Author's Notes:
Thank you so much for reading this story! I never expected this much success and I really appreciate all of your support. The reviews I've received have all been fantastic and I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to write them. Now let's go watch the men of team seven teach an ornery old hag and a creepy pervert a lesson they'll never forget!
"Are you sure nothing is wrong?" Sakura asked Sasuke as the pair sat side by side at the restaurant. "You've been awfully quiet and you've hardly eaten a thing."
"You say that like it's something new." Naruto replied between bites of food.
Sasuke merely rolled his eyes before picking up a piece of meat with his chopsticks. "It's nothing. I'm just thinking about my meeting with Kakashi." he replied before popping the food into his mouth.
"Oh ok." Sakura replied before she went back to her own food. He watched as she leaned forward and tucked her hair behind her ear exposing more of her neck to his view. She glanced over at him and offered him a shy but sincere smile. It made him relax a little though his mind was still caught up in the events that had unfolded just before they'd met up with her on the training grounds.
Sasuke, Naruto and Kakashi went over their plan of attack one last time and nodded to one another.
"Now remember, we're just supposed to put the fear of the gods in them not actually send them to meet any." Kakashi said looking sternly at both of his former pupils.
Sasuke exhaled loudly clearly dissatisfied but agreeable and Naruto openly pouted crossing his arms over his chest.
"Fine. Whatever you say. Let's just hurry." The blonde remarked.
Minutes later, the three shinobi appeared in front of the door belonging to Sakura's neighbor.
"Well, here goes." Kakashi said as he raised his hand and rapped on the door.
Sasuke's body tensed fighting the temptation to touch the hilt of his sword as he heard voices coming from the other side of the door.
"Mom! There's someone at the door!" a male's voice called out. His blood boiled at the sound. Now he knew that the bastard sounded like. If he had his way he'd never have to hear the disgusting sound again. Naruto reached out tapping his hand lightly and he realized that he'd already reached for his sword. Taking a deep breath he moved his hand back and sighed as he realized for the first time in their lives, Naruto was the one acting more mature.
"Open it up then!" a wheezy voice responded.
There was the slight metallic sound of metal scraping metal as the lock turned and the door opened revealing the three ninja's prey.
"What do you want?" the first voice snapped as the door swung open. A short man in his late thirties with limp dishwater blonde hair stood in the doorway. He was heavy set with a round belly and beady grey eyes that Sasuke immediately recognized. He was dressed in a short sleeved shirt that was clearly a size too small and a pair of stained blue pants. His eyes narrowed and he jerked his chin slightly indicating that this was indeed their target.
The man's eyes widened as he recognized Kakashi. "Oh! Lord Hokage. What a surprise." He stammered. His eyes went to Naruto and Sasuke next and his expression hardened. It was clear he didn't like or trust them.
"Who did you say was at the door?" the wheezy voice asked.
"It's the Hokage." He replied.
"Is it really? Well then please show him in." the wheezy voice replied.
"Well… he has two others with him. I just don't know if…." The man argued.
"I said let them in." the wheezy voice replied.
"Yes mother." He replied moving away from the door. "Please come in." Kakashi entered first followed by Naruto and Sasuke. The man moved to separate the two from the masked man and glared openly at them. "If you hurt my mother, I'll kill you." He threatened in a low voice. "I don't know what kind of jutsu you two have on the Hokage but you're not fooling me you monsters." he said glaring at Naruto and Sasuke.
The dark haired Uchiha glanced at his blonde haired companion who met his gaze. Naruto was clearly thinking the same thing he was. This guy had to be a special kind of stupid to threaten them. They smirked at each other and then moved past the flustered looking man to the main living space where Kakashi stood across from an older woman with grey hair piled on her head in a bun. She was dressed in what had at one time been a fine kimono but was now faded and worn. Her eyes widened as the two shinobi entered the room and took their places on either side of Kakashi waiting for him to take the lead in the conversation.
"What is this all about Lord Hokage?" the old woman asked her voice shaking a little under the formal tone she was trying to use.
Kakashi nodded "Ms. Mamiya, I have received reports that some unsettling things have been happening at this apartment complex. As guardian of this village, I cannot over look this. I was told that you are the one with the most extensive knowledge on the unrest so I was hoping that you could enlighten me."
The older woman nodded and swallowed hard. "I'm honored Lord Hokage that you would take time out of your busy schedule to visit this old woman, however your companions…"
Kakashi nodded. "I understand, however due to their pasts I make it a point to keep them close so they stay under control. If you're not comfortable with them here perhaps your son could take them into another part of the house while we talk."
