I should probably note now, that I'm still highly annoyed with Sasuke for being such an idiot, and it kind of shows, but have no fear, it's still a SasuSaku. There is a sweet moment between Sakura and Naruto but it is only friendly! I think they're the sweetest best friend type, but no more. Granted, I'll read some NaruSaku's, but that's not what this story is, now is it? SO! I just thought I'd warn you so you don't freak out and think I'm changing the pairing. Besides, I was thinking of writing a TEAM 7 fic with all of them, so I just wanted to ass Naruto in here somewhere.

Also note, there's a memory/dream in here just because I felt it was too depressing and dramatic for me, so I added it in there. It has some point of course, but it breaks the mood and adds length.

REVIEWS

(You all are so wonderful! There's so many! So I'm only going to respond to those that I felt need one or I wanted to comment on, all other's are kinda bunched together into one and you get a huggle, a thanks, and a BIG cookie!)

S.O.S.1 - Yes, that would be very cool! I enjoyed writing that part (maybe it'll be my favorite part in the whole story!) So maybe I will write something like that scene where the males protect Sakura, but do you have any ideas? I don't want to do something cliché or anything, but it would be really fun to write.

TriGemini - What would possibly give you that idea? (note: halo held up by horns)

Shy-lil-dreamer - Shhhh!

LittleLetty: He'll get nicer … eventually, just bear through this chapter till the end (not to give anything away) We must work up to it! But there's some moments, and then then end has to be at least somewhat fluffy hee hee… so hope you like this chapter! Oh, and what's the link to you're picture thingy?

Namiko of the Ocean – Lol, I'm glad you thought it was funny, I was cracking up at the thought too. Hee hee. Anyway, thank-you soooo much! You make me feel SpEcIaL! I'm soooo glad you're enjoying it!

Nutto- I completely agree, I got so frustrated, I decided to try one of my own. I'm glad you think they're in character! The ones that really irritate me are the ones where they're suddenly like, 'Wow, she's hot – oh, no, did I just think that?' (Gag) Er… no offense people… heh… better stop while I'm ahead… ANYWAY, I'm glad you like it, and I'm glad you approve! Sasuke is going to get softer of course, but he'll be soft in a 'Sasuke' way.

Only Secret, Ou, Yang Jin, Sae Konoto, Daniel of Lorien, nixie1430, fallendreamer, paperpenman, yamprincessmiyu, Little Minamino, SailorKagome, bluemarina, lex, anime09, heyakawa, bloone, ellamoony, serenitymelody, MissxRae, Ayane Selznickm xxmoonlight-angelxx - a lot of people seemed to like the flashback scene in the last chapter. I thoroughly enjoyed it as well! If anyone has ideas for a story like it, I'd be glad to write something. I'm glad I'm keeping the characters in-character, and I'm glad you enjoy them that way! Of course, Sasuke will get 'softer' but not un-Sasuke soft. He'll be nice in his own Sasuke way. Thanks for all your reviews, I'm SO glad you like it, and I hope you enjoy this chapter just as much – if not, the next chapter will be the 'climax' one, so it will be more action packed. (insert smiley face that wont show up) Thanks again for all your reviews! You make me feel SpEcIaL!

Okay, so we had the information chapter, the problem chapter, the humor chapter, and now, we have the angst chapter.

9 Months of Happiness
.: Uncontrollable :.

"I'm WHAT!" Sakura slammed her hands on the Hokage's desk. Tsunade frowned at the jounin, her eyes daring her to do that again. Sakura growled and pulled back, slightly, waiting for the response. She glared at the Hokage, hoping against hope that she hadn't said what she thought had been said.

"You're forbidden to participate in missions until further notice." Sakura clenched her eyes tightly shut, willing the Hokage to change her mind – or at least calm her own self down. She was going to get herself killed by Tsunade if she didn't stop soon.

"Why?" She asked through clenched teeth. Her eyes shot open in an intense glare directed towards the Hokage.

"It was requested by me from your dear husband."

'Screw calm…' Sakura immediately jumped up from her seat and mumbled a few choice curses before even speaking to the Hokage. "What about me? Doesn't my opinion matter!"

