AN: Hey guys! Here's what two of you asked: The sequel to Lunch! (See Third Chapter)

Just an omake, guys, the real story's coming up next. Enjoy!

Warning: I've already said before, NejiTen, NaruHina, and ShikaIno are my secondary favorite Naruto pairings. Don't like don't read.

Omake: Answering Machine

Disclaimer (goes for omake and main): I started out drawing with pencils on paper, not poop on walls, like Masashi Kishimoto.

Sakura's Answering Machine:

Sakura: Hi! This is Haruno Sakura! I'm out of the house… hiding out at Sasuke-kun's house to avoid awkward questions about our recent… uh… behaviors. Yes. Ahrrmm. Right. Please leave a message after the beep. Thanks!

-BEEP-

1st Message: It's Ino! Waah! Sa-KU-RA! How could you, you big foreheaded girl! You – you – how could you! Why did you steal Sasuke-kun away from meeeee? interference noise No, Shika! I'm not done with the phone! more noises Hey, that's mine, Shika! Shika-MA-RUUUUU! squeals and more noises Troublesome woman. Go find your own phone. random numbers pressed Hey! Gimme! I'm not done-

2nd Message: Saaakuuuraaa-chaaaan! It's Naruto! Wow! Was it really you and Sasuke-teme KISSING at the Ichiraku yesterday and not your clones? Aw, does that mean I'm out of the running? Nishishishishi…. JUST KIDDING! You know who I like… Ano sa, ano sa, you wanna go to the Ichiraku and talk this over? I'm one of your best friends, right? I'll kiss you if you want. Okay, I'm joking again! But are you really hooked up with Sasuke-teme? whisper sounds Whaat? Are you sure, Kakashi-sensei? far away voice

Aw, okay, in that case… Bye bye, Sakura-chan! Time to got to Hinata-chan's! Think about the ramen thing! It's my treat!

3rd Message: Good morning Sakura, it's the Godaime. Congratulations on finally getting your guy, though how you did, I have no idea. Which reminds me, Shizune's asking for tips on how to snag a – mmmmph! struggling noises Shizune, learn to respect your superior and don't clamp my mouth when I'm talking! faraway voice Gomen ne, Tsunade-sama! back to Tsunade Like I said, congratulations. By the way, I have a medical jutsu to hide that GIANT hickey of yours. Come on over to the Hokage Tower sometime. Ja.

4th Message: Yo, Sakura, it's your handsome teacher. Congratulations, you don't have to chase you Sasuke-kun anymore. Anyway, can you cook some breaded shrimp and send it over? I saw you and Sasuke – oops, I wasn't supposed to say that. Anyway, have you seen my Icha Icha Paradise? I can't find my Volume 10. If you see it, read it and give it back, you might find something useful to use on Sasuke. giggleThanks!

5th Message: Hello, Sakura, it's Jiraiya! I need some inspiration for my next volume, maybe you and Sasuke could share some of your bedroom secre- agitated scream Tsu-Tsunade! Y-You're back so s-soon! a snarl and a high pitched scream JiraiYAAA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY OFFICE? banging and shouting I HEARD WHAT YOU SAID YOU PERVERTED DIRTBAG! DON'T PRY INTO MY STUDENT'S SEX LIFE! OUT, OUT!

6th Message: Dearest Sakura! It's the Green Beast of Konoha, Rock LEE! My feels crushed as I heard news of you, dearest cherry blossom, and the heir of the Uchihas… shall I say… abandoning your modesties in public? KISSING? Oh, beautiful pink beauty, must I, the Great Green Beast of Konoha, bid farewell to any hope of capturing your heart? Tell me all that I hear is hearsay! Sakura-san, I implore you! I- grabbing noises Lee! Would you get off my phone? I need to tell Sakura-chan something. Ne Sakura-chan, it's me, Tenten! Sorry about Lee… anyway, if you can give me some tips on getting cold guys, I'd really appreciate it! Kyaa, I've known Neji for years and I still haven't snagged him… Well, call me if you can, okay? Ja ne!

7th Message: Hey, Sakura, it's Shino. I just wanted to tell you my bugs picked up news that Sasuke's Fan Club is out looking for your blood. Just wanted to tell you in case you wanted to know. Bye.

Sasuke's Answering Machine:

SasukeThis is Uchiha Sasuke. Unless you're Sakura or the dobe, or someone equally important, don't bother leaving a message because I'll hunt you down if you do. I'm hiding out at Sakura's right now, so don't ask if I'm here. That's all.

