I Wait

Chapter 32 – A Flower Named You

"Until my white breath vanishes, friskily dashing through that street.
In the town visible from the hill blossomed a flower called "you".
It'll blossom again,
In a color resembling you."

Sakura had expected to spend the next few weeks worrying over what they'd done and how it would affect the shinobi alliance. She also thought she'd be worried about what Kakashi's ANBU would find. As it turned out, Sasuke had other plans. If his goal had been to distract her, Sakura would say that he was definitely succeeding in it. Sakura had always known that Sasuke was driven. That he could become clouded by emotions. Unhinged even. But she'd never imagined him like this. With his hand exploring every inch of her, deft fingers mapping out her body. His head between her thighs. Her body ruled only by sensation. No, that wasn't correct. Her body was ruled by him. And Sasuke had utilised every free moment between them. Sometimes in the living room and sometimes even in the kitchen, but mostly waking up next to him had become something Sakura looked forward to immensely. Seeing Sasuke this way…so unguarded. So clear about what he felt. It was still unreal to her. That he was here, and he was hers. Her fingers grazed over his shirt before she pulled it over her head. She could hear him in the kitchen. Making breakfast? The thought had butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Taking a deep breath, Sakura emerged from the bedroom wearing only his shirt, Sasuke glanced up from the open plan kitchen and he was indeed making breakfast. Sakura couldn't stop the smile as she approached him, not missing the way Sasuke noticed her attire. Sakura went over to him quietly as his eyes followed her across the room. "You're cooking?" she asked a little shyly, sitting down at the counter.
"Aa." Sasuke answered as she leaned her chin on her hands and her smile kept growing to the point where she needed to cover her lips with her hands. Sasuke obviously didn't missed the way Sakura watched him in return, making no effort to hide what she was feeling. With a forced calm, Sasuke switched the stove off, covering the pot with the lid before coming around the counter. Sakura made a surprised sound as he kissed her suddenly and lifted her from the chair, but of course she made no move to stop him as he carried her back to the bedroom, kicking the door shut behind them.

x-x-x-x-

"How have you been feeling?" Tsunade asked, shining the light into Sakura's pupil.
"Fine." Sakura told her master, and it was true. She had been feeling much better. There had been no lingering effects or lasting damage from her battles with the Ryuketsu gang. The damaged cells, unfortunately, had not regenerated at all according to Tsunade. Shizune was working hard on the tissue samples from both Kogen and Yua's bodies to try and find some solution, but so far, the tests had yielded no success. Tsunade hadn't given up though. Books were constantly strewn around the room and despite Sakura asking her to stop, Tsunade refused. She insisted there must be a way. Sakura's own research had only proved her theory…that the truth was, the damage done was permanent. It was something she would have to live with. It wasn't that she was giving up on finding some sort of solution…maybe it was more that she was accepting it. Sasuke had been right in that as long as Sakura possessed the Byakugou seal, she had something to fall back on. This did not have to change her life. But even in saying she was accepting things, Sakura didn't fight Tsunade too hard on her continuing her research. A part of her, however tiny, was hoping for some kind of miracle solution, even if she wasn't expecting any. After a quick examination, Tsunade sent Sakura on her way and when Sakura found Sasuke already waiting for her, she knew something was coming. Something she wouldn't like.
"What is it, Sasuke-kun?"
"Orochimaru has accepted Konoha's offer."
Still not understanding, Sakura frowned. "Okay, that's good right?"
"He wants me to personally collect the information from him."
Oh. "I see."
Sasuke stared at Sakura and she knew what he was waiting for. For her to tell him not to go. For some kind of reaction. Sakura took a deep breath as she closed the space between them and tilted her head up to look at him. "I'm not going to pretend that I'm happy with this." She slipped her arms around him and pressed her cheek into his chest. "But I'll be right here when you get back."
Sasuke's body relaxed into her hold as his arm went around her.
"Aa. I know."
Sakura noticed Sasuke's belongings by the door then and she squeezed her eyes shut as her arms tightened around him. She turned her face into his chest. "I'll miss you." She mumbled so quietly she was sure her hadn't heard her but Sasuke's hand slid up her back and slipped into her hair, tilting her head back. "I'll be back soon, Sakura." And when he kissed her, it wasn't a goodbye like she expected it to be.

