Here's chapter 7! I kind of had a hard time with this chapter... i don't really know what to do about Sasuke and Sakura's dinner. It's just...aahhh! I want them to be more sweeter but it feels like it's so unlike of Sasuke to be sweet? I mean, not until later on though. I wanted Sasuke's character to be close to the real Sasuke as much as possible... so, i'm sorry if it's too plain T_T I'll do my best next time! - Author Shinjuchi

Dinner at the Uchiha's has always been the family sitting all together and savoring Sakura's home cooked meal. Both Sasuke and Sakura had always been strict when it comes to table manners thus making the children well behaved when they are in front of their meal. Sasuke was observing his children as they ate in silence. This was the first time they ate dinner together again after the children were transported back to this time. Sasuke was sitting at the head of the table with Sakura on his left and Junnosuke on the right. Keisuke was sitting beside his brother while Shinju sat across him beside their mother. Sasuke observed as his youngest child tried reaching for the gyoza in the table but her arms proved to be too short for her to reach. Sakura noticed as well and reached the gyoza and placed a piece on the youngest child's bowl. She thanked her mother, smiling cutely. On the other hand, Junnosuke turned to his father with a questioning look. "Father, I was wondering… did something happened back home while we were gone?" His father paused and looked at him, shaking his head slowly he replied, "Nothing bad happened except the mess your genin team made." Junnosuke gave him another questioning look as his mother in front of him laughed. "Oh Junnosuke… You must've seen the look on their faces! They were frantic. Especially Konohamaru." Junnosuke's eyes widened, "Konohamaru-sensei was worried?" Sakura nodded, smiling. "That's why when we arrive home; you must meet them at once. Okay?" Junnosuke stare at her for a while and nodded his head gently.

He knows how Konohamaru reacts when things like disappearances and getting hurt happens. His teacher can be so worrisome and concerned but that's one of the things that he likes about him. It reminds him that his teacher cared for their team. Junnosuke chuckled lightly as he thought of a memory. It was during their Chuunin exams. Even though it was him and his two teammates' exam, their teacher was feeling more worried and nervous than they were. He smiled at the stirring memory.

Sasuke watched his eldest son as he was reminiscing his fun-filled memories. He watched him as Junnosuke held a warm, peaceful look on his face. Sasuke swore to protect his family's smiles and laughter; after all, they are the ones who kept him feeling alive and wonderful. Sasuke smiled as he placed his hand on the boy's shoulder which made Junnosuke to look at his father instantly. "I'm so proud of you son. You did great during your Chuunin exams. Keep it up."Junnosuke was taken aback by his father's words. He observed his father's soft eyes and his affectionate smile. "Father…"

That side of Sasuke always made his children happy. Sasuke never stopped giving them his love and care. Always telling them positive things and making sure to always see a smile on their faces. He always gave them encouraging words, making his children feel proud and confident about their selves. No matter how small the matter was, he made sure to let them know that he was there for them. His father might look strict and stern, especially during work or outside their home, but once he was with his family, he always becomes this loving and supportive father.

Sakura observed them both with a glad smile on her face.

Meanwhile at the younger Sasuke's apartment, both of them sat in front of each other at Sasuke's dining table. Sakura offered to cook dinner but Sasuke refused, he wanted to do the cooking this time. He may not be an expert cook but he can at least make something decent too.

It was a silent dinner. All they can hear was the clock ticking and them munching on their food. She chewed her food slowly as she glanced at Sasuke in front of her. She noticed some changes on his facial features. He still looked as handsome as always, but she noticed the slight maturity he gained. He was munching his food slowly, closing his eyes. He looked so calm and gentle; she can feel the tranquility around the room. But suddenly, she noticed the change of expression on his face. Sasuke's eyes slowly opened, his gaze landed on her. She blushed pink; eyes widened a little and turned to look away. Sakura can feel the heat on her face as her heart beat became a little faster. She feels as nervous as he continued on looking at her. She gulped as she looked back at him. Sasuke raised a brow, "What's wrong?" he asked as he stopped eating. Sakura laughed awkwardly, "N-nothing!"

"Sakura, why do you always look away when I look at you?"

Sakura's eyes widened again, she can feel her heart beat getting more faster. She tried avoiding his eyes, "I…I…I'm kind of, I don't know… I just…" She looked back at him and noticed his confused gaze. Sakura exhaled, looking away again. "I'm sorry Sasuke-kun. You must feel uncomfortable right? I'm sorry for being annoying again, it's just that… everything that happened was shocking. I'm sorry if I acted like this." She was looking down, her hair was covering her eyes, and she looked so nervous.

"You looked away even before we learned about the future Sakura."

Sasuke noticed how Sakura's shoulder flinched, she was still looking down. "I-I'm sorry Sasuke-kun." She said quietly but enough for Sasuke to hear. Sasuke sighed, "You don't have to keep apologizing."

Sasuke was confused; he knew all too well that Sakura loves him. His memory of her confession during the time he left Konoha was still planted on his mind. Why does she act that way now that he's back at the village? Didn't she and Naruto always want him back? They were the ones who kept on forcing him, and now that he willingly returned, she acted like she doesn't want to see him or do anything that involves him.

