.
.
.
Chapter 5: Week Four
.
.
.
Growing
.
''Good morning, Sakura'' he said as he stepped in the living room and found Sakura on the couch surfing the web.
''Bom dia, perfect match!''
He stopped and looked at her
''What?''
''I said Bom Dia''
''What is that supposed to mean?''
''It means Good Morning in Portuguese''
He raised an eyebrow
''Since when do you speak Portuguese?''
She looked at the clock on the wall
''Since 47 minutes ago'' she said ''Quarenta e sete minutos''
He chuckled and sat on the couch next to her
''Why Portuguese, though?''
Sakura shrugged
''I've always liked it, I guess, just like I love Korean and Chinese. I have a Brazilian friend and she always sounds so lively when speaking to other people in her language. I think Portuguese is beautiful''
Sasuke nodded
''Would you like to learn it with me? We can use it as our secret language, I doubt anyone in this town speaks Portuguese!'' she looked at him playfully
Sasuke smiled
''How do you say 'of course'?''
.
''When you said we'd learn to do some handwork I was thinking about folding origami or something like that'' Sasuke commented, staring at the clay in her hands
''Pottery is great for relaxing, you'll love it! I've taken classes for eight months, I can teach you the basics!''
Sasuke sighed, defeated, and sat next to her as she explained to him how to source the clay, how to prepare it, how to place it on the wheel and so on.
He was terrible at first, and Sasuke was one to give up quickly when he saw he was useless at something. Still, it felt so nice to feel her hands on his, helping him create a piece, that he dared not complain, he simply enjoyed the moment.
.
That same night, Sasuke took Sakura to his favorite bowling alley. It was something he used to play a lot when he was younger, but lack of time in his adulthood kept him from going to that place for a long time.
''You do know I suck at bowling'' she said, looking at him. She had so many reservations about this.
''Only as much as I suck at pottery'' he handed her a pair of bowling shoes
She hesitantly took them
''Fine, I'll do my best!''
She sucked so much at it. But the funniest part was her complaints, because the problem obviously her bowling ball and it had nothing to do with her. When Sakura was almost giving up, Sasuke decided to help her
''This ball is way too heavy for you'' he said, searching the other balls available ''try this one''
When Sakura was about to throw the ball, Sasuke stopped her:
''Wait'' he came closer, positioning himself behind her. Sakura shivered at their proximity, as red as a tomato ''Hold the ball like this. Release the ball when your arm has moved as far forward as it can go. Your thumb should come out first, followed by the fingers. This should help get rotation on the ball''
Sakura nodded, concentrating. Sasuke gently moved her body a little more to the left and then let her go.
That next time she released the ball, it didn't end up in the gutter, as it had been happening until then, and it even got to the end of the lane and hit two pins.
Sakura's eyes sparkled as she turned to Sasuke with a wide smile, running in his direction and jumping in his arms.
''Did you see that one?! Am I not the best?'' she said once he put her down again
''You are the best'' Sasuke smiled.
.
.
.
Courage
.
''You wouldn't believe how long it's been since I've last been to the beach!'' Sakura began ''and the weather is sooooooo good today!''
Sasuke gave her a side smile
''You don't ever get into the water anyway''
Sakura started to gesticulate
''Well but that doesn't mean I can't walk by the shore and collect some shells!''
''True'' he accepted defeat ''have you never gone into the water since that day?''
Sakura lowered and shook her head, suddenly her cellphone becoming very interesting in her hands.
Sasuke decided not to press that matter. It was 11 years ago when Sakura almost drowned at the beach. She was swimming far from the shore when her foot got stuck in a hole in the sand, the waves becoming bigger until it was hard for her to reach the surface and she started to drown. Had Sasuke not noticed something was wrong at that exact moment and ran to aid her, she probably wouldn't have made it alive that day.
''I can go with you, if you want. You don't need to be afraid''
Sakura shook her head
''I'd rather stay at the shore, where it's safe''
Sasuke nodded
''I'll buy you an ice cream if you try''
''You'll buy me an ice cream anyway'' she smiled mischievously
He smiled
''True''
.
They spent the entire afternoon at the beach - Sakura wouldn't be working that night. It was sunny, the breeze was cool and the water was delicious. There were many people at the beach when they arrived, so Sakura decided to simply sit on the beach chair and read a book while Sasuke surfed, simply enjoying the sand under her feet and the salty wind that blew on her hair.
When it was almost 6pm and the sun was beginning to set in the horizon, Sakura decided to leave the book behind and go collect a few shells, there were now much fewer people at the beach and she wouldn't be interrupted.
She heard the sound of someone approaching her from behind and turned around to see Sasuke coming in her direction. God, he looked so hot shirtless and with his hair wet.
''I'll buy myself some coconut water, would you like some too?'' he asked
''Sure! I'll meet you in a second''
She stopped to count the number of shells she had already collected. Perhaps she could make a necklace with those?
''HEL- HELP!'' she heard someone scream in the distance
Turning quickly towards the sound's direction, she saw a boy was drowning in the ocean. Sakura quickly looked at the place the lifeguard should stay, but his shift was over and he'd already left. Sakura was the closest person to the boy.
She tried to scream, perhaps someone who was a better swimmer could go help the boy in her stead, but she found herself incapable of uttering a single word, her entire body was frozen in fear
What should she do?
There is a litany I really like about fear, Sakura. It goes like this
She hesitated for a second when she saw the big waves approaching, suddenly fear starting to consume her. Her feet wouldn't move.
''I will face my fear
She wanted to cry. Move, move, move!
I will permit it to pass over me and through me
Her hands were closed in fists as she struggled to get control over her body again
And where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
She breathed in deeply, her eyes getting filled with determination as she took the first step forward.
