Posted:10/26/12

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto...*sighs*

Summary: To win the foreboding war, the last Uchiha was called to lead the army. Uchiha Sasuke would fulfill his duties if only to make sure that the person he cared about would live a safe and content life. Though Sakura wasn't going to let him go without a fight. And even though he left without her knowing, and uncertain of him coming back alive, she promised that she would wait for him…always. Though when her mother finally intervenes, Sakura finds her self in wedlock and in despair...and then he returns.

Pairing: Sasuke x Sakura (beginning to end)

Rating: T, some fluff here and there

Thinking of You

By DreamDevourer

Chapter Two
Wait for me

Sasuke knew that the best thing to do was leave before she woke up. The departure for everyone was at 9am, but if he waited until then, she would definitely cause a scene. It would kill him inside to see her cry even more. No, he couldn't say goodbye to her in person, he didn't have the courage to do so. He will leave before the sunrises, and wait beyond the borders, where she couldn't find him.

She will wake up soon, and notice that he was gone. And she will probably hate him for the way he left her, but there wasn't anything he could do about it.

Sasuke looked at the paper in his hands, a clumsy note he willed himself to write so she can read when she was awake. He sighed, as he folded it in half, and placed it on the pillow near her. God, she was beautiful, even with her rosy cheeks and puffed up eyes from all that crying she did earlier. She looked so innocent, curled up underneath the blanket. He reached out and gently moved her pink strands of hair away from her face. Sakura, please don't hate me, he thought as he leaned over her.

"Don't forget me," he whispered, and hesitantly placed his lips over hers. He didn't linger any longer, he grabbed his bag and with one last sad look at her sleeping form, he jumped out the window.

Sakura had the weirdest dream. The craziest dream actually. She had dreamt that Sasuke was leaving her to fight in the war. And that she was pleading with him to not go. What a silly idea. Sasuke would never leave her, much less go fight. He disapproved of fighting.

She opened her eyes and giggled, what a lame dream. She stretched on the bed like a cat and let out a loud yawn. "Oh shoot!" she sat up quickly on the bed. "Sasuke! Why didn't you wake me up! My mother is going to kill me when she finds out I spent the night here!"

Ever so slowly, it dawned on her, that there was no one lying beside her. There was no one in the bedroom. The cold breeze from the window gave her chills. "Sasuke?" She said in a half-pleading tone, hoping there would an answer from somewhere else in the apartment. But already memories from yesterday were coming back. "Oh god, no…"

Tears started building up automatically as she quickly got off the bed and started getting dressed. The cold breeze came into the room once again, this time causing a piece of paper to fly off the bed. Sakura grabbed it, but didn't stop to read it. She ran out of the apartment, and down the stairs.

Her feet hit the rocky ground hard as she ran. They were definitely going to hurt later, but she didn't care. She had to get to the gates fast.

"Watch it!" a woman yelled as Sakura ran past her, causing her to drop her shopping bags. "Sorry!" Sakura yelled back, not bothering to stop.

She was breathing heavily, she wasn't much of an athlete; the only running she has ever done was while sneaking out from her house and getting away from the guards.

Finally, she thought, as she neared the gates. There were a crowd of people there already, all saying their farewells to their family members. Sakura ignored the strange looks she was getting from the people around her. She knew she looked very unlady like. Her long hair was tangled and moving in all directions because of the wind. She hadn't even bothered to dress properly, only putting the top layer of the kimono on, looking as if she were wearing a bath robe. If my mother saw me…she would kill me, Sakura thought, but quickly removed that remark out of her head. She needed to find Sasuke. She had to make him stay. He couldn't leave her.

She started to panic as she walked through the crowd of people, not yet spotting the tall, dark haired man. "Please, Sasuke…please," she mumbled as she turned in circles, looking for him.

"Have you seen Sasuke?" she asked a nearby guy, with pineapple shaped hair

"Who?" the brown-eyed man said with an uninterested tone.

"Sasuke! Uchicha Sasuke! Have you seen him?" Sakura snapped, glaring up at him.

"Jeez, relax, it's too early in the morning for such loudness," the man replied, a bit annoyed.

