Holding Her Last Breath: Just 3 Days
Chapter 10 . We're almost there! I realized that things are easier to get out for me if they were previously written. As I said before I wrote this basically 2 years ago, but I came up with Will You Let Me Go, Sakura? And its sequel I Just Can't Let You Go, Sasuke!
Hence, I never finished it.
But during the creation of Till the Last Rose Dies, I realized that this had a lot of potential. So, after a ton of pre-editing, I released it . And I'm almost done! Which is extremely surprising since Rose more than half a year to complete (it really didn't feel like it though) while Breath has taken less than a month!
I really feel like I'm progressing as an author, and every fic seems to draw me further into the world and I'm loving every minute of it :). Even if I'm not a big-time, extremely popular author…yet XD.
Oh, also, I confused some of my readers somehow in the last few chapters...so here are some Q &As! (idea technically taken from Obsidian.Jade.Love. Only not entirely because I did this in Rose, just not in this format XD.)
Q: Huh? What? Why? Sasuke? Dying? Wait...Sakura dying? Why is dying? Huh? WHAT?!
A: XD. Sakura is the one ermm coughcoughsupposedlycough dying . Keep reading and understand haha.
Q2:I'm a little confused though, I thought Sakura died out on the field, or is Sasuke implying the mission she's gonna get is the one she dies on?
A2: XD keep reading. It shall be revealed.
Q3: um... im confused to what expectations sasuke meets. can you maybe explain it more?
A3: Basically, he demanded a loophole in their deal because he realized his life is empty without Sakura by his side. Soooo, to save her, he has to show and prove to the world that he really loves her. If he shows Shimori (Grim Reaper) this, Sakura lives XD.
Anymore questions? Leave a review and it shall be answered in the next chapter!
00000000000000000000000000
Tsunade folded her hands in front of her as she stared at her apprentice with a pleased expression. "Good work, Sakura." she praised. "If you hadn't exhibited your leadership skills and excellent medical talent we would have 5 dead ANBU on our hands."
The pink haired woman lowered her head modestly.. "Arigato." then she looked up hesitantly. "Tsunade-sama, could you please allow me and Ino the rest of the day off like you asked? I'd- like to get home."
Tsunade frowned. "Request denied!" she replied harshly which threw Sakura off. 'Bipolar much?' she thought before the woman spoke.
"You are not to leave this office until you have told me all of your suspicions." the woman ordered sternly.
Emerald eyes closed for a few seconds before she smiled at her superior. "What makes you think I'm hiding anything from you, Hokage-sama?" Sakura asked before moving a clump of pink hair from her face.
Tsunade smirked. "Don't you think I know my cute apprentice by now?" she asked before the her smirk was replaced with a frown. "Now as your Hokage I order you to tell me everything you have concluded or I will strip you of your duties!"
Sakura's eyes widened before she gritted her teeth. Inner Sakura threw punches; completely outraged. 'Who the hell does this old bag think she is, throwing stupid orders around and threatening us, Shannaro?!'
Then, she closed them as an attempt to regain her composure. 'She's my Hokage, she's my Hokage…' she thought before taking a deep breath. "As I explained before, the injuries were done someone who had a great deal of medical experience."
"And?" Tsunade snapped before her manicured hands.
Once again, emerald eyes closed. "There's only one person I know personally that has this kind of experience and had a personal grudge against Konoha." she paused to open them. 'And tomorrow is a particularly bitter day for him."
A bitter smile curled at Tsunade's lips as Sakura finished her sentence.
"The anniversary of his superior's death."
The Go-daime fell silent for a long time before speaking. "Are you implying that he's going to try and take revenge on Konoha for his superior's death?" she asked quietly. Emerald eyes turned to the floor for a moment.
"No. I don't. I think it was bait. He's either targeting Sasuke-kun or Naruto." she replied. Tsunade raised and eyebrow. "Oh? And why not you or Kakashi? You all know him on a personal level."
Sakura gazed at her superior with a bitter expression. "Because Naruto helped weaken him when he lost control of the Kyuubi and Sasuke-kun killed him." she answered. "Even though his first target would either be you or Team 7 I believe his first priority is to get rid of the two that killed his master."
Tsunade fell silent once more. But after a few minutes the woman leaned back with a sigh. "You've come to the conclusion that this was an attempt to lure them out?"