Only I will remain''
She ran in the boy's direction quicker than she'd ever thought herself capable of. In a second she was next to him, trying to embrace him to pull him to the surface. He was moving so much she started to drown herself. She was only able to put her arms around the boy's waist to bring him back to the surface when suddenly he stopped moving, staying completely still.
Sakura cursed
She was almost at the shore again when a few men came running in her direction and helped them, bringing them both to the shore
The boy wasn't moving
''I need someone to call 911 and get me a defibrillator''
She brought two fingers to his carotid pulse and watched his breathing at the same time. None was present.
Immediately, she started to perform CPR.
After almost 7 minutes of compressions and ventilation, the boy's pulse returned and he coughed up the water that was inside his lungs. Sakura turned him around so he could continue to release all the water in his lungs.
There was the sound of the ambulance arriving and a few moments later a group of doctors approached and took over the patient's care.
Sakura stood up, a few members of the boy's family coming to thank her for her help.
When the crowd around them was dismissed, Sasuke approached Sakura and hugged her
He had been so scared. When he turned around after hearing someone scream at the shore and saw Sakura coming back from the ocean with a fainted boy in her arms, his heart almost stopped. But when he saw she was fine, and how she saved the boy's life, all his worry was gone, and it was replaced by pride.
''I thought you were afraid of water'' he finally said
She looked up at his face and smiled
''I was, but some words you spoke to me years ago came to my mind, and they gave me strength''
Without thinking, he kissed her forehead and hugged her tighter
''I'm proud of you''
.
.
.
Communication
.
''Sakura, wake up'' she heard someone call. She grunted and mumbled a few complaints ''Come on, wake up, I've got something nice for us to do today''
Sakura opened her eyes slowly and stared at him
''You do realize I worked from 7 pm until 7 am and now it's'' she looked at the clock on the wall ''8:30 am! Oh my God, Sasuke, I hate you'' she covered her head with the blanket
Sasuke pulled the blanket and sat on the bed next to her
''I must pay a visit to one of my investors today, I was hoping you could come with me''
She peeked at him
''Why? I don't understand a thing about your job'' she retorted, her voice muffled because of the pillow
''He lives in a vineyard''
Sakura's eyes flung open and she jumped out of bed
''Let's go!''
.
''Wow, just look at this place!'' she exclaimed, putting her head out of the window as Sasuke drove through the road that led to the vineyard ''this guy must be so rich!''
Sasuke smirked
When finally they stopped in front of the main house, a man and his wife came down the stairs to greet them
''Mr. Uchiha! What a pleasure to have you here'' the man too had dark eyes and dark hair, he looked a good ten years older than Sasuke, though, and had a cigarette between his teeth. He looked at Sakura ''and you must be Mrs. Uchiha!''
Sakura released a nervous smile and shook her head
''I'm just a friend'' she corrected him ''I'm spending a few days at Sasuke's house, I hope it's not a bother that I came too''
''Not at all!'' the man replied ''I'm Asuma Sarutobi, and this is my wife, Kurenai Sarutobi'' the pretty woman with bright eyes next to him smiled. Sakura made a quick reverence, not knowing exactly what to do. She wasn't used to being among wealthy people.
''Sakura is a childhood friend of mine, Mr. Sarutobi'' Sasuke said
''That's beautiful'' Mrs. Sarutobi said ''to have a friendship last this long. How old are you now, Mr. Uchiha? 26?''
''I'll be turning 28 in July'' he corrected
The couple nodded
''Well, Mr. Uchiha and I must get down to business now, would you like to be shown around the vineyard, Miss Haruno?''
Sakura nodded, then hesitated
''If it won't trouble any of you too much, Mr. Sarutobi''
The man laughed
''Isn't she adorable?'' Mrs. Sarutobi chuckled ''It's no trouble, dear, I'll show you around myself!''
Sakura made another quick reverence and followed the Mistress of the house, leaving the two men to talk alone.
.
The vineyard was magnificent. Mrs. Sarutobi took her to the gardens, to the stables, to see where the grapes grew, to where grape juice and wine were produced, to the lake... everywhere! And Sakura loved every piece of that land. When almost three hours had passed, the two men came to meet them, both seeming pleased with whatever agreement they had come to.
''You two must be hungry'' Mrs. Sarutobi said once Sasuke and Asuma joined them ''I will have the staff serve us something to eat!''
They were having a marvelous time at the balcony eating all those delicious things Mrs. Sarutobi had asked the butler to bring when suddenly Mr. Sarutobi brought something up:
''I bought a new piano a couple of days ago, Mr. Uchiha'' he started, folding his hands on his lap ''I still haven't judged what it sounds like. Would you give us the honor of hearing you play? I heard you're very talented''
''Oh he is'' Sakura commented, receiving a glare from Sasuke. She lowered her head and focused on the cup of tea on her lap.
''I can surely play a song or two, if Miss Haruno accepts to sing along to the songs'' he said
Sakura chocked with the tea, spilling a drop or two on her jeans.
''I can't sing'' she gave their hosts a nervous smile
''Oh I see we have got a modest young lady here'' Mr. Sarutobi said ''Don't be shy, dear, please give us the honor of hearing you sing''
Sakura looked at Sasuke, begging him with her eyes to save her
He smiled at her and stood up
''The honor is ours. Sakura?''
Her smile died on her face and she looked at Sasuke in shock
''I really can't sing, I'm not being modest'' she assured them
''Nonsense, I'm sure you can sing marvelously well'' Mrs. Sarutobi insisted, standing up and taking them to the piano. Sasuke sat down in front of the piano and gave Sakura a smirk before starting to play a song.
It took Sakura only a few seconds to recognize what song that was: it was the first song they'd danced to. Without realizing it, she started to hum to the song, until she was singing it in a low voice, then finally loudly. He knew she loved this song.
