Note: I just want to point out that a certain amount of time passes between the scenes, meaning this isn't all happening in one day. Enjoy!

Chapter XV

2 years later

I could never get it right. Ever.

I let out an annoyed sigh then proceeded to curse at the fact that I couldn't do such a simple thing!
'I never struggled like this when I was younger!' I tell my reflection. 'When did it get so hard…?'

Stupid hair.

Trying not to ruin the almost perfect bun I had created I gently push the white flowers in. I hear one crack underneath my fingers but it is already halfway in. Cautiously I let go and when it stays in place, I let out a sigh of relief. It is everything but perfect.

'I don't care,' I grumble to myself. 'It looks nice.'

It certainly didn't feel nice since I always ended up using too many pins. I was going to have a huge headache by the time this evening was over but I'd least I'd look the part I was going play. I give myself a quick approving nod before grabbing the light blue purse off the table and rushing out of the house. I quickly get in the carriage that had been waiting for more than half an hour.

Inui hated when I was late and I didn't really have a proper excuse to justify it today either. Telling him I had decided to take a nap and had lost track of time would be considered very unprofessional from his point of view. I guess I understood that since he rarely had any free time.

Also, this was one of the few evenings we could spend together for the next couple of weeks to come. It had been so hectic lately and it seemed the agenda wasn't going to ease up anytime soon.

I just wanted a nice evening together.

I jump out of the carriage and quickly run into the huge building. I have to compose myself when entering and take a glimpse in the window to make sure everything is just right.

Entering through the huge gate, I feel a little uncomfortable when walking in by myself. But the wary feeling disappears when I see him.

I smile when seeing him look up with those big blue eyes of his, still giving me a startled look whenever I dressed up like this. I think he knew I hated these type of parties and secretly kept doing it to make me feel better. It did help a little but I still felt out of place at times. But nevertheless I was happy to attend. After all, there was plenty of people here I owed thanks to and I would now have the chance to properly speak to them and thank them in person.

'You're late,' he whispered in my ear after I greeted him.
'Sorry,' I mutter back.
'It's ok,' he smiled wrapping his arm around my waist when several people came over to greet us.

Soon it became a group of people that slowly surrounded us. All interesting, well-established people that were in interested in my life and doings. I sometimes felt the need to pinch myself so I could actually belief I was living this life.

I remember dreaming of this when I was just a young girl; being popular and well-known. And because of my intelligence and having, of course, the practically perfect man at my side.
I squeeze his hand, hoping my hand wouldn't pass through it and it would turn out all to be a dream.

A reassuring squeeze reminds me that it is not.

'Congratulations on your engagement!'
I could only smile, mainly because I was feeling overwhelmed by the attention. It wasn't like I had ever craved this childhood dream but somewhere along the way it had just happened. And it was a million times better then I could've ever imagined. I wasn't just some girl. I was a very well-known, no longer frowned upon doctor who had managed to realize some amazing projects and earn plenty of respect.

The last year had taken such drastic turn. And even though I had witnessed it at first hand, I still couldn't believe it. The war was finally coming to an end. For the longest time it held felt so endless and now, with everyone's signature under the peace treaty it was becoming a solid fact.
Of course there was still a lot of matters that had to be dealt with but at least no huge amount of civilians were suffering or any large group of shinobi were still send on death missions that would make little to no change on the grand scale of things. All war related missions were currently ceased.

Inui and I had somehow managed to do what we had set our hearts on years ago, each in our own way of course. But now that it was finally starting to take form, Inui found the perfect ending to all the heartache was a union. I was reluctant at first, not really feeling certain about spending the rest of my life with him…

I feel him squeezing my hand again, sending me a smile when I glance up. I can't help but geniunly smile back.

But it was moments like these that made me disagree with the doubt in my heart.

Without hesitance, Inui guides me through the crowd. In search of some place private, were we could actually talk for a minute. We halt along the way a few more times, just to say hello and have some small talk.

We had been so busy the last few weeks. Well, especially Inui. It had taken hard work and plenty of high risk chances to get it all done. I knew not everyone always agreed with his thinking and sometimes I didn't quite agree with him myself but he always seem to be know what he was doing.

Even now, when excusing us for having to need a private room for a moment. He did so charmingly and convincingly it was hard to refuse him.

It also didn't seem to matter to him where we were or what we were doing, he never hid his feelings for me.