Emerald eyes gleamed with murderous intent. "Aah. Which is why I would like you to honor me a solo scouting mission tomorrow night." she replied. But Tsunade scowled as if she were insulted heavily. "Do you want a death wish?! Request denied!"
"But Tsunade-sa"
"I understand your concern for those two, but you're apart of his plot against Konoha. If I send you out you'll die." she interjected harshly.
"But-"
"Sakura!" Tsunade nearly yelled as she stared at her threateningly. "I am your Hokage and my word is law. You will stay clearof the gates tomorrow night."
Sakura closed her eyes. "Forgive me, Tsunade-sama, but I can't obey that order." she said sternly. The woman stood as she slammed her hands onto the desk which cracked under her strength. "Are you saying you will go against your Hokage?"
Emerald eyes stared into cerulean ones with determination. "I am. You said I couldn't become a medic nin unless had extreme chakra control and people I wanted to protect. This man is trying to harm those people. The people I love." she explained as she took a step towards her.
"I'm not only a medic nin. I'm a kunoichi. And as a kunoichi of Konohagakure my ninja way is to protect the people I love, and your order is interfering with that. Which is why I cannot obey that request."
Tsunade's expression seemed to soften slightly as Sakura went on. "Please, Tsunade-sama. Years ago, when I went with Naruto and Jiraiya-sama to find Sasuke-kun, he confronted me and he told me that Sasuke-kun wasn't there. That he was dead. I felt weak and helpless and Naruto had to come to my rescue. This time, I can finally settle the score; finally prove to him that I'm not weak and fight him on an equal stance. I know his style of fighting, which gives me an advantage! So please…please honor this request!" she pleaded as she clasped her hands together.
Tsunade fell silent as Sakura stared at her. After a few minutes, the blonde gritted her teeth in frustration. "If you lose to him…if you end up in a situation where you're completely overpowered by him, completely helpless and he kills you, will your resolve be worth it?" she hissed.
But she was surprised when Sakura smiled. "It is. Because I'd die protecting the ones I loved. Isn't that how Dan died?"
The blonde lowered her eyes at the sound of her dead lover's name. He had died protecting the ones he loved, and her brother had died trying to do the same. And at both times, she had been unable to save them.
She glanced at the pink-haired, green-eyed girl in front of her, and automatically saw a younger, pinker, and more determined image of herself. 'She's willing to risk it all…for them.' she thought as she shook her head and sat back down.
Because something inside told her, 'She's foolish. But wouldn't you do the same?'
"Alright. I will- consider your request. You will report here tomorrow after your shift. But as for today…" Tsunade started before smiling at the girl. "You and Ino are dismissed for the rest of the night. I order you BOTH to spend time with your significant other and you will NOT partake in anything that will overexert either of you. Just because you healed your patients means they're in perfect condition."
Sakura beamed at her superior. "Understood!" she paused to rushing over and hug the woman before muttering a thank you and hurrying out of the room; closing the door behind her.
When she was gone, Tsunade took out a large bottle of sake and let out a long defeated sigh. "What a simple-minded apprentice I have…" but she smiled as she took a swig of the sweet, burning liquid.
'But she has a full heart. Kami, I hope I'm making the right decision…'
00000000000000000000000000000
As Sakura walked down the halls, she thought back to her conversation with Tsunade. She had battled for her rights, and she had won. Was it because the Hokage favored her?
Whatever it was, she was grateful.
'Now I can finally settle the score…I'm coming for you, Ka-'but her thoughts were cut short as she rounded the corner and bumped into something hard.
A man.
"O-Oh, sorry about that-"
"Hn. You always were clumsy, Sakura." the man said with his signature smirk. Emerald eyes widened as she stared into his deep obsidian pools with surprise. "S-Sasuke-kun ? What're you doing here? Did something happen?" she asked.
Sasuke shook his head and averted his gaze from her viridian eyes as an attempt to hide his blush before handing her the large bouquet of white roses.
He knew she didn't like the red ones, which was a "loud", passionate flower (she had told him this once), but preferred the more "quieter" ones.
Sakura gasped as she took them into her hands. "Oh- Sasuke-kun…are- they for me? Did you get them?" she asked in complete awe. The thought of Sasuke stepping into a flower shop and buying her flowers, then presenting her with them was unbelievable.
Sasuke scoffed. Did he really have to answer that?