"SIT DOWN!" Tsunade had about enough of the irate Sakura. Yes, she understood that she was peeved already with her husband, but she didn't need to take it out on her in her office. "I will not talk to you until you're calm and rational, so SIT DOWN!" Sakura sat down, still angry, but fearful of encuring the wrath of the great Hokage-sama. "Sakura, Sasuke is a higher rank ninja, also as the male of the household he would have the final say. Not to mention, though however insensitive he may be, you're pregnant Sakura."

"Really?" Tsunade chose to ignore the sarcasm and disrespect.

"You wont be as fast as you usually are and it's dangerous. Now, that is my final word. Deal with it." Tsunade began to fiddle with her papers signaling the end of the conversation. Sakura growled slightly to herself, angrier that Sasuke would make choices like this without telling her. With as much calm as she could posses, she stepped out of the Hokage's office, planning her rant to her dear husband.

It was dark when he came back from the mission. He had to report to the Hokage at first, but it was brief and he was worried about some warning she gave him about something at home. Some odd part in the back of his mind felt a twinge of worry over his wife. Was she okay? Was the baby okay? He knew she wasn't feeling well when he left, but it shouldn't have been that serious. He shrugged it off as best he could. He would find out in a few seconds.

He stepped in front of his house door and paused before opening it. Something felt wrong – he couldn't place it. It wasn't that same awful feeling he had when he came home almost twenty years ago, but still… Carefully and slowly he opened the door. Darkness greeted him. Yes, it was almost midnight, but that never stopped his wife from greeting him before – not that he missed it per say, but it had become habitual for him, and it irritated him that his ritual was messed up. The aura of the room was also off. He narrowed his eyes and shut the door behind him. He had only been gone a few days. What could have possibly happened? He walked over to where he knew the lamp was and flicked it on.

He was surprised to see his wife sitting on the couch wide-awake and waiting for him. He cursed his tiredness for not sensing her. Although, he knew she was getting good at hiding her chakra. He waited for her to say something – a greeting, 'why are you here so late' – something! She only narrowed her eyes at him, her arms folded across her chest. Sasuke was annoyed. Okay, he could tell she was annoyed and ticked at him, but at least she could tell him why! "What is you're problem?" He snapped. He was tired and frustrated. The mission didn't go as well as he had hoped and then he comes home to his wife acting like this.

"Oh," She responded, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "So I have an opinion and say, now do I?" Sasuke closed his eyes, praying for patience. Somehow, he knew this wasn't her ususal mood swings, she wasn't going to jump up and be happy he was home, this was something serious, but he wasn't sure what, and he wasn't in the mood for it.

"I don't want to play games, Sakura. Why are you unhappy?"

"Why?" She glared up at him. "I went to visit the Hokage the other day. You know, sitting around the house doesn't do much for me. I wanted to go out and get some exercise, you know, do a quick mission since I'm a jounin." Sasuke closed his eyes again. He really should stop doing that; it was too tempting to fall asleep.

"Sakura, drop it." His voice was flat and monotone. Sakura was also tired and irritated, unfortunately, for her that only fueled her anger.

"Oh, yes, great one!" She got up from the couch and performed and mock bow. "I live to listen and obey your every command, in fact," She stood up straight and glared at him in the eyes. "You're so good at it, why don't you just do it for every decision in my life?"

"Sakura…" Sasuke warned again. "We can discuss in the morning." Sasuke turned to walk to the bedroom, eager for rest, but Sakura wasn't done.

"Oh, of course! Because you say so, master!" Sasuke stopped. Enough. He let go of all the restraint, worry, frustration, and anger he had held in up until then and whirled to glare at his wife.

"Incase you would stop your whining and sarcasm for once, you would notice you're pregnant."

"My," Sakura drawled, annoyed at being called whiny. "Aren't you Mr. Observant?"

"Because of this," Sasuke continued, ignored her comments; "You are slower and weaker than usual, therefore not only endangering the mission, but also the baby."

"I'm a JOUNIN!" Sakura screamed, more irate than before. Her most hated and feared ridicule thrown in her face. "I am most certainly NOT weak! I can handle myself! But this isn't the point, Sasuke, you made an important decision about my life without consulting me with it!"

"You ARE weak, Sakura, it was pure luck you made it this far, maybe the judges had pity on you. I made the decision without you because you're too irrational and I knew something like this would happen. I have the final say. I will not put the Uchiha heir in any danger!"