When the door shuts behind us he doesn't wait too long to pull me close to him, his mouth immediately finding mine. A longing, gentle kiss to remind me of what I had been missing out on.

He gives me another smile while placing a loose strand of hair behind my ear. 'You look beautiful.'
'Thank you,' I smile. 'And you,' I say taking a step back to eye him, 'look very handsome.'

'Aren't we the couple,' he snickers.
'Just perfect,' I say while echoing one of our spectators.

Smiling in response he twirls me around, nodding approvingly at the blue dress.
'Sorry, I was running late…' I mutter. 'You know how all girls spend too much time in the bathroom!'
I added a convincing smile to my little lie.
'I know but do try to be on time next time.' 'I'm rarely late!' I snap.
'When it is something you enjoy,' he smirks. 'Which are definitely not parties that revolve around you.'

'I'm here, am I not?' I point out, grabbing his hands and wrapping them around me. He just nods.
'So when are we getting married?' he asked also echoing one of the guest.
'Soon,' I mutter while trying to distract him by kissing him lightly.

'How long will this Naruto guy begone?' he starts, growing more aggravated by the subject. I let out a sigh, tired of the amount of times I had to explain this to him. He didn't seem to understand how important he was to me. I let go of his hands and he lets go of my body. Stiffly standing before one another, we avoid eye contact.

'Let's go,' he simply said, not wanting to ruin our evening by starting the same argument we had last time. I could tell he was annoyed but I ignored it, feeling rather selfish tonight. I didn't want to deal with it.
'Next month there will be a gathering much like this,' Inui starts when opening the door. 'Prepare for the vultures lurking to try and get an invitation.'

'What type of gathering?' I ask nonchalantly while nodding at a few attends noticing us.
'Big things are awaiting,' he whispers, sounding excited. 'More than one Kage will be attending.'
'Oh,' I simply said in surprise, not really certain how I should react to this new information.

The evening went by too fast and the little nap I had taken this afternoon had made no difference to the fatigue I was feeling. Dancing, wining, dining. Endless conversation about everything and nothing.
Sometimes it was all so very draining...

I throw my things on the couch and let myself fall into bed.

'People talk too much,' I mutter.

I hear Inui laugh in response. He's pouring himself a drink. When he turns around he gives me a smirk.
'What?'
'I've been thinking…' he starts. 'When exactly is your friend coming back?'
I let out a groan. Not this again…
He hold up his hands, signaling he means no harm. 'Relax!'
'What about Naruto?' I simply ask being a bit more direct then him.
'Perhaps he is not returning because he doesn't want to get married himself, hmm?' he said, referring to his relationship with Hinata.

'Shut up,' I snicker, finding the idea absolutely ridiculous. 'He just wants Sasuke to come home with him. Speaking of, have you given it some thought?'

With a stern look he nods. 'I told you about that gathering, did I not?'

How could I forget? It was all everybody could talk about.

'It isn't just some fancy party. Well, I mean the one you'll be attending will be but on the scheduled dates there will be meetings concerning a few… problematic cases that are withholding some of the Kage to take things to the next level.'

'In other words, some things that happened off the record but are well-known?' I ask, sitting up.
Smirking at how I put it, he nods again. 'Exactly. Not all of it concerns off the record missions, some really were given but we are trying to find a way around it. This includes the Uchiha's case.'

'I hope you are successful,' I start, slowly getting up off the bed to walk to him. 'Else I'm going to have to keep postponing our wedding.'
'That is a shame,' he smiles when I walk up to him.

When his lips touch mine, I can taste the alcohol that awakes some long forgotten dark memory. I widen my eyes in respond, startled at where my mind was bringing me. Placing my arms around him, I tightly hold on to him while blocking out whatever was trying to find its way into my head again.

'Does this mean some other cases will be… pardoned as well?'

It was thin line we were both walking on. A subject we tried to avoid most of the time but neither of our stubborn personalities ever could. Oddly, it was the same case that brought us together.

He doesn't respond but empties his drink instead. I can feel him stiffen underneath my touch. I still didn't know what exactly he felt or thought about this particular but mostly personal case. He would never open up about it.

Until this day, I was none the wiser.

'Morino.'

Ah, a name that had become a taboo over the years. He resented him so much yet he had never personally told me why but I assumed it was because he, deep inside, knew the truth.
Yet for some reason, he didn't want acknowledge it or simply dared to tell me what he even simply suspected himself had happened.