Sakura's voice was soft, although a bit out of tune, especially when she tried to reach low notes. Still, Sasuke loved to hear it, and apparently, Mr. and Mrs. Sarutobi didn't mind her lack of talent either: they watched them both with admiring eyes, as if watching a romantic scene from their favorite movie.
When the song was over, the butler offered to play another song for them while they danced
Sakura was about to complain when Sasuke took her hand and led her to the middle of the room, the butler starting to play a waltz on the piano. Sasuke held one of her hands while his other hand rested on her waist. She inhaled deeply and let him guide her.
Now dancing was something Sakura was definitely terrible at. Although she managed - with a lot of effort, allow her to say - not to step on Sasuke's feet at any moment, she danced terribly. On the other side of the room, Mr. and Mrs. Sarutobi watched them and laughed at Sakura's lack of balance: while Sasuke glided gracefully across the floor, Sakura tried her best not to trip and fall on the floor.
Still, she had the time of her life.
.
''Tell me something you're terrible at'' Sasuke asked when they were heading home ''other than dancing, that is''
Sakura glared at him
''Well, do you want it in alphabetic order or from worst to terribly bad?''
Sasuke threw his head back and laughed
''Whatever you choose''
Sakura gave it a little thought
''Cooking''
''I figured that much''
''Hey, I cook better than you!''
He chuckled
''Another thing''
''Hmmm… telling jokes''
Sasuke gave her a skeptical look
''You're funny enough, I would say''
''No, I'm serious'' she said ''I'm terrible at telling jokes, no one ever laughs, and when they do it's because they pity me''
Sasuke could definitely see that happening
''Okay. What else?''
''Why am I the only one to declare my flaws?'' she crossed her arms
''My game, my rules''
Sakura snorted
''I'm very bad at saying 'no' to people''
He studied her face for a moment, then looked back ahead
''You said no to me when I asked you to marry me, 11 years ago''
Sakura didn't reply for a long time
''Well, it was better to be dumped as a girlfriend than as a bride''
Sasuke's eyebrows furrowed, and if Sakura had been looking at him at that exact moment, she would've seen how much that hurt
''The purpose of the marriage was to keep my father away from us''
''And that's exactly why it wouldn't have worked'' she said in a low voice ''we fought for us, Sasuke, and we lost''
Sasuke was silent for a moment
''I lied''
She glanced at him
''About what?''
He bit his lower lip
''It wasn't worth it''
There was silence again
''It doesn't matter now'' she finally said ''Once this week is over, you'll go back to Karin… and I to Sai''
Sasuke's face straightened
''You're right''
Despite Sasuke's bad mood through the end of that day, Sakura made an effort to speak normally to him.
When she finally understood he was really not going to talk to her anymore that day, she decided to change her tactic
''I'm talking to you!'' she said before starting to tickle him. Sasuke tried to run from her hands, but ended up falling on the couch with her sitting next to him, mercilessly tickling him until he begged her to stop.
''Silence treatment is never the best option, Sasuke'' she said ''a good communication is always much better''
Sasuke's face straightened
''You know what else is good?'' he said ''revenge'' and he started to tickle her too.
The room was filled with laughter that night, and Sasuke thought he liked it much better that way.
.
.
.
Comfort
.
When Sakura entered the apartment with dark circles under her eyes, Sasuke knew something wasn't right.
''Hey'' he walked in her direction and stopped in front of her, taking her by the arms ''what's wrong?''
Sakura lowered her head and shook it, pushing his arms away gently
''It's nothing, I'm just tired'' she explained, making her way to the kitchen and starting to prepare some hot chocolate
''Sakura'' he called, taking the mug from her hand and putting it down ''look at me''
Hesitantly, she looked up at him. Onyx eyes met jade.
''You can tell me anything'' he assured her
Suddenly, she started to cry, arms wrapping around his waist and face resting on his chest as he held her tight
After having choked back tears for so many hours, she finally was able to release all those bad feelings inside of her by crying. It took her a good while to finally be able to speak.
''I lost someone today'' she started ''a young boy'' tears started to fall again ''during a transplant to save his younger brother's life''
Sasuke didn't know what to say
''The youngest wouldn't survive without the surgery, if it didn't work he would definitely die. But the oldest… We were sure he would make it out alive, he was so determined to be operated on so he could save his younger brother'' she started to sob ''but he didn't make it, his heart stopped and even though we tried our best he didn't come back''
Sasuke held her tighter as she started to cry loud on his chest.
''It's not your fault'' he whispered in her ear ''you did everything you could''
She kept on crying, holding his shirt tight with her small hands as tears fell violently down her face
He hugged her as tightly as he could, wanting to take all her pain away, wanting to feel it instead of her
They stayed in that same position until finally her body was so exhausted that she fell asleep, then Sasuke took her in his arms and laid her in her bed.
He took a moment to observe her. She looked so vulnerable, so fragile, that he couldn't make himself leave the room. He laid next to her and held her closer, closing his eyes and hoping, praying she would feel better in the morning, wanting to share her sorrow so she wouldn't have to face it alone.
.
.
.
Serenity
.
When Sasuke woke up the other morning, Sakura wasn't next to him. He rubbed his eyes, trying to adapt them to the light that was coming from the opened curtains, and saw her sitting on the chair on the other side of the room, a sketchbook on her lap and a pencil on her right hand, her face concentrated.
''Bom dia'' she said
He smirked
''Bom dia''
She looked up from the sketchbook and smiled at him, then continued what she was doing
''How are you feeling?'' he asked, kneeling in front of her
Her smile died, but she looked him in the eyes
''Better than yesterday, worse than tomorrow'' she managed to give him a faint smile
Sasuke agreed
''What are you doing?'' he tried to look over her sketchbook, but she held it against her chest
''You can't see it yet, it's not finished''
''Is it a drawing?''