There was a deep and long silence. Both took this time to rethink what had just been exchanged. Both knew they were in the wrong and both regretted it to an extent, but both also too stubborn to do something about it. Now that the adrenaline was gone, Sasuke felt more tired than before. He didn't even bother speaking to Sakura and turned to go the bedroom.

Sakura stood, rooted in her spot, watching her husband go. Her anger gone and forgotten, now replaced with shame and hurt. Yes, she had gone too far, especially after he returned from his mission, but he had said things that hurt her as well. Not for the first time did she question whether marrying Sasuke was right.

Was she happy? No, of course not. Who would be happy after having a major fight with their spouse? Sakura let herself collapse into the nearest chair. She was tired and tears were threatening to spill. Maybe it wasn't just her, maybe even Sasuke-kun would be happy if they weren't married. No, she snorted, they couldn't separate now, not after she was pregnant. It might ruin their names, besides, she didn't want to put her child through that. She looked at the clock – only a little after midnight. Her gaze turned to the hallway leading to their room. Did she want to return to him? Maybe they just needed space. He had every right to be annoyed with her after everything, and he had hurt her tonight, so maybe space would be good.

Sakura slowly pushed herself up from the chair and made her way to the door, not even bothering to think about anything to bring with her. Softly, she opened the door, avoiding the squeaks. She took one last at the hallway she had last seen Sasuke-kun before closing the door behind her.

The rain – he always loved the rain. It was so soothing, so relaxing. He could just bask in its wetness the whole night. The boy – no, man sighed with satisfaction. This was his time. Of course, he knew if anyone saw him, they would yell at him for being so irresponsible for getting soaked. He chuckled. He didn't really care right now. He was sitting outside his apartment building on a bench with his held leaning back, soaking in all the drops. Not a soul was around. The street corner was void of people hiding in their homes, or somewhere to get out of the rain. He sighed contentedly again. The only thing better than this was ramen…

"Huh?" His head sprang up when he felt a familiar presence. He was surprised to see that he wasn't alone. Someone else was stupid enough to be in the rain like him. He felt a frown appear on his face as recognition slowly set in. "Sakura-chan?" He could see the pink hair soaked with rain, clinging to her face as she got closer to him. Her steps were slow and hesitant, so he sped up the process by walking over to meet her. "What are you doing out here, this late, Sakura-chan?" Sakura, as if realizing he was there for the first time stared at Naruto for a while.

"Naruto?" She whispered. "I'm sorry, I was just wandering and I guess I just wandered over to your place." Naruto continued to frown, noting the unshed tears in her eyes. Sakura blushed under his stare and looked to the side. "Don't frown Naruto, it doesn't suit you."

"What did that jerk do?" He immediately asked, blunt as usual. Sakura smiled and shook her head. Naruto sighed then took her hand.

"Come on, Sakura-chan, let's get you dried off." And so he led her by hand up three floors to his messy apartment. She was surprised by the room's appearance. It was… somewhat clean.

"Naruto, what's wrong with you?" She lifted a hand and put in on Naruto's forehead. Naruto laughed, slightly embarrassed.

"Surprised? Hinata was by earlier and decided it needed cleaned after I couldn't find one of my sandals." Sakura laughed.

"I see, how've you two been doing?" Naruto immediately brightened up. He continued talking while he wandered around the room's looking for clean towels.

"It's been great! She comes with me to eat ramen and she visits me in the apartment. She's really nice, but quiet. I'm trying to get her to open up a lit- ah! Here we go!" He grabbed two towels from a doorknob and threw one to Sakura. "Use this, it smells okay, so it's probably clean."

"Naruto, I hope her cleanliness rubs off on you." She caught the towel and sniffed it to be sure it was safe. Once convinced it was at least somewhat clean, she began drying her hair off. "Why were you outside?" Naruto shrugged and plopped down on the nearest couch with the towel around his neck.

"I just like the rain. It's kind of relaxing you know?" His face suddenly darkened as he turned to look at her in the eyes. Naruto let out an unconscious growl. "What did he do?" Sakura sighed and moved some unidentified object off the couch and sat down in their place.