But I knew. I knew the truth but could never say a word. If I did, I'd lose it all. I would lose everything. Including the man I was holding onto.

'Sakura, why do you care so much about what has happened after all these years?'

'Because you are so keen on keeping him off duty when it is so obvious…'
'What is obvious?' he snapped, getting annoyed by this conversation. I just hold him in place, making sure he understands that I'm not going to back out of this. Or let him go because of this touchy subject.

'It was inside job and you know it.'

'He was the one who proceeded with the order,' he sharply says. I can hear his heartbeat increase, even after all these years, he was still hurting. 'Hedidn't get what hedeserved!' he snapped, repeating the same words as always.

Punishment. Suffering. Pain.

Hadn't we had enough of that already?

The entire case had been covered up because more answers only led to more questions and eventually Konoha would hang itself by keeping the investigation going. Until this day, the death of the old councilor remained unsolved. The so called assassin was never found, making it obvious who was guilty of the murder.

To some it had grown obvious over the years what exactly had occurred, others were still in doubt.
But Ibiki Morino's reputation had been slaughtered and Inui had made sure he ended up permanently suspended. However, there was never enough evidence to put him behind bars.

I bit my lip at my knowledge. There had been an assassin and I had let him escape together with his young companion.

I shut my eyes, trying to block the memory but found it hard to do so.

Instead of confessing, even if it was just partly, Ibiki had stayed put on being completely innocent.
I remember his statement crystal clear during the trial. I hated the pitiful looks he would send me when no one was watching, probably thinking I had been abused during that time.

That was the last time we saw each other.

I never had a chance of ever speaking him again. Inui had made sure of that. He shielded me from the man with all of his power, thinking he was out to harm me. Even if it was almost two years ago.

But over the years… I knew deep inside Ibiki Morino had been nothing but a pawn as well.

'If it is true, shouldn't he be off the hook? All he did was doing his job,' I softly tell him.
'So you are on Tsunade's side?' he asks, grabbing my chin so I'd look him in the eye. His blue eyes coldly stared into mine.
'He said higher officials were aware of a planned assassination,' I sharply answer. 'Tsunade didn't even object to that or claimed it was a speculation from his side!'
'She only said nothing because she feels bad. She doesn't want to worsen his punishment.'

'Tsunade wouldn't be on his side if it weren't for a good reason,' I tell him. Though I had never been able to figure what that reason was myself nor had she ever explained why the councilor had to die. It wasn't her style in my opinion but she had confessed in between the lines that Ibiki wasn't supposed to get punished for it.

I could tell she felt guilty towards him. She had been doing everything she could to get him off the hook. That included ignoring me for the most part since she had never been able to figure out why I was so keen on keeping my secret and, in her opinion, let an innocent man suffer for it.

'Why are you bringing this up after all this time?' he repeated, this time on aggravating tone. Pushing me off of him, he turned around to fill up his glass again.

In all honesty, I didn't know why I was so keen on holding on to it either.

'I thought we should be aware of what is coming…' I simply said, trying to calm him down. Placing my hands on his shoulder, I tried to bring him at ease again. Softy massaging him, he let out a sigh of relief. I smile victoriously and wrap my arms back around him, placing my chin on his shoulder.

'I just miss Tsunade. I thought maybe if this case could ever get solved, we could… reconcile.'
'You're not with the right man for that,' he mutters.
'Yeah,' I nod, knowing perfectly well what he was talking about. It had spiraled out of control the last year and even though we, the Shinobi in whole, owed Inui a lot, I didn't agree on this matter either.

I still believed we very much needed a Hokage to watch over us and not a selected group of councilors. Shinobi knew shinobi. It was simple as that.

'Is that the reason?' he suddenly asks. 'You keep postponing everything?'
'I… I don't know.'
'At least put on your engagement ring,' he continues. 'It all wouldn't be so complicated if maybe you did what was expected of you.'

I let go of him, feeling more drained then before.

'I have to go,' he says turning back around to give me a light kiss on the forehead.
'Where to? We haven't seen each other decently for over a month—'I don't have meetings to ensure what nutritious meals the children at school should be having, I have meetings about matters of life and death.'

I swallow the bitterness I feel in the back of my throat and I don't respond when he kisses me goodbye. He mutters a cold apology and asks me to stay awake until his return.

'Since I do like sleeping with my fiancé once in a while.'

'Don't count on it,' I snap at him when he closes the door. I throw my purse at it, while screaming out the hate I was feeling inside.