But his arrogant thoughts were interrupted when the short, pink-haired woman in front of him threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek. "Thank you…they're beautiful." she murmured against his neck appreciatively.
The Uchiha smirked in satisfaction before hugging her back. Who said he didn't know Haruno Sakura liked?
"What're you doing here anyway?" Sakura asked in confusion. Then a pout came onto her features. "You weren't going to ask Tsunade-sama about taking on another mission, were you?"
Sasuke chuckled. "No." he said before curling his fingers around one of her pink locks and brushing his lips against her ear. "I was looking for you."
A dark blush burned into Sakura's cheeks. 'He was…looking for me? He's never even visited me before!' she thought wildly before they began walking down the stairs of the long Tower.
"I wanted to ask you something." Sasuke spoke after several moments of silence. Viridian eyes glanced at him curiously. "Ask away."
"What did you talk to Tsunade about?" he asked which made her stop. She managed a small smile. "That's confidential, Sasuke-kun."
Obsidian eyes stared at her skeptically. "Bullshit." he told her which made her frown. "I'm not telling you. It's between me and Tsunade-sama-"but her voice trailed off when she felt herself behind pushed against a wall roughly.
"Intimidating me isn't going to do you a bit of good, Sasuke-kun. I'm not telling you." Sakura told him triumphantly, but Sasuke didn't let go of her.
In fact, he nearly smiled.
"I don't plan on intimidating you, Sakura." Sasuke told her darkly as he placed one hand on her hip so she couldn't move, while the other trailed down her side slowly. A blush darker than the first came onto her face.
"S-Sasuke-ku-"but she was, once again, cut off. This time, by Sasuke's mouth as he traced a line up her inner thigh. Sakura squeaked in response as she stared at him murderously.
'You are going to die, Uchiha!' her eyes spoke as he smirked against her lips. "I know it was about the 5 ANBU admitted." he told her as he nibbled on her ear.
She hissed in response. "T-Then why do want me to explain?" she demanded. Kami, if she didn't love this boy he would be a smoking pile on the floor for doing this.
Sasuke seemed to smirk even wider. "Have you forgotten, Sakura? I'm an ANBU captain. I have a right know about anything concerning my men." 'Even if I have to force the answer out of you…' he thought mischievously as he trailed his hand nearer and nearer to her…
"A-Ahh…S-Sasuke-kun- alright, alright!! J-Just stop already…we're in public…" Sakura yelped when she felt his fingers playing along the sides of her panties.
Sasuke smirked in victory as he backed off her so she could straighten her skirt out.
As she shot him a glare she spoke. "After looking through the records I realized who was behind the attacks and how they did it, so Tsunade-sama wouldn't let me leave until I told her every detail."
"And?" the man asked impatiently, which earned him another glare."I asked Tsunade-sama to give me a scouting mission tomorrow to see if I'm right."
"Can I die in your arms, Sasuke-kun?"
"What the hell are you doing?" Sasuke interjected harshly which took her aback. "Sasuke-ku-"
"You can't go on that mission tomorrow." the man replied coolly, though inside his emotions were frantic. The mission, the mission that shouldn't have been anything more than simple, was going to turn into Sakura's very last.
If only he could actually TELL her this!!
"Why not!" Sakura demanded as she stared at the man in front of her fiercely. "I already know who it is, and he's a medic nin. I can fight him on equal stance-"
"No, you can't." Sasuke argued angrily. "You're underestimating him-"
"And you're underestimating me!" the pink-haired woman interjected heatedly before looking down at her feet. "I can take care of myself, Sasuke. I'm not the weak little girl you, Naruto and Kakashi had to protect and worry about!"
Why couldn't he see that?
Sasuke grabbed her shoulders. "We'll always worry about you no matter what you do." he told her forcefully which surprised her. Sakura wasn't used to Sasuke talking this much, let alone arguing with her.
Normally he would brush it off and call her annoying. But this time…
He was actually worried about her. Had he always, in the deep crevices of his mind, cared about her? Even when they were little?
"I know why you became a medic nin. The real reason." Sasuke told her more gently which made her eyes widen a little. So Naruto said something to him after all.
"Then you should know why I want to find him. Why I need to. Tomorrow's the anniversary or Orochimaru's death. The day you killed him, Sasuke-kun." Sakura explained softly.