"It was both of us, Naruto. I just needed to get out and think. Thanks for letting me come in, do you think I could stay the night?" Naruto sighed and struggled with himself. Should he force it out of her, bribe her with ramen, or just let it go? His blue eyes scanned her over quickly. Nah, she looked too tired and worn out. Her usual sparkling green eyes were dimmer and she had bags under eyes. Naruto sighed and stood up, offering his hand.

"Come on, Sakura-chan. I'll fix my bed." Her face lit up with gratitude. She took his outstretched hand.

"I don't want to take your bed Naruto."

"Nonsense." He walked ahead to his room, waving a hand behind him. "Sasuke-jerk would kill me if I made you sleep anywhere else. Besides, what kind of host would I be?" Naruto noticed her silence after he mentioned his name, but chose not to comment. "Here we are," He shoved open the bedroom door, pushing away the various objects in his path. "Sorry about the mess. Hinata changed the sheets too, so they're clean. Now," Naruto walked over to his bed and patted it lightly, signaling for her to come over. "get some rest. Do you need one of my shirts?"

Sakura shook her head, once again feeling an overwhelming sense of love for her best friend. Not romantic love, but just the kind of love two best friends share. "Thank-you." She whispered.

"No need to thank me, Sakura-chan!" Naruto grinned and waved his hand in dismissal. "You can stay as long as you want – er," He hesitated at the door, "as long as the jerk doesn't think I kidnapped you or anything." Sakura smiled and shook her head, sitting on the bed. Naruto returned the smile and shut the door to his room for her privacy. He felt an anger toward the jerk who made her this upset, but he was too tired to deal with it right now, so that in mind, he let himself fall onto the couch and slipped into a land with dancing ramen and bruised Sasukes.

Her internal clock told her it had to be past one. Sakura sighed and rolled over to lay on her side. She really wanted sleep, but it just wouldn't come – too many thoughts. She traced patterns in the sheets with her finger. Her mind kept going over the argument. Whose fault was it?

"What's your problem?" He was tired and frustrated; she should have waited.

"…I have a opinion now, huh?" She was angry and hurt.

"Sakura, we can discuss this in the morning." He warned her. Oh, why didn't she listen?
"I can handle myself!" Her worst insult was said to her by her love, she was defending herself, no harm in that, right?

"I will not put the Uchiha heir in any danger!" That's right, the Uchiha heir, never mind the mother.

Sakura sighed and rolled over again, this time facing the other way. A tear fell, followed by another. In the end, it was her fault, wasn't it? She provoked him when he said he would talk about it later. "I'm sorry, Sasuke-kun." More tears. Not that he was completely innocent, but she started it, and that was worst of all. Did he hate her more now?

Her eyes darted to the door. There was a tiny creak and a shadow was revealed from the moon's light. "Sakura-chan?" Came the whisper.

"Come in Naruto." She sat herself up in bed and quickly wiped her eyes as he tip-toed over to her and sat himself down beside her. "Why are you up?" She asked.

"Dunno," Then he grinned. "I can tell when my Sakura-chan is hurting!"

"I'm sorry I woke you up."

"No problem, I never sleep anyway. So," His face was serious. "What happened?" There was a moment of silence and Naruto wondered if she was going to tell him.

"It was my fault." She looked down to watch her hands fiddle with the bed sheets. "I provoked him."

"Why?" Naruto moved closer, "Sakura-chan wouldn't provoke anyone without reason."

"He made some important decision without me, and I was upset. He told the Hokage I wasn't allowed to go on any missions. I should have waited to talk to him though. It was too late." Naruto sighed and placed a comforting hand around her waist and waited for her to continue. "We said some things, he said I was too weak anyway and that it was luck I'm a jounin." She sniffed at the thought, replaying the scene in her head. "I kept going though, and I should have stopped." Naruto pulled Sakura in closer and she buried her head in his chest. "He hates me!"

"Sakura-chan," Naruto whispered, chuckling. "I don't think he hates you. It may sound odd, especially from me, but I think Sasuke-jerk was worried about you."

"No," She replied bitterly, head still buried in the sleeves white shirt he'd worn to bed. "He's only worried about the baby."