I smile when listening to the young boy talk. It was one of my favorite things to on my long list of expected duties, visiting schools. Seeing the bright colored classes and the endless grateful looks on their young faces, made me feel so good.

It made me feel… alive.

Nodding at the young children's ideas and thoughts, I hoped I was able to fulfill their hopes and dreams. As I walk out of the classroom, I get greeted by plenty of people, showering me with attention and gifts. More than I can carry. Accepting one of the many flowers waiting to be given, I eventually manage to walk out of the school.

Being guided through the village, I halt when standing in the middle of the small village.

The market and villagers of here reminded me much of a place I once called home.

And I remind myself I have yet to take that one trip back to the outskirts of the Land of Fire... back to the small village I had once left behind.

I remember being so keen on going back…

I hope they weren't too angry at me for not returning more quickly. Perhaps a few memories had held me back but more so... all the opportunities that had come my way. Some had been too good to pass on.

I bite my lip when I think back to the fight I had with Inui, reminding me I should really let it go. It was something I had told myself to do years ago but never had been fully able to do. I fumble with the long braid resting on my shoulder, while casually walking through the streets.

I ignore the ANBU agent following me around, letting my mind drift back to the past.

I wonder where you are now… Are you happy? Are you still running?

None of it matters, Sakura,

I hush myself. They forgotten about you and you should forget them. Besides there are other things at matter… like Inui. I let out a sigh. I wish I could talk to someone. I feel so lonely.

'Miss Haruno?' 'Doctor,' I correct him, irked by the fact people called me that more often these days.
'It is time to go. We have another meeting in—'I'll be there in a minute,' I snap. My shoulders drop in defeat, feeling tired again.

I wait at the door, hoping she wouldn't dismiss me by saying she was too busy. She had done it before, taking out her frustration on me for something my significant other had suggested.
'Come in!'

I let out a sigh of relief, slowly opening the door. Peeking my head through to see what she was up to I see stacks and stacks of paper that hid her. But I could see her blond hair peek through here and there between the piles.

'Tsunade?' I ask with some hesitance.

'Here!' she yells back. I can tell she hasn't even looked up yet.

Moving through the maze of stacked papers, I finally manage to get to her desk. She holds up her hand before I could speak up again, clearly signaling me to wait a moment.

'Done,' she then said throwing the file on another pile next to her desk.

'You have a lot of work… Can't anyone help you out?' I ask with concern when looking around.
'Your fiancé could suggest less paperwork instead of more,' she snippily answered. I give her a hurt look and instant regret went over her features.

'Not your fault,' she mumbled. 'Sit down.'

'Where?'

She takes a look around. There was hardly room to stand in her office for the moment. 'Go sit over there,' she points at the windowsill.
'I have coffee,' I tell her showing the two paper cups.
Her face softens up and she gives me a grateful look when accepting it.

'Thanks,' she said sitting down with a tired sigh next to me. We hold on to the warmth, enjoying the silence for a few seconds.

These moment were the only ones we had left from the past. It seemed these days we were always having some sort of argument. Either disagreeing on some matter or desperately trying not to let Inui's decisions get to us.

'What brings you here?'
'I just needed to talk,' I softly answer while sincerely hoping we actually could.
Glancing out of the corners of her eyes she places her hand on mine, reminding me I always could. No matter what was going on.

'I talk to Inui about… Ibiki Morino.'
'I told you didn't have to,' she starts. 'I wanted to,' I answer, halting her speech. She simply shrugs, nodding her head so I'd continue.

'He is so stubborn on keeping him in this state of… political imprisonment,' I continue. 'He acknowledges the truth in-between the lines but defies the idea of actually letting this case go. Which I don't understand. Why is Sasuke getting such a kind treatment, when he has done so much worse? Did you forget he murdered Danzo?'

'I didn't,' she sharply points out. Taking a sip from her coffee. 'But Inui seems to have forgotten.'
'He was just as close to him as he had been with his mentor,' I tell her, knowing how upset he had been when he had heard the news of Danzo's death.

'Sasuke is an Uchiha after all,' Tsunade points out. 'Always has been the clan of special treatment.'
Upset, I shake my head not believing what I was hearing.

'Why are you so keen on getting Ibiki out?'

I feel so weird asking her this. As if I'm doing something wrong. I never question her.
Maybe the question is actually more directed at myself…

'Is it… is it because Inui wants to depose you? Or at least lower the value that Hokage is currently holding?'