Sakura might not be a fast runner, but Sasuke showed her a move or two when it came to fighting. Her hands fromed into tight fists, she was about to punch him.

"No, the Uchiha hasn't been around. He probably left with the morning team. Troublesome, who would want to wake up at 5am anyways," with that said, he turned away from her and walked towards his teammates.

Sakura felt as if someone had just knocked the breath out of her. He had left? Early? Without saying goodbye? Without giving her a chance to fight for him? To plead for him to stay one last time. She turned away from the crowd and started walking towards the gate. He was probably out there, somewhere in the forest. She wouldn't be able to find him, even if she tried. She didn't have any knowledge of the land outside of Konoha. She was just a helpless, weak, defenseless girl. And now she was alone.

She hesitantly walked closer to the forest, but didn't venture past a few trees. She fell to her knees and stopped fighting back her tears. "You are a coward, Uchiha Sasuke!" She yelled into the forest. "What's the matter! You couldn't look me in the eyes and tell me goodbye like anyone else! Huh!? You sorry excuse of a man! You are a coward, and a liar, and I hate you! Do you hear me!? I hate you!"

She hit the ground with her fists. Her heart hurt so much; as if someone truly tore it to pieces. She hadn't felt this way since her father had died. But even so, this was worse. She didn't think it would be possible to ever get over this.

And then it hit her, was she nuts? Okay, so he is gone for now. But he will come back. He was smart and strong, one of the strongest ninjas they had. He wouldn't get hurt. He would serve his country for however long he had to, and then he would return back to her, right?

Yes, of course, he will come back to me, Sakura thought, with some hope. She shouldn't be so negative, she had to stay strong for him. She had to pray for him. He will come back to her, and then they will live happily ever after. She tried to smile at this new thought, but couldn't bring herself to do so.

"Okay, Sasuke, you do what you have to do," she whispered as she stood up. "I love you, and I will be waiting." With that promise, she turned her back to the forest and headed back home.

He could withstand being punched, stabbed, burned, and any other physical pain, but he never knew his heart could feel so much pain. He had delayed going with the morning team, hoping to catch a glimpse of her one last time. But he stayed hidden in the shadows as she ran to the crowd, looking for him. He never knew anyone could love him the way she loved him. She was so sincere, so caring, and understanding. She was so full of life. She made him happy. But he knew he had to do this. If the enemy was not destroyed elsewhere, then they would come to Konoha.

He wanted to keep the fighting as far away from Sakura as possible. No danger will come to her, ever. And the only way to guarantee it, was if he fought the enemy himself. She would understand, maybe not today, nor tomorrow, but someday, she will understand he only left to keep her safe.

He watched as she walked towards the forest and he followed in the shadows, keeping a safe distance. He watchedas she fell to her knees and cried. She yelled out loud and called him a coward. Through her loud sobs, she said she hated him.

God, that was painful. But he knew that wasn't true. He wished he could go comfort her, but that wasn't possible. He had to leave this way. It would be easier. Her crying only got louder and her breathing became heavy. She held her hands to her chest. Sakura, please. He silently begged she would stop. It took so much will power to not go up to her and hold her in his arms.

He lost his mind for a split second, and was ready to do just that, but he heard her silent whisper. To anyone else, it would be an incoherent mumble, but he heard her.

"Okay, Sasuke, you do what you have to do. I love you, and I will be waiting."

A small saddened smile appeared on his face as he hid further into the dark shadows of the forest and watched her slowly walk away.

Her mother had found her as soon as she stepped through the gates. There weren't enough words to describe how angry her mother was with her. But Sakura didn't care. Her mother grabbed her by her arm and pulled her towards their house.

"Where were you last night, Sakura? Huh? You were with that boy, weren't you? How many times have I told you to never go near him? You never listen do you? You are so irresponsible! What did I do to ever deserve a daughter like you?" The rant went on and on, until they reached their home.

"Where are you going? Have you nothing to say to explain your behavior with that man, young lady!" Her mother demanded a response, blocking the door to Sakura's room.

"He has a name, it's Sasuke!" Sakura snapped back. "And why don't you just ask what you really want to know, go ahead, ask me!"

