AN: All of the characters in this story are the rights of Kishimoto. I do not own Naruto. Thanks for reading!

Sasuke gripped his travel cloak and bag close to his body in an attempt to keep the warmth in as he trudged against the snow-blanketed street. The bandana he wore around his forehead kept his hair in place from the chill wind and his ears warm. He'd just arrived in Konohagakure after being gone for a little over two years on his redemption journey. The former missing-nin had learned a lot, seen a lot, and reflected on his life and the people that surrounded it during his time away. After all, traveling left him with nothing but time to think. And all of that thinking left him with the realization that he was finally ready to return home and face the bonds that he'd first made back during his childhood days. He was no longer afraid.

All of that thinking led him back here.

Snow gently fell from the moonlit sky and the streets were empty as members of the Leaf huddled in their homes for warmth. This was as he'd wanted to return, as Sasuke wasn't sure he was ready to make himself known to the village he'd once betrayed immediately upon walking through the gates.

But fate was a funny thing and one woman always seemed to annoyingly put herself in his path.

As the dark-clad figure approached an all too familiar bench filled with painful memories, he saw a pink contrast against the black and white night. It brought back a string of memories Sasuke wished he could forget. Memories of always letting her down. Memories of a girl who desperately tried to fill his cold heart with that emotion called love.

"You told me how painful it was to be alone! Right now, I know your pain. I have friends and family but... if you were to leave. To me... I would be just as alone as you."

"From here on out... we all begin new paths..."

"I... love you with all my heart!"

Sasuke shut his eyes tightly. But three words resounded in his head that had always been true.

"Sakura... thank you."

When Sasuke opened his eyes again, her now womanly form was softly lit by the streetlight nearby. Sakura sat on the bench where Sasuke once left her all those years ago. The kunoichi's pink locks spilled over a medical textbook that she was reading in her gloved hands. Those pink bangs were swept off to the side, kept in place by a red headband and her hair was shorter than the last time he saw her. Her petite shape was engulfed by a thick red coat with a fur-trimmed hood. Despite the cold, she seemed to look right at home, lounging on the bench that tied them together. A cherry blossom in the white winter night.

Sasuke stopped in his tracks, puzzled as to why she was the only one braving the cold. It wasn't exactly the best weather for reading outside. But the sight of her racked him with many unexpected feelings ranging from guilt to wonder to another feeling that had been gnawing at his stomach these last three years whenever his thoughts turned to his pink-haired teammate that never gave up on him in his darkest moments.

Hesitantly, Sasuke pushed those feelings aside as he approached the bench where Sakura sat. The pinkette rose her head to acknowledge his presence. Her emerald eyes crinkled with a smile as they met his mismatched ones like she'd been expecting him all along. And always, always so forgiving no matter how long he was gone.

"Sasuke-kun." Her voice practically sang the words, the loving melody proving how joyed she was to see his form.

"Sakura," he acknowledged. "Why are you here?"

Sakura gently closed the medical textbook and gripped it close to her chest as she stood.

"Kakashi-sensei sent word that you were returning."

"You...waited here for me?"

How long has she been sitting there? He wondered.

A blush rose to her cheeks and she looked away from him as she tucked a lock of pink hair behind her ear. "I thought maybe you'd like to see a friendly face when you came home. You've been gone for so long and I... I missed you."

It never ceased to amaze him how openly she expressed her feelings. It was something that the Uchiha could never manage to do, despite his other strengths. A strange warmth flooded Sasuke's heart that he could never put into words. Even after all these years and everything Sasuke had put her through, Sakura's love for him was endless. It was an unshakeable love that told him he was worth it, regardless of the countless times he'd disappointed her and proved otherwise. It was the kind of love that made him know that he'd finally returned home and that there was always someone waiting for him.

Sakura's green eyes hesitantly met his again as she was slightly embarrassed by her declaration after not seeing him for over two years. When their gazes locked, Sakura was shocked to see the intense look that Sasuke was giving her. She wasn't sure what to make from his expression, but his eyes told her that there was some unspeakable emotion raging there.

It all happened too fast for Sakura's mind to process. A soft thud sounded as Sasuke's travel bag landed on the snow and Sakura gasped as she felt a strong, lone hand wrap around her shoulders. Sasuke gripped the girl close to his chest and whispered softly into her pink hair, "I'm back, Sakura."

