The Lessons She Taught Me

by Lyhtning

Sasuke finally achieved his goal of killing Itachi but why does he feel so empty? News of Sakura's wedding is a loud wakeup call and he finally realizes what she has that he doesn't...and maybe will never have.

1. Why! The question of the century

The Lessons She Taught Me

by Sakuranime

Disclaimer: YES! I OWN NARUTO! OH YEAH! …if you believed that…WHERE IS YOUR BRAIN!

Yesss…I really shouldn't start a new fict when I already have one to write…but I couldn't resist. The power of my almighty mind thought of another story. It was TOO tempting…pwuahahaa! (Uchiha smirk) :P

This story was actually was supposed to be angsty, sad, and dramatic…but alas, my mind has strayed once again and this is humorous (you know I am), lovey-dovey (who doesn't enjoy romance!), and yeah. You shall find this story to be FAR FAR AWAY from angsty, sad, and dramatic.

Well, on with the story! Don't forget to please REVIEW! …if you don't…you must face the consequences! …which I still have yet to find out what…but…YOU ARE WARNED! MWAHAHAAAA! (cough cough) Argh, those potato chips are nasty for the throat…

"Quotations"

'Thoughts'

(( Flashbacks ))

Chapter 1: WHY! The question of the century

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At the age of twenty-five, Uchiha Sasuke had it all – wealth, courtesy of the Uchiha massacre, therefore him getting all of the other Uchiha's fortune; power, because he was a part of one of the most prestigious clan of Konohagakure; and fame, having killed Itachi, the most wanted missing-nin in all of the hidden villages.

That's right. He killed his bastard of a brother, Uchiha Itachi. Having lived in fear, shame, and power-hungry for the most part of his life, Sasuke thought that having Itachi dead would finally calm his nerves. He could settle down, have a family, and work toward his second goal: the Uchiha restoration. It was up to him now, to restore the Uchiha name back to its former glory before the massacre. Sasuke thought he would be content, now that he got revenge.

But that was not to be. The dark-haired Uchiha still felt an empty hole inside of him.

Was it friends he was missing? No, Naruto, Sakura, and Kakashi welcomed him with open arms when he came back from his life's mission.

Was it food? No, his female friend had already saw to it he was eating properly and regularly.

Was it happiness he was lacking? It couldn't be; he had friends, his revenge was complete, and he avenged his clan. Sasuke was as happy as he can be without ruining his image, right?

Right?

Right!

-

A pink-haired kunoichi walked up to the gates of the Uchiha mansion, a card in her hand. She was dressed in a green Chinese-styled dress instead of the red one with black short pants underneath. The kimono-styled one she usually wore was in the washing machine after a nasty encounter on a mission. Her long pink hair was fashioned in a low pony-tail as to not get in her eyes.

Upon reaching the iron gates, she rang the doorbell on the intercom machine and waited nervously for the speaker.

A second later, a voice spoke. "Who is it?" A deep, rich but tired voice answered having just awakened by the unsuspected visitor.

"It's me-" Before the lady could utter her name, the voice spoke up again, fully awake now.

"Sakura? Is that you?"

"Yeah," She answered.

No sooner she said that, the gates swung open, admitting her entrance to the Uchiha estate. The path to the door of the mansion was lined with neat and tidy bushes. The gurgle of water signaled the two miniature fountains on either side of the pathway, the water clean looking and clear. There were no flowers, only grass, and not a single brown spot. That was to be expected, however. This was owned by Sasuke, after all.

As Sakura reached the door, it was opened by none other then Sasuke.

Sakura was surprised by his plain look. Dressed in a plain black shirt and dark blue pajama pants, Sasuke's appearance contrasted to the look of his house. Sakura had even thought he would be wearing silk.

"Um…hey," Sasuke greeted, scratching his head.

"Hi, Sasuke," Sakura said with a smile.

"You want to come in? I'll make some tea…" His voice drifted off as Sakura nodded, stepping into the enormous house and closed the door behind her.

Having trained under the Godaime for years, Sakura automatically took in her surroundings like any normal shinobi would. The girl couldn't help but gasp. As if her legs had a mind of its own, she began to explore.

