Sasuke recovered quickly with the help of Sakura's chakra ministrations and he went with her to Bay City a couple of days later. She had contacted Hilary prior to this and let her know they were coming. The brunette had been pleased to hear from her and had promised to pass the message on to Alexis at Duel Academy.

Sakura's thoughts were interrupted as a flash caught her eye. The sun glanced off the metal plate bearing the Konoha leaf symbol on Sasuke's black headband. Seeing him wearing one again made her heart swell with pride and joy. He had been assessed after being told his punishment (which was community service and low rank missions for a year as well as being watched closely at home) and his skills were almost jounin level. For now, he had been designated a chunin until the time came for ninja to be tested for the next rank up.

Sasuke felt her gaze and looked at her quizzically. "What is it?"

She laughed. "Nothing really. It's just nice to see you with a headband. Does it feel good to wear one again?"

He nodded. "Definitely."

They entered the park, where Alexis, Zane and the G-revolutions were waiting for them. Hilary and Alexis greeted them warmly. As the two girls introduced themselves to Sasuke, Sakura noticed how close Kai stood to Hilary and Zane's gentle but firm grasp on Alexis' hand. They would never leave their girlfriends' sides again; that was for sure. Just as she was certain her beloved Uchiha would remain beside her.

Hilary gazed up at the tall raven-haired teen next to Sakura in wonder. The way he held himself, his powerful presence, his strong build, even the fact that he belonged to a rich and famous family - it all reminded her of the silent Russian at her side. There was no doubt Alexis was feeling the same way about his similarities to Zane. Sasuke was exactly as Sakura had described him, if not more. Was it just coincidence that she and her friends had fallen in love with cold, mysterious boys who had troubled pasts and presents?

It can't be, she thought, slipping her hand through Kai's. I don't believe it's pure luck that Alexis, Sakura and I met either. Our personalities and situations are too similar for that. It must be fate. She smiled when she felt his fingers intertwine with hers in response. There's no other way to explain it. She watched Alexis rest her head against Zane's shoulder as he put an arm around her protectively and Sakura go on tiptoe to kiss Sasuke in a passionate embrace. It was heartwarming to see the girls happy in the arms of their loved ones again. Patience and unwavering devotion had brought them back together. I guess it just shows you that given the chance, love really can transcend time and overcome fate.

Seeing Tyson and Daichi's disgusted expressions at Sasuke's and Sakura's kiss, Hilary smirked. She sent a sly, sidelong glance to Alexis who nodded and with that, they kissed their unsuspecting boyfriends.

The onlooking boys made retching noises. "Get a room!" they shouted.

The three girls burst out laughing whilst their surprised lovers turned a colour that put Sakura's headband to shame.

"Hn." Kai grunted. "That was low, Hilary."

She giggled at his scowl. "Relax, I'm just having some fun! Besides, I'm in love with you so I have the right."

"Is that so?" A smirk of his own crossed his face, amethyst eyes glinting deviously.

Before she could answer, he grabbed her into a strong embrace. Her gasp at his sudden actions was all he needed to slip his tongue into her mouth and explore her inviting cavern. Darn, did she taste good. Her sweetness was almost overwhelming.

He probed every nook and cranny with such gentleness and intensity that she melted against him; her stomach did little somersaults, her knees felt like they were going to give way at any second and her face was aflame. She subconsciously arched her neck and back as he deepened the kiss further and his gloved hands tangled themselves in her shoulder-length brown hair, clinging to his dark purple shirt like a lifeline. A small moan of pleasure escaped her.

He broke away not long after. Hilary stared dazedly into space through ruby eyes half-lidded with passion, breathing heavily, lips slightly parted, face, neck and breast flushed. Her pulse raced. Her mind, which had turned to mush the moment his soft, warm lips had met hers, was reeling from the pure exhilaration he had incited in her. She had never been caressed in such a way before. So flustered and breathless was she that she did not notice his fingers draw back her coral jacket and his head drop down so he could run his mouth along her delicate collarbone and suck the exposed skin at the base of her neck.

Only when the others were in fits of laughter did she realise he had left his mark. It was her turn to blush.

"What was that for?" she demanded, glaring at him, embarrassed that she had allowed him to take advantage of her so easily like that.

"Hn." Kai's smirk broadened. "Payback. I have the right too, don't I?"