She nodded
''What were you drawing?''
She hid her face behind the sketchbook, blushing
''You''
Sasuke was surprised for a moment, but then he smiled at her
''May I see it?''
She shook her head
''Please?''
''It's just a sketch''
''Still'' he insisted
After a moment of hesitation, she showed it to him.
On his part, Sasuke was really, really impressed. She had drawn him sleeping, and it looked exactly like him, as if instead of a drawing that was a picture. It was perfect.
''Is that supposed to be me?'' he joked
Sakura hit him with the sketchbook
''Ouch''
''You deserved it'' she snorted, putting the drawing away
''Any plans for today?'' he said, changing the subject
Sakura thought about it for a second
''How about we take the tour bus and visit Konoha's attractions?''
''Don't we already know all the attractions?''
''Yeah but the parks are so beautiful and I've never taken the tour bus'' she argued ''The top is open so we can feel the cool air and the warm sun, it will be great!''
Sasuke chuckled
''Fine, I'm convinced''
.
Except for them, there were only people from other places there, babbling about how big and modern Konoha was.
''Alright, everyone'' the tour guide said ''My name is Kiba and this is Akamaru, and we're going to show you guys around today!''
Everyone in the bus cheered, especially when the dog barked happily
''There are eight stops, and we're going to spend 45 minutes in each one of them'' Kiba explained ''I hope you've all brought your cameras today because the day is beautiful and we'll be able to take amazing pictures''
''I've never been to a place with a tour guide before'' Sakura whispered to Sasuke, and he raised an eyebrow
''Really?''
She nodded
''While we drive to our first stop, I'd like each of you to introduce yourself, saying your name and where you're from'' he then stopped in front of each and every passenger asking them those same questions. When he stopped in front of Sasuke and Sakura, he smiled, just as he'd done to the other passengers
''What about this lovely couple? What's your name, miss?''
''My name's Ayame and I'm from Sunagakure''
Sasuke looked at her with curiosity, but said nothing
''From Suna, huh? Welcome to Konoha'' Kiba offered her a smile ''And your name, sir?''
Sasuke thought fast
''I'm Sora, from Sunagakure too''
The tour guide smiled and went past them to the other passengers
''Why are we lying about our identities?'' he whispered to her
Sakura giggled
''Just because!'' she replied, releasing a short laugh
Sasuke smiled at her, she was unbelievable.
They spent the rest of the morning and the entire afternoon on the tour bus, visiting each attraction and taking many pictures, pretending not to be locals. Sakura even made up a fake accent to use with the shop sellers to make it more believable she was not from there. It was a wonderful day.
''Don't forget to send me those pictures later!'' she asked when they got off the bus at the same place they had been when they took it
''Will do'' he promised ''what would you like to do now?''
''I saw an amusement park not far from here, maybe we could go there?'' she proposed
''It's been so long since I've last been to an amusement park'' he admitted ''let's do it''
.
''Aw I want that unicorn!'' she pouted, pointing at a stuffed unicorn on one of the stands
''Aren't the panda, the bear, the dolphin and the penguin enough?'' Sasuke asked, holding two of the stuffed animals while Sakura held the other two
She looked down at the toys in her arms and then at the one in Sasuke's
''You're right, I don't even have enough room back at home to place them'' she admitted ''I'm afraid at least two of them will need to stay in your apartment'' she gave him an apologetic smile
Sasuke rolled his eyes, but there was a small smile on his lips
''C'mon, let's leave these toys in the car and eat something''
''Yaaaas, food!'' Sakura exclaimed, before skipping her away to the car, happy
.
''Okay, the park will close in 15 minutes, we can only go to one last ride''
Sakura brought a finger to her mouth while she thought hard
''Let's go to the Ferris Wheel, that way we can see the whole city before we go back to your apartment!'' she suggested
''Fair enough'' Sasuke said
There was no one in the queue, thankfully, so they got their last ride. Because they were the only one at the Ferris Wheel, the operator was kind enough to stop it when they were in the highest spot so they could see the entire city
''Wow!'' Sakura exclaimed ''the view from here is amazing!''
Sasuke nodded in agreement
''I can even see my apartment from here'' he pointed at a building far away from them ''there''
''That's not your apartment''
''Yes it is''
''No it's not''
''Yes it is''
''Fine'' she rolled her eyes ''so that's my house'' she pointed at a big house located on a hill, on the other side of the city
''Wow, Miss Ayame, I didn't know you were that wealthy'' he joked
She flipped her hair
''There are many things you don't know about me, Mr. Sora'' she said in a provocative way
He gave her a seductive smile
''I'd love to learn more''
Sakura burst into laughter
''I almost believed that''
.
.
.
Love
.
''What do you say we go camping for one night?'' Sakura suggested, turning the page on the magazine she was reading ''it's still 8am, if we leave now we can enjoy the whole day in nature and come back tomorrow morning''
Sasuke gave it a little thought
''Sure, let's do that''
Sakura raised her eyes from the magazine to look at him
''You're not going to point out a few reasons why this isn't a good idea before I finally talk you into realizing what an actual magnificent idea it is?''
Sasuke shook his head, smiling
''I already find it a great idea'' he stood up and made his way to his bedroom ''get your things ready, we're leaving in 30 minutes''
.
''When you said 'let's go camping' I thought you already had a place in mind''
They stayed inside the car trying to figure where to go for about 20 minutes
''Hold on, I said!'' she mumbled, closing her eyes and thinking hard ''I think I know a good place, just follow my instructions!''
Sasuke wasn't sure if that was the best idea, but still he did as he was told.
After one hour and forty minutes of driving in the middle of nowhere, Sasuke finally decided to speak:
''I think we're lost'' he stated
Sakura was looking around in confusion
''I'm sure it was this way!''