x-x-x-x-

It wasn't that Sakura had been putting it off per se. But admittedly, she had been distracted by Sasuke quite a bit the last while. So when Shizune arrived with a pile of books it took Sakura a moment to realize what was going on. Her eyes flew to the calendar and widened.
"Don't tell me you forgot." Shizune said, grinning despite the way her hands went to her hips.
"I…guess I did?"
Shizune's eyes slid to the marks on Sakura's neck before glancing away. Thankfully, she didn't comment but her cheeky smile said enough. Sakura ignored that and looked down at the pile of books on the coffee table. She'd committed to this medical conference long before the Ryuketsu mission, but it felt like years. In reality, she'd agreed to be a speaker only a few months before Sasuke's return. Sakura smiled her thanks at Shizune who quickly explained what would be expected before leaving Sakura to prepare. It was only a few days before the conference and Sakura's stomach turned at the thought of speaking in front of not only Konoha's medical shinobi and students but those from other villages as well. The Kazekage would also be in attendance since Konoha had a medical exchange program with Wind. Sakura groaned as she sat down on the floor and began going through the books. It wasn't that she doubted her ability or knowledge of the topic, but she'd never spoken in front of that many people before. It was a chance to not only elevate the medical ninjutsu of other villages and strengthen relations, especially after what happened, but also as Tsunade had put it 'show off Konoha's superiority'. No pressure at all.

Sakura dug into the books, making notes as she went, highlighting interesting anecdotes to mention during her talk. The more she imagined it, Sakura could admit that she could feel a little bit of excitement bubbling underneath the anxiety. She was well aware of how accomplished she was as a medical shinobi but this made it feel more real. The fact that people wanted to hear her talk. That people considered her an expert and wanted her opinion. It was a strange feeling…but not unwelcome. It made her journey feel worth it. So, the slight trembling in Sakura's hands settled and she continued with a slight smile on her lips.

x-x-x-x-

Sasuke eyed the file Orochimaru had handed him with slight distaste. "Is this all?"
Orochimaru was amused. "Were you expecting something bigger?"
It had taken a day to travel to where Yamato was guarding Orochimaru. Although, Sasuke used the term guarding loosely. Orochimaru came and went as he wanted and he allowed Konoha to keep watch on him. Or the illusion of it. The ANBU Kakashi had sent along were sent off with Suigetsu to deliver Kogen and Yua's bodies in some back room. Orochimaru had attempted pleasantries but Sasuke didn't want them nor did he have the patience.
Without a word, Sasuke flipped the file open and scanned the pages while Orochimaru gave an amused hum as he watched his former apprentice. As promised, the information that Konoha had wanted was right there, in more detail than Kakashi had asked for, frankly. Sasuke began to wonder, but the answer came quickly enough. Orochimaru had requested Sasuke personally in exchange for more information.
"I trust everything is in order?"
Sasuke glanced up at him as he snapped the folder shut with narrowed eyes. "Hn." He was about to turn away but Orochimaru spoke up again. "You seem different, Sasuke."
It was obvious Orochimaru knew more than he was letting on and Sasuke sighed as he glanced back over his shoulder.
"I always wondered," Orochimaru continued and Sasuke could feel trepidation crawl up his throat. "About her."
Back stiff, Sasuke turned back to Orochimaru.
"She was your teammate back in Konoha, yes? You went to visit her a few times after leaving."
"What do you want?" Sasuke demanded.
"I never imagined she would have this effect on you." He reconsidered then, "I suppose considering everything I should have expected this."
Sasuke's Sharingan spun to life then as he took a step towards Orochimaru, who did not look bothered in the least. "What do you want, Orochimaru?" Sasuke seethed and Orochimaru chuckled.
"Am I not allowed to take an interest in my student's life?"
"Fuck off." When Sasuke turned then, Orochimaru smiled but didn't stop him.
Thoroughly annoyed, Sasuke teeth ground together as he made his way toward the exit. Lanterns lit the hallway, casting shadows all along the walls. Sasuke blinked, making a visible effort to turn his Sharingan off. He wasn't sure how the ANBU would react in the face of it, they were already wary of him and Naruto had asked him not to provoke them and Sasuke, despite not caring what they thought of him, made an effort to do so. For Naruto's sake.