"I don't know, Sakura-chan, Sasuke's just weird." He scrunched up his face, unhappy that he was willingly defending the jerk, "He doesn't know how else to show is worry. Of course," His face scrunched up even further, "He certainly should have discussed this with you before!" He hugged her tight, almost forgetting she was there in his anger. "Don't worry Sakura-chan! I kill his sorry –"

"No, Naruto!" She pulled away from him slightly, her face held a small smile. "I appreciate the thought though. I should just do what I should've done in the first place and talk to him calmly." Naruto's frown immediately turned to a grin.

"That's my Sakura-chan! I'm glad to see you smiling again! But," His face was serious. "If he ever makes you cry again, I promise I'll hurt him for you!" Sakura gave him a quick squeeze of appreciation. "Okay, Sakura-chan, time for sleep!" Naruto pulled away and helped her lay back down, pulling the covers over her. "G'night, Sakura-chan!"

"Good night, Naruto. Thank-you."

"Morning Sasuke-kun!" Sakura was her usual chipper self this morning. Well, no, Sasuke scrutinized her with his gaze. She seemed even more chipper than usual. To keep with habit, he nodded his head politely and calmly waited for the rest of the team to get here while the female chatted on about something. Nothing had really changed. Sasuke wondered why still, at age seventeen and at chuunin levels they still needed to have these usual meetings. It'd only taken a couple of months after his return for Kakashi to announce their team was to be reunited. Naruto was still the same loud mouth brat. He would be coming in another ten to fifteen minutes, nothing new there. And Kakashi would be coming around two hours later, of course. Well, Sasuke continued, that wasn't true. Sakura had changed, not only had she gotten stronger (never as strong as he of course!) But she wasn't quite as… clingy. He could stand her company more, or maybe he just appreciated it now after having been with Orochimaru for a few years?

"-us, Sasuke-kun? Sasuke-kun?"

Sasuke snapped out of his daze of thought. His mind raced to come up with a suitable answer that didn't let the world know he wasn't paying the least bit of attention…

"I'm going, Sakura-chan!" Sasuke let out a sigh of relief on the inside – not that he would ever show it.

"I know you're coming!" Sakura snapped. "I didn't ask you!" She smacked Naruto on the head for good measure. "So," She turned back to Sasuke, "Are you coming with us?"

"Of course he's going!" All three turned their heads with great shock written all over their faces.

"Kakashi!"

"You're only fifteen minutes late!"

"Ha, ha. I know! I thought I'd surprise you all, besides, we have something important to be doing, and it'll take all day."

"Wait," Sasuke stopped their conversation. "Where is it that I'm going?"

"To the festival of course!" Naruto stated as a mater-of-factly.

"Why?"

"FREE FOOD!" Naruto's eyes glazed over and his tongue subconsciously rolled out.

"Well," Sakura continued. Sasuke could see her eyes lit up as her excitement grew. "This is a mandatory festival. It happens only every 25 years! It's to celebrate all that's happened and all our accomplishments and stuff, and there'll be memorials for those who've gone in duty. There's going to be free food," She glanced at Naruto's drooling face before she folded her hands and held them under her chin. "There will be so much shopping! This is the only time they have really rare weapons and scrolls you can buy at cheaper prices. Oh, and there's dancing! Oh, I'm so excited to dance! Then there's fireworks at night!" She squealed again. "I can't wait! I can't believe you didn't know about this. So, are you coming with us, or going by yourself?"

"I-"

"He's coming with us." Kakashi confirmed. "You have to come anyway. All teams must report together."

"Oh, good! Can I go now Kakashi, I need time to get ready."

"No problem!" Sasuke didn't like the grin on his sensei's face. "I came early because I need to get these guys something nice to wear."

"WHAT!" Naruto screeched. "What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Sasuke's own eyes narrowed. He wasn't liking this one bit. Kakashi was getting way too much pleasure out of this. Not to mention he didn't like crowds.

"Can we meet here like usual at seven?" Sakura was already walking off, almost jumping up and down.

"Fine, fine." Kakashi's attention wasn't on Sakura, but the two struggling boys in his grip. "Come on! You'll enjoy it! Just relax, this'll be fun!"

Seven o'clock couldn't have come sooner. Naruto scratched at the itchy 'dress' as he called it. Kakashi had forced both boy's into wearing the traditional Japanese formal robe. Of course, Naruto's was anything BUT traditional. The only way Kakashi got him into one was if he got an orange one – a bright orange one. Sasuke had been satisfied with a dark blue color with gray edges – didn't attract attention. He made a mental note to avoid Naruto. Sakura showed up a few minutes late. She wore a pink Kimono with red and purple fancy flowers dancing around. Her hair was pulled back and tied up behind her head with what looked decorated chopsticks placed carefully in the pulled up hair. She had make-up, something that she rarely did, and she was practically sparkling with excitement.