Sasuke sighed
''It's definitely not this way, Sakura, turn on the GPS and let's go back, we can find something else to do''
Sakura grunted
''Fine''
After a few moments, Sasuke looked at her
''Well?''
''It's still trying to find signal''
Sasuke stopped the car
''You can't be serious'' he took the GPS from her hands and frowned at it ''In this case, let's just try to go back using the same route we used to get he-'
''Wait!'' Sakura interrupted him ''I see smoke coming from that direction, perhaps someone there can help us find a good camping spot!''
Sasuke sighed, but nodded and started the car again
The place the smoke was coming from ended up being a big ranch, deep in the forest. People were running around in panic when they arrived
''What happened?'' Sasuke asked when they approached an old apprehensive woman who looked like the owner of that place
''Oh, dear, oh dear!'' she said ''The horses that were in the corral escaped! There was a strong wind this dawn and the wind must have blown open the gate!''
''Oh no!'' Sakura's eyes widened ''what now?''
''The horses can be anywhere in the woods, and I only have three people searching for them, I'm not sure if they can find them all'' the woman shook her head, defeated ''I don't know what I'll do!''
Sakura glanced at Sasuke
''Perhaps we can help? We can search the woods and try to find your horses!'' she offered
The woman's eyes sparkled
''Oh, darlings! Would you do that? Thank you so much!'' she took Sakura's hands ''There are still a few horses at the stables, you can pick up two of them, it will be easier to search the woods on horseback than in a car''
''What do you say?'' Sakura searched Sasuke's eyes
He nodded, his face determined
''Let's do this''
.
Sasuke and Sakura spent the next 3 and a half hours riding down the trails and ended up finding 11 out of the 20 missing horses, while the three people working for Mrs. Chiyo found the rest. They used ''share my location'' function on their cellphones and on Mrs. Chiyo's, so they didn't get lost and always knew the way back to the ranch whenever they found one of the missing horses. It was a big adventure, trying to get close to the horses and lace them, then bring them back to the ranch, and they had the best time doing that, together.
When finally all the horses were back in the corral, Mrs. Chiyo came to thank them
''It's nothing really, Mrs. Chiyo'' Sakura assured her ''It was a pleasure to help, we had the best time finding your horses!''
Sasuke agreed next to her
''Please, it will be an honor to have you join us for lunch today!'' Mrs. Chiyo offered, and even though Sakura tried to refuse, saying she didn't want to bother her, Mrs. Chiyo insisted so much they ended up accepting the invitation.
After lunch, they joined Mrs. Chiyo's grandson, Sasori, as he checked if any of the horses got hurt during their adventure in the trails.
''You still love horses'' Sasuke mentioned while he watched Sakura brush one of them
She looked at him in a silly way
''Of course, Sasuke, I've always loved horses, what are you talking about'' she chuckled ''I just don't get to be around them as much as I'd like to''
Sasuke was about to reply when Sasori spoke:
''What were you two doing that led you here?'' he asked
''We were trying to find the perfect camping spot'' Sakura answered ''The plan was to go camping today, but we ended up getting lost''
''Oh, I know the perfect camping spot!'' Sasori blurted ''it's not far from here, I can take you there!''
Sakura's eyes sparkled
''That would be amazing, thank you!''
.
When Sasori finally left, she turned to the man next to her
''Okay, why that face?''
''What face?'' he pretended to be too busy taking the camping tent from the car. Sasori had taken them to the calmest and most beautiful lake they had ever been to: ducks swam in it with their offspring, a few water flowers grew on the water and the sun was in such position they would definitely be able to watch the sunset perfectly from there.
She brought a finger in front of his face, pointing at it
''This face''
He took her hand away from his face gently
''It's my face''
Sakura giggled
''It's Sasori, isn't it? Why don't you like him, he was so kind''
Sasuke grunted and didn't respond. He wasn't about to say out loud he didn't like the way the red-haired man looked at Sakura. Was he really that jealous?
''Fine, I give up'' she said ''Now let me help you with that''
Once they were all set, Sakura laid a blanket on the floor and sat on it, calling Sasuke to join her
''How about we play 'would you rather'? ''
Sasuke smirked
''It's been so long since we last played it''
''Exactly'' she crossed her legs ''I'll begin!''
They spent the rest of their afternoon and the entire evening chatting, laughing and playing silly games, it was amazing how time flew when they were together
''That one is Canis Major constellation'' Sakura explained
Sasuke looked at her, lying on his side
''You're making this up''
She gaped at him
''I'm not!''
''Yes you are''
''Fine, I made it up'' she said, resigned
He chuckled
''But that one is Ursa Major, I'm absolutely sure'' she pointed at the sky
Sasuke frowned
''What's my zodiac sign?'' he asked her
''You don't even believe in those things'' she looked at him skeptically, suppressing a smile
''I don't, but it's good to make conversation. Teach me''
Sakura giggled
''You're a Leo, people who were born from July 23 to August 22 are Leo'' she said ''You're a Fire sign''
He considered that for a second
''What about you?''
''I was born on March 28, I'm from Aries, which is also a Fire sign''
''Does it mean anything? That we are from the same element?''
''That we are compatible'' she chuckled ''a perfect match!''
''A perfect match'' he repeated
He kept on looking at her while she stared at the sky. Finally, she shrugged
''But we don't believe in those things, do we?''
He frowned a bit, then looked up at the sky again
''Tell me something you're afraid of'' he asked after a moment
''Snakes'' she answered promptly
He glanced at her, smiling
''Really?''