-BEEP-

1st Message: WAAAAAH! SASUKE-KUUN! Why did you leave meee? Why why why?

2nd Message: Sasuke-kun! Dump the forehead girl and go out with me!

3rd Message: Sasuke-kun! It's your darling Ino! Please tell me you didn't exchange your lovely, sexy, smart girlfriend for that big foreheaded girl! interferenceKyaa! Shikamaru! That's mine! Shika! Give it back! Hey-

4th Message: Yo, Sasuke. Just called Sakura's. If you're not home and you're at Sakura's, and if Sakura's not home and at your place, how come no one's picking up? Where are you guys? Everyone has a million questions to ask you. Anyway, have you seen my Icha Icha Paradise? I think I left it at the forest a couple days ago. Maybe you read it and got a little skill and tried it out on Sakura? Oops, I forgot, you guys are only 19, right? Anyway, if you see it, give it to me, okay? Ja na.

5th Message: Sasuke-kuun! I love you! Marry me!

6th Message: Uchiha! I, the Green Beast of Konoha, challenge you to a duel for the beautiful Sakura's hand! You may have won this time, but I assure you Sakura-san will be mine once I show you the power of my taijutsu! You shall burn in my youthful fire and be consumed by the greatness of the Gree- grabbing noise Hey, Neji, I'm not done yet! other voice I didn't allow you to use my phone. Oi, Uchiha, it's Neji. Briefing at the Hokage Tower later, don't be late, and maybe you can tell us all how the hell you managed to tell Haruno that you have feelings after all. Ja.

7th Message: Hey, Sasuke-kun, what color underwear are you wearing?

8th Message: Oi! Sasuke-teme! I hooked up with Hinata-chan! Now we're even! Nishishishishi… in the background Na-Naruto-kun! Y-you don't ha-have to y-yell it! Na-Naruto-k-kun! Naruto's voice Anyway! I'm going to beat you 'coz I'll marry Hinata-chan before you can even ask Sakura-chan to marry you! And I probably love Hinata-chan more than you love Sakura-chan, so there! Ha! Beat that!

Somewhere else…

"Hey, Sasuke-kun, you think someone left a message at our answering machines?"

"I highly doubt it. Our friends are too sensible."

"That's true…"

The young couple looked at each other and snorted derisively.

"Not."

AN: How'd you like it? A couple of people asked for it, so here it is!

And just as I promised, a SasuSaku tribute to Uchiha Sasuke's birthday! Enjoy everyone!

Warning: Another odd mixture of fluff and angst. I seem to have a knack for this.

Marshmallow 6:

Dreamcatcher: Sasuke's Birthday Present

Blood.

It was all Sasuke could see, smell, hear and taste and feel. It was everywhere; corpses bathed in it, walls tainted with it, and its stench filled the whole place. He wished he could run, but his legs were held in place. His eyes, no matter where they roamed, only found more red and white fans soaked in blood.

His heart pounded wildly, and sweat was on his brow. He was weak, powerless, and unable to do anything. He watched in great fear as a familiar figure cut down person after person. Forcing himself to move, he went nearer, wanting to know who this man was.

His feet hit something. He looked down slowly and stared in shock and horror, a horrible realization creeping into his system.

Near his feet were bloody corpses of familiar faces: A blond boy stabbed in the head with a kunai, a silver haired head unattached to its body, among many others.

He couldn't bear to see it, so he lifted his head and saw a shock of pink hair standing protectively in front of him. He wanted to call out her name, but his voice stopped at his throat.

"No…" she was pleading. "Please… please don't…"

But whoever was in front of her, her pleads fell on deaf ears. He wanted to warn her, to jump in and save her as always, but he could only watch as whoever was in front oh her stabbed her in the heart. He wanted to scream in despair. Even she was gone.

"Damn you!" he screamed, getting his voice back. He was shaking in anger, and all he wanted to do was tear her killer limb from limb. The killer then met his eyes.

Red blood eyes of the Sharingan, coal black, and a trademark smirk.

He was looking at himself.

"NOOOOOOOO!"

Sasuke shot up out of bed, hyperventilating. He grabbed his kunai instinctively, still feeling as though his dream was real. It took him a few more moments to realize it was only a nightmare. He dropped his kunai and clutched his head, resting it on his knees.

Just a dream… just a horrible dream…

He couldn't help it if the dream felt quite real. He still couldn't believe it wasn't; the dream was too vivid, too believable. He let the back of his palm slide across his forehead. It was times like this when he felt vulnerable. He hated the feeling of being weak.

