Even for Just One More Night

...

"That's one fine stallion." Most of the group stood just in awe of the almost comically sized American Quarter horse in comparison to its rider whilst Tenten's slender frame stood beside him. At least 18 hands tall and its tan coat flexing its sturdy frame even at rest, Naruto was tempted again to repeat his comment again - or ask how on earth she was able to even get on the back of him.

"He is, isn't he." Tenten's hand patted the horse on the neck which gave a heavy thudding sound. "I raised him from a foal. Never thought he would get this heavy, but guess you could say that it was a blessing in disguise." She smiled up at her partner as she said that. If it hadn't been for his structure and brawn, she probably would have found a different ending in the desert that day. She owed her life to him and she hoped that he could at least feel an ounce of her gratitude through a tender scratch behind his ear.

"Thunder, right?" The town's stable boy that they had already introduced as Sai piped up. He was examining some minor saddle sores that had come from their extensive ride. "He'll need a couple of days rest to fully heal and some new shoes fitted, but other than that he's healthy." Tenten sucked in a breath, partially in relief but also in grimace. New horse shoes, the boarding charges, the health check-up. The bill surely would not come cheap - especially given his size. Another deadly burn in her already empty pockets.

Neji had been standing near the back of the group taking in the room. He wouldn't ever admit that he was impressed but given that he hadn't taken his eyes off of her since she approached the beast everyone - especially Naruto - would say otherwise. Given her situation, her wince was more than justified. Keeping his own horse who was of normal size and structure was already a burden on his wallet but working as a deputy had its benefits : reimbursed horse boarding to name a few. As Tenten remained silently patting her companion, Neji offered relief in the heavy atmosphere.

"Put it on our bill." The group swiftly turned as Neji all but hurried away to meet his own horse, opening the stable door with the reins he'd left on the handle before swiftly throwing them over his shoulder. Some were surprised, others were more perceptive, but Tenten was floored. Her mouth agape she wondered if she had misheard him, or if he wasn't even talking about her at all. "I'll meet you out front. Be ready for the afternoon patrol in ten."

That had definitely been for her. Not realising she had been holding onto a patient breath she swallowed hard before calling out to him as he disappeared. "R-Right!"

Sai had been the only one to be left expressionless at the encounter, staring at the shadow he had left in his wake. Using this time wisely he pressed his shoulder into Ino's. He leant down toward her ear causing a faint blush to appear on her cheeks. "He's embarrassed." Sai said matter of factly, yet Ino could all but hold her lips together as a burst of laughter teased in her throat.

As the atmosphere softened again, Sai reached to brush a loose hair behind Ino's ear before he straightened himself up and gained the attention of the group. "Time to meet your temporary horse, then."

…

Sakura pushed the last of the bag of feed onto the cart with a heavy sigh. She had been left with the backbreaking task after Ino had excused herself, dragging Sai in her path. That had boiled her fury enough to manage just fine by herself, but the overwhelming feeling of disappointment had slowed her down considerably toward the end.

She should have known that the likelihood of the mysterious vagabond still being around had been next to none. That one night she had spent with him he was practically itching to leave that instant - only she had delightfully gotten in the way. From what she knew, he had returned to the stables only to pack up and leave for the next adventure. Seeing for herself there was but a trace of him was the last her heart needed to drop fully.

Sakura pushed her rose coloured bangs from her face and turned to face the breeze, only to find her elbow colliding with something solid. Not being one for neither patience nor reason her free hand balled tightly into a fist before she turned, looking for the element of surprise on the face of her attacker. When she saw the very face that she had been longing for just moments ago, the only one left in complete surprise was her.

Sasuke caught her fist mid-attack which had now gone limp, and he let their hands drop down in the space between them as he stared at her with a twitch of a smirk on his face. "I thought you would have been at least a little bit pleased to see me."

"You're…still here?" She wasn't entirely sure that she trusted her eyes just yet. Afterall, he had come into her life in the same way he had dared to leave it - quickly and without apology.

He just nodded in response. The quietness lingered a few moments more before the pink enveloped in black. Sakura pressed into him with force that begged to be seen and in return he pressed a gentle kiss into the middle of her forehead. His chin settled on her head as he spoke. "Not for long." As protesting digits dug into his back he softly chuckled. "You have me for a couple more days."

Sakura knew better than to pry. Everybody had their own journey and everyone had to dance to their own rhythm. That's just what life was like. She empathised deeply with his longing for adventure. She herself ran from home seeking her own and she found it in wild horses and ranch hopping. If she pushed too far - like her own parents had done - she might lose him in more ways than just physically.

"Not if I don't get back with Ino soon. Temari will be out for my head." Deciding to mask the looming dismay that was to come and focus on the now, Sakura pushed herself away from him and turned toward the cart. Her hand pressed quickly to the corners of her eyes but Sasuke still noticed. He turned in respect as she got herself together. "Wait here, I'll get them." Without looking back Sakura followed the imprints of her friend.

Sasuke stood in waiting watching as she left him behind. As she got further and further away, his face began to drop with the weight of his secret. She couldn't know that the true reason why he stayed would either be the thing that would kill him, or the thing that would make him untouchable forever. Either way, he knew that she would never forgive him - but this was something he had to do. At least he could lose himself in her before then and completely forget the world around him - even for just one more night.

…

Sorry for the abrupt end to this short chapter. I have a few busy days coming up and am not sure when I would be able to carry on this chapter. Thought it best to give a little something now.