Sasuke let her words sink in. Over the years he had idly remembered the day he had killed his creepy teacher as he had planned after his rendezvous with Sakura years ago.
She went on. "He wants revenge, Sasuke-kun. His first priority will be trying to kill you or Naruto."
"Things would go more smoothly if we had another medic nin around."
"You're wrong, Sakura." Sasuke told her through gritted teeth. "He-"but his voice trailed off when Inari's voice sounded in his ears. 'Don't do it. If you even give her a hint of what you're thinking, you'd be going back on your word and I'll have to kill her and wipe your memories.' she warned.
Damn. Was there nothing stopping this? Was there any way to save Sakura?
Though she was right about knowing his fighting style since they knew him on a personal level, why- why had she not been able to win against him? Her monstrous strength was something even he wouldn't want to be hit with…so why…why?
"He what?" Sakura asked a little more confused than before. Sasuke cursed mentally before turning away. "If won't attack us first. It's not his style." he told her quietly. But she protested. "Which is why I need to stop him before he does!"
Sasuke grabbed her shoulders again. "You can't, Sakura!"
"What- what do you think I've been doing all this time? Training all these years…pushing myself further and further so I could be stronger…?" Sakura asked as the emotions she had tried so hard to hide until now were threatening to break through her subconscious.
"Sakura-"
"I've beaten Sasori of the Red Sand…an Akatsuki member! So why- why is it so impossible?" she asked shakily. Her vision blurred with frustrated tears and something inside Sasuke clenched.
Kami, would there ever be a time that he wouldn't make her cry or feel inferior?
"…Do you still see me as weak and helpless, Sasuke-kun? Are you so sure that I'll lose to him- even when I'm almost strong enough to surpass Tsunade?"
He loosened his grip on her as he stared into her broken, jade eyes.
No…that's not what he was thinking at all! Though at first, during their genin days, Sasuke thought that Sakura was weak, annoying and always in need of protection. But things changed since then. She ignored her pain and sorrow and masked it, as if nothing were wrong. Even on the battle field, as Naruto did, she pushed herself to the brink of collapsing because she refused to be seen as weak and helpless.
And in the end, Sasuke saw her as one of the strongest kunoichi he knew.
"Sakura, that's not-"but his voice trailed off when the pink haired woman put a hand on his arm and staring up into his face with a forced smile. "If I can't beat him- if I can't even face him after all these years, then I don't deserve to be a medic nin or a kunoichi." she told him softly before pushing him away and running out of the tower.
"I'd give my life for the people of this village."
"She's strong because of you."
"After all this time…I still haven't been able to heal you, have I, Sasuke-kun?"
As these words sounded in his head, Sasuke finally grasped what Sakura had said that night he questioned her about her loyalty to Konoha. Though she loved her village dearly and was loyal to it, she wouldn't think twice about giving her life protecting the ones she loved.
Protecting him.
'Damn it, Sakura…I don't need protection!' he thought as he began running after her.
'But you do!'
000000000000000000000000000
As Sasuke exited the tower he looked around. Sakura was nowhere in sight.
"Man, you are really screwing things up, Sasuke." Inari said with a sigh as she stared at him. Sasuke turned around and found the golden eyed angel leaning against the tower. He glared at her. Why did she have to stop time now?!
"I don't have time for you right now." he told her coldly before he began walking away. She narrowed her eyes at him. "Will you ever stop being so arrogant and take the time to listen to reason?" she asked him without much emotion.
He stopped but didn't turn around to look at her. "I have to find her." but frowned when she scoffed at him. "Oh? And then what? What will you tell her?" Inari asked as she tilted her head to stare at him from the corner of her eye.
He clicked his tongue in frustration. Weren't angels supposed to be helpful? But then again, she was right. What would he be able to say to her without breaking his word?
Inari seemed to sense this and pushed off the wall so she could put a hand on his shoulder. "Give her time to cool down."
But this only seemed to make him angrier. How was he just supposed to wait for her to calm down? He didn't have that time left!
Inari only smiled sympathetically. "Instead of trying to find her, why not take some time to figure out howto save her? Right now, her future isn't looking too bright. Time is ticking, Sasuke. Only you can save her." she said as a gust of wind came and carried her away.
The man ran a hand through his raven hair before swearing under his breath. But as he stuffed his hands into his pockets and began walking through the town he suddenly overheard a conversation between two gossiping women.
