Wow. Guys! I've been completely blown away by the responses I'd had to this story. I was expecting one or two reviews at best. You really bring tears to my eyes!

I've had a few comments about Sakura waking up for her coma. The way how I have written the last chapter makes it seem like Sakura is healthy but she isn't. I think I became too focused on the interaction between the characters and this made Sakura look healthier than she actually was. This chapter should answer any of these concerns. Thanks for flagging it up!

Thanks for the tips on a title – I really like the idea of the title having the word blind in it. But for now I still need more for your help!

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First Steps

Things were unbearably awkward for Sakura; here she was eating breakfast with Sasuke and Keizo as if they were a normal family. But that was the problem; they were not a normal family. Sasuke had been unusually nice around her since he found her crying in bed. Sakura however couldn't even look at him in the face. It was impossible for her to meet his eyes, every now and then she gained the courage to look but she could never hold the stare for more than a second. It made her feel pathetic and weak inside.

He's probably noticed by now…

A part of her wondered what the hell she was even doing here in Sasukes house. Keizo – he was the only reason. For the time being she would play along with this game but this definitely was not a permanent situation in her mind. She left her thoughts for a second as she looked towards the milk to pour some on her cereal but the bottle only had a small amount.

That isn't enough for my cereal. I'll have to get up and get another bottle out of the fridge… What a drag…

As soon as she started to move from her seat Sasuke got up. 'I'll get it.' He was always being like this, more than helpful. If there was tiny things she needed, he would go and do it and sometimes he even brought her things she didn't even realise she needed. To Sakura it was almost as if Sasuke was completely different person from the person she had spent time with at Sound. In some ways he was more like his past team seven self but he was slightly different from then, he had an air of maturity and calm around him.

Hmph. He has had five years to sort his life out. I've had none…

The feeling of being out of place was inescapable. If life was a puzzle she was the piece which didnt fit. For the last couple of days she had spent walking around the Uchiha grounds trying to become familiar with the layout but it was much too tiring for her to walk any further than that. Spending five years in a coma definitely had done no favours for her body. Her mind thought it could do more than she could physically do. At first even walking around the whole complex had been too much for her. The first time she walked around with Keizo she must on being running on adrenalin from seeing her son for the first time. But the times when she had fallen over out of exhaustion, who was there to pick her up? Sasuke. She hated him touching her, the feeling of his skin made her skin crawl. All she could think about was those memories, when he raped her for the first time, the times after and when he had beat her senseless. At times she wondered what he was thinking. Why was he doing all of this? She couldn't understand it. But she could barely speak a word to him. Let alone asking him about was just too hard. Maybe when she could eventually look him in the face properly then she would ask him those questions.

Bringing the new carton of milk with him sitting down Sasuke said 'I have taken a week's leave from work.'

Oh shit. At least I could avoided him in the daytime when he is working.

Keizo's face brightened. 'Daddy, daddy, what about me? Can I have the week off school? Pleaseee.'

'No.'

'But, they don't-'

'No.'

'It's not fair!' He crossed his arms in anger and creased his face up. 'Why do you get spend all the time with mummy!' His little angry pout was just too adorable.

Sakura instantly softened. 'Keizo.' Putting her arm around him she said. 'I'm not going anywhere; you'll get to spend lots of time with me. I promise.' He responded by cuddling into her smiling.

'Now eat your breakfast. I do not want you to be late for school.' Sasuke commanded.

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It had been two days since Sasuke had taken his first day off work. He said he took time off from work but all he seemed to do was continuously write on scrolls in his office. Not that she was complaining though! As long as it kept him busy and away from her, she was more than happy. Then the thought dawned on her…

Actually, I don't even know what his job is…

'Sakura.' The voice came from inside the room.

Crap. He noticed I'm by the door.

'We need to talk.'

Her heart literally froze in her chest. Those were the absolute last words she wanted to hear coming from his mouth.

'Um.' The small sound was the best response she could give.

'Come in and sit down.' He was just as imposing as he always had been. But at least she didn't have to second guess his intentions; no Sasuke was always straight forward when it came to that.

Sitting on the chair behind his desk made Sakura feel a bit as if she was in school and he was the teacher just about to tell her off. It didn't help that she did feel as he had some natural authority over
her like a teacher had over a student.