''You remember that time when a snake entered Neji's beach house?'' she smiled widely ''and you and I had to wait inside one of the rooms until the animal was rescued and it was safe for us to leave? I was so scared!'' she started to laugh
Sasuke chuckled
'' 'Each day will be the best day if you stay with me' you said while you were sleeping'' he smiled ''It was true. I was the happiest me when we were together''
Sakura's smile failed for a moment
''Yes… We were happy, weren't we?'' she finally said
Sasuke nodded once
Suddenly, Sakura's eyes widened
''Look, Sasuke, a falling star!'' she pointed up at the sky, getting up ''Make a wish!'' she closed her eyes and brought her two hands together close to her chest
Sasuke had only one wish at that moment
And he was about to make it come true
Slowly, he approached her, wrapping one arm around her waist while the other came up to rest on the back of her neck
Sakura opened her eyes, jade meeting onyx
Was this wrong?
Would they regret this in the morning?
Still, their time together was almost over. If not now, when?
He would face whatever the consequences were tomorrow, but today was theirs
He was leaning over her, their lips inches away from each other, when he felt two hands on his chest, pushing him back lightly
He looked at her eyes
''No, Sasuke'' she whispered, her brows furrowed, sorrow all over her face
Sasuke was taken aback
''You want this too'' he said. Not a question, a statement.
Sakura hesitated for a moment
''Yes. Still, we shouldn't''
''And why not?''
She looked up at him as if he was insane
''Of what use would that be? Our days together are nearly over and after that, we'll probably never see each other again. Why make things more difficult?''
Sasuke could see her point. Still, he wished things were different
''It was nice back when we were together'' she continued ''But those days are over, Sasuke, you're with Karin now and I'm with Sai. There's no room for us in each other's life anymore''
''Don't tell me you don't feel the same way I do'' he finally said, trying to search her eyes, hoping they would give away what she was feeling inside, but she had her head low
When she looked up at him, there were tears in her eyes
''From the moment I saw you in Tsunade's office, from the exact moment you stepped back in my life I knew… I knew I never stopped loving you''
Sasuke held his breath
''But you made it clear from the start this was all business to you, so I buried those feelings deep inside of me again, because I didn't want to get hurt. You have your life now and I have mine, and once this month is over-''
''I want you''
Sakura swallowed hard
''I don't want to get involved with you again''
''Yes, you do. You want me to say I love you too? I love you, damn it! I want you to break up with Sai, I want you to stay with me! To hell with Sai, to hell with Karin, I want you! I don't ever want to be separated from you again'' he blurted out before he had the time to think ''I don't want this month ever to be over, I want to have you with me''
''You left me in the past and you had even proposed to me back then! How am I to trust your words now and know you're not going to leave me again just like you did before?''
''If that's the problem, then marry me, Sakura!''
She was left without words for a second, then her brows furrowed and she spoke angrily:
''Is this a joke to you? Why are you being like this?!''
''Because I'm about to lose you again and I can't let that happen!''
Sakura simply stared at him for a long minute.
Sasuke didn't know what else to say, why was it so hard for her to understand he couldn't go back to his old life now that he knew what a life with her, with the woman he really loved, was like?
''You made your choice 11 years ago, Sasuke, and I accepted it'' She started after a moment, her voice calm ''Even though it hurt me like hell, I accepted it. Now I want you to accept my decision too''
Sasuke followed her with his eyes as she freed herself from his hands and made her way to the camping tent, determined she would speak to him no more that day.
He cursed.
He blamed himself for having made the wrong decision 11 years ago.
He blamed himself for not having realized earlier how much she meant to him.
But now it was too late
Sakura didn't want him in her life anymore
.
.
.
They left early in the morning, before the sunrise. Sakura hadn't been able to sleep that night, not even for a moment, her mind was full of thoughts about what could have beens. She slept with her back to him, not wanting to face him, but Sasuke watched over her the entire night, looking at her like a painter would do to its masterpiece moments before it was sold not ever to be seen again. They stopped by the ranch to bid farewell to Mrs. Chiyo and Sasori, then made their way back to the apartment.
''I'm going to the bakery get us some breakfast, would you like something specific to eat?''
Sakura shook her head, watching his back as he left the apartment
When he came back, though, Sakura was gone. Her things weren't there anymore either
He reached for his phone and started to dial her number, but then stopped himself
What was he going to say, anyway?
She'd made her decision
Running a hand through his hair, he sat on the couch, holding his head with his hand
She was leaving him, just like he'd done to her 11 years ago
And he had no right to stop her
.
''I see'' Ino was lying next to Sakura in bed, both eating from a pot of ice cream ''Do you love Sai?'' she asked after a moment of silence
Sakura raised an eyebrow
''What kind of question is that?''
''Do you?'' the blonde insisted
Sakura wasn't about to say she didn't. Even to Ino. Actually, why was she even dating him anyway? Could it be she was that desperate to have somebody by her side that she accepted to be with someone she didn't love? Was she really that... that scared to be lonely?
Realization struck her so hard that she started to cry, pressing her face against the pillow
Ino patted her back
''Don't act surprised, we already knew that'' she took the ice cream pot from her hands and placed it on the floor ''you were always complaining about him and saying he didn't understand you''
When she received no answer, she continued
''Really, Sakura, I'm your best friend so I'm going to be honest with you'' she started ''You never loved Sai. Or maybe you did, at some point, but never as much as you loved Sasuke. As you love Sasuke. You're scared and that's normal, but-''
''You're wrong, I don't love Sasuke anymore'' Sakura interrupted, her voice muffled by the pillow
Ino snorted and rolled her eyes, taking Sakura by the shoulders and making her sit down facing her
''Now look at me, Sakura'' she commanded, looking deeply into Sakura's green eyes, now red because of crying ''You can lie to Sasuke, you can lie to Sai and you can even lie to me, but you can't lie to yourself. And I know you more than anyone else, we've been best friends for as long as I can remember! You've never loved anyone as much as you love Sasuke, ever. He messed up in the past, yes, but can you really blame him? You two were 16 and his father was making his life a living hell because he was dating you! Now he's much more mature, much more handsome too and much more in love with you, why are you being so stubborn?! Why can't you give you two a second chance? You love him, and he loves you. That's all that should matter, right? For the past 11 years, you've jumped from one relationship to another trying to find someone to fill the hole Sasuke left behind. You don't need to do that anymore! Sasuke is right here, and he wants you!''