"I heard Nara's finally gonna propose to Ino!" exclaimed a woman with red hair tied back. The other had dark hair and freckles. The woman gasped. "How do you know?"
"Taoho told me that she saw him walking out of the jewelry store with the Uchiha boy!" the red-haired woman responded in a hushed whisper, just in case someone (like Sasuke) was listening.
The freckled girl groaned. "Man! As much as I'd hate to admit it, Shikamaru's grown into a cutie. Wonder if he's lazy in bed?"
Sasuke almost gagged at this. Typical annoying women or as the said Shikamaru would say, troublesome.
"Anyyyway…He sure is patient though. I mean Ino's not exactly the most reasonable or quiet woman in Konoha."
Freckles snickered. "That's for sure. What if they have kids?"
Carrot-top cackled. "Loud, lazy blonde kids running around! What will Konoha come to?" she joked. Sasuke couldn't help but chuckle at this. They were right. And the thought sickened him.
"I envy her though."
"Huh?"
"For finding him. I mean, unlike all the other slobs here, he actually KNOWS what women want. Then again he's the smartest guy in this village." the dark haired girl mumbled. The red-haired one nodded in agreement.
"I agree completely. If only is intelligence would rub off on everyone else."
"Hey…you said that he was with the Uchiha. Do you think he got smart and got a ring for Sakura too?"
"We're talking about Uchiha Sasuke here. The hot ice berg?"
"Well…they HAVE been living together for awhile now."
"Mmh…he doesn't seem like the romantic type. Maybe she just got pregnant and he HAS to marry her?"
"I don't think so. As weird as it sounds, I think he's in love with her."
"Ehh? The hot ice berg actually CARES about her? But he's always such a jackass to her! Sometimes, I think she should've gone to Naruto." the red head protested. Sasuke growled under his breath at the insult, but decided to let it go when the freckled one continued.
"Mmh, but what can you do? She's been in love with him since day one. Weren't they on the same squadron?"
"Yeah."
"Well, maybe she melted that ice berg called his heart finally. If you ask me I think she's meant for him. Sakura's the only one I think Sasuke can really stand."
"Hmm. You're right. Let's hope they don't have any pink headed boys."
"They'll still be hot like their father."
"Yeah. But no one will take them seriously if they're cold hearted with pink hair." said the redhead before they passed by. Sasuke went unnoticed in the crowd as he let the words of the women sink in.
And then, it finally hit him. Women wanted commitment. maybe this was what it took to prove to everyone; the heavens, the angels, the people of Konoha…everybody, that he really did loved her?
Jeez, and Konoha called him a tensai (a/n: genius)? How could he be so blind?
But then again, Sakura never said anything about wanting to marry him. But then again, she never really asked or demanded anything from him. As the women had said, Sakura was truly the only woman he could be with. All the others annoyed him.
Sakura didn't act like the little fan girl she was at 12 and took all of him as he was. She never complained or pushed him to do anything he didn't want to do. Never questioning why he was the way he was; cold and indifferent because she understood why and actually accepted that.
But most of all, no matter what he did, she was there for him always, always there; loving him, forgiving him…
It didn't matter if she was the prettiest or the strongest.
To him, Haruno Sakura was perfect.
And she really was all his. And he wanted to keep it that way.
Sasuke glanced at a clock in a nearby shop window. It read 9:30. If he hurried he could still make it…
He just hoped that woman would let him in.
00000000000000000000000000
Sasuke found the dark-haired "woman" slumped over the counter fast asleep. She jolted up and groggily mumbled the greeting when she heard the soft jingle of the bells above the door.
"W-Welcome to the Kishimoto Jewelry Store…oh-Sasuke? What're you doing here?" she asked groggily as she rubbed her eyes.
Sasuke only gave her a look for an answer and a smile crept onto her face. Maybe the Uchiha wasn't so bad after all…
-
-
-
"You're doing the right thing, Sasuke." Akami explained to him. "Hn." He replied absently for his mind was transfixed on the piece of jewelry she was putting in its tiny box.
"You know, you aren't that bad, Uchiha! I was wrong about you." she continued you on before sliding it across the counter to him. "Arigato." Sasuke mumbled before he reached out to grab it. Dark eyes glanced upward when the angel caught his wrist.
"Don't screw this up." Akami told him before smiling. "And make it sound at least HALFWAY descent!"
Sasuke closed his eyes. "Aah."