'You look healthier.' It was true, she had gained some more weight and her face looked more rosy as if she actually was alive.

'Thanks.' Sakura was still unable to meet his gaze. It was always so intruding and so invasive. Sasuke always saw through her, he always knew what she truly meant even if she told an outright lie. For her this was the scariest thing of all.

'I don't know how I supposed to-'

'Your job.' She stammered. 'I mean – what do you do?'

I won't just let him talk all over me. I won't just be a coward who takes everything.

For a split second a puzzled expression crept onto his face as if he was surprised, but the second it had came by the next second it had already left.

'Anbu. I'm the head of Anbu.' The shock on her face was evident.

What the fuck? You were a missing nin. How the hell can you be head of anbu? Tsunade would never allow this…

It seemed he already knew what was on her mind. 'Naruto is Hokage.' He paused for a second. 'He… managed to control the nine tails power and won the fourth ninja war.'

Naruto? Hokage? Fourth ninja war?

Her mind was in a daze. She realised five years was a long time and now she was 23. But for them to advance so much… Now she really felt as if she didn't belong here… She was just a mere Chuunin… No wait, she wasn't even a ninja at all anymore… The other words coming out of Sasuke's mouth didn't even register in her brain. Sakura was in too much in a daze.

I don't belong here anymore… What am I supposed to do now? Everyone has moved on with their lives… Everyone has a future… But me… I have…

She was snapped out of her daze by the nudging sensation she felt on her arm. It was Sasuke standing by her side; he was poking her arm trying to get her attention. How did he get from sitting in his chair to standing by her side? She hadn't even noticed him get up.

'I said do you need some water?'

'No' came the faint whisper of a reply.

Sasuke sighed. 'I knew it was too early. Come I'll take you to bed.'

He slowly started to wrap his arm around her shoulders until she suddenly violently smacked his arm away from her.

'Don't touch me!' She hissed at him. 'Stay away. Just stay away from me.'

Having Sasuke's presence by her was bad enough for her nerves but for him to be telling all this information in addition pushed her emotionally over the edge. Sakura knew she was becoming hysterical. Her breathing pattern was getting slower and heavier. Now she was finding it much harder to breathe. Sakura always dreaded this feeling she was now very much accustomed to - she was having a mini panic attack.

Not again… Not now… I won't be weak… I won't show him my weakness.

But the more she was trying to get herself under control, the harder and harder it became which led to her frustration. The frustration inside her seemed to have triggered the second level of panic attack stage and now her whole body had started to slightly shake.

'Sakura'

'…Don't…' She gasped in between breaths.

But she felt him touching her anyway. When had he ever listened to her? His soft fingers trailed to her face and she felt her head being gently lifted up to meet his gaze. His face had the same emotionless expression it usually did. Sharingan was the last thing she thought until she descended into the darkness again.

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When she woke up Sakura found herself back in her bed. A few seconds later came the searing pain of a really bad headache entering her head. On the side of the bed was a cabinet which conveniently had a glass of water and two headache tablets on top of it. No surprises who put them
there… Quickly she swallowed the tablets with the water. A little while after the pain seemed to subside. At least she felt calmer than before. Sleep made her feel better about things. It wasn't as if she could change anything was it? No, there wasn't any choice. She would just have to accept things as they were and move on…

'Sakura!' She knew that voice.

Naruto?

'Sakura-chan!' He cried while hugging her in a massive bear hug. 'I am so happy!'

'…I…can't…breathe…' Sakura gasped.

He let go moving back slightly so she could fully see his grinning face. He looked a little older but he was still the same old Naruto. Even after what had happened between them, Sakura was happy to see Naruto. He would always be a close friend of hers no matter what, too many things had happened for them to be anything but friends.

There would never be hatred between them. 'That Sasuke idiot! He wouldn't have even told me! I only found out you was awake because of Keizo!' He grumbled. 'I should have figured why he wanted time off work, he never takes time off you know.'

Sakura didn't care. 'So you finally made your dream come true.' The smile stuck on her face, after all she knew how much Naruto had gone through in his life and how important his dream to become Hokage was to him. From the bottom of her heart she was truly happy for him.

He deserves it. He deserves all the happiness in the world.

'Yeah! But it's only because of all the people who helped me get here!' He had turned slightly red and was scratching his head in an embarrassed way.