He leaned against the wall, determined not to go back to sleep, even though it was still dark. He knew if he did, his nightmares would continue.

The nightmares had always been there ever since he found his parents' corpses on that fateful day. The first few days after the massacre, he had woken up screaming, flailing, and crying, after which he would swear that he would kill the one who caused these dreams to happen.

But even after fulfilling this goal, the nightmares didn't cease. In fact, they were steadily growing worse. He thought all the horrible feelings he experienced would go away after he killed Itachi, but he was dead wrong.

She was right, he thought bitterly, his raven hair falling into his eyes. It wasn't going to make me happy. It only made me more miserable. He punched the wall beside him angrily. Dammit

He looked at his pale hands, imagining them covered with blood. Was it worth it? Was it worth being branded as a monster? Was it worth leaving Konoha, Team 7, and her?

Do I really deserve peace, even after being punished for being a missing nin?

Do I deserve to live on this day?

Do I deserve to be nineteen years old today?

Sakura hummed as she mixed the ingredients of moist chocolate cake in a bowl, a smile on her face. Today was her Sasuke-kun's birthday, and she was going to his house that afternoon. That alone made her as happy as could be.

"Hey, forehead girl, are you listening?"

Sakura adjusted the phone on her shoulder and ear. "Listening, Ino-pig…!"

"You're cheerful today," she observed. "What's up?"

"Sasuke-kun's birthday!"

"Ah," Ino said, a smile in her voice. "So, you're going to his house this afternoon and give him your famous ultra moist chocolate cake?"

Sakura giggled. "Of course. He and Naruto-kun love it."

Ino sighed. "And to think I wanted to go the bazaar with you this afternoon. I guess I'll have to ask Shika-kun instead. I wish it was my birthday, then you'd bake me that scrumptious cake of yours."

"You'll break your diet, Ino," Sakura said patiently.

"For one slice of your cake, I'd gladly break it!" Both girls laughed. When they quieted down, Ino went, "Hey, Sakura-chan."

"Yeah?"

"Haven't you given up on him yet?"

Sakura went quiet, stopping at mid-mix. Finally, she said, "I don't think I can."

"But why not?" Ino protested. "Sasuke-kun's nothing but a rock! He doesn't notice anyone! Besides, a lot of guys would kill to be your guy. You should choose one of them. Look at Lee-san! He really is devoted to you. Hurry, if you wait more, you''l become an old maid!"

Sakura gave a hollow laugh. "I'm only eighteen, I don't need to settle down yet. I'm not worried about running out of suitors, I have too many, personally speaking." She sighed. "You know how much I love Sasuke-kun."

Ino gave a worried sigh. "I know, Sakura-chan. The question is, does he feel the same way?" Sakura didn't answer. "Look," Ino amended, "go over there and wish him a happy birthday, ne? I just hope things work out for you guys. You're great with each other actually. And I don't think he'll refuse anything you say after tasting your cake." Sakura laughed, and resumed her baking. "Well, gotta go, my soap opera's coming. Ja ne!" Both girls hung up.

As the pink haired medic baked, she went lost in thought. What if Ino was right? What if I'm waiting for nothing? What if… I wait until it's too late? All the daisy sunshine drained out of her. Maybe I should give up on him. He's… he;s never going to fall in love with me. It's too late.

Hell no! Inner-Sakura raged. We're young! We're eighteen! We can get any guy we want-

-except Sasuke-kun, Sakura finished.

But don't you see? You giving up on Sasuke-kun is unnatural, since you giving up on him is like… him giving up on being an avenger. And he never did. Neither should you.

Hmm… There's logic in that. She cast a glance at the wrapped package on the kitchen counter and smiled. Well, he needs me right now, I guess it's better to go and make him happy rather than make myself miserable.

She shook her head, the smile not leaving her face. Consequence of falling in love with an avenger, huh?

As Sasuke's home was in an altogether different district, the Uchiha part of town, Sakura had to walk a few miles before she could get to his house. As she walked confidently, a big box of cake and a smaller package in her arms, men, women, and children couldn't help but stop and stare. Sakura had a certain glow about her that most people knew was a bit more different from her usual glow. Her smile was more beautiful, her stride more confident, and her steps lighter. Who would have thought the shy Sakura of old would grow up into this confident woman?

The hot July day seemed to get cooler as Sakura passed by, Her fresh light blue sundress seemed to give off a little coolness, and she herself was relaxing to the eyes. Such a girl, of course, was not immune to gossip. It annoyed her to no end when people talked "behind her back". She felt they were so sure that she couldn't hear them, so dense to think that she was dense. But she knew all that they said.