And for Sakura's.

A figure at the end of the hallway had him slowing and red eyes turned towards the ground when their gazes met. Karin. She didn't look up as he passed and Sasuke didn't stop. He knew what she wanted. What she'd always wanted from him.

It was something he would never have given her. The reason then, although he hadn't realized it, was the same as the reason now. It was something that would never change. That was why Sasuke hadn't stopped. That was why Sasuke didn't even speak to her. And he knew Karin was smart enough to realize that.

He stepped out into the daylight and the ANBU nodded at him when they saw the folder. They didn't ask for it or try to take it and Sasuke took that as a good sign. He put the folder away and followed the ANBU into the trees around them.

x-x-x-x-

"So," Ino began, folding her hands under her chin as she gave Sakura an expectant look.
Sakura sighed. "What?"
"The jewellery?" she indicated to the bangles that Sakura was still wearing and had no intention to take off. "The after-sex glow?" Sakura's face filled with immediate heat, telling Ino everything she needed to know. "Spill, Sakura."
The denial was on Sakura's lips but she stopped short. Deny what, exactly? There was no point in denying it anymore. The truth was there for Ino to see, so instead of lying, Sakura gave a small smile and Ino's eyes grew wide.
"What, really?"
Sakura nodded, still flushing. "Really."
"How in the hell did that happen?" Ino demanded, "I mean, this is Sasuke-kun."
"…Well, yes. But he's happy, Ino." Sakura said softly, mentally recounting all the smiles she'd seen on him since they returned and warmth spread through her chest.
"Are you?"
"I – yes." Sakura nodded. "I am."
And as Ino asked for more details, Sakura surprised herself by giving them. She told Ino of how things had subtly shifted between Sasuke and herself. But some details – some things were just for them and no one else to know. Memories Sakura would treasure. The first time he kissed her, touched her, said that he loved her.
Ino listened with a quiet smile on her face as she leaned her chin into her palm, their tea having gone cold a while ago. "This would be sickening if you didn't look so damn happy, Sakura."
Sakura threw her a half-hearted glare. "Whatever."
"Despite our…history with Sasuke-kun, I couldn't be happier for you two. He deserves this, and so do you."
Sakura's eyes grew wide and glassy and Ino shook her head, "Please don't cry, forehead."
Sakura cleared her throat, blinking rapidly. "As if."
Ino just lifted an eyebrow before lifting her tea and taking a sip, making a face when she found it ice cold. Sakura watched as she waved the server closer with a smile and asked for fresh tea.
"So, what about you and Sai? Has he proposed yet?"
Ino blinked slowly. "Oh, that. I proposed to him."
Sakura stared at Ino for a moment. "You did what?"
Ino rolled her eyes at Sakura's shock, waiting for the server to set the tea down before she continued. "Relax, it's not like I went down on one knee or something."
Sakura gave Ino a pointed look to continue as Ino sipped on her tea. "I just suggested it."
Sakura groaned. "I'm going to need details, Ino."
"Fine, fine." Ino waved a hand at Sakura's impatience. "We were just sitting around my room one night and I just came out and said it." The faintest blush appeared on Ino's cheekbones. "We should get married."
Sakura leaned forward. "What the- What did he say?" she demanded.
"He was quiet for a long time. I mean, long enough for me to question my entire existence for that one statement." Her lips tipped up into a smile then and there was a vulnerability in her eyes when she met Sakura's gaze. "And then he asked if I was asking him or just suggesting it." Ino took a deep breath as if she was remembering something kind of painful about Sai's reaction, something she wasn't comfortable sharing with Sakura and Sakura didn't ask. "I said he could take it as he wanted to."
"And then?" Sakura whispered.
"He said," Ino swallowed. "He said he'd love to marry me. And declared that we're engaged."
Ino seemed to be faraway then, her lips turning down slightly. "I – I never thought about it before but…my dad won't be there. At the wedding." She inhaled sharply and Sakura tensed in her seat. Ino's eyes were wide and slightly red and Sakura knew that was a lie. Ino had been thinking about it. A lot. And it seemed like perhaps…she just wanted someone to talk to. Sakura reached across the table, taking Ino's hand tightly.
"He will be there." Sakura said, her voice quiet, but strong. Ino's gaze flew to Sakura's eyes as her hand tightened around Sakura's fingers, she knew what Sakura meant. "Do you really think so?"
"I do."
Ino blinked, releasing Sakura's hand as she reached up to wipe a few tears that managed to escape. She cleared her throat. "Ah…thank you, Sakura."
Sakura smiled. "Congratulations."