'Enough about me. I ran out of the office to see you! How are you feeling?'

'I'm okay. Things seem a little strange but I can deal with things.' She nodded.

'Keizo is amazing!' He looked down on the floor. 'I hope when I have a child he will be like him. He's definitely a kid to be proud of!'

'Yes, I'm really lucky. He is so adorable and I can tell he has a kind heart. Even though he is blind, he doesn't let anything get in his way.' Sakura smiled.

'I think it's because he's blind he feels the need to push harder than anyone else. Not that he needs to! Your boy is a genius.' Naruto chuckled. Talking to Naruto like this reminded her of the past. The past which she didn't really consider the past, it was her present. It was everyone else's past. But maybe there were something's which hadn't changed. Naruto was still very much the person she remembered from the past. Unlike Sasuke…

'Hey, Sakura…' His tone had changed to a much more serious one.

'Yes.'

'Forgive me. I'm begging you for your forgiveness.' She could see tears starting to form in his eyes.

Huh? Where is this coming from?

'How can I truly be a Hokage when I couldnt even safe my friend. When I left you that day it was the biggest regret in my life. It replayed in my mind over and over. I couldn't stop thinking about it all this
time. If only I had listened to you. I should have protected you! You wouldn't have been in a coma for five years! It's my entire fault! I can never make up the wrongs I've done to you! But-' She pressed a single finger to his lips.

'It's okay. I never blamed you. Not once.' His face changed from initially being hurt to surprise and then to happiness. His arm curled around Sakura holding her in a tight embrace.

'No.' He whispered in her ear. 'It will never be okay but all I can do is thank you for not hating me.'

Does he know about Sasuke? The things he did to me? Does this mean he believes me now?

'I should have realised you were under some kind of genjutsu from the beginning. Why else would you say those things?'

Wait? What?

'Itachi put you under a genjutsu to make you believe that Sasuke raped you so he could kidnap you. I should of realised it wasn't really you saying those things. You were under an illusion. I am such an idiot.'

Oh Naruto your much too kind hearted. I forgot how much you love Sasuke. You could never believe your precious Sasuke would be capable of doing such things.

'Did Sasuke tell you that?' Sakura needed to know if Sasuke had gone around telling lies. If he had, she would leave; she would leave today and take Keizo with her.

'He told me Itachi had taken you from him and put you under a genjutsu after he came back to Konoha. It was only when he told me that information when what you said me that day finally made sense.'

He didn't lie. Sasuke doesn't know I saw Naruto that day… Naruto is just putting information together in his head by using what are the most logical events to him.

'Right.'

The ache in her heart grew again. For a moment Sakura thought she wouldn't have to live a lie but it was just a mere fantasy. No, the truth would have to stay buried in her heart, all alone. But she didn't blame Naruto, he was only being Naruto. He was too innocent, trusting and kind hearted. Sakura didn't want to drag him into the mess which was her life.

Just let him enjoy his dream. Let him be. He's hokage now and has great responsibilities on his shoulders…

'I want to know all about your life Naruto. I've missed out on so much of it.'

'Me? Erm, let's see… Ramen is still my most favourite food in the world. Being Hokage is awesome. But…' He let out a massive smile 'the most important thing of all is I'm getting married to Hinata in two months time.'

'Married!' She let out a happy squeal. 'I'm so happy I'm awake to witness it!' Sakura had always liked the Hyuuga girl, sure at times she thought Hinata could be pretty strange but she was a genuinely nice girl. In Sakura's mind she had always hoped something would happen between the two of them but she worried Hinata's shyness and Naruto's stupidity were two large hurdles. But somehow they did it! They definitely would be Konoha's number one couple and rightly so.

'Next week was supposed to be mine and Hinata's stag and hen night. But now you're with us again, we both decided we wanted to celebrate you coming out of your coma instead-'

Sakura gasped. 'Naruto-' It's too much. I can't accept it…

He quickly cut her off. 'Dont worry about Keizo, I've got someone to look after him. Everyone wants to celebrate your return.'

I'm really grateful for the gesture but a party? I don't feel like I can face people yet...

Sasuke seemed to appear out of nowhere. A shiver ran down her spine as the thought came to her - had he been listening in the whole time?