"Hey, it's the Haruno girl."

"I remember her, she used to be something like Yamanaka Ino's shadow."

"Did you hear about her and the Uchiha kid, the one who became a betraying bastard?"

"Yeah, even after all the stuff that had happened, she still fawns all over him, and he still rejects her. How sad."

"Aw, come on, guys, she's cute. And I heard she was trained by the Godaime herself."

"That still doesn't change the fact she associates with that traitor. What the hell does she see in him besides the looks?"

Sakura inhaled and exhaled deeply, trying to keep her cool. She didn't care what people said about her, but what made her see red was what they said about Sasuke. Against Inner-Sakura's view, she quickened her steps and marched right into the Uchiha district.

The Uchiha compound was a ghost town. As Sakura walked the empty streets, she could still see faint traces of dried blood on the walls of houses, and she could feel a distinct aura of death lingering. She could easily imagine this place teeming with people so that it could have been a town in itself.

Itachi killed them all? But… they could have numbered to a hundred! Didn't he think about sparing anyone else besides Sasuke-kun?

Sakura often wondered how Sasuke felt to have his clan massacred, just so she could help. She now had a better idea, although she really didn't know exactly how it felt. To have everyone you knew killed… she knew she couldn't take that pain. And Sasuke was only eight then. It must have been very painful for him, and I can't even delve into it deeper. Oh Sasuke-kun…

As she neared the main house, she felt that she had been a tad selfish when she was younger. Now that she thought about it, it had been selfish to stop him from leaving Konoha. She had said that she'd be lonely… but did she really think he wasn't lonely at all?

But no argument was perfect either. She had told him that revenge wouldn't make anyone happy. Now that he had completed his revenge, was he truly happy? If he had agreed to stay with her, would he have been happy? Was she really selfish? What she did was for his own good, after all.

She shook her head; she was confusing herself. And after all, she had already arrived at her destination. She adjusted her packages in her arms and took a deep breath.

"Hello?" she called. No one answered, so she stepped into the gate and onto the threshold. "Hello?" she called again. Still no answer. She removed her sandals and stepped inside.

She was happy that she was one of Sasuke's best (and seemingly, only) friends. She was important enough to him to be allowed to step into his house, let alone celebrate anything with him.

Ever since he had come back, she and Naruto wouldn't let him out of his sight. But even when Team 7 was closer than ever, she felt alienated. Sasuke and Naruto were guys and rivals, and they could understand in ways Sakura never could. She and Naruto, on the other hand, treated each other as siblings, and she had a different kind of understanding with him.

Sakura, however, felt that her relationship with Sasuke was nothing more than having a common friend in Naruto, aside from being former teammates. They were just friends. But she had decided that even if they could be nothing more, she would continue caring for him and watching over him from afar. Who cared what Ino and the others said? As long as she hadn't fallen out of love for him, she wouldn't stop caring. As long as Sasuke needed love… she would provide that love.

As Sakura searched the house, which she now knew by heart, she wished Naruto could be with her. He, however, had gone on a mission on short notice, and they couldn't celebrate together. As she stepped on the polished floor, she could feel the silence echo around her, almost like no one was there.

Then, just as she was about to give up and go home, she heard low moans and sounds from the direction of Sasuke's room. Gasping, she made to turn to his room to see what was wrong.

What Sakura found there broke her heart twice over.

Sasuke was on the floor, on his knees and elbows, as though in great pain. His body shook in violent sobs, and his voice was ragged with sobs. Sakura's good feeling evaporated and pity and sadness replaced the gaiety in her green eyes. She felt like crying herself.

But she knew she had to be strong for him. This was one situation where she would play the stronger one. And just as he had protected her physically from enemies, she felt the duty to help in his emotional crisis. Slowly, she put down her packages and knelt down beside him, wrapping her milky white arms around his shoulders.

"Sshh…" she soothed. "It's all right, Sasuke-kun… whatever it is… just let it out… we'll fix it… whatever it is…" She gently rocked him back and forth, wrapping her arms tighter.

He buried his face in her chest. "Sa… Sakura…" he choked. "Do you – do you think that i-it's my fault… they died…?"

Sakura cradled his head, stroking his sfot raven hair. "Ssh, ssh… It's not your fault… Never your fault… no…" She put her chin on his head, making him warmer, and her presence felt. She wanted him to know she was there for him, even if she herself was nearly in tears.