The interior of Sasuke's house was more breath taking than outside. A large chandelier hung from the ceiling, light reflecting off of the sculptured glass. A large fireplace was centered on the opposite wall where a large-screen TV stood. Four couches made of black leather formed a large square shape around a coffee table made of one-inch glass. The living room floor was covered with a lush beige carpet, soft to the feet. The floor of the entire house, with the exception of the living room, was made of marble tiles while the walls were coated with white paint.

Sakura found herself in the kitchen soon after, awed by the pureness of it all. The food area was complete with all of a kitchen's necessity: fridge stocked with food; a black marble sink with steel lining; cabinets made of polished light brown wood; dish-washing machine, and eating utensils.

The dining area was big enough to fit a party of twenty, even though there were nine chairs with cushions as seats. The dining table itself was made of one-inch thick glass, propped by steel legs. Another chandelier, this one smaller, hung from the ceiling, adding a finishing touch to the elegance.

As Sakura continued to 'ooh' and 'ah', Sasuke was leaning against the entrance to the dining area, arms crossed, and a smirk adorning his handsome features. Clearly, he was amused by his child-like friend's antics.

When the girl completed her observation of the house, she turned to Sasuke, a wondrous expression on her face.

"Like what you see?" Sasuke's voice called out, interrupting Sakura's thoughts.

"Wow…I never been inside your house before, Sasuke…" She breathed, expression of a child who had just been given candy still on her face. "It's…beautiful."

Sasuke continued to smirk and proceeded to the kitchen. He procured two cups from the dishwasher and set them on the counter. Reaching up to one of the cabinets, he got two packets of tea, ripped it, and put the two teabags into each cup. Pouring hot water into them, he walked into the living room and set the cups on the glass table. Sakura followed behind him, studying a picture on one of the walls.

Sitting down on the couch, Sasuke waited patiently to explain her early visit. A few seconds after, Sakura sat on the couch facing him, feeling a bit giddy at the comfy-ness the couch provided her.

"Tea?" Sasuke gestured to the cups on the tray. Sakura nodded gratefully, taking a cup and blew on it to cool it off. Satisfied it was cool enough to drink, the kunoichi took a sip and sighed with content.

"Wow. This tea is good." Sakura complimented, taking another sip from the wonderful-tasting tea.

Sasuke chuckled, taking a sip from his cup. "I know."

"Everything in this house is so…" Sakura groped for the right word.

"Elegant? Luxurious? Grandiose? Splendid? Superb? Impressive? Magnificent? Lavish?" Sasuke supplied, the synonyms spilling from his lips.

Sakura leaned back on the lush couch and sighed. "All of those words," She frowned when she saw his arrogant smirk forming. "Pompous loser…" She muttered under her breath. Unfortunately, Sasuke heard her and his smirk only widened.

"So what if I am?" He challenged. Sasuke didn't know why he was challenging her, but for some reason it brought him enjoyment.

Sakura tilted her head in an innocent way but the devilish smile on her lips lied. "Then I guess I'll just have change that."

"Oh? And how will you accomplish that?" He fired back, his eyes never leaving her face.

"A wad of gum, rope, my Moon blade, some sharks, Kakashi-sensei's perverted book and a tub of water…use your imagination," The important reason why she came here in the first place long forgotten, Sakura returned the ball.

"I don't think empty threats will do much to help you."

"Only fools take my threats as 'empty'."

"Then I guess I am one."

Forgetting all about the card in her hand, Sakura leaned in so her lips would be close to his ear.

"I guess you are, then," She whispered, her breath tickling Sasuke's ear. Sasuke's eyes widened in surprise and he was speechless. Sakura withdrew her head and crowed in delight.

"I won this round!" Sakura cheered, her hands up in the air.

Sasuke felt a smile tugging on his lips as he watched his friend performing her victory dance. "It's just one round."

"Still, I won!" A bright smile on her face, Sakura settled down in the couch.

"What brings you here so early in the morning, Sakura?" Sasuke changed the subject, letting the victory go graciously.

Sakura took a sip from her almost-empty cup. "Oh yeah! I almost forgot!" She shook her head, remembering why she came here in the first place. The card still tucked in her hand; she gave it to the puzzled Uchiha.

She came to woke him in the morning for this? What could be so important about a card? Sasuke took the card from her and observed it. It read: 'A surprise for you!' on the cover in script font, silver embroidery on the edges of the card.