'You are planning to use my house for a party without my permission? Hokage or not-'

Naruto didn't even flinch when he heard Sasuke's voice, so it seemed to Sakura Naruto had been aware of his presence the whole time. 'Baa! Don't be such a bore Sasuke. It's Sakura's decision. So what's it to be? Say party… please say party!' He had his hands in an over the top praying position.

His response instantly made up her mind. She wouldn't let Sasuke tell her what she could or couldn't do. Naruto had cancelled his own stag night and Hinata had cancelled her hen night so they could celebrate her coming out of her coma instead. How could she possibly refuse? They would have a party and she would enjoy herself - without him. She would show Sasuke he wasn't needed in her life.

She smiled at Naruto 'I would love a party.'

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The atmosphere around the house had got even heavier than before, if that was even possible. Sakura knew exactly what the problem was but she wasn't going to talk about it. If it was humanly possible she would rather not speak to Sasuke at all. That was her plan until he had cornered her in the kitchen right now.

Shit. There is nowhere to go.

'Tell Naruto the party is cancelled.' Sasuke got straight to the point.

'No. It will be fun to see everybody again. Do you think I'm just going to stay in this house forever? You say all this stuff about happy families, so then, don't you want me to be happy?'

Sakura could be stubborn as a mule if the situation demanded it. Right now she needed a victory, just one, even if it was a small one over Sasuke. She felt the need to validate her existence in the world.

'You aren't ready for this Sakura, it's too soon.' He sighed. 'Just take more time to recover then you can have a party.' Sasuke at least was trying to comprise with her.

Instead of seeing his offer of a comprise, instead Sakura took it as an insult. She felt patronised by him. Ever since she had awoken up from her coma he had made her feel as if she was utterly incapable of doing anything by herself. Now he had just proved it by saying it out loud.

'I said I'm fine!' It was the first time she shouted at him but she still couldn't meet him in the eye.

She felt his two arms pressed against the wall by her head so he was leaning his body over her body. The last time he had pressed himself up to her was in the cave before she gave birth all the memories started to flood back.

Itachi… I miss you… I miss you so much…

Sakura thought Sasuke could see the sadness in her eyes since after staring into them came words from his mouth she wasn't expecting.

'Alright then.' There was a slight hint of depression in his response. 'I won't force you.' Sasuke moved away from her and started to leave. 'It's your decision.'

I – I won? Yes! She couldn't help but smile.

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Today was the big day of her party. Naruto and Hinata came earlier in the day and had helped her with sorting out food and drinks for the guests which was a nice surprise for her. It was funny situation to think a hokage was helping her sort out a party. Sasuke would come in now and again watching everything going on but he didnt get involved.

Things definitely were not good between them but they were better, now she felt slightly more comfortable around his presence. They had so many deeper issues to talk about but for the time being they were matters which should be left for later. Sakura had to get used to the present world before she could heal the pain of the past one. Now Sasuke had gone back to work, it made Sakura feel more at ease as there was no need to worry about those intense dark eyes following her around all the time. Some space was needed between them and at the very least Sakura was grateful for the quick moments she could take for herself. Also with Sasuke gone more it meant extra time she could spend bonding alone with Keizo which out of everything was what she enjoyed the most. Keizo had put up a bit of fuss today as he couldn't understand why he wasn't allowed to come to the party. Grown up peoples party Naruto had told him, Keizo responded by saying Naruto himself wasn't very grown up either so he shouldn't be allowed to go. The kid had some courage to say the least!

The best day she had so far since awakening was when Keizo took her shopping around Konoha. It was hard to get over the shock of seeing Narutos face engraved on the Hokage mountain, what didn't help was it didn't really resemble Narutos face much either. It just looked too serious and mature to be Naruto. Walking around Konoha was strange it was a blend of old and new, somethings were the same as she remembered but other things were new. Luckily if she had questions Keizo would have the answers. Sakura noticed some people staring and whispering, probably about her but she ignored them.

'Everything is ready!' Naruto broke her out of her thoughts.

'I- I hope you like it.' Hinata stammered blushing.

'Its perfect. Thanks you guys so much!' She bear hugged both of them at the same time. 'Now all we have to do is wait for everybody.'

Sasukes house got pretty full very quickly afterwards. Part of what made the party so fun for her was watching his annoyed expression, it was obvious to everyone he didnt want any of them there. Instead of talking to people, he stood in the corner alone watching everybody. Well, thats what he made it look like but in truth he was only watching over Sakura.