He clutched at her arms. "D-do I deserve to live? Me… do I deserve to celebrate… my life?" The anguish overflowing from his voice made her want to cry out too. But she steadied herself.

"Yes… Yes… you deserve to live and be happy…" she mumbled in his ear, nuzzling his hair. "You've done so much good… so don't worry…"

"No… No… I don't," Sasuke said, his ragged, holding on tight to Sakura as though he would fall if he didn't. "I should've… died with them… I killed so much… I'm… I… I'm a monster…"

She squeezed, trying and failing to be stern. "No. You're Uchiha Sasuke, you aren't a monster. You… you deserve more than you think…"

"No… I should've died with them…"

"You're wrong…"

"I don't deserve this day…"

"You do…"

"I'm bloodstained… I wasn't strong enough to protect them… I killed him… I'm a monster…"

"No, Sasuke, dammit!" Sakura cried, instinctively hugging him closer, she herself finally bursting into tears. "You're not a monster, it's not your fault, and it never is, never was, never will be! Understand?"

Sasuke's body went rigid against hers. "For the first time that day, he looked up into her anguished and angry green orbs, almost wonderingly. "Sakura… you…"

She gave him a watery smile. "Do you understand, Sasuke-kun?" she asked softly.

"Yes…"

Sakura smiled again and gathered him higher into her arms once more to rest her chin on his shoulder. His body went limp, and he closed her eyes.

She wanted him to know everything was going to be all right. She wanted him to know he was not anything to be hated.

She wanted him to know she was there for him.

Soft… warm…

Sasuke couldn't comprehend what exactly Sakura was doing to make her hug so comforting, but it made him drop his guard even more, and his mind was in a haze, making him feel a tad sleepy. He was so close to her now, and her warmth made him feel… cared for.

Within himself, the lonely cold he felt started thawing. Something was melting inside him, and it felt… warm and wonderful.

The way she was hugging him the way she smelled and felt, the way her heart beat a comforting rhythm against his ears… Something wasn't the same with the way, she felt to him, and whatever it was, he somehow knew it had been there all along, and it had been intensified just now. It had bewildered him to no end, as sometimes, it was painful, sometimes it was comforting, but he knew whatever it was, it mixed different sensations in his chest, feelings he had previously pushed away.

A warm feeling in his stomach swirled, making his heart flutter. What was this feeling? He couldn't really tell. It felt wonderful, but uncomfortable at the same time. He knew that it had been a hindrance before when he was still struggling to defeat Itachi, but now that he had no enemies to defeat, was it all right to let this feeling finally be felt?

Any why was it that only Sakura could induce this particular feeling?

Suddenly, a more important question popped up in his hazy mind. He pushed her away slightly to get a look at her tear-streaked face. "Sakura," he said quietly, "what are you doing all the way here?"

"Oh!" she exclaimed, as though remembering her purpose just them. She gave him a small smile. "I wanted to wish you a happy birthday, Sasuke-kun." She jerked her head towards the packages she had left by the door. His mouth actually curved up, surprising them both.

"It's moist cake, isn't it?" Sasuke asked, smiling slightly.

"Yeah!" Sakura said happily, as though no tears had been flowing down her cheeks previously. "I made enough for three, but since Naruto isn't here – did you know he's on an ANBU mission? – there's more than enough for the both of us." She tilted her head to the side. "Are you all right now, Sasuke-kun?" she asked tentatively, searching his eyes.

"Aa," Sasuke replied, nodding, rubbing the last remnants of tears from his eyes. "Let's eat your cake. It better be as good as always."

Sakura laughed. "You need the sugar rush?"

"Hn."

With that, he took her hand, picked up the package, and went to the kitchen.

"This is good," Sasuke commented as he spooned another piece of cake into his mouth. Sakura watched him interestedly. He raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"I don't know," Sakura said, licking the icing off her spoon, not taking her eyes off Sasuke. "It's… oddly interesting to watch you eat… I mean, when we were genin, you wouldn't come a mile near anything I cooked."

"I wouldn't have let you come within a mile of a stove, either."

"Oh yes, that, too," Sakura giggled. Turning serious, she leaned forward towards him and asked hesitantly, "Sasuke-kun… about your… outburst earlier…" She inclined her head and rested a hand on Sasuke's. He stiffened, but relaxed in a moment. "What triggered it? You can be honest with me. We're… we're friends, right?"

Are friends all we'll ever be?

"Aa. Friends."

I don't want to be friends.