Ino's last words struck Sakura like a lightning, and even though Ino continued to talk, Sakura had already stopped listening.
She kept thinking about Ino's words
In her mind, it was like the puzzle was finally complete
.
.
.
Sakura wore a flower print summer dress that morning. Her hair was up in a long pony-tail and she was feeling completely carefree, relaxed, happy.
When she finally arrived at Tsunade's office, Sai, Karin and Sasuke were already there.
''Sakura, good thing you're here'' Tsunade exclaimed as Sakura closed the door behind her.
Sai came to her side and gave her a peck on the cheek
''Hey'' he greeted her. From the corner of her eye, Sakura saw Karin clinging to Sasuke's arm, looking at him lovingly.
''Your month apart is finally over'' Tsunade started ''and I'm sure you missed your partner very much. You must have learned a lot during this last month from your temporary partner, things that otherwise you'd never have learned. Hopefully, this experience helped you see your own relationships with different eyes, and it will surely help you from now on during your relationships if you decide to maintain them''
Tsunade continued to talk about the experience and tell them she'd love to hear more from each couple about it when they had their next meeting separately, but neither Sasuke not Sakura were paying any attention to her. Their eyes were locked and it was like they were talking to each other, conveying feelings that couldn't be expressed in words.
When the meeting was finally over, it was time for both couples to go separate ways again. Before Sai and Sakura reached Sai's car, though, Karin came running in Sakura's direction and touched her arm
''Sakura, may we speak for a moment?'' she asked
Sakura was puzzled for a second, but then she nodded and followed the red-haired woman to a more private place in the parking lot
''I would like to thank you'' she began ''For having accepted doing this, I know you weren't eager to do it at first, I remember when we first met at Tsunade's office how resistant you were to the idea. But I really needed this, and I think Sasuke did too'' she offered Sakura a soft smile, which the pinkette hesitantly returned ''Even though we haven't really talked about the experience yet, as we just met each other at the office after one month, he seems to have changed a lot, you know? I don't know how to explain it, it's more like a feeling… But he's definitely not the same person as he was one month ago, he seems… happier, lighter, I can't explain'' she chuckled ''but I must thank you for this. I'm sure this experience was very important to save our relationship, and that you played a big role in making this work and helping him change'' she came closer to Sakura and hugged her tight, closing her eyes ''Thank you so much! I'm forever in debt with you!''
Sakura was taken aback for a moment, then finally, she showed Karin one of her best smiles
''Thank you for taking good care of Sai too. I hope things work out for the four of us now'' she said
Sakura stood there for a few moments after Karin left, entering Sasuke's car and sitting on the passenger's seat. The same seat she'd temporarily claimed for a month. She watched them until the car was finally out of her sight.
Sakura shook her head
She could think about Karin and Sasuke later. For now, she had to deal with Sai.
.
''Are you sure about this?'' Sai asked, a bit hurt ''we can try again, you know? Now that Tsunade's experiment is over we'll probably be able to-''
''Sai'' she interrupted him, smiling and touching his face with one hand ''Last month was amazing and I learned a lot from it. I can see now that I wasn't fair or understanding with you many times, and I'm sorry for it. I liked to think of myself as the perfect girlfriend and blame all our problems on you, and that wasn't fair at all''
''I learned a lot too'' he tried ''Maybe if we try to start anew…''
But Sakura shook her head
''This last month taught me many things, Sai. And it helped me understand my feelings more than ever'' she took his hands on hers ''and I learned I wasn't being true to myself in this relationship'' she looked at his dark eyes ''I don't think we can make this work anymore'' she finally declared ''I'm not the same person as I was one month ago''
Sai's face showed sadness, but still, he nodded
''I think I feel the same way'' he admitted ''I wanted to make this work because honestly, Sakura, you're the best thing that happened in my life, you're an amazing person'' she gave him a small smile ''But our relationship has been going downwards for a long time already, hasn't it? Maybe we're just not meant to be with one another. Still, I would like to thank you for all the time we've spent together, and for everything you've taught me''
''Thank you, Sai, for having been an amazing boyfriend, even though I was terrible at appreciating you'' Sakura hugged him tightly.
''Friends?'' Sai offered him his hand when they finally let go of each other
Smiling, Sakura shook it
''Friends''
.
.
.
It was almost sunset of the day that followed their meeting at Tsunade's. Sakura was at the top of the city's lighthouse looking at the horizon when she heard someone approach her from behind. She didn't need to look at her side to know who it was.
''You really like to watch the sunset, don't you?''
Sakura smiled
'''I like to watch the sun'' she corrected him ''I like to think that for every ending there's a new beginning. And yet, for everything there's an end''
Sasuke didn't like how that conversation started
''I'm glad you called me'' he said ''I've been meaning to talk to you, but I wasn't sure if you shared the same desire''
Sakura turned to look at him
''I'm here now''
Sasuke turned to face her too
''I don't even know where to begin with'' he admitted, letting out a short laugh ''I just know I missed you these past two days more than I've missed anything else in my entire life. Not having you with me, not being able to see your smile… It was a torture''
Sakura didn't say anything, she waited for him to continue
''Sakura, I was wrong 11 years ago. I regret my decision every day and I'll regret it until the end of my days. You are the best thing that happened to me and I should never have let something come in between us'' he took a step closer to her and held her face with his both hands ''I tried to fight these feelings, but I don't want to do that anymore. I know how I feel. You've bewitched me body and soul, and I love you. I do not wish to be kept apart from you any other day of my life''
Sakura smiled widely at him
It was the first time he had confessed to her like that
And she knew she loved him even more than that
He was the only one for her and always would be, no matter how long they were kept apart
It would always be him
''I love you too, Sasuke''
Only him
Sasuke smiled. Then, finally, leaned over her. It would be their first kiss in 11 years, and both of them had been waiting for this moment for too long
Still…
She put her finger in between their lips
Sasuke opened his eyes and looked down at her, confused
''But I can't be with you''
Sasuke felt his heart rate drop so suddenly his chest hurt
He must have understood that wrong
''What?''