'Sakura,' Tsunade suddenly says, breaking the silence. 'I still, until this day, don't know why Inui is keeping this against Ibiki. There is only indirect evidence he was involved and beside the rumors, we have very little to hold against a Shinobi who has always shown us a great sense of honor and loyalty. I want to restore that, it is Inui who is holding it all back.'

'What are you saying?'

'That I don't know if it is Ibiki involvement we should've investigated.'

Is she talking about me?

Widening my eyes in shock. I gape at her, not quite sure what to say at this revelation.
This subject had only been brought up, after years of silence, a few weeks ago and I was already regretting that I had consented to the idea of just listening to what she had to say.

I felt a little manipulated.

'I'm sorry for what has happened but I'm not the one to blame,' I sharply tell her while getting up.

She hold her hands up, obviously trying to calm me down. 'I know,' she simply answers.

'Then what is it?' I ask her. 'I tried to meet you halfway, Tsunade. I asked him, just like you wanted me to do. I can't change his answer!'

'Sakura,' she slowly starts, thinking it through. I could tell she didn't like what she about to tell me. And I knew deep inside, I was going to hate it.

'You need to make up your mind, either be here or go be with your soon to be husband.'

'What are you talking about!?'

'I can't… talk to you anymore. He is the one trying to deprive me of my position and I know he is going to uses cases like that one against me. Saying I was aware of the assassination, when I wasn't. Sakura, he is framing me for things I haven't done. And he's doing the same with Ibiki.'

'Inui is stubborn,' I admit, 'but not unkind or hateful. He has done so much—'and it has benefited his position,' she harshly cuts me off, silencing me in the progress. 'When was the last time you did something you liked? You're not a doctor anymore. You a great person, Sakura, I'm very proud of all you have succeeded but when was the last time you saved an actual life?' she asks me.

'I hated working in that hospital!' I argue back, not really like how things were either. But I had no choice, I couldn't stand the toxic environment and what I was doing today made me feel useful and happy.

'And who put you there?' she snaps back. 'Not me.'

Stunned at her words and the implications, I just speechlessly stood before her. The nagging feeling I had tried to ignore before came back, reminding me of what had been lurking inside.

'I'm so sorry for how things are going,' I tell her with a trembling voice. 'I never thought he would push the idea through and I have shown my resent towards it but I can't change the fact he is not the only one with this mindset.'

She simply nodded her head understandingly, giving me a pitiful look. I felt like she did truly understood what I was saying yet there was something she was afraid to say out loud. Averting her eyes for a second before looking back up to me, she eventually spoke up again.

'You can't have us both.'

'I know that!' I yell at her, stomping my foot in frustration. Drying my eyes before any tears could fall, I turn around to leave. 'I'm so… sorry.'

Combing my hair, I stared at myself in the reflection. I hardly recognized this woman before me. Flawless, long pink strands. A sophisticated woman who demanded respect and got it. Yes but not as the harsh doctor from years ago. That woman was gone.

The argument with Tsunade had awoken something I had tried to keep asleep for almost two years.

Was I running from myself?

I was so scared of being caught up in something I had ended up weaving myself into another world. A place where I, at times, could still feel out of place. I had blinded myself with opportunities and success. I had become one of the elite. The riches.

Placing the comb on the table, I get up and look around. This room was twice the size of any bedroom I had ever slept in. I didn't need any of this.

'Sakura?'

Turning around, I'm surprised to see him home so early. 'Inui.'

He simply smiled when walking towards me. Embracing me tightly, he asked me how my day was. His had been tiring, as always. I let my shoulders drop, feeling at ease suddenly.

Don't I have everything I longed for…?

'I had a fight with Tsunade.' The melancholic tone was hard to miss and I instantly felt more saddened when I had to say it out loud. I guess it was because it felt so final, so… irreversible.

'She's upset because she realize she is going to lose her position,' Inui started. 'She's just taking it out on you. Don't worry, once this thing is over and she is over it, you'll two will reconcile.'

I think about it for a moment. It wasn't exactly that, it felt as if I was losing her. Our bond was put under so much pressure… it felt as if it was going to break.

Nevertheless, I think to myself, he seemed to understand.

Placing my arms around his neck, I pull him in for a kiss. 'Thanks.'

Thank you for telling me what I always need to hear… something reassuring and kind.