x-x-x-x-

"You're back!"
Sasuke nearly groaned. He was on his way to Kakashi with the ANBU but he honestly should have expected this. They'd travelled non-stop to reach Konoha by nightfall but only managed to arrive well into the night. Sasuke was tired and hungry and honestly he just wanted to return to Sakura's apartment and get into bed with her, but that goal was getting further and further away the longer Naruto looked at him.
"Are you stalking me?"
Naruto didn't dignify that with an answer as he fell into step next to Sasuke, arms behind his head. They walked on in silence and Sasuke suppressed a sigh. What the hell did he want now?
"How did it go?"
Sasuke cut Naruto a sharp look. "Fine."
"Hmm," Naruto didn't ask anything else and silence fell again. Sasuke looked back at him letting out a sharp sigh.
"Just spit it out, Naruto."
Naruto grinned. "I have a surprise."
Sasuke did groan then. "Spare me." He muttered, speeding up but Naruto kept his step easily.
"You're coming out with us tonight."
"No," Sasuke said. "I'm not."
"Sakura-chan will be there."
Sasuke swore internally, knowing Naruto trapped him and cursing how easily he'd done it. The blonde idiot in question gave an evil grin, knowing he'd won and he stayed close to Sasuke even as he set the report down on Kakashi's desk and bid the ANBU goodbye.
Naruto gave him an expectant look and Sasuke sighed in defeat. "Let's just get this over with."

Konoha's entertainment district wasn't too far from the Hokage tower and luckily it was a short walk, and so far, Naruto hadn't said anything and Sasuke hoped it would stay that way. Unfortunately, with Naruto that was never the case.
"So, you're – what? Living with Sakura-chan now?"
"None of your business."
Naruto scoffed. "I'll take that as a yes."
"You'll take it as none of-"
"Sasuke," Naruto interrupted. "I don't know what changed but you, uh, you look happier than you have in a long time. And I'm –" Naruto cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I'm happy for you."
Sasuke looked away, feeling just as uncomfortable. "Aa. Thanks. You too."
Thankfully, they arrived at the bar, effectively cutting off that conversation but Sasuke couldn't stop the small smile from tipping his lips up. Naruto's eyes grew wide as Sasuke walked past him, the expression gone so fast he found himself questioning if he ever saw it.
Sasuke stilled at the table he was sure was theirs, and Sakura as it turned out, was not even there.
"Son of a bitch," he hissed, turning on his heel but Naruto caught his shoulder. "Come on, Sasuke. Just stay for a little while. Let's catch up."
Sasuke eyed the guys at the table. Their classmates from the academy and Sai. He wasn't sure why he agreed but it was a mistake.