Sakura's eyes widened and she stood frozen, although the cold wasn't quite reaching her from the warmth of Sasuke's body against hers. It was uncharacteristic of Sasuke and yet, his body still felt familiar. Her heart pounded in her chest and the warmth of his body found its way to her heart. Sakura didn't register that she'd dropped her book until she heard it make the same thud as his bag did against the snow. But she found that she didn't care as she lovingly returned his gentle embrace by wrapping her arms around Sasuke's waist and burying her face into his chest.

"Welcome home, Sasuke-kun."

Chapter One

"Would you like some tea? You must be freezing after your journey!" Sakura commented as she rested her shoes next to the door and hung her coat up.

"Hn. I could say the same about you reading a book in the snow."

Sakura gave a light laugh as she strode farther into the house, hiding her blush. "I wasn't out there that long," she lied.

Sakura strode into the kitchen to put the kettle on to boil as Sasuke sat his shoes next to hers and carefully placed the rest of his belongings by the door.

"Please! Make yourself at home! Sorry for the mess." Sasuke could hear her clanging around the kitchen, opening cupboards and grabbing mugs

"It's fine." Sasuke sat on the couch, taking in the surroundings of Sakura's apartment. It felt cozy and smelled like rosemary and mint. He took in the vast number of books she owned and the scrolls that littered the coffee table. He wondered fleetingly what they contained and if she'd read all of them. He knew since their genin days that Sakura was studious and had a thirst for knowledge.

When Sakura came into the living area, she set a tray down on the coffee table. She carefully smoothed out the pants she wore before settling herself down on the floor next to the table, gracefully folding her legs beneath her. A warm smile played at her lips as she began the task of pouring their tea and Sasuke shifted uncomfortably. He was glad to be back, but he wasn't used to being in Sakura's apartment.

He'd spent a time or two alone with her here before he left on his redemption journey. But he also left, knowing he needed to make amends to the world he'd once betrayed, as well as sort out his feelings in solitude.

Sasuke's awkwardness seemed to be lost on Sakura as she handed him his tea. "Thanks," he muttered as he took a sip.

"Are you hungry? I've got some fresh tomatoes in my fridge. I picked them out yesterday, actually."

"Tomatoes?"

"Ah." Sakura took a sip of her tea and eyed him over the mug. "They're your favorite, right?"

Sasuke blinked at her. She remembered.

Of course, she did.

"I'm fine... thank you."

"Well, if you change your mind." She shrugged.

A silence filled the room, broken only by their sips of tea. Sasuke stole a glance at Sakura as he brought the mug to his lips again. His brain worked to make out her expression. Did she seem... sad? As Sasuke was wondering this, the pinkette spoke up again.

"I'm sorry for keeping you. You must be exhausted."

This left Sasuke puzzled. Did Sakura really think she was troubling him that much? Sasuke had never been the type to accept invitations out of social politeness. He never saw the reason to.

"It's okay."

"I mean, if you have to go, I understand. I really shouldn't be keeping you after a long time and-"

"Sakura," Sasuke cut her off. "I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to be."

Sakura seemed to perk up at this to Sasuke's amusement.

"Tell me about your travels then! I'm sure you saw so many amazing places. I can't say that I'm not a bit jealous. I'd love to travel someday."

Sasuke shrugged in response. "I never stayed in one place for long."

He saw her deflate at his lack of response. Sasuke became intensely aware that his replies were putting all of the conversation burden on Sakura's shoulders. The truth was that Sasuke wasn't all that great with talking about himself. Or having conversations in general if there wasn't a point to them. After being by himself for so long, Sasuke had grown uncustomed to sitting in silence and his social skills were rusty. If he was being honest though, he'd never been one to make an effort to talk.

Sasuke shifted in his seat before hesitantly speaking again. "You... mentioned in a letter once that you opened a children's mental health clinic. How's that going?"

He watched as Sakura's eyes lit up at the mention of her work and his shoulders relaxed.