'You look nice.'
'Thanks,' I sarcastically answer.
'At least behave as if you want to be here,' he said while rolling his eyes.
'As long as you know I'd rather be anywhere else in the world,' I hissed, giving him a furious look.

'How long are you going to punish me?' he asked as he let go of my waist. He stared into his glass of champagne before casually looking around.

I clench my teeth.

'This is not some form of punishment. You not only disappointed me, you are going against something I stand for.''Sakura, stop behaving like a saint,' he answered on a bored tone. 'Aren't you taking advantage of things yourself? Like asking for more funds for a certain project? You know as well as I Konoha isn't going to decline because it would publicly bring shame upon not only the village but the entire country.'

'I'm helping people in need, you are helping yourself,' I hiss. 'I can't believe you pushing this thing through. There is no country that will follow our example which, just like Tsunade has argued, will bring us in a weakened state. We'll become an easy target for other countries and will be back from where we've started, at war!'

'I have this all figured out. Next week will be the last week Konoha has a Hokage,' he argued back. 'But for tonight, with plenty of Kage to flaunt their greatness and share their thoughts, she is still the Hokage.'

'You know how much this hurts me,' I tell him. 'You know Tsunade means so much to me…'

'But the power to change means more to you,' he snapped, silencing me with the stinging truth. 'And that is what makes us a great couple.'

'Then maybe we shouldn't be,' I tell him on a low tone, feeling the words burn inside of me. For weeks we had hardly had a spoken and if we did, it only led to this heated argument.

With a frown he walked to me, grabbing me and pushing me to him. His face was inches away from mine and I saw something I had never seen before in his eyes, something sinister. 'You're not going anywhere, you belong with me.'

'A-are you threatening me?' I whisper in shock, though not taken back by his words as much as I was by his sudden change in demeanor. I could blame it on stress but that would be a little too naïve for my age.

'Tsunade's situation could get worse,' he whispered in my ear. 'With all those war cases we have to deal with, she might be found guilty of negligence or abuse of power.'

Widening my eyes at his words we got interrupted by a servant telling us dinner would be served. Letting go of me, he told me how beautiful I looked in that long dark blue dress but I didn't respond to him. I simply kept staring at him in shock.
'Just act normal,' he then added on an aggravated tone when he realized I wasn't playing along.

Taking my hand he guided me to grand dining-room where I got silenced by the massive amount of people attending this gathering. From Kages, Daimyos, high-officials to the most extraordinary Shinobi that had proven their worth during the war. Everyone with some meaning was in this grand ballroom.

Straightening my back, I ignored Inui for now. When I saw Tsunade I tried to make eye-contact but it seemed that she was keen on ignoring me.

I feel an overwhelming feeling of sadness take me over. Staring at the luxury of the room, the people talking, I suddenly felt very lonely again. Like I had been feeling for the last couple of weeks.

But just like expected, I played my role. Nodding my head politely while having small talk and trying to set up some new common projects. These new people were foreigners, which meant it all could become something international and perhaps even one day worldwide.

Yet my heart wasn't in it. I felt myself grow only as fraud, not as a genuine person anymore.

Glancing at my partner I noticed how Inui stays true to his role. He ignores my sour face for the most part and only talks to me when others are around.

During dinner we don't speak a word to one another.

Luckily the festivities were a great distraction. And like always, Inui found it a good excuse to leave me alone for the rest of the evening. He took off with the new Mizukage, someone who at least seemed to care for the future of the country and was working hard to change their current reputation.

Whenever it involved Kirigakure I tried to not let my mind wander to a certain person…

'All by yourself?'

Surprised by the cool voice, that had an eerie resemblance to the person haunting my mind, I turn my head and look up to see none other than Sasuke standing behind me.
Quirking up an eyebrow to the fact he had bothered to come all away across the room to talk to me, I simply give him a somber nod in acknowledgement to his presence.

Not feeling overly confident, I decided to let him instigate the conversation. He was seeking me out after all.

'Are you alright?' he casually asked.
'I'm fine,' I answered. I wasn't quite sure what he wanted, or why he even bothered to ask me how I was but I wasn't in the mood. My confidence was at a low point and I didn't feel like being reminded of people that had made me feel bad about myself.

It didn't seem to bother him that he was just oddly standing next to me. Not even asking me if he could sit with me or ask me to dance. Not that I wanted to. But still, the sight must've come off as unusual to everyone surrounding us.