Was it one drink? Two he wasn't sure how many anymore. They'd just kept coming. The sheer information overload from these guys was enough to give him a headache – that is, if he wasn't feeling as good as he was. Despite the alcohol, nothing could have prepared him for their explicit sex talks. Sasuke had never wanted to imagine any of the girls like that, let alone the fact that Sai liked to be tied up so for once he was relieved when Naruto nudged him.
"So, Sasuke?" Naruto nudged him again as Sasuke wiped the excess alcohol from his lips with the back of his hand.
"What usuratonkachi?" it was clear Sasuke was drunk. Hell, he felt drunk. A little light, his head a little more clear than usual. Less crowded with messy thoughts.
"Tell me here and now man! Do you love Sakura-chan?" Naruto was slurring.
At the mention of her name, a warm feeling spread through Sasuke's chest and he leaned his head against the back of the chair. Sakura. He wanted to see her right now. Her skin was so soft everywhere except for her hands but he liked that. He liked everything about her. She was so pretty. Always had been. And so kind. And now so sexy especially when she was fighting. It made him want to do things to her. Things that felt really nice and things she liked a lot. He could tell because of the way she responded and the sounds she made. He really liked those noises.
"Oi, Sasuke."
"What?" Sasuke asked.
"What about Sakura-chan?"
"Sakura?" Sasuke asked. "She's lovely."
Everyone stared at him, Shikamaru's drink freezing mid-air on the way to his mouth and Naruto cleared his throat.
"That's, uh, not what I asked though."
Sasuke frowned, his lids feeling heavy again as he leaned his head back.
"Do you love her, teme?"
Sasuke opened his eyes, focusing on Naruto. "Yes, dobe. Of course I love her. Sakura is my whole world." he professed proudly.
The table was shocked to silence it seemed. Everyone stared at him as if they weren't quite sure they'd heard correctly.
"What?" Sasuke snapped, clearly annoyed.
Naruto gripped Sasuke's shoulder, his eyes were a bit hazy but he was grinning like an idiot as Chouji poured them all another drink. "Kampai!"
Sasuke glared but picked up the drink anyway and throwing it back.

x-x-x-x-

Sakura was in bed, reading a medical textbook ahead of her presentation when Sasuke returned. He said nothing as he approached the bed, climbing on top of her and resting his head on her chest. "Oh, okay then. Hi," Sakura said, grinning. The smell of alcohol wafted up but Sakura didn't tell him to move as he laid on top of her. She was used to the smell from years of working for Tsunade. Sakura set the book aside and put her arms around him.
"Welcome home, Sasuke-kun."
Sasuke snuggled against her, getting comfortable. He mumbled her name and heaved a deep sigh.
"Did you have fun?" Sakura asked softly. Naruto had told Sakura what he'd planned and Sakura had wondered if Sasuke would allow it. She was glad he did.
"Hmm." Sasuke hummed. "but I missed you."
Sakura gave a little gasp and Sasuke lifted his head from her chest to look at her. "I'm always missing you," he admitted, a concerned look on his face. "Am I okay?"
Sakura swallowed, one hand reaching up to brush his hair from his face. "You're fine, Sasuke-kun. I promise. It's the same for me too."
"That's good...I'm...glad." he gave a smile and Sakura's heart melted into a gooey mess in her chest. "That makes me happy."
His eyes drooped and Sakura smoothed his hair back again. "Go to sleep, Sasuke-kun."
"Hmm."

When Sakura woke up at nine to get ready, Sasuke was still sleeping and when she was ready to leave an hour later, he still hadn't stirred. Sakura watched his sleeping form for a long moment, that same warmth spreading through her chest before she went to the kitchen and got him some water and pain killers. She set them down on the nightstand for him.