"That would make things easier." The old woman said breathing a sigh of relief.
"Very well then. Please go with…."
"Kenshin." The man replied walking forward. "Follow me." He said begrudgingly as he moved towards the bedroom. He opened the door and motioned for the two shinobi to follow.
Naruto moved first followed by Sasuke into the dark room. The older man flipped on the lights and Sasuke wrinkled his nose at the sights and smells. The room was a disaster with empty drink cartons, and bags of half eaten food strewn about. Clothes, papers, crumbs, and trash littered the floor and large posters depicting half naked women adorned the walls. He coughed as the overwhelming stench of body odor, old food, and mold and glanced over at his best friend who stood with his hands on his hips with his nose wrinkled in disgust.
"How can you live like this?" he asked the man who had cleared a spot off of the bed in the room and sat down.
"Like you're one to talk. I remember how your apartment used to look." Sasuke replied.
Naruto shot the Uchiha a dark look out of the corner of his blue eyes. "That was when I was twelve. This guy is clearly older than that."
"Shut up." Kenshin snapped. "I don't give a damn what a couple of monsters like you think." He said pulling what looked like a photo album from under his pillow and setting it in his lap
Sasuke snickered at the man's comment. He wasn't fooling anyone, if he really didn't care he wouldn't have said anything. He glanced at Naruto who was clearly annoyed but not angry and decided that now was as good a time as any to complete the mission they'd been given. He closed his eyes briefly and activated his sharringan and opened them again. He knew Kenshin would look at him sooner or later. Now all he had to do was wait.
"So, how are things going between you and Sakura?" Naruto asked leaning against the desk in the room moving away quickly when a cockroach crawled up his arm.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow at his friend's question and the blonde elaborated. "I mean you're living together. You can't tell me nothing has happened." He said with a suggestive wiggle of his brows.
The dark haired Uchiha added his best friend to his mental hit list and then sighed. It wasn't completely the idiot's fault he was like this. He had trained for years under the infamous 'pervy sage' Jairiya. Even Orochimaru had told him a couple of stories about his exploits. It was only natural that he'd picked up on some of the old man's dirty habits. "Nothing has happened." He replied curtly. The grey eyed man glanced in his direction meeting his eye and Sasuke immediately cast his genjutsu. With a simple push of his chakra the bulk of a man laid down and fell asleep.
"Well that was easier than I expected." Naruto whispered.
"The simpler the mind, the easier it is." The Uchiha replied. "Let's get to work." He shuddered at the amount of filth and sheer amount of things to sift through before he went to work looking through the room for any evidence of the man's perverted crimes. His attention was eventually drawn to the album held loosely in the man's arms and he moved quietly towards the bed nearly losing his breakfast as the oaf of a man shifted and lifted his arm above his head unleashing a fresh wave of body odor.
"Look what I found!" Naruto hissed holding a shoe box in his hands. He held up one of the contents and Sasuke's cheeks colored slightly as he focused on the lacy red thong. "There's no way these would fit him."
"Naruto, put it away!" Sasuke hissed at his friend before he turned his attention back to the album. With infinite care and control he grabbed the album and slipped it carefully from the man's weak grip. He paused for a moment as the man grunted in his sleep clearly noticing the item's absence and glanced around for something to replace it with. He found what looked like an old year book and slipped it into the man's grip again releasing a breath when he slipped into a deeper sleep.
"What have you got there?" Naruto asked moving to stand beside the Uchiha the shoe box of evidence tucked under his arm.
"Don't know yet. It seemed almost like he was trying to keep us from it with the way he grabbed it." He replied as he opened the book. His blood red eyes scanned over the glossy images in the album feeling the temperature rising in his veins. Rage. Pure unadulterated rage pulsed through him staining his vision red as his hands trembled.
A firm hand gripped his shoulder and his head snapped the side as he glared at the one touching him with eyes full of murderous intent. "Sasuke, I know how you feel. I swear I do, but we have to do this the right way." Naruto said quietly.
He took a deep breath and snapped the album shut as he struggled to suppress the darkness inside him. "Get me out of here before I kill him." He snarled. Naruto nodded and the pair quickly left the room the fruits of their labors in their hands.
Kakashi watched as his two former pupils followed the grey eyed man into the bedroom waiting until the door was closed to begin his conversation with the woman in front of him.
"Please have a seat." The woman said gesturing to the closest chair.
"Thank you." He replied sitting down. "Now please tell me what concerns you have about the safety of this complex."