Looking at the suddenly blushing girl with one eyebrow arched, he waited impatiently for her to explain.

"You know my boyfriend, Keichi?" Sakura said, her voice all of a sudden romantic-like. Sasuke nodded absentmindedly, not really paying attention at the mention of the boy.

Keichi was Sakura's boyfriend, a shinobi with mediocre skills but talented enough to be in ANBU. They had been dating for quite a while now, about seven months, if Sasuke's memory served him right. Though Sasuke never approved of her going out with some guy he didn't know, he never openly protested, unlike Naruto, the kyuubi-vessel who was currently dating Hinata.

A frown distorted Sasuke's handsome features that would make any woman, save a collective few, eat from the palm of his hand if he ordered them to do so. "Yeah…what about him?" He grunted, not liking this one bit.

"Well…" Sakura started but her voice failed her as nervousness took hold of her. "Look in the card."

The dark-haired man stared at the card in his hands, wondering once again what could be inside. Wasting no further time, he opened the card and saw words in Sakura's neat handwriting. He scanned the letter, his eyes widening with each sentence.

As you might know, I, Haruno Sakura, have been dating Keichi Yamaguchi, for the past seven months or so. I have EXCITING news! On March 17, Keichi has proposed to me. YES. He has asked to MARRY me! Of course, I have accepted.

On March 20 (yes, I know, short notice!), we will be holding our wedding at the Konoha Wedding Chapel starting at 2:00 and ending at 6:00. Food and refreshments will be provided, all you need to do is look NICE and COME.

I hope you will join Keichi and I as we celebrate our first day as officially becoming a couple!

Sincerely, Haruno Sakura

P.S.: You better come, Sasuke!

As Sasuke finished reading this, the enjoyment of the moment he experienced with Sakura just a moment before vanished. A million thoughts raced through the Uchiha's mind, each a torrent of question, hurt, and betrayal.

Sasuke leapt up from his seat. "Wha…when-? When did this happen?" His voice elevated, his calm, Uchiha exterior falling apart. "You're getting married? To KEICHI, no less!"

The smile on Sakura's face slowly melted away. "Yes…I'm getting married to Keichi, is that a problem?"

"Yes, it IS a problem!" Sasuke looked angry. "When did you decide this?"

"When…Keichi proposed to me," Sakura answered calmly, but inside she was confused as to why he was acting like this to the news. Sure, she expected Sasuke to protest but not this way!

(( "Naruto, this is for you," Sakura handed the fox-boy a card, embroidered with silver on the edges.

"Eh! What's this, Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked without much difficulty thought he had wooden chopsticks in his mouth. Hastily, he opened the card and read the message it contained.

The girl closed her eyes and mentally counted in her mind. '3…2…1.'

Hearing an odd gagging sound, she peeked out through her eyelids and gasped. "Naruto!"

The poor boy was choking on his chopsticks, the card in his hands on the floor. After Sakura successfully took the chopsticks from his throat, he screamed.

"YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED!" Sakura winced as the verbal assault on her ears continued.

"OH MY GOD! SAKURA-CHAN, YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED! THI-THIS…THIS IS…SO…! SO…" Naruto's shocked face didn't change like it was cemented down. His mouth opened then closed like a fish and no words came out.

"OH MY GOD! YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED!" Sakura sighed and nodded, wishing her friend would finally get that through his system.

"OH MY…OH MY GOD! YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED!" The kyuubi-vessel's body hit the ground with a thud.

"Naruto!"

He fainted. ))

Sasuke's denial pulled Sakura back from the past and she winced as her ears pounded.

"Oh god…you're getting married…" Sasuke forced out, collapsing on the couch after much pacing around the living room.

"Yes, I'm getting married." Sakura growled through clenched teeth. "Is that so hard to accept?"

Sasuke's eyes abruptly swiveled to her. Sakura thought she was something flash through his eyes… sorrow? Regret? Whatever it was, just as fast as it came, it disappeared and was back to impassive onyx.

"Why?"

Sakura gaped at him. "Why! Because I love him!"

