The door opened and when he looked up, he was greeted by Hashirama and Madara looking at him with knowing expressions on their faces. Not wanting to give them ammunition on anything since he did not know how much they knew, Tobirama sat there comfortably, working on the document in front of him. He was really hoping that they did not know what had happen in the river or he would have to justify himself… And he had no justification whatsoever.

"Sooooooo…. I heard some interesting things today." Rolling his eyes, Tobirama sighed.

"Pray tell, brother, what did you hear?" Leaning back on his chair, Tobirama finally looked up at the two men in front of him.

"So last night I was looking for you. We received a letter from the Hyuga and needed your opinion on what to do. Funny thing, we could not find you anywhere and-"

"And Mito told you where I was?" Hashirama's stupid grin widened. The Senju leader propped his elbows on the table and put his head on top of his hands.

"Among other things. Now I might have a suspicion as to why you were in such a rush yesterday at the market. So… Is there anything you would like to tell us?"

"Well,-" Both leaders moved forward, excited to hear about it. "Sakura and I had dinner and talked, then I came back home."

Hashirama threw his hands in the air and groaned.

"Tobi! You need to give me more than that!"

"Brother, sometimes I do wonder how old you are. Stop acting like a child."

Tobirama carried on with his paperwork. Madara looked at the young Senju's demeanor and something did not go unnoticed by his sharingan. The white-haired shinobi had a smile so small that only a trained eye could see it. Something more happened, and it made Tobirama Senju smile. He might just go to Sakura to get the real version of the facts, but for now they had things to do.

They all worked in silence and then, Tobirama remembered his brother's words.

"What about the Hyuga?"

"In the scroll they explain that they had the same problems. Unexpected attacks from untrained groups of shinobis. They assured us the that they were not involved in the attack that almost killed me. They are willing to send a small delegation to Konoha around the time of my wedding to negotiate with us and talk this through." He paused. "I want your opinion. We think about assigning them a guard of our own men to make sure they are not trying anything. Do you think it is a good idea?"

Taking in the information Tobirama put his pen down. By the time the wedding would happen, the village would count about five to six clans, so more protection. If the Hyugas were responsible for the attack, they would not dare to do anything then. But being more vigilant did not hurt after all.

"I think it is a good idea. Surely, they will understand why we are doing that. We need to pick two or three of our best men, Uchiha included." Both leaders nodded and Hashirama signed the scroll and rolled it back.

Mito suddenly barged in the office, looking like a nervous bride to be. Seeing Tobirama, she almost ran to him.

"Tobirama, I need Sakura to help me with some things for the wedding. It is important. Can you tell her that I really need her tomorrow?" Not understanding, the man raised his eyebrow.

"Mito, Sakura is her own person, you can go and see her directly if you need her help."

A deep frown found her face and she crossed her arms, pouting.

"But, she won't agree. She hates doing this kind of things… But if you ask her, she might be more open to the idea? You can even bribe her to do it…"

A small bush crept on his face at the innuendo and this made both leader chuckle. Tobirama shot them a murderous glare which only added to their hilarity. Focusing back on Mito, he sighed.

"Since when did I become an errand boy?" A large smile graced her lips, knowing she had won.

"Since I decided so. And since our Sakura has a sweet spot for you in her heart."

Huffing and throwing his arms in the air, he left the office.

Everyone watching him saw the slight bounce in his step. Once the door closed, the three of them looked at each other with a knowing grin. Something had happened between the two of them during dinner last night. Little did the leaders know, they were not aware of a certain heated moment in a river…

After the surgery, Sakura tried to do important paperwork, but was interrupted for two other emergencies requiring surgeries in a row. She was tapped out. After a spar, the katana accident, the surgeries and minor healing, her chakra was almost non-existent. She also did not have any food in a while. Pushing the thought of a nice meal, she went back to her office, sighing at the pile of documents on her desk. She could not go home now, sadly.