"Come one!" She encouraged. She grabbed Sasuke's hand in one, and Naruto's in the other – and she held them tightly so they wouldn't let go whether they wanted to or not. "We don't want to be late!" She insisted. She made sure Kakashi was following behind them before taking off with her two favorite boys in either hand.

The ceremony itself was rather boring. They all stood in a line with their teams or by class for most jounins as the Hokage went on and on about what this festival meant, what they did, and why they were here. Sasuke was actually fairly interested in knowing about the past. Naruto was also surprisingly interested. He would occasionally twitch whenever his name was mentioned and barely restrained himself from shouting out. "THAT'S ME!" Sakura wasn't as interested as he thought. She was listening a little, but also noting the decorations. He noticed her eyes glued most to the shopping areas and the music area set up just for tonight.

Tsunade finally let them out with an angry yell and order to "HAVE FUN!" letting the 'or else' go unsaid. Sasuke paused to let the rush go past him. Ninja after ninja rushed toward the festival lights. Some went to view the history section, others went for shopping (he was mildly amused to watch Ino drag Shikamaru towards the clothes instead of weapons.). There was laughter and happy smiles all around. Even from his place in the background he could just feel the happiness radiating from everyone.

Why wasn't he happy?

Oh, that's right, he didn't like big crowds. He frowned and shifted his feet. He wasn't big on parties like this – it just didn't make him comfortable. It was then he noticed that he wasn't alone. He turned his head and noticed to his surprise that his once excited teammate was still with him outside the festival area. She was smiling slightly at him, her green eyes sparkling. He noticed, not for the first time, that she wasn't the child he left behind all those five years ago. She made a movement to get closer to him. "Why aren't you with them? I thought you'd at least enjoy the weapons. You can get some nice new scrolls or something." Sasuke shrugged and turned to go back into the woods.

"This isn't my thing. I showed up for the meeting, I don't have to involve myself in the other activities. You can go." He wasn't surprised when she shook her head.

"I wont have fun if I know you're moping around!"

"Moping?" She grinned slightly and grabbed his arm.

"Come on, Sasuke-kun, I'll take you somewhere where there's not a lot of people, okay?" He pulled his arm out of her grasp but said nothing. When he didn't leave, Sakura took his silence as close to a 'lead the way' as she was going to get. So she happily led him toward the history section, trusting that he was behind her.

They wandered in the history area for about an hour. It was similar to a museum, only outdoors. There were articles and documents about some missions, and even some pictures in the earlier ones. Sasuke would usually stop at the ones that spoke about peoples' attacks and the jitsu's they used. He noted that many of them were parents of many of the ninja. A lot of the chuunins had a great amount of hereditary potential. Occasionally, he would come upon something about the Uchihas, and there was Sakura, placing a gentle, calming hand on his arm. A lot of times he would clench his fist in anger, cursing his brother again and again, but Sakura's hand reminded him that there was another time for this.

Maybe he was loosing his avenger will – this concerned him – but some part of him said to let it go for now and for once he listened.

Sakura followed behind him briefly glancing over the documents and pictures. Whenever one of their team would come up she'd point to them with pride and make Sasuke at least look at them. He noticed on the earlier documents, she would cringe slightly at the memory. He was never sure why, but he let it go. He knew Sakura was behind him, really reading him more than the documents, but for once, he didn't complain. Sure, he didn't like crowds and he wasn't the 'happy go hang around people' type, but, though he would never admit even under the pain of torture, he was the slightest bit jealous that everyone else was enjoying themselves with friends – and there he was in the outskirts of the woods only watching by himself. Then Sakura was there, keeping the loneliness away (though, like I said, he would never admit it, she still would get on his nerves). So in return for her staying with him, he allowed her to follow him and watch him

Finally they moved on. "Sakura," Sasuke stopped. "Go do your shopping thing. You don't have to entertain me."

"I know." She shrugged and stopped beside him. "So what do you want to do now?"

