Chapter 2
*~10 months later~*
Sasuke appraised the Konoha entrance gate, like it was the first time he had ever seen it. As he began to walk into the village, he lamented on his personal journey so far. He felt as though he was only just beginning to experience the world differently, but every person he crossed paths with and every village he entered in the past year, shed even more light onto his dark past.
It was difficult at first to face all the things he had done, but he had found acceptance in most places and people. He helped out families that were victims of the war, and or crimes he had committed. He did not find forgiveness in all people however, but he expected as much.
Sasuke knew that of all places to seek forgiveness from, that his very own home, would be the hardest to face. Perhaps that's why he has put it off so long. Perhaps that's why he is still planning to put it off.
Sasuke felt a depth of anxiety that he was unfamiliar with that day he walked into Konoha.
It's only for a few days, he assured himself. His coal like eyes, took in his surroundings, making sure not to give away his true feelings in his expression.
As he waded slowly into the village wordlessly, he thought of Sakura and Naruto. Naruto would appreciate his presence, and would no doubt be interested in the news Sasuke had from the other villages. However, he will definitely need to report the news to Kakashi first.
Then his thoughts trailed unwillingly onto Sakura... He recalls the way they parted that day, 12 months ago, and was imagining her smiling face as he would approach her soon. Pangs of yearning signaled excitement in Sasuke, that was also unfamiliar to him.
Picking up his pace, he headed for the Hokage's office.
*~SAKURA~*
"Hmm..." Sakura mumbled curiously, holding up two dresses. One was a sparkly black gown with a halter top, and a bold sapphire dress with off the shoulder straps, and a silk wrap around the waist.
"What do you think Ino?" Sakura asked, holding up each dress to her body. Ino was busy sifting through a nearby clothes rack, but stopped to appraise Sakura's selection.
Raising an eyebrow, Ino evaluated the two dresses. Shaking her head in dismay, Ino stated matter of factly, "What the hell are those? You're not going to some formal event Sakura". Ino rolled her eyes at Sakura's angry expression, "You're going on a date! You need something more casual, and flirty". Grimacing, Sakura put down the two dresses, more lost than when she first stepped into the store.
"Well, how the hell am I supposed to know?! This isn't an everyday thing for me. I just want to look good." Sakura huffed, and crossed her arms.
Ino laughed, "Looking good is definitely not an everyday thing for you, that's for sure". Ino instinctively ducked as a shoe came flying by exactly where her head had been. "Not to worry though Sakura, that's why you have me!" Ino replied, laughing jovially. Taking a look around, Ino spotted the perfect dress on the body of a mannequin.
Searching wildly around the store, Ino could not find the same dress anywhere on the racks, and proceeded to yank the dress off the mannequin.
"This is what I'm talking about, try this one on Sakura!" Ino yelled, and tossed the dress over into the dressing stall Sakura had been changing in.
A soft mound of fabric was now laying on Sakura's head, sighing, she plucked it off and put it on the bench. Sakura took a look at the current short white dress she had on in the mirror, it wasn't flattering at all.
"I look like a little kid!" Sakura whined. Defeated, she threw that dress off, and picked up the dress Ino had gave her. It was a deep savory red, with a slight magenta hue. It was well fitted and tight, a little on the short side, with a sweetheart neckline and a slit up the side of the skirt.
Excitedly, Sakura tried it on, and it was a perfect fit. Stepping out of the change rooms, Ino awaited and gawked at Sakura's entrance.
"Holy crap! You look amazing! Damn, I'm good at this" Ino complimented herself, while wheeling Sakura in front of a mirror.
Sakura stared at herself, it really did look great. The colour complimented her pink locks perfectly. It was not too dressy, but definitely on the sexy side as well, perfect for a date. Sakura tried to contain a squeal.
"Thanks Ino!" Sakura couldn't bring herself to insult her egoistic friend, as she really did do a great job finding the dress. Sakura would've never picked something like it out, but she wouldn't admit that much.
"Don't mention it! Now get home and get ready, or you won't have enough time." Ino said impatiently pushing Sakura towards the check out, "I gotta run now, Sai's waiting for me at the park. See ya, and have fun tonight!" Ino said with one last wink, as she dashed out the door.
Sakura smiled while she paid for the dress, I wonder if he'll like it... she thought to herself.
*~SASUKE~*
"Ahh Sasuke, it's been a long time" Kakashi said warmly, greeting and ushering Sasuke into his office. Kakashi took off his Hokage headpiece, and set it on the table. Sasuke quickly walked in and bowed to his former sensei, as Kakashi raised his hands in resistance.
"No need to be so formal Sasuke, how have you been? Here, take a seat" Kakashi stated, as he gestured towards the seat in front of him. Sasuke only nodded, and sat down obediently.
"What brought you home from your travels Sasuke?" Kakashi inquired curiously, leaning back in his chair.