Sakura grinned. Sasuke gave her a half-smile.

I want to be more than friends.

"So do you want to tell me?" Sakura pressed.

"It…" Sasuke began, as though it was an effort to speak. His mouth felt dry. "It was this dream… It started ever since I killed that man and its been going on and on, even now… everyone dies, and I find out it's me who killed you all." He couldn't even tell her she had tried to save him from himself, but failed.

"Let me help you," Sakura said bracingly, squeezing his hand.

Will you let her help you?

"Will you let me help you, Sasuke-kun?" she asked, trying to search the answers in his eyes.

Will you let her save you from your own darkness?

And then he understood his dream. He had pushed away everyone's efforts to help him, or rather, his dark side did, and he only stood helplessly. Sakura was the one who stood out longer than the rest. If his darkness overpowered her light… he would be a lost cause.

"Yes," he replied, putting his trust in Sakura. It was time he trusted someone to help him. She was a lot stronger than he in emotional matters. She beamed, and tears of joy leaked out of her eyes.

"Oh, Sasuke-kun…" Sakura sniffed, and wiped her tears away. "S-Sorry… I-I got something in my eye…" She steadied herself with one big breath. "Sasuke-kun," she now said, "How do you want me to help you? I want you to decide."

He stared at her, trying to delve into the deeper meaning of her words. How did he want her to help him?

"I want you to help me with my nightmares." He looked at her intensely, pleadingly. "Can you do that, Sakura?"

She looked surprised. "Sasuke-kun… I…" She grinned sheepishly. "I have one thing… The gift I gave to you…"

"This package?" Sasuke asked, holding the flat package. Sakura nodded. Tentatively, he ripped off the wrapping to reveal a circular ring, strings attached to it like a web, and filled with beads, and its tail was full of feathers. "What's this?"

"It's a dreamcatcher," Sakura said happily. "I made it myself. It's said that the dreamcatcher gathers dream, and sorts good ones from bad ones. You hang it above your head when you sleep. Do you like it?"

Sasuke chuckled, shaking his head. "It's strange, but still nice. Thank you, Sakura."

This is exactly why you need her. Because she makes you live life.

Suddenly, lightning lit up the sky, and a few moments later a thunderous crash was heard, causing Sakura to yelp in surprise. Suddenly, rain poured down onto Konoha, falling down like cats and dogs. "A summer storm…" Sakura said. "Oh, no, how am I going to get home?"

"Stay here." Sasuke said, a little too quickly. As she blushed, he added, "I don't want you to get sick."

She smiled gratefully. "Thank you Sasuke-kun."

And so the storm raged outside, but two people were quite warm.

Sasuke sat in his room on to his new dreamcatcher, tracing the pattern of the web with his eyes. Sakura was cooking dinner; she had insisted that it was the least she could do for letting her stay in his house for the night. He had retired to his room to sort out all the confusion that his feelings were dealing in.

Fear.He feared what would happen to all the people who had a lot of importance to him. He was honestly scared to suck them into the black hole that was his darkness.

Hate. He was filled with so much hate before he killed Itachi. But now, he somehow understood that his hate had to drain out of him. His darkness had to be overthrown.

Pain.All his life, he had experienced pain, not just physical wounds. It had pained him to be always in the shadow of his older brother. It was painful to have his whole clan annihilated. It pained him to have to isolate himself in his days as a rookie, even if he didn't want to admit it. Now that he thought about it, he was pained by the fact he had betrayed Konoha, and even as he killed Itachi. An unknown pain also plagued him, but this pain was both sweet and hurtful. The crowning glory of all these pains was that he had to be alone, even now. He needed to share his life and his little successes and big defeats.

Happiness.How long had it been since he had last been truly happy? He had been happy when his parents were alive, happy when he had been with Team 7 and he had finally accepted his teammates. Happiness, strangely, had swirled in his stomach the night when he left Konoha, the night when Sakura had told him her true feelings. He had been happy when he had come back 2 years ago. And that was the last time he had been truly happy. He became honest himself at that moment. He needed that happiness again.

Love. Love was something he had forgotten how to feel since his parents died. What was love? Was is the fluttering feeling in his stomach, the momentary happiness at a certain presence and the immense sadness at its absence? Was it the intense pain mixed with the wonderful comfort? Was it when he looked at her?

He had wanted to believe he didn't love her. But it was now slowly becoming inevitable.

"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura called from down the hall. "Dinner's ready!"