As he left the store, clutching the gift he had bought in his coat pocket he contemplated where Sakura would be. He had a feeling she was too pissed off at him to go home, so where else would she be?
The training grounds? No…if she were pissed at him, she wouldn't go to a spot that reminded her of him…
"Sasuke-kun, do you ever miss your family?" Sakura asked as the two leaned against wooden railing; waiting for Naruto and Kakashi to appear. For a long time, the prodigy didn't answer her. But when he did, a tiny smile appeared on her face.
"…Aah."
Then, his signature smirk played across his face. He knew exactly where she was.
000000000000000000000000
Sakura sighed as she hunched over the bar of the bridge and stared at the frozen waters below. She usually came here to think or sort out her thoughts. It also made her feel calm no matter how upset she was since most of her fondest memories began here.
Memories with…
'Damn it! Don't think about him! You're mad remember?!' Inner Sakura commanded. Sakura clenched her fists. 'That's right!' she thought with a scowl.
But it quickly faded. Had she overreacted? He was only worried about her…
But it returned. The reason why she became stronger was to show the world and Team 7 that they didn't need to worry about her…that they didn't need to protect her…
"I'll protect you with my life, Sakura-chan! Believe it!"
"We'll always worry about you no matter what you do."
"Does that mean…no matter how strong I am…they'll always try to protect me…?" Sakura asked no one in particular softly. But to her surprise a voice answered her.
"I'm sure, they do it because they love you dearly." It was a woman, perhaps as busty as Tsunade, with golden eyes and strawberry blonde hair.
She smiled warmly at and leaned beside her. "Name's Inari."
Sakura didn't smile back. "I can take care of myself. They don't need to worry or protect me." she retorted. 'My, my…do the Uchiha and Haruno act alike when they're mad?' Inari thought before speaking.
"Sounds to me you got into a fight with someone you love. What seems to be the problem?" Inari asked calmly. Sakura sighed and rested her chin on her coat sleeve. "I got into a fight with my stupid boyfriend. He thinks that I'm too weak to take on another medic nin. But he doesn't understand everything I've been doing up 'till now was to show him I can protect myself…that I wouldn't be a burden to him anymore…"
"Mmh, the Uchiha boy. From what I've heard he didn't sound like the ideal, worrying boyfriend." Inari said as she hid her smile. 'Until he lost you.'
Sakura couldn't help but smile lightly. "He wasn't until yesterday…at least I didn't think so. You can't really blame him though. For being so indifferent." Emerald eyes looked down at the ice water again. "He's lost more than most of us lose in a lifetime…he doesn't open up because he afraid of losing someone close to him again."
Golden eyes closed. "Which probably explains why he's so worried about you. Sounds to me like the Uchiha's actually trying to make you happy and loves you after all…" she murmured to her as a smile grazed her lips. "You should go to him."
The pink-haired woman pouted. "I don't want to. Even if he does love me I'm still mad at him…"
"What if someone told you, that he spent all day looking for a way to make you happy, and that he's still looking for you now?" Inari asked with a tiny smile as she looked over Sakura's shoulder to the dark eyed man standing at the start of the bridge.
Sakura scoffed. "I wouldn't believe them. It's not his style." She paused to lean on her coat sleeve again. "He's too stubborn even if he is trying…"
"Really now? Turn around." The woman said before disappearing into the night. Slowly, Sakura spun around to stare into Sasuke's obsidian eyes. Her heart nearly skipped a beat as her cheeks grew red in embarrassment.
How long had he been standing there?
"I-It's rude of you to sneak up on people." Sakura told him stubbornly as she turned back around. Sasuke gave his arrogant smirk; amused by her reaction. He could tell that deep down, she wanted to run into his arms and forget about their petty little argument, yet her pride was stopping her from doing so.
"I didn't." he replied coolly. His eyes were transfixed on the stubborn pink-haired woman in front of him as she scoffed, but said nothing. Rather, she couldn't, since it appeared that he had just arrived.
But as Sasuke wrapped his strong arms around her, showing her the compassion he rarely showed, the love and hatred for him mixed in her stomach. Yet she melted at the two words he then whispered.
"I'm sorry."
Of course, he didn't have to know that. Emerald eyes closed as she fought back the urge to turn around and crumple into his arms. But that urge to deny him was slowly disappearing as he went on.