Sakura sat down on the bed gently. "Sasuke-kun?" she gave his shoulder a little shake and Sasuke groaned, his eyes opening in a squint.
"I have to go to the conference now."
Sasuke closed his eyes tightly and Sakura slipped her hand into his hair, applying some soothing chakra onto his scalp. Sasuke groaned. "That feels good."
Sakura smiled down at him. "It's temporary. Since the alcohol is still in your system, the headache will come back." she said softly.
Sasuke said nothing.
"You feel really sick, huh?" Sakura gently massaged his head, secretly elated that she could do this so openly. "I'm sorry."
She leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to his temple. Sasuke opened his eyes slightly to look at her.
"Just sleep it off, okay?"
He hummed, closing his eyes again. "I'll be back after the conference." she kissed his cheek, and stood, closing the door softly behind her.

x-x-x-x-

"I'm nervous," Sakura said.
Tsunade smiled. "Just relax, there's nothing to it."
Nothing to it? Speaking in front of an auditorium full of people was definitely something. The topic Sakura had been given was the art of poison and antidote and how to handle extraction if an antidote couldn't be created in time. It wasn't something Sakura struggled with, but the excitement she'd felt before had quickly been replaced with a stomach turning fear. What if she froze? Or forgot what she was supposed to say? Tsunade put a hand on Sakura's shoulder and squeezed. "You're going to do fine, Sakura. I believe in you."
Sakura swallowed as they announced her, giving Tsunade a shaky smile before she steeled herself and walked out onto the stage.
The crowd erupted into cheers and claps and Sakura nearly tripped over her own feet, she hadn't expected that kind of response and her heart hammered in her chest as she approached the podium and took her place, she was about to speak but her breath got stuck in her throat. At the back of the room, Kakashi was leaning against the wall dressed in his shinobi garb and not the traditional Hokage cloak, arms folded across his chest and next to him she saw Naruto and Sasuke, they looked sick as hell and were basically leaning against each other but...they were there.
Sakura cleared her throat, trying not to cry.
"Well, I'm Haruno Sakura..."
"They know," Naruto called from the back and Sasuke elbowed him in the stomach causing him to double over, hand covering his mouth.
A few people laughed and someone screamed 'I love you, Sakura-sama.'
Sakura blushed and fell into her lecture rather awkwardly but it didn't take long for her to gain confidence, she began using her hands to explain and even did a demonstration of removing poison using water. The technique wasn't as advanced as the one she used on Sasuke. It was basic, but the audience seemed impressed.
After her talk, they moved on to the questions portion of the lecture and it started off fine, people asked questions about the demonstration and regarding different poisons but then...not so much. "Is it true that you're in a long distance relationship with Kazekage Gaara?"
Sakura's jaw dropped, eyes flying to where Gaara was sitting in the gallery, Kankuro was doubled over next to him and Gaara had a faint blush on his cheeks.
Sakura returned her gaze to the person who asked the question. "What? No!" The shinobi actually seemed disappointed and another jumped up.
"What about the rumors regarding you and the Hokage?"
Sakura's eyes flew to Kakashi and he looked just as shocked. "What rumors?! " Sakura groaned, shaking her head. "No!"
An Iwa shinobi grabbed the microphone. "What about Uchiha Sasuke? Are you going to help him rebuild the Uchiha clan?"
Sakura made a helpless sound, heat exploding onto her face and she didn't dare look to where Sasuke was. Not when she'd already caught a glimpse of his face.
"Let's keep the questions related to the lecture. I won't be answering questions about my personal life."

But no matter what she did, Sakura couldn't forget the look on Sasuke's face in that moment. Hard and resolute.

x-x-x-x-

Thanks, as always, for those who took the time to comment. I love youuuuu~!

Here's a teaser for the next chapter, I Wait –

Sakura barged into Kakashi's office, already in her cloak.
"Kakashi-sensei. I want permission to leave Konoha."
Kakashi shook his head, "Sakura, you know I can't allow you to go after him."