"Aa," he called back. What he wouldn't do to hear that call every night…

Sakura stood by the sink, washing the dishes and singing a tune under her breath. Sasuke watched her interestedly as he stood by her, drying the dishes. Somehow even the simple job of washing the dishes had become comforting to them both.

"Hey, Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked, not taking her eyes off the dishes.

"Hn?"

"You have any shirts I can use for a night dress? My sundress just doesn't cut it."

He nodded dumbly, his mind somewhere else. "Come over to my room after this and take your pick."

She smiled happily. "Thank you, Sasuke-kun!"

After washing the dishes (which Sasuke had oddly enjoyed) they went on to his room. Sasuke flung wide his blue closet and Sakura's mouth dropped at all the blacks and blues she could see.

"You don't have much variety, now do you?"

"Aa," he replied as she took down one of his favorite shirts; a long blue shirt with a high collar and the Uchiha fan at the back.

"This'll fit me perfectly!" she exclaimed gaily, skipping out of his room to his bathroom. "I'll be back!" she called. He smirked. She was amusing. He sat down on his futon and anticipated her return.

Sure enough, a few minutes later, Sakura came sauntering back. "Look!" she said cutely, modeling the clothes. The shirt fell to the middle of her thighs, and it was quite loose, the neckline occasionally slipping down her shoulders. As she twirled in front of him he could see her white shorts. He blushed as his eyes followed her white legs.

"It fits me!" she giggled. "And it smells so good… and it's so soft…!"

"Aa," he agreed quietly. She grinned at him and sat in front of him on the futon.

"Do you want to talk about anything?" she chirped, being the exact opposite of the weather.

"No," Sasuke said. Subconsciously, he held her hand and played with her fingers, debating whether he should tell her what he felt. "Yes, actually," he finally said.

"What is it?"

He took a deep breath and asked, "How is it to love someone?"

Sakura jerked. "How it is…?" Blood rushed to her cheeks. "Ara, how do I say this… To tell you the truth, Sasuke-kun, I've loved so much for so long I can't accurately describe it anymore, since I'm so used to the feeling…" She bit her lip, frowning thoughtfully. "I think it's feeling all kinds of emotions at the same time… pain and happiness and longing and loneliness… even hate…"

"Is… is that how you feel… with me, Sakura?" He couldn't believe it now. It really was inevitable.

It was time for a consensus between them. "Do you feel that, Sasuke-kun?" Because, yes, that's how I feel," Sakura said softly. "You don't have to feel the same way, you know, Sasuke-kun." She smiled weakly. "Because I'm quite content just looking after you. That's why I'm here on your special day, and I want you to enjoy it as much as possible."

Sasuke always listened to his instinct. And as the feeling rolled up and down his chest, of longing, loneliness, and happiness, he did only what his instinct told him to do – seek warmth.

"Sasuke-kun…!" Sakura gasped as he wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace, crushing her warmth against his body.

"I… I think… Sakura…"

"Yes?"

"I think that… I…"

Sakura giggled, but her voice sounded shaky. "You don't have to tell me, Sasuke-kun, if it's so hard…" she whispered, her voice breaking. "I understand, Sasuke-kun… I really do… Me too… I love you too…"

It was the best birthday gift she could ever give him.

"Happy birthday, Sasuke-kun."

"Aa."

Sasuke watched the pink-haired beauty sleep beside him, lightly snoring. It had been a long day. And it had been the oddest birthday he had ever experienced. He let his fingers skim Sakura's petal-soft skin. She mumbled in her sleep and nuzzled deeper into his shirt.

He couldn't fall asleep, not yet, not while he enjoyed the sight of her innocent sleeping face, even in the dark. She had fallen asleep in his arms awhile ago, and now he found he didn't mind sharing his futon with her. He watched her shift in her sleep, dancing to the music of the pounding rain.

He smiled as he watched her.

It wasn't because he was afraid to sleep now. Not when his Dreamcatcher was right beside him.

He had found it hard to tell her what he felt, being the person he was, but one day, he would tell her all the feelings that swirled inside his heart, smudging their colors along the canvas of his soul, all for her.

He just had to take it one step at a time.

"Happy birthday, indeed."

A new year in one's life is something to be thankful for, and even more so if people know you deserve it.
AN: Wow, heavy on the angst. But still fluffy.

Do you know I'm completing this 5:30 in the morning of July 23 (night of July 22 to those who live in Europe and America)? That's how determined I am to show you guys what I have done for Sasuke's birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SASUKE-KUN!

To respond to people…

sasuke9999 – Yeah, I know it's funny. But great…? Ha… Thanks anyway!