Sakura couldnt count the amount of hugs she was getting from everybody. She didnt realise just how much she was loved or just how much she was missed. It was definitely a nice feeling. Everyone said the same thing but with different words- its so great to have you finally with us again.

'Sakura!' Came a girly squeal. Turning around she saw Ino throw herself onto Sakura giving her a girly best friend cuddle. 'I missed you so much!'

Sakura smiled. Ino hadnt changed much, she was even more beautiful than ever. 'Thanks, I guess?'

Ino kept rubbing her cheek against Sakuras. 'You know I tried to visit you so many times before. But that jerk wouldnt let me through the front door! Can you believe it! I'm your best friend! The nerve of it! But everything is okay now! I can come and visit you as many times as I want now. Theres so much I need to tell you about, you wouldnt even believe it. You know that girl-'

Ino continued to talk to Sakura for what seemed like hours nonstop. Eventually Shikamaru pulled Ino away. 'Ino, Sakura has to say hello to everybody. Dont hog her all to yourself.'

She blushed while being dragged away by Shikamaru. 'Sorry Sakura-'

Then a big hand came down on the top of her head. 'Kakashi-sensei!'

She could see his eyes smiling through his mask. It was late already, of course Kakashi would be the last person to make it. 'I'm glad to see my favourite female student is safe and healthy.'

Typical Kakashi...

'I'm your only female student-'

'Whiskey? Over there?' Quickly spinning around he avoided responding to Sakuras comment. Kakashi always knew how to annoy her. But it made her happy, at least Kakashi was the same person as he was before.

Now there was no-one around her for a second she started to feel slightly dizzy, she was undoubtely tired. I need to sit down... She felt Sasuke's eyes on her again. The whole night she had felt them. Perhaps I'm going crazy... She let out a big yawn.

'Sakura... Are you okay?' It was Hinata. 'You look tired, um, your body probably isnt fully recovered yet.' Hinata was so sweet. Better than Sasuke forcing her to do things. If only Hinata was looking after me...

'I just need to sit down for a bit.'

'Yes. Follow me.' She softly held Sakuras hand leading her through the crowds of people to the chairs at the back of the room. As they were walking she could hear drunken cheers of her name and people touching her while she was walking past.

Hinata sat down next to her. 'Hey Hinata. I would like to thank you for everything. Keizo told me how much you and Naruto have been looking after him. It was my responsibility...' She looked at the floor.

'No, no.' Hinata gasped. 'We love having Keizo around. Your our family too.'

Hinata's natural gentleness and kindness reminded her of Itachi. In some ways the two had very similiar characteritics both were devoted to the people they loved.

Itachi... No... It's my party... I shouldnt be depressed at my own party...

Something inside her snapped. 'Do you mind getting me a beer, Hinata?'

'S-sure.'

I dont even drink beer... I need to drink something... Anything to make these memories go away...

Hinata quickly reappeared with the beer. 'Thanks.' She started to down the drink really quickly.

'S-sakura, I dont think-' Hinata stammered.

Sakura got up and left to find Ino and party with her, just like they did together in the old days. She finally spotted Ino with a group of guys dancing to the blaring music in the living room. She remembered all the faces but not all of their names. Sakura slotted herself next to her and started to dance. 'Woo! Sakura! You still got it!' Sakura and Ino spent the next couple of hours dancing and drinking until it got really late.

'I think Sasuke is staring over here.' Ino shouted in her ear, so she could hear her over the sound of the music. 'He keeps looking at you.'

Sakura however was much too drunk.'It's fine.' She shouted back.

However a split second later Sakura felt a hand coming into contact with her bottom. Quickly she turning around to see who the culprit was, she was completely shocked to see Lee who was completely wasted.

'Sakura-' He began to speak until a fist came flying into his face. Lee dropped onto the floor completely knocked out.

Sakura didnt need to look to see who had done it. But she did anyway. Sasuke looked completely furious.

Holy shit...

Then the music suddenly stopped creating an eerie silence in the room. Everybody was staring at them.

'Enough.' Kakashi had turned the music off. 'Party is over.'

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Ooh. I thought it was pretty nice of Sasuke letting Sakura have a party at his house.

Review, review or no more chapters mwhahahaha...