"I came to relay some important information on Kirigakure, as you know, the village hidden in the mist has a high level of secrecy associated with it." Sasuke stated affirmatively.
Kakashi nodded for Sasuke to continue. "It seems I have been tipped off, in regards to the number of their shinobi ranks, which is a highly kept secret of the village leaders."
Kakashi raised his eyebrows in surprise, as he passed Sasuke a paper and pen to write down the number. Sasuke handed it back to Kakashi, and Kakashi studied the number carefully, pondering it.
"How reliable was this tip Sasuke? I am assuming you wouldn't come to tell me if you thought it otherwise" Kakashi pressed, still staring at the sheet.
"It is legitimate" Sasuke confirmed, gravely reviewing Kakashi's expression.
Kakashi than relaxed, suddenly burning the paper, and leaning back into his chair. "Well, it's interesting to note Sasuke, however I feel no reason to be worried about this, as our village has a great relationship with Kirigakure, and more specifically the Mizukage herself."
Sasuke pursed his lips, and nodded questionably. "You don't find the number suspicious?" Sasuke continued to prod, in pure disbelief that this news is merely 'interesting'.
"No. Fortunately, I do not. I have confidence in Mei and her proceedings, as she was a part of our allied forces in the fourth shinobi war, and helped us out greatly during the Otsutsuki incident last year."
Kakashi and Sasuke remained silent, staring at each other, as Sasuke absorbed this angle. So I came back here, to relay useless information?!
"Ahh" Sasuke whispered dumbly, standing to leave. "That is reassuring news on my behalf, I will take my leave now, and will return if I find anything actually helpful", bowing to his sensei apologetically, Sasuke turned to leave.
"Sasuke..." Kakashi started, and Sasuke looked back at him. "Please do try to stick around a little longer in the village, it really is nice to see you, and I can think of some others who would be very reassured by a visit" Kakashi laughed, and continued, "Don't think of this return as a waste. You never know, perhaps subconsciously you really missed us, and took any small reason you could to come visit" Kakashi teased, snickering, and eyeing Sasuke's reaction.
Sasuke's eyes widened at the proposed notion, and he smirked. Refusing to dignify that suggestion with an answer, Sasuke walked out of the room shaking his head.
Kakashi still grinning after he had left, whispered, "Welcome home Sasuke".
*~SAKURA~*
Sakura was just doing the finishing touches on herself, applying a layer of fresh pink lip gloss, and a small spritz of her favorite perfume, when there was a knock at the door.
That's strange... she thought, we were supposed to meet at the restaurant. Curiously, she ran down the steps and to the front door. Her eyes widened at the sight when she opened it.
"OH MY GOD SAKURA!" Ino screamed, eyes ravenous and frightening, and she was sweaty and disheveled as if she just ran half way around the world.
Shocked, Sakura yelled back "WHAT", as Ino latched onto her shoulders.
"Sasuke's back! Shikamaru saw him leaving the Hokage's residence about 15 minutes ago!" Ino exclaimed, exasperated.
Something inside Sakura shook. A yearning came from within her, that she hadn't felt in a long time. Thoughts of that day with Naruto and Hinata 10 months before, came bubbling back. She felt a strange myriad of emotions, like some bizarre cocktail of sentiment and sadness, that was laced with frustration and despondency. Her feelings flipped between them all, until she eventually settled on indifference.
Sakura had been close to Ino lately, especially since her outburst in front of Hinata and Naruto. Ino seemed to be the only one supportive of Sakura's decision to move on from Sasuke, while Naruto and Hinata disapproved incredibly. They couldn't accept that Sakura could just change her feelings, and deep down she didn't even know if she could either, but she would be damned if she didn't try.
Ino has been the only one that truly listened to her feelings about him, and didn't try to interject or minimize Sakura's opinion. Ino understood Sakura's needs, and validated the proposition that she should definitely not be waiting around for Sasuke. Ino would understand more than anyone that just because he is in the village now, doesn't change a thing, and to see Sakura acting different would be a loss of all the progress she made in the last 10 months.
So, Sakura shrugged. She chose indifferent, even if it was mixed. She had to protect herself, because she didn't know how she would act in front of him.
Ino smirked in reply, "Well good, I was hoping you would be like that. Him being here doesn't change anything, I just wanted to make sure you didn't find out later by surprise!" Ino let out a tired sigh, "Woo, I am glad I made it before you left too haha!" Ino smiled then, and put a hand on Sakura's shoulder.
"You look awesome, good luck tonight, and have fun! Don't even think about him". Sakura was so grateful to have a friend like her, and grabbed Ino into a tight hug.
"Thanks Ino, you've been so supportive of me. I am not going to let something like this ruin my time tonight!" Ino grinned, and squeezed Sakura back.
"Definitely don't. Call me later and tell me how it went. See ya!" Ino replied enthusiastically, as Sakura nodded and smiled.
Closing the door behind her, Sakura ignored the butterflies in her stomach.