Sitting there, she thought back on her day. She had have a great time with Tobirama.. Great time was an understatement. It had been intense and… Hot. The look of hatred the Uchiha sent to her crossed her mind, shoving away the nice images of her and Tobirama. She could not forget those eyes and the way the man had called her a Senju whore. Rubbing her temple, Sakura tried to focus back on the document in front of her, but her vision was blurry.

A sharp knock echoed in her office and she did not have to look up to know who it was.

Tobirama made his way to the hospital slowly and searching for her chakra signature, he frowned, sensing the amount she had left. She overdid it again. Going directly to her office, he knocked and entered. She was hunched over her papers, rubbing her tired eyes. He had to admit, even when she was exhausted and tired, she was beautiful. Maybe it was because of what she did. The way she made everyone's well-being pass before hers… Getting closer to her, he took her hands away from her face.

"Mito wants you to help her with her wedding planning tomorrow."

"Well good evening to you too, Tobirama." A smirk graced his lips and seeing her rubbing her eyes again, he frowned.

"I think it is time for you to go home." She shook her head weakly.

"No I have paperwork to do, today was busy and I really have to work on-"

"People will understand if you turn in those documents in a few days. Now come, I will walk you home."

She knew she was in no position to argue with the man. Sighing, she pushed her chair back and stood up on wobbly legs. Seeing her this weak stirred memory in his head of the night she had saved his brother. He hated to see he this way but was admiring her strength at the same time. Remembering how helpless she looked on the night of his brother's accident before she collapsed, he shook his head. He would not let her get this tired ever again, and to do good on this promise, he had to bring her home now.

Together, they started to walk but seeing how unstable she was, he took her in his arms, bridal style. It was becoming an habit for him to get her home that way… Not that he cared, but people seeing him carrying her all the time might get ideas. Before she could say anything, he used his hirashin to get them to the front stairs of her house. Putting her down, he could see he overestimated her chakra reserve since she almost fell forward. Patting his chest weirdly, she looked up at him with unfocused eyes.

"I take back what I said this morning. I am not getting used to this at all. I hate it." Stabilizing her Tobirama shrugged.

"I am sorry, I thought you might want to get home rapidly." Too tired to argue, she waved this off and he helped her in. Bringing her in her bedroom, he let her change and prepared her some tea. Walking back to her bedroom, he found her sitting on her bed, half asleep. Putting the tea on the desk, he walked to her and crouched in front of the bed. A soft smile found his lips and he caressed her cheek. Closing her eyes to enjoy the feel of his calloused hand, she sighed.

She had a great nap next to him and was afraid to fall asleep again. She knew she would only wake up feeling sick with chakra exhaustion and would not be able to fall back asleep either way. Opening her eyes, she looked deep into his eyes.

"You should sleep now. You need it."

"It's not like I will be able to rest even though I try…" A small laugh shook her shoulders and she met his eyes. "Haven't been able to get more than a couple of hours of sleep because of it." Understanding her reference to the nightmare she had been having, he sighed. She looked like she was about to pass out and he did not like it…

"I could stay over for the night." The words left his mouth before he could think it through. She froze and gave him a surprised glance.

"You could what?" Clearing his throat he tried to explain the reasoning behind what he had said.

"When I stayed with you the night you asked me to, you did not wake up at all. You slept the whole night. Right now, you need all the rest you can get, so I thought..." He let his sentence unfinished, but she understood the logic behind his reasoning.

Thinking about the time he stayed with her, she had to admit, it was true. She did not have any problem to stay asleep and was feeling quite refreshed the morning after. But considering what happened today, was it really the best option? Was he only offering because it was the logical option or because he wanted to be there?

"Would you mind staying over?" Her voice was small and unsure, and he understood the meaning of her sentence. Do you want to stay?

"I would not have offered it if I did mind staying."