"Are you sure about that?" Sasuke bit out, not convinced. "How are you so sure? He could just be- could just be marrying you for your looks! He could just want you because of your…"

He just wanted to make sure she was with the man of dreams…he just wanted to protect her, like a good friend should…he just wanted make sure she wasn't marrying a pervert who only wanted her for her body…he just wanted to make sure she wouldn't make the biggest mistake of her life…right? RIGHT! Then why did he feel a pang of grief when he read the card? Why did he feel as if his heart was ripped in two, chewed then spit out? Why did he question her judgment when he never did before? Why? WHY!

Again, Sakura could only look at the hard-faced Uchiha in disbelief. "Are you questioning my feelings for Keichi? Are you saying I don't know who to spend my life with? Are you saying that I shouldn't marry Keichi!"

Sasuke could do nothing but stare at her, his eyes devoid of emotion as he received her verbal slap.

"I thought you would be HAPPY for me!" Tears were starting to form in Sakura's eyes now. "I thought I could share the news with you and laugh about it, not cry about it!" The sobs broke through her words now, making them short and detached.

"I thought…you would be happy…I thought you would congratulate me…" Sakura rose from the couch, the comfy feeling disappearing but she didn't care. She just had to get out of this asshole's house. Before she lost control of her emotions. Right now.

"Sakura…wait-" Sasuke began, but too paralyzed to say more.

"NO, Sasuke…" Sakura snapped. She walked to the door, her long pink hair flying furiously behind. "I WON'T wait."

Turning the knob, the furious girl tore the door open, walking down the pathway she nervously walked earlier.

Willing his legs to move, Sasuke finally took control of his body and sped after the steaming girl. "Sakura! Wait- please!"

Not caring that he didn't have any shoes on; he sped down the pathway and caught her arm, turning her around. Pain washed over him as he saw Sakura's tear-streaked face.

'I did that…?'

"WHAT, Sasuke?" Sakura said angrily, trying to wrench her arm free but his vice-like grip was too strong.

'I made her cry…' Sasuke didn't loosen his grip but shame engulfed him. He dropped his head, his dark bangs covering his eyes.

"What more can you do? I already received your BLESSING!" Sakura screamed at him, more tears streaming down her child-like face.

That was it. Sasuke felt his strength leaving him and his grip on Sakura's wrist loosened. Sensing this, she jerked her arm free and ran out of the Uchiha compound.

Sasuke collapsed on the ground, a heap of mess. He felt Sakura's usually warm and cheerful aura leaving but didn't do anything. His raven-black hair lost its natural shine and his eyes were dull with sudden exhaustion. This was all too confusing for the Uchiha prodigy. He had gone through fierce and stamina-exhausted training many times but for some odd reason…he felt drained of any power he boasted. Sasuke could barely lift him hand to his chest which heaved and strained inside…he pondered numbly at this.

All he could think of was one word. One word, but many meanings held inside.

'Why…?'

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SA: Well! Not really what I had planned in mind, but…I think it came out better than I planned! (triumphant grin)

Naruto: You're kidding, right? I wasn't even IN the chapter! I'm supposed to be the main character AND future Hokage! (pout)

Hinata: I-it's ok, Naruto-kun. You're in the next chapter! (blushes tomato)

Naruto: Eh? Are you ok, Hinata-chan? (puts hand on her forehead, Hinata's temp. sky-rockets and she faints)

Naruto: OH MY GOD! HINATA-CHAN! (Naruto-cast sweatdrops)

SA: (hugs Naruto teddy bear) This teddy bear is OH SO KAWAII! (Naruto-cast stares)

Sakura: What? Can't a girl enjoy cute things!

Sasuke: …She's 14…

Sakura: So what! You're never too old to have plushies! (smile)

SA: (high five) YAY-ness!

Sasuke: (glares) 'YAY-ness?' I refuse to be under to care of a mentally-unstable authoress.

SA: MWAHAHAAA…(evil grin) I'm sure Orochi-baka won't mind if I send you back…

Orochimaru: You stole my evil laugh! I have copyrights on that-! (SA bonks him with hammer)

SA: (leans to him) Hmm? What did you say? Sorry, can't hear ya cuz you're unconscious! Ahahaaa!

Complaints? Suggestions? Comments? Just want to blab anything? GREAT! REVIEW and blab away! Randomness is welcome! (evil crazy laugh)