The woman nodded and sat with her back straight her hands folded carefully in her lap. "Lord Hokage, I understand that you know my next-door neighbor, the Haruno girl."
He nodded. "Yes I know her. She's the best medical ninja I have in my ranks."
The woman nodded. "Yes, I'm well aware of her talents however, I fear that she's a poor judge of character." She replied.
"Would you please explain?" he asked a little irritation flowing through him at the woman's attempts to beat around the bush.
"You see I often find her in the company of the nine tails jinchuuriki. He's even stayed the night in her apartment. I've been told that he has control over the beast but I don't believe that. It's only a matter of time before the beast takes control." She explained.
Kakashi nodded trying not to let his irritation show before he answered. "I see. Well, it's to be expected that they would spend a lot of time together. They've been teammates for more than six years now. They're also two members of the sannin. It seems only natural to me that they would spend a lot of time together. Also, it might seem hard to believe, but Sakura is one of the only people in this world that Naruto is afraid of. She has no trouble keeping him under control."
The older woman fidgeted slightly glancing around to make sure the blonde wasn't nearby but was unable to find a suitable comeback. Instead she cleared her throat and moved on. "Well that may be, however the new man she's been seeing is even more alarming than the Uzamaki."
"Oh really?" Kakashi said already getting bored of the conversation.
"Yes! She's harboring that traitorous murderer Sasuke Uchiha in her apartment. I can hardly sleep at night. I know he's just waiting for the right opportunity to slaughter us all in our sleep just like his brother did to their clan!" she exclaimed.
The silver haired ninja closed his eyes and reminded himself that very few people knew the truth about the events of that night before he opened them again. "Ms. Mamiya, I understand your concern, however Sasuke has been pardoned of his crimes. Without him, none of us would've survived the fourth great ninja war. In addition, he is truly sorry for his past transgressions and is working to set things right."
The old woman's hands clenched into fists. "That boy is a monster! You only pardoned him because you were once his teacher."
Kakashi's visible eye narrowed at the woman. "Ms. Mamiya, my personal feelings towards Sasuke had nothing to do with my decision. The facts did. It is a fact that Sasuke Uchiha was the lone survivor of a bloody massacre. It is a fact that he watched his brother kill his parents in front of him which would severely scar a person at any age. It is a fact that Ororchimaru placed a curse mark on him with the sole intention of obtaining his body and power to use for his own. It is a fact that he was manipulated mentally, physically, and emotionally by dark forces most of us cannot even fathom for years. It is a fact that he committed terrible crimes during those years. However it is also a fact he made the choice to come to our aid in our darkest hour and then willingly came back ready to accept any punishment for his actions. He has committed to protect the hidden leaf with his life and has been traveling the world trying to make up for what he's done. People can change." He said looking at the door that Sasuke and Naruto were behind. "Your next door neighbor, she doesn't just heal bodies, she heals the minds and hearts of those around her too. That's why the two of them stay close to her. She is their strength, their motivation to better themselves and stay on the path of light." He turned back to the older woman. "You can understand that right?"
The older woman's eyes widened and then looked down. "I still don't trust those two." She muttered.
"That's your right, however that doesn't give you the right to harass my top medical ninja whenever her teammates visit." He said deciding to get straight to the point. "The only reason that you're here today is because of the three of them. Most people would be honored to live so close to such strong and honorable warriors."
The woman lowered her head and sighed. "Perhaps I was too quick to judge them." She muttered quietly.
Just then, the door to the bedroom burst open and the two young shinobi appeared in the room with looks in their eyes that told the Hokage that their mission had been successful, perhaps too successful.
Sasuke said nothing knowing that in his current state, fire would probably fly from his mouth and instead strode over to his Sensei's side and tossed him the album desperate to get the source of his rage out of his hands.
Naruto followed and handed the shoe box to the silver haired shinobi as well before moving to stand beside the raven haired man.
"You ok?" he asked quietly.
Sasuke just shot him a dark look before he glared at the sleeping man in the bedroom. It occurred to him that he was still sleeping because of the genjutsu. He lifted his hands and closed his eyes. "Release." He snapped before he opened them again revealing their natural black color in place of the red. The man groaned and sat up rubbing his head and Sasuke fought the desire to introduce the man to the god of death right then and there.
"What was that all about?" the woman asked looking at the Uchiha nervously.
Kakashi opened the box and glanced at its contents and nodded placing it on the ground. Then he moved to the photo album and his eye widened as he looked at the images briefly before slamming the album shut.
"I see." He said with a tone that Sasuke knew well. It seemed calm but there was just a little roughness to it that indicated he was filled with anger. "Kenshin." The sixth Hokage called out. "Will you come here for a moment?"