'I see you've been by yourself for most of the evening,' he then started.
'Does that bother you?' I snippily asked. I always had assumed seeing Sasuke after all these years would have some sort of impact on me but it seemed my melancholic state made me immune to his cold personality.

He stayed quiet, holding on to his stoic mask as always. Without asking or even speaking another word, he pulled up a chair to sit next to me.

'I never thought I'd see you here,' he started.
'Where, Kohoha?' I keep my eyes on the dancefloor, not feeling the idea of looking him in the eye and actually talk. 'You didn't make that much of an impact to make me never come home again.'

Well that was kind of a lie… But he indeed had nothing to do with the fact I had come back.

'Here, Sakura,' he calmly stated.

Intrigued by his answer, I can't help but turn my head and look at him. His dark eyes stay unfazed by mine but it seems he needs to get something off his chest.

'I thought you hated it,' he starts. 'This place of… smoke and mirrors?' He nods his head to a few people I know all too well. 'I remember you disliking the idea of being treated differently depending on your status in our society.'

'Because you threated me differently,' I blurt out, though knowing he wasn't talking about us. 'You made me feel as if I could never be good enough for you, no matter what my occupation, status, wealth, whatever it was that you valued at the time. None of it was ever good enough because I wasn't from a certain Clan or had family name that was widely known.'

'I apologize if I made you feel that way,' he solemnly tells me.

I shrug at his cold-heartedness, seeing it didn't bother him what had caused me so much pain when I was younger, when we should have been living a more carefree life at such an age.

But I guess after all this time, it didn't matter.

Now that I was older… sure I could handle it all a little better and I guess with age comes a certain status but still, he never made me feel valued throughout our time together. The fact he had just left and said a simple thank you instead of an explanation, said so much about how he had felt about me.

'I see you got quick pass back into the higher-circles,' I snap at him, hating how I was still dwelling on our past relationship.
He doesn't reply to the remark, staring at me with the same coolness as before. I never could get to him…

'I don't think you belong here, Sakura. You never did,' he suddenly said. Placing a hand on my shoulder, I widen my eyes at his bold, arrogant statement. 'You care about what truly matters and make the difference in a way most people can't. You don't have to pay off your guilt with money, like some in this room have to do.'
I simply snicker in response, not believing what my ears were hearing.

'I think you should get out while you still can.'
'And I think you should leave,' I snap, taking a hug gulp of my glass of wine. When he doesn't budge, I get up myself. Leaving the glass of wine and Sasuke behind me.

Moving through the room, in hopes I could somehow get out of this rotten place, I bump into a few people. Muttering half apologies, I snatch another glass of wine from one of the tray passing me by.
While drinking I look around, wondering if Sasuke had indeed a point.

I wasn't where I belonged. Or did people just like making me feel out of place?

A flash of memories come before my eyes, reminding me how people liked to manipulate my weakness.

Letting my head drop in defeat, I let out tired sigh. I was so tired of… everything that was me.

Great, now I'm becoming depressed!

I ignore the few people that were trying to make eye-contact with me, looking around in the room while awkwardly standing by myself. I could see a few bored Shinobi standing at the sides, slouching or leaning against the wall. As much as it was an honor to socialize with the elite, that did not mean it was an honor for them to socialize with mere… soldiers. I always pitied theones who got an invitation since I knew what type of boring evening they had ahead of them.

Yet when I was feeling like this, they were always the easiest ones to talk to. I think they liked telling the story of how they got here and were grateful when someone actually listened to them.
I stare at the amount Shinobis from various countries, a sight that had been unthinkable a few months back. Well, at least there was something to feel good about tonight.

I halt when one of them catches my eye.

'W-what…?' I have to blink twice when I see him. I widen my eyes when he looks in my direction. A servant comes to block my vision. 'Miss Haruno—'Doctor,' I snap at while pushing him to the side.
'Lord Inui would like—'I'm busy!' I snap again, while searching for the person I had just been staring at. He was gone! He had been leaning against the wall near the balcony just a second ago!

Bewildered at the idea of him being here, I look around in search of him. I can't find him but I know…

I'm certain it was him!

Who? Who? Who?!

Sorry for the long wait! First I was sick and with the holidays I never got the time to re-read this chapter and publish it. I'm sorry if my grammar and mistakes are annoying. English isn't my first language and I've gotten a little rusty I suppose… I apologize but I'm grateful you keep reading in spite of it.

Thank you all so much!

I just want to remind you that there is NO CHAKRA in this story, this takes place in an AU.

Comment/review!