Pondering his answer, Sakura slowly nodded. Her body was aching, and her head was heavy, she needed to sleep. Getting back on his feet, he brought her the tea and while she drank, he took off his armor and his long sleeve shirt. When she was done drinking, he took the cup from her hands and put it back on the desk. Left in his black shinobi pants and blue undershirt, he made his way to the bed and slid next to her under the blankets. Facing her, he looked into her deep emerald eyes and draped his arm on her waist, positioning the other one under her head as a makeshift pillow. Her eyes drifted shut in a few minutes and before her breathing became regular, she whispered.

"Thank you Tobi-" and fell deep asleep.

She must have been exhausted to be able to doze off in a matter of seconds. Pulling her closer, Tobirama buried his face in her hair and inhaling the sweet smell, fell asleep soon after.

She was on the battlefield. Standing close to Naruto, he grabbed her behind the neck and pulled her in a hug. The skin of her neck burned, but too surprised to see her friend, she did not make any case of it.

"Please remember, Sakura-chan." Putting his forehead on hers, his blue eyes bored into hers. She felt like her body was flung backward and then, there she was, yet again, on the battlefield. Spectator of her friend's last moment. She looked and saw herself and the two men giving the last blow to the Rabbit Goddess. Knowing the moment where her friend's death would happen, she averted her eyes. I can't do it. I can't. Looking back, they laid there, Sasuke dead and Naruto, fighting for his life. She saw the desperate way she tried to save them. How Shizune pulled her back. Shizune? She never realized who made her stop healing Naruto until now. Feeling the emotions rushing in like she was there again she gasped.

Tobirama woke up when he heard her gasp and felt her jerk in a sitting position. From where he was, he could feel her whole body shaking. Slowly sitting, he tried to find her through the darkness of the room. Slowly, he put a reassuring hand on her back, not keen on repeating the kunai incident.

Startled, she turned her head towards him, and his heart broke when the moonlight coming through the window lit up her features. Her face was contorted in a pained frown and streak of tears were marking her cheeks. She was looking his way without seeing him, still recovering from this nightmare. So this was the nightmare she had been talking about recently, he could understand how sleep was evading her for the rest of the night when she woke up this abruptly… Knowing it was useless to talk to her right now, he moved slowly on the bed. Scooting behind her, Tobirama put both his legs on each side of her and slowly wrapped his arms around her shoulder, pulling her to rest on his chest. She tensed against him but relaxed soon after.

Sakura was surrounded with his scent and the shaking of her body subsided. She then noticed the warmth around her and strong arms anchoring her back to the reality. Her breathing slowed down, and she leaned into his embrace.

Feeling the stiffness of her body leaving slowly, he stayed silent. After a few minutes, he felt her drop her chin on his arms.

"Nightmare?" His whisper was barely audible, but she heard it because she nodded her head. He felt her nod more than he saw her.

"Do you want to talk about it." This time she shook her head. Understanding this kind of things, he did not push her. He kept her in his arms, rubbing small circles on her bare shoulder with his thumb. When did he became this tactile with her? He did not know the answer, but his instinct knew how to calm her, so he was following it.

Sakura felt safe. Having him there made her night so different. Instead of staying in her bed restless for hours, she was relaxing in his warmth. She had been ashamed to ask him to stay with her for the night but right now she did not regret it one bit. There was a calm energy emanating from him, able to calm her senses. He did not have to talk to her to try to make it better. His touch and his presence did it for him. He was also a patient man and did not mind waiting for the storm to pass with her. Before she knew it, she fell back asleep, the pained frown gone from her face.

Tobirama felt her head lean back on his shoulder and peering down, saw that she was asleep again. Careful not to wake her, he leaned back on the pillow, holding her body on his. It was not the most comfortable position, but it would have to do. Moving in her sleep, she faced him, laying on his chest, nuzzling his clavicle. Her hand was grabbing the front of his undershirt like her life depended on it. She looked fragile and vulnerable, trusting him with her safety and at this moment, something clicked inside of the young Senju. If she needed reassurance, he would be there. If she needed a sparring partner, he would be there. If she needed protection, he would protect her. If I had to, I would give my life for hers. But there was no way he would tell her this.

The rest of the night flew by with no other incident.