"Didn't you hear me?" His eyes narrowed. He didn't want her pity any longer.

"I did." She said, not the least bit upset by his annoyance. "I'm where I want to be. Is that so wrong?" Sasuke stared at her, slightly miffed, then made a gruff noise before crossing his arms and looking away.

"You're annoying." Because his head was turned away, he didn't see her smile her cute smile and say,

"I know."

"SAKURA-A-A-A-A!"

Both heads turned and saw Ino running towards her with Shikamaru close behind, hands in pockets mumbling something about girls. "Sakura!" She paned and bent over once she was in front of Sakura. "Are you going to come shopping or what?"

"I..." Sakura was hesitant. Her head went back and forth between Sasuke-kun and Ino…

"Just go already." Sasuke turned and headed for the forest, Sakura's eyes following him, ready to blow Ino away.

"Come on, forehead girl!" Ino exclaimed, exasperated. Sakura's eyes suddenly burned with flames as they were directed upon Ino's.

"What was that, Ino-pig?" Into smirked.

"You heard me, FOREHEAD GIRL!"

"Is that a challenge, Ino-PIG?"

"That's right, you …"

Sasuke ignored them and kept walking farther away. He didn't care anyway. She was only bothering him in his solitude. He jumped onto a tree and stared off at the lights. Still, it somehow didn't feel right by himself when everyone else was together. He shook his head to rid the thoughts. Who cares, he was better off on his own with peace and quiet. Suddenly, Sasuke felt a strange sensation pulling his lips upward. He knew it was coming even before the bushes wiggled and rustled and an annoyed voice cried out, "You stupid bush! Watch where you poke people!" The figure finally stopped under him still brushing off her Kimono from all the leaves.

"Why do you keep following me?" Sakura looked up at him, her green eyes blinking for a moment before she let a full-fledged grin take over.

"Because I want to."

"I don't care." Sakura licked her lips and continued to subconsciously wipe off her Kimono.

"Hey, can we go somewhere else to sit in solitude? I know the place, there's no one else."

"Why should I move?"

"You'll get more exercise, Sasuke-kun." She reasoned. "You'll be sitting once we get there."

"Whatever." Still, he jumped down from the tree, not quite sure why. For some reason, his patience level was unusually high today.

She led them out of the woods and finally to a small hill overlooking the festivities. She sat down in the middle and waited for him to follow suit. "It's pretty, isn't it?" She commented after a few moments. Sasuke chose not to comment. He watched her watch the dancers longingly, but then let herself fall back onto the soft grass. Sasuke looked down at the festival. It seemed to have calmed down.

"What's happening?" He found himself questioning. There was a loud BOOM to answer his question and the sky was suddenly filled with bright lights. Sasuke allowed himself a small smile. Indeed, it was pretty. He fell down beside Sakura and watched the color filled. Boom after Boom and crack after crack – Sasuke found himself entranced by the colors and the brilliance of the lights. He glanced over to Sakura, she was also as entranced by the light as he was. He found it oddly fulfilling that someone was by him to enjoy it. Like previously said, he would never admit it even on pain of death, but still, he found himself glad that she had stuck by him, despite her enthusiasm for shopping and dancing.

He was content that night

Sasuke groaned and rolled over. He was having a good dream – not that he remembered, but his brain was unusually unraveled. Flashes of his previous mission poured into his sisheveled head and he diagnosed that this was probably fatigue. Maybe he should stay home and rest today. He forced one eye open, squinting at the suddenly intake of light. Frowning, he rolled over, wondering why his wife didn't wake him up. She wasn't there? He groaned again and made himself sit up. He rubbed his face to think clearer. Slowly, he pushed himself off the bed and into the bathroom. He splashed cold water on his face then –

Oh yea. He put a hand on the mirror. He remembered now; the fight last night. How could he forget? He desperately wished she wasn't so irritatingly stubborn. She just didn't know when to quite. He snorted slightly. Not that he said the best of words either. He knew she hated being called weak, but still somehow in his sleep deprived mind he had recalled how much she hated it and used it against her. He put his face in his hands and groaned again. "I feel like I have a hangover." He muttered. That still left the question –

Where was his wife?