Sakura looked down, taking his hands away from her face, still holding them in hers
''I can't be with you''
Sasuke felt his whole world shatter
''Why not?''
She let go of his hand and looked at the horizon again. The sun would set at any time now.
''I realized something, the day I left your apartment'' she began ''I have been living my life trying to fill the hole you left behind during all this time. And that was because until very recently, I hadn't truly forgiven you for having left me 11 years ago. But now that I finally did, I feel like I'm free… Do you know what I mean? I don't feel the need to be in a relationship to fill a hole in my life anymore, to make me feel complete'' she felt the cool breeze on her hair. It felt like freedom ''I have to try to stitch my soul alone now. In every attempt to fill the holes with matter from other souls and seams from other people, it rejected them as an incompatible graft. I have finally learned that holes in souls need to be filled with their own matter and sewn with the hands of those who possess them''
Sasuke wasn't sure he understood what she meant to say
''I don't want to be in a relationship anymore, not for the time being'' she finally said ''I think I spent too much time trying to find someone who would love me and wouldn't leave me. I want to be free now, I don't want to have someone holding me back''
He held her hand
''I would never hold you back, Sakura. Love is not about having someone holding you back. Love is about having someone blowing Spring inside of you even when the rest of the world rips your leaves like Autumn. I want us to be that to one another''
Sakura squeezed his hand
''I love you, Sasuke'' she kissed the back of his hand gently ''But I can't be with you… I need to take care of myself now. The woman I'm becoming will cost me people and relationships, but I need to choose her instead of all the rest''
Sasuke's eyes were so sad she felt like a monster. Still, she knew her decision was final.
''Is this it then?'' he finally asked, looking down at their hands
She took a step forward and gently gave him a peck on his lips
''I love you. I'm sorry''
Then she turned around and left him.
Sasuke stood there, looking at the same spot where she'd just been.
That was it
She didn't want to be with him. And he couldn't blame her, it was all his doing.
The sun was setting in the horizon when Sasuke felt for the first time his heart break.
.
.
.
Two weeks after their meeting at the lighthouse, Sasuke's maid delivered him a letter
''It doesn't say from who it is'' she said before leaving the room
It didn't need to. Sasuke knew that handwriting too well.
He unfolded the paper and read its content:
''Dear Sasuke,
When you read this, I probably won't be in Konoha anymore. I've been invited to study pediatric surgery abroad, so I'll be away from Konoha for a few years now. You know I've always wanted to work with children.
I know you must be angry and I'm probably the last person you want to hear from right now, but still, I wanted to say a few things to you that I wasn't capable of saying the last time we saw each other.
First of all, I wanted you to be at ease with your promise to help me open my clinic for children's mental health. I decided I'll work hard and open it with money earned from my own effort. It would never truly be my clinic if you helped me open it with your money. I'll work hard and in no time it will be opened, you just watch and see!
I hope things are going well with Karin, she's a really adorable person. I hope she makes you happy, in case you're still together. I hope you're happy with whoever you choose to be by your side.
I don't think we'll see each other again, so this letter is my farewell. I hope you live in health and remember our good times together. Place me in a happy memory, from here, I'll do the same.
I love you, and this is why I had to go. Love isn't always about staying.
Before I leave your life for good, though, I would like to wish you a few things:
First, I wish you strength. Because life is full of surprises and sometimes some of them aren't as good as we wish. You know when the sand is hot, but you don't care because you're running towards the sea? I hope you can live like that whenever you face problems in the way of your dreams.
I wish you wisdom, to always be just, and never to be led astray from your goals
I wish you happiness, so you can always wear that beautiful smile that can brighten anyone's day on your face
I wish you can learn to live in the moment, because none of us can go back in the past and no one can guess what awaits us in the future
But above all this, I wish you love.
You, more than anyone else, deserve someone to love you deeply, truly and madly
Our hands may have let go of each other, but in my heart you have roots, and you'll always be part of me.
I love you infinity times infinity
Sakura''
.
.
.
It had been five months since Sakura had left to study pediatric surgery in Sunagakure when she heard her first news of Konoha. And to her surprise, it concerned people she knew.
''Do you know Sasuke Uchiha? That rich entrepreneur from Konoha?'' a girl said to her friend ''I heard he got married this week! Apparently, the woman is the daughter of a billionaire who is racing to become governor!''
''Shame!'' the other girls said ''I had a big crush on him, now my chances are over''
The first girl laughed
''As if you had any chances even before he got married!''
Sakura watched both girls as they walked away from her, still chatting about what seemed to be the week's most interesting news. She stopped by the first newsstand she could find and asked for the latest newspaper.
''Beautiful couple, don't you agree?'' the man at the stand tried to make conversation, watching Sakura read the article that spoke of the wedding
Sakura rose her head to face him. Then, finally, she smiled
''Yes. A perfect match''
.
.
.
Thank you for reading this fanfic!
I thought of many different endings for this, but somehow this one seemed more fitting, you know?
The part of Sakura's speech about holes in souls is from a quote I simply adore and I thought was very fitting to the text. The original writer's page is called ''Relatos de um dia Incrivelmente Mediano'', you can find them on facebook!
Thanks a lot, everyone!
Big hugs
.
Blackfan Diamond