"You remembered! It's going great! Ino and I have been working hard to open them up in other lands as well, starting with Suna." Sakura set her mug down and folded her hands in her lap as she leaned forward before continuing. "I think we're making some real progress! I've even had a few children graduate out of the program, although we still make it a point to follow up with them. It's sad how many children there are who need our help and... well..." Sakura shrugged and looked down. "I couldn't bear the idea of children having to live through that pain alone."

Like you and Naruto. Her eyes seemed to express these unspoken words.

"That's great."

"Yeah?" she asked, green eyes flickering up to meet his.

Sasuke nodded. "Tell me more."

Her face beamed and she continued, talking endlessly about the different kinds of talk therapy they'd experimented with, how they'd passed on this knowledge to other villages, and the names of all the children she'd grown to love. What she failed to mention, however, was how much of it was accredited to her hard work. She always spoke in terms of "we." But Sasuke knew from Naruto and Kakashi's letters how hard Sakura worked around the clock to make all of this reality. The fact that she didn't boast about it as her own accomplishments proved how kind and selfless, she was.

"You must be working hard," Sasuke acknowledged.

Sakura rubbed her neck sheepishly. "We all have."

Sasuke almost wanted to roll his eyes at this. Sakura laughed and continued on to other conversations ranging from Naruto and Hinata's marriage to how hopelessly Kakashi was handling his paperwork duties as Hokage. Sitting and listening to her put him at ease and he was surprised by how much he enjoyed being in Sakura's company this way. It was much different from how he spent his time with Naruto.

Sakura stifled a yawn and checked the clock. 2am. Her eyes widened.

"Oh wow," Sakura brought a hand to her face as she giggled. "I'm sorry I've kept you for so late rambling."

Sasuke simply shrugged in response.

"Where are you staying?" she continued. "I hope it's not a far walk."

"I haven't arranged a new place yet."

Sakura's eyes widened at this. "Where the hell were you planning on staying, then?!"

"I've been traveling for a long time, Sakura. I always manage to find somewhere to stay."

Sakura adamantly shook her head at his ridiculous explanation. "I can't let you sleep out in the snow."

"I'll be fine."

"Sasuke-kun," Sakura set her shoulders and he was surprised by the determined look in her eye. "I'm a medical ninja. I can't let you go out there and risk hypothermia."

Sasuke really did roll his eyes this time. "I've got more survival instincts than that."

"Please, Sasuke-kun."

Sasuke's mismatched eyes shifted back to her after catching the change in her tone.

"Just sleep on the couch for tonight. You can arrange a place to stay tomorrow. I won't be able to sleep otherwise."

The thought of her staying up all night oddly troubled him, yet fascinated him at the same time. He didn't much like the idea of taking her up on the invitation because Sasuke wasn't the type to like feeling indebted to people. But he also wasn't thrilled about the idea of troubling her again.

Sasuke sighed. "Fine."

Sakura nodded her head and a pleased smile played at her lips. When she stood to walk away, a smirk found its way to Sasuke's. He found that he liked the way he could easily make her happy.

When Sakura returned, a blanket and pillow were nestled in her arms and she placed them next to where he sat on the couch.

"The bathroom is straight down the hall and there are extra towels in the closet," Sakura explained as she collected their mugs. "If you need to use the laundry, it's straight across from the bathroom. You may be able to find a shirt or two of Naruto's in there if you need them. Anything in the kitchen is yours if you get hungry."

Sakura stopped and looked as if she was battling with herself over whatever she was about to say next.

"And, uh, my room is on the other end of the hall if you need me." Heat rose up to her face and she said the next part quickly. "Not that you'll need me! But, you know, I mean, if you do need me for anything, I'm there and-"

"Sakura."

This seemed to break her from her rambling and she looked at him, slightly surprised. "Yeah?"

"Thank you."

A shy smile rose to her face and she said softly, "You're welcome, Sasuke-kun."

Sakura lingered for a moment as if she had more to say. Instead, she went to the kitchen to place their mugs in the sink and padded with bare feet to her bedroom. When Sasuke heard the audible click of her door shutting, he allowed himself to go to her bathroom to clean up before turning in for the night.

When Sasuke was done and laying on her couch, he placed his lone arm lazily over his eyes. He didn't know how to approach this situation. He didn't know if he even deserved to. All he knew was that his heart was telling him that he was exactly where he needed to be.