"Why are you avoiding me?" Sasuke asked again. Sakura can feel her shoulders getting stiff, her heartbeat getting faster. "I'm not avoiding you Sasuke-kun." She replied, still looking down. "Stop lying Sakura." Sasuke knows something is troubling her and he wants to know what it is.

"I-I'm not lying. I'm telling you Sasuke-kun… I'm not."

"Then why are you acting this way?" he retorted back. "I remembered that night Sakura."

Sakura's head shot up, looking at Sasuke. She noticed how Sasuke's brow furrowed, "W-what night? What are you talking about?"

"The night you told me not to leave the village." His reply made Sakura blushed harder, her eyes widened again. "W-what about it?" her voice was getting shakier. Sasuke's brow rose again, he observed her. Sasuke sighed as he realized that Sakura doesn't want to hear anything about it anymore. It seemed like it troubled her more, so he decided to drop the subject. "Forget it." He said as he stood up from his seat, taking his empty bowl. Sakura's worried eyes followed him; she knows she made Sasuke angry. 'Oh crap, I'm annoying him again!' she thought sadly.

Sasuke was at the kitchen area, he placed his empty bowl on the sink. He stared at it for awhile but then he exhaled deeply as he leaned on the sink. 'I don't get it…' He was utterly confused. Did Sakura change her mind now? Sure he did many terrible things before that could be the reason for her sudden change but none of those happened to directly strike her. It was also their fault for being forceful. 'Tsk…' He shook his head, trying to calm himself when he noticed Sakura entered the kitchen. He looked at her as she looked at him, it was silent. She walked slowly towards him, "Sasuke-kun…I want to be honest with you but, I'm having a hard time how to explain things to you. I want to tell you everything but I can't. I still can't." Sasuke listened to her carefully as she explained. It must've been hard for Sakura to tell him this too. "Just tell me Sakura. Why are you avoiding me?" Sakura gulped, looking directly on his eyes.

"I still love you Sasuke-kun. After all the things that happened for the past few years."

"I know. But it still doesn't answer my question why you're avoiding me."

"I'm scared that you will leave the village again." Sasuke's brow furrowed. Sakura shook her head, "I'm scared that I'll get used to you being here again and then leaving us just like how you did before." She turned her gaze down on the floor; she clenched her first, her body shaking a little bit.

"I don't want to become miserable again Sasuke-kun…I don't want to. Not again…Not again." This time, Sakura shut her eyes close; she realized how embarrassing it was saying all those stuff. But at least, she can feel the burden getting lifted out of her chest. She always wanted to tell Sasuke about how she feels but she just doesn't have enough courage to do so. So she took this opportunity to tell him the truth. But still, she felt so embarrassed. She's getting redder and redder.

"I'm not leaving again." Sakura opened her eyes again, widened; she turned to look at him. He held an emotionless expression just like how he normally does. "The war is over. I want to start living in the village again. I know I still have a long way to prove everyone my loyalty but I'm willing to wait until I'm all cleared out." She listened to him closely as he explained things to her. It's rare for Sasuke to talk to her about things like this. "It may take me years to wait but I'll be patient."

Sakura was still looking at him, and he was still looking at her. Sakura nodded gently, she felt secure for some weird reasons. She wasn't sure if Sasuke was telling the truth but she felt relaxed just hearing him said those things. "You don't have to worry Sasuke-kun. I-I know you'll be cleared out soon. You helped saved the world after all." She tried to smile, as she nodded her head again.

"Sakura…" The way he said her name, always making her heartbeat faster. She missed his voice so much. She missed everything about Sasuke. The way he and Naruto constantly fight over random stupid things, how they both tried their best to excel each other, how they do their best to protect her. She feels insecure whenever they protected her but it must mean that she's important to them right?

"Yes?"

"You're still annoying." He told her, staring at her. He noticed how Sakura seemed to still look the same as they were when they were younger. She maintained her short hair despite hearing rumors that he liked girls with long hair. She still has that same facial expression whenever she's embarrassed or nervous. Looking at her closely, He realized how he got taller. He realized how tiny Sakura is in front of him. He observed her as her expression changed. She was looking at the floor.

"Uh...I'm sorry."

"Stop apologizing."

Sakura lowered her head more, she's dying of embarrassment. Why does she feel like Sasuke's dominance is taking over her? She closed her eyes tightly. It was silent again, they were just standing at the kitchen, in front of each other as Sasuke continued on staring at her form. He was thinking hard as he stared at her. He knows he will end up with Sakura in the future. He knows he'll have a family with her. But Sasuke is no where near of knowing what to do next. His mind is full of curiosity and questions. He doesn't know what to say next. Even though the future clearly is bright for them, the thing is, the present is what they are facing right now. He observed her as she continued looking down.

Out of the blue, "Sakura… Can you wait for me?" He said which made Sakura's head shot up. Looking at him with a confused look, "Eh?" she tilted her head. Sasuke sighed, closing his eyes. He opened them back and looked straight deep into her eyes.

"I want to be fair. Can you wait until I can learn to love again?" He replied.