"I upset you, unintentionally." Sasuke said as he swallowed awkwardly. Kami, he was NEVER going to be good at these types of conversations…but he couldn't avoid them forever. Especially when he wanted to keep this woman with him for the rest of his days.
"You've changed. I can see that clearly." He breathed, pausing to find the right words. "Sometimes I think you're stronger than me."
Sakura laughed quietly at this. That sentence sounded strangled. Sasuke really was trying to apologize…
But this was too amusing! Though she knew what he was trying to say, it sounded so good to actually hear him say the things he were thinking and how he felt about her.
His grip tightened around her waist as he nuzzled his face into her neck. "I've made a lot of mistakes, Sakura. But- the one I regret the most…" he paused to spin her around and murmur almost inaudibly:
"Is…hurting you."
Emerald eyes widened as she tried to fight the urge to cry. There was so much emotion and feeling in those normally emotionless obsidian pools. It was almost too much to handle…
Sasuke caressed her cheek as he stared into her eyes, perhaps into her very being. "But what I'd regret more than that would be…" he paused once more to hold her closer to him so he could whisper it in his ear. "Not being with you. Now and forever."
And at that, Sakura completely melted. She let out a sob. This was completely unlike Sasuke! Had he just proposed to her? Even though he hadn't said those 4 words, it was damn close to it.
But just as she thought he wouldn't, he knelt before her.
Shaky hands flew up to her mouth as she asked in a hushed whisper, "Kami…Sasuke-kun you aren't doing what I think you're…" but her voice was long lost as he pulled the tiny box in his coat pocket and opened it up.
Sakura gasped as a yelp escaped her lips. When her eyes fell onto a ring with a double band colored platinum that would entwine around her finger. In the middle were three, tiny heart shaped diamonds.
How much had he spent on it? She wondered thoughtfully. But as her eyes met Sasuke's she felt herself unable to look away. "Haruno Sakura," he paused to give her signature smirk. "Will you marry me?"
Sakura broke into a fit of sobs. It was what she had been waiting for all her life, what she had dreamed and wished for numerous times…and now, it was finally coming true.
The pink haired woman pulled him up before throwing herself into his arms. "Yes- yes! Of course I'll marry you, Sasuke-kun!!" she told him shakily as happy tears stained his jacket.
As he put the ring onto her finger, a rare smile grazed his lips. Then it faded as he stared deeply into his fiancée's eyes. All the love, joy and sorrow that made her were apparent in her eyes were shrouded by a gleam of great happiness.
He finally did it. He showed the world that he loved this woman in his arms.
And within seconds, Sakura's hands wrapped around his neck while his went into her hair as the two shared a passionate, powerful kiss.
The people passing by smiled at the two, looking at the ring that shone on her finger. And before the night was done, everyone in Konoha would know that Uchiha Sasuke had just proposed to Haruno Sakura.
-
-
-
Meanwhile, Ino and Shikamaru watched from afar. "Billboard brow is so lucky! Shika-kun…why can't YOU be romantic like that? Mou…" Ino complained in jealousy as she eyed the couple lost in each other's arms on the bridge.
Shikamaru said nothing and sighed. Ever since he was little, like every man in Konoha, he could never match up to the Uchiha who he had even beat him at his own idea; proposing to his girlfriend that night.
But he couldn't help but smirk. 'It's about time, Sasuke.' He thought before turning to his babbling girlfriend and pulling out a ring of his own.
"Ino, turn around." He said softly as he got down on one knee.
"Shikamaru you haven't been listening to me at all, have yo-"she complained as she spun around. Then, under the moonlight, blue eyes met a beautiful, a purple diamond ring.
"Oh my…Kami…" she murmured before happy tears spilled from those wide, blue eyes.
And for once in her lifetime, Yamanaka Ino was completely, utterly, and entirely silent.
x
Isn't it nice
To have a boy love you
So much
That it makes him drop to his knees?
TBC…
I love that quote XD. That's how I got those proposal scenes right there.
Ugh. Okay. So, I was going to make this longer and try to write a lemon. But, I couldn't bring myself to do it! Maybe I'll show some in the next chapter for the lemon lovers out there "? Give me some feedback and I might just honor your request ;).
Just click that little thing at the bottom left part of the screen. Y'know. That button that says "go" to "submit review". Then leave me a comment. You know you want to.
Don't hold your breath…
xxasukachanxx