She had probably slept on the couch or something. Darn it – why did have to care? Why? Why couldn't he just walk downstairs and coolly say 'Get over it, you crybaby!' No. He frowned even further into the mirror. He DID care whether she was hurt or not, and it irritated him. It irritated him greatly. Hw shouldn't care. She was here to create Uchiha heirs, and no more. He did care, darn it! She was probably downstairs on the couch crying her eyes out because he called her weak. He sighed. Might as well get this over with.

Something inside him was anxious, something he didn't even want to think about, whether it was worry or concern – all he wanted was for it to go away. He marched down the stairs, sweatpants, bare-chested and all. "Sakura." He growled when entering the living room.

Nothing.

Fine, maybe she was up and in the kitchen. Nothing again. "Sakura." He called. No answer. "Sakura!" He called louder. Where was she? She wouldn't run out, would she? Sasuke growled. This feeling needed to stop, and stop now! He was worried and concerned, and he didn't like it. Well, of course he cared to an extent because she was his friend and teammate, but he wasn't supposed to care this much! He was feeling things he never wanted to feel and as he glanced around the kitchen, for the first time grasping that he was alone – he was lonely.

Angry, he kicked a chair, causing it to fly against the wall. No. He steadied himself, picked up the chair, and placed it back where it was originally. He was going to be calm about this. Too calm his aching head, he made himself his own cup of coffee. He sat down at the table and – Where is she?

STOP IT! His leg began shake in an effort to get his mind off of –

"Sasuke-kun?" Sasuke glared up at her.

"Where did you come from?"

Great, Sakura thought, He's still mad at me. "The front door." She sounds a lot calmer than she felt.

Sasuke growled. How could he have not heard her? "Where'd you go?"

"Naruto's."

"What?" Sakura shifted under his intense gaze.

"After the fight I walked around and Naruto found me and let me sleep in his apartment." Sasuke opened his mouth to comment, but Sakura quickly continued, "he made sure I tell you he let me sleep on the bed and he sleep on the couch." Sasuke frowned and stood up, making his way over to his wife, an angry look still on his face. "I'm sorry," She said quickly. "It was my fault, I shouldn't have started as soon as you came home. I started it and provoked you and it's all my fault, I'm sorry." She was babbling now. And he was getting closer "I'm sorry I snapped at you, please don't be mad and me, I mean, I'm still annoyed you made that decision without me, and I still don't agree with it," He was almost in front of her, " but I should have waited and –"

"Sakura." He was in front of her, his dark eyes baring into her soul. She stopped, all the anger was forgotten. "Forget it." Sakura wasn't quite aware her mouth had dropped open. Of all the things she thought he would say, this certainly wasn't one of them. All she could muster out was a weak, 'huh?'

"Sakura," He continued, his face still right in front of hers, noses almost touching. "I'm not the best at expressing things, so I'm going to say this once and I hope you understand. I made the decision for your own safety. Maybe I should have informed you, but it wasn't going to change. I know you're bull-headed, so I didn't want to deal with it since I was going on a mission. As for last night, I also said things that should not have been said so we'll forget about it and HOPE this doesn't happen again." He straightened himself, walked back to the kitchen table and sipped at his coffee. When he realized she was still in her stupor, he raised an eyebrow and said, "Are you going to make breakfast or not?"

Sakura smiled. That turned out a lot better than she thought. She walked over to the cabinets and started pulling out various objects she as going to use. Of course, she knew things wouldn't always turn out this way, sometimes he would hurt her, and other times she would just get on his last nerve, but still. She smiled to herself again and she started making pancakes.

She couldn't have it any other way.

.: AUTHORESS' NOTES:.

Ahhhh… I didn't like this chapter so much. I feel like I'm falling into cliché's… urk… sorry… I promise, next chapter will not only be longer, but more action and is the final chapter before the epilogue which means more fluff and more danger and that wonderful thing we call the climax. )

Come back for it!

Well, one thing's not cliché I suppose, everything is usually Sasuke's fault only, so I thought I'd give Sakura some of it, not to mention he was doing it to protect her too, ah, I'll stop while I'm ahead.

Review!

--Okay, on another note, the scene in the last chapter when the team was worried about Sakura seemed to go over rather well, so I thought it would be a good next story, however, I wanted to know if anyone had any ideas of plots and such? Like, why they would have to go after Sakura, or protect her and such things as that. I look foreword to your ideas!