Her mother glared coldly at her. There was a time when they were civilized to each other, but somewhere along the way, she wasn't sure if it was after her father's death, or when she met Sasuke, that she started hating her mother. She was always trying to control her, as if she were her doll. Well, she wasn't, and she could do whatever she wanted without caring what society thought of her!

"Have you been sleeping with that man?" Her mother asked, her face slightly turning a light shade of red. Her mother was such a prude. If she saw someone kiss in public, she would be frantic about how it was indecent.

Sakura saw no reason in lying anymore. Sure there have been hints of her and Sasuke being together, but no one knew for sure. They were very secretive when they spent time together. But now, with him gone and his return unknown, what was the point of lying? She should've told her mother this long ago.

"Yes, I am. I love him, and I am promised to—" Sakura didn't get to finish her last word when she felt a sting on her face. Her mother had actually slapped her. And it hurt like hell, but she tried very hard to not show it.

"You will never have my consent to marry that cursed low-life, and if he knows what's good for him, he will die in that war or I will kill him myself shall he ever return. The whole town is talking about what a disgrace you have been to this family. Just look at you! Running around town with only that on! Showing your legs and chest like those night women. Think of what your father would've said!"

Sakura had enough, she went into her room, and locked the door. She thought nothing of her mother's rant. She had more important things to think of. Sasuke.

She fell into her bed, and it quickly dawned on her. The letter.

She hadn't had the chance to even read it yet. She snatched it out of her pocket. She took a deep breath and held back tears, just the sight of his handwriting saddened her.

Sakura,

This is the fourth letter I'm attempting to write. I'm not very good at this, so this is it, I guess.
I know you, Sakura, I know you are mad at me. I know you're thinking what a bastard I am. That never keeps his promises. I should've told you about all of this before, but I couldn't, Sakura. I just wanted to see you happy for as long as I could. There are a lot of stuff happening out there, that the people aren't informed. Everyone's safety is at risk, but most importantly, your safety is at risk. I will do anything to keep you safe, even if it meant leaving you for a while to fight off that danger. I don't know how long I will be gone, I don't know what will happen from today and onwards. But what I do know is that you're the best thing that has ever happened to me. And no matter where I am, or what's happening, I will always be thinking of you.

Sakura burst out in tears, holding the paper against her chest. She reread the letter three times before she attempted to read the last line that was crossed out numerous times. There was something Sasuke had second guessed and decided to cross out. What could he have not wanted her to read? She held the paper up against the window, so the sunlight can shine through it.

I will come back for you, wait for me.

He had scribbled that line out, possibly not wanting to burden her with it. He probably assumed she will go on and live her life, while he was away. That was definitely not what Sakura had in mind. Deep inside him, he wanted her to wait, and that was exactly what she was going to do.

She smiled softly as she recalled old memories of them together.

He was so serious, so quiet. But oh so handsome and caring.

And their first kiss.

Sakura chuckled a bit, remembering the first and only time Sasuke had blushed. He was showing her around the old Uchiha mansion, and he had looked so sad, even though he tried very hard to hide it. Without thinking, she had said out loud, "I really want to kiss you," and kissed him right after. It was only a soft peck on his lips, and she pulled away quickly, suddenly remembering she shouldn't have done that, but she couldn't help notice the blush on his cheeks. It had lasted only a few seconds, but it was long enough for Sakura to understand that he was just a boy with a broken heart, just like her. His shyness went away fast. He had wrapped his hands around her waist, leaned his head toward hers, and whispered, "You shouldn't have done that." Sakura hadn't had the time to reply because his lips were already on hers. Her mind became a big mushball. Her heartbeat had sped up and her stomach was full of butterflies.

It was magic.

To be continued

Hey readers!

Sincere apologizes on my behalf. I guess life happens, and the world of fanfiction is the last thing to worry about. But I have recieved numerious PM messages from you guys, wanted the stories to be updated, so little by little, I will try to update all of them.

Hope you enjoyed! You are more then welcomed to share your thoughts about the story/writing/characters/questions.

Thanks!
DeeDee