Brandy Camel – You do? That's great then! Oh, that line… I liked that line too. But I can't think of any good omake about it… Thanks for reviewing!

crystal-gundam – Oh, so that's 'The Song That Never Ends'. I still can't remember the tune, though. Thanks and bye!

Darkofthenight – Thanks! Here's the update!

PrincessChii – Actually, the doll's a girl… I patterned it after my 'little sister'. Heh, when she saw your reviews, she pretended to cry and went, "Aww, now they hate me!"

december jewel – Yup, a lot of people's said that Jappi-chan's evil. See PrincessChii's review response, you'll get an idea of the real Jappi-chan's reaction.

Tsuki Angel – You couldn't…? I hope you've stopped long enough to read my story! Hehe…

psychedelic aya – I don't mean to sound stupid (which I am) but… what does LMAO mean…? Me and my 'imou-chan' don't know. Aba, sadista! Hehe, you enjoyed Sasuke's frustration, huh? Ah yes, I don't think I'll look at Itachi the same way, either. Anyway, tenkyu sa review! At sa lyrics!

Phoenix Tamer – AUGHHHH! SAVE ME! I updated, I updated! So don't throw nasty cruel steel at me… Gollum… Okay, I'm kidding. I can keep Sasuke in character? Thanks for that compliment! It's actually really hard work, you know…

Ayane Selznick – Thanks! Yeah, maybe it was cute… I can't wait for the fanart! Bigyan mo naman ako ng link, okay? And the next chapter ng SS, can't wait either! Yay! I hope this is angstily fluffy, though. Bye bye!

chelle – Oh, so Manila-based ka… no wonder you like Naruto. Showing pa diyan, right? Dito sa Davao, ni-replace ng stupid news na Bisaya. Yeah, like I care. Anyway, thanks for reviewing! Here's more!

kurama kawai – I just noticed, but I keep using the word giddy. 'La lang. Oh, interesting! Psychic…? Yeah, it's hard work to keep all the characters as in-character as possible, so thanks! And read PrincessChii's review response on what the real Jappi-chan had to say when she saw the reviews. Especially your review. She went, "Oh, great, now they think I'm Chuckie!" Yeah, the omake was randomly funny. Eep! Don't strangle me! Okay, thanks again for the review!

Little Minamino – I always appreciate encouragement. Thanks!

sweetmaiden – Thanks, I'm glad you did!

Kawaii Koneko92 – Thanks for the review! And like I told the others, read PrincessChii's review response…

AiTenshiKosmos – Oh, boy, how too true, it sux being stubborn. Thanks for reading!

Oukaru Hanako – Hey OuHa! (You keep saying Ohayou, lol and your name's Oukaru Hanako, get it? Hehe…) I didn't know you thought this was the best one yet, I thought it was the worst. Ooh, I'm a good writer? Yipee! I never get tired reading the same compliment again and again… And a beta-reader too? Soo-weet! Thanks!

Momiro-chan– here's the update! Hope you liked it! Oh, don't fall off the chair, you might not be able to read this fic! Hehe… And yeah, Sasuke's gotta practice puckering up!

MissxRae – Aw, come on, it's not that good… Do you say that to all the stories you review? Because it's very flattering. Hehe… Thanks!

dark-adonis – Super-long but you don't get bored…? Uy, bihira lang yun, so thanks! Yup, tama, 50 plots. Dameh noh? Ikaw lang 'ata ang fan ni Jappi-chan… saying di niya nabasa ang review mo… Basahin mo ung response ko kay PrincessChii, and you'll get the idea. Till next time!

To all those who reviewed, here's a piece of Sakura's famous ultra moist chocolate cake! Enjoy!

Aww, only 20 reviews. Was it really that bad, or is it because I didn't wait long enough for more reviews?

Anyway, the good news is, I hit the 100 mark in just 5 chapters! Big big BIG achievement for me! Yay! More reasons to celebrate! And I'm in 6 c2 archives now… That's an achievement, right? Thanks to all the people who made this possible!

I have to explain something. I mentioned somewhere that this is Sasuke's nineteenth birthday, right? And Sakura is eighteen? Well, it's just that I'd rather that Sasuke is older than her. Sakura's birthday is on March 28, and if she was born on the same year, she'd be older than Sasuke. Whereas if she was born later, she'd be the same age with Sasuke for three months. Anyway, if you want to disagree with me… I wouldn't want to debate. I'm nasty when I argue.

Anyway, please review, people! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SASUKE-KUN!