The sky rumbled loudly, the dark heavens spewing thick drops of humid rain.
Sasuke was drenched, every thin layer of fabric he had on sticking hotly to his skin. It was a sour-feeling summer night, and everything felt sickly warm.
Sasuke's cloak trailed behind him, fluttering every which way as he quickly leaped from tree branch to tree branch. It was already worn ragged from his harried travels these past few days, and as a result the edges were frayed. He knew he ought to take it off, but he couldn't be bothered. One second to stop moving and another four to untie it from around his shoulders equaled five seconds too long.
Sasuke's heart ached with longing and loneliness. He had missed his wife so, so dearly. He had been away on a mission since a week ago, and as soon as he stepped foot outside his house, his heart had already started tearing itself to bits. Sasuke couldn't bear to stay away from her so long, which was why he never took missions that lasted more than a week.
The world was dipped in a husky hue of inky midnight. The stars were nothing more than salty specks in the sky, showering bits of themselves across the earth tonight. It was achingly hot, and Sasuke couldn't wait to get home. He knew Sakura would be patiently waiting outside, her legs curled up as she lay asleep on the porch swing. She would wait outside for him even through this sticky weather, Sasuke knew it.
What have I done to deserve Sakura?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Yet everyday, she smiles at me and all I can see is love.
How do you love me Sakura?
Tell me your secret.
The branches became slick with rainwater, and so Sasuke had no choice but to resort to walking.
It didn't really matter, because he could see the bright lights of Konoha not too far away, along with the gentle waving of the thousands of trees that surrounded it.
Sasuke's feet never faltered in their steady pace forwards because he knew what awaited him at the end of his journey.
Sakura, you are the only thing in my mind right now.
You are the only thing keeping me going.
It would have taken me five days to get back had I just taken my normal route.
But instead, I took another way. It's faster - three days only, which means I'll get to be in your arms more quickly.
Do you know how much I miss you?
The sky lightly grumbled, the rain slowly easing up.
Sasuke glanced up at the sky. It was impossibly dark; then again, he had never seen the sky at two o'clock in the morning.
Sakura, Sakura.
My wife, my love, my life.
You are everything to me.
How have I ever lived without you?
Don't ever leave me, because there will be no other but you.
Sasuke felt the effects of exhaustion climbing onto his shoulders, taking that familiar perch in that aching knot between his shoulders. His pace hardly slowed, though.
His feet had reached the very outskirts of Konoha. It would still be quite a bit of a while until he reached his and Sakura's house. Sasuke exhaled slowly, the edges of his cloak coming around to stick to his forearms. He ignored the ache that was beginning to build in his feet and kept walking. It seemed all the effects of his reckless travels had finally come to his awareness. He had a cut cheek, sore leg muscles, and raw bruises where his clothes had kept rubbing up against him.
Sasuke paid no heed to these pains, however. All I need is Sakura.
All I need is her love...
It had been another rainy day, and Sakura was standing by the doorway, peering at the rain with a certain sparkle in her eyes that made Sasuke's mouth lift into a smile.
The rain was thin and cool to the touch, or so Sakura said as she stuck her palm outside and gathered the rainwater in her hand.
Sasuke was content enough to leave her there, gazing at the rain. In fact, he had just started to turn around to go back into the house when Sakura giggled. Sasuke stopped and looked over his shoulder. To his surprise, there was a rainbow glimmering brightly in the clouds. He was sure it hadn't been there a few seconds ago, but he supposed that's how nature was.
"Look, Sasuke!" Sakura said, pointing with one tiny finger. But instead of looking at the rainbow, he gazed at Sakura. Her innocent, childish form that leaned over the railing with such eagerness…
Sakura looked at him, her mouth curved into a delicate smile. "Have I ever told you how much the rain reminds me of you?"
Sasuke lifted an eyebrow. "Rain reminds you of me?"
Sakura raised a hand to her mouth, hiding a smile.
The action made Sasuke's heart skip a beat. What was that? Sasuke thought, slightly startled. That fluttery feeling in my stomach...?
"The rain," Sakura said, "always comes back to the earth, just like you always come back to me. It always feels so beautiful to hold, so delicate like a newborn fawn…And you, being around you always gives me some comfort, whether it be holding your hand or sleeping by you. I love you so much, Sasuke!" Sakura gave him a small smile, then turned back to the rain, which was slowly fading away. The clouds were turning a murky shade of gray, a sign that the rain was ending…but the rainbow would last another half hour or so.
Sasuke simply stood there, his heart beating erratically, his mouth slightly open.
S…Sakura?
Did you…mean that?
Every word you said?
If you did, then…
I can't help but fall in love with you now.
...
I know it sounds cheesy, but you...
You are my rainbow after the rain.
..
Sasuke closed his eyes, fondly reveling in the memory.
He had reached their house, his feet slowly dragging to a stop.
He let his eyes remain shut for a few more seconds, letting his heart thump wildly at the expectation of seeing his beloved again.
One.
Two.
Three.
I came back for you, Sakura.
Sasuke opened his eyes.
There, asleep on the porch swing, was a pink-haired girl, who looked so absolutely beautiful. Her hair was slightly frizzy from the humidity, but there she was all right.
Sasuke's heart swelled with feeling. He knew she would follow him to the ends of the earth.
So would he.
I came back.
I'm home.
No, I'm not talking about the house. That's not home.
You are home, Sakura.