"Yes sir." The man replied coming into the room.
"It has come to my attention that someone has been stealing the underwear of women living in this apartment complex." Kakashi said quietly.
"Really? That's not good." Kenshin replied. "I wonder who the sick nasty is?"
Kakashi opened the shoe box and tossed it onto the coffee table revealing its contents. Ms. Mamiya gasped and the massive man's eyes widened as he took a step towards the box.
"How did you-?" Kenshin stammered.
The silver haired man held up a hand silencing the grey eyed fiend. "What I hadn't received a report on was that this same person was also taking secret photographs of the leaf village's most powerful medical ninja as well." He said throwing the album onto the table. If fell open revealing several pictures of Sakura in various stages of undress.
Kenshin paled as the Hokage stood up and Sasuke and Naruto moved to flank him. "I have no idea what possessed you to commit such a heinous crime, but you couldn't have picked a worse target." He said slowly.
Ms. Mamiya's eyes widened with shock and she glanced at her son with eyes full of shame. "What is the meaning of this Kenshin?" she demanded.
The older man swallowed hard and then puffed out his chest in defiance. "So what if I took a few pictures? It's her fault for not noticing me. She's got a rocking body and what man could resist that? I'm sure the Uchiha agrees with me. He's been shacking up with her. Tell me how she tastes. I'm dying to know." He said his eyes gleaming with lust.
Sasuke's control snapped and faster than lightning he was before the man. His good hand balled into a fist and he slammed it into the pervert's jaw using just enough force to cause the maximum amount of pain without actually knocking the piece of garbage out. After all, he wanted him to feel every ounce of pain he had in store for him. He dragged the whimpering man back up to his feet by the collar and glared down at him his eyes flashing. "You sick bastard!" he hissed indifferent to the fear and pain in the man's eyes. "Death is too good for you!" his hands crackled with electricity as his chakra flared.
Naruto was at his side in an instant and slammed his knee into the grey eyed man's stomach. He gasped as the air was forced from his lungs and nearly fell to the floor a second time but was prevented from doing so by the two pairs of hands that gripped his shirt front. "How dare you disrespect Sakura like that!? You son of a bitch!" the jinchuuriki growled his eyes flashing from blue to red as an angry wind whipped through the room knocking pictures off the walls.
Kenshin looked at the pair of them and tears streamed down his face as he cradled his bruised jaw in his hand while his other arm wrapped around his sore middle. His eyes widened with fear as he realized just how much trouble he was really in.
"Sasuke, Naruto, that's enough. He's not worth it." Kakashi said moving towards the two shinobi and placing a hand on either one of their shoulder's pulling them back away from the man who slumped down to the floor.
"Let me at him Sensei!" Naruto demanded. "He needs to pay for this!" he said as a rasiningon appeared in his palm.
Sasuke nodded in agreement his hand balling into a fist. Black flames sparked to life surrounding his hand casting an eerie muted glow as the desire to unleash his anger on the disgusting excuse for a man cowering in front of him. He'd killed people over less before.
Kakashi met their eyes and grabbed each of their fists forcing them down. "Cool it you two. I think he's learned his lesson." He said glancing at the man who was sobbing like a child on the floor. "I'll tell you what though, you can destroy the evidence instead. I'm sure it won't be nearly as satisfying but it's something at least."
Naruto hissed and aimed a series of air blades at the shoebox turning both it and its contents into nothing but sliver sized scraps of cloth and cardboard.
Sasuke walked over and picked up the album. In seconds is was reduced it to ash crumbling onto the floor below. It wasn't satisfying in any way except for in the thought that the sick man would never be able to look at the offending images again.
"It's clear to me that these two monsters are more honorable and reliable than your own son." Kakashi said as he moved towards the door.
"You're quite right." The older woman said her face pale and her eyes cast down in shame. "I apologize for everything that's happened." She looked up at Naruto and then Sasuke. "It seems I was wrong about you two. Sakura is lucky to have you."
Naruto glanced at the older woman. "Naw, you've got it all wrong. We're the ones lucky to have her."
Sasuke nodded as his thoughts drifted to the pink haired medical ninja. "We owe her more than words could ever express."
Kakashi nodded. "She's definitely something special." He glanced at the clock on the wall. "Hey guys, if we don't hurry we'll be late to our next appointment."
"Oh yeah!" Naruto said his face lighting up. "We better hurry! I'm totally going to kick your trash!" he said pointing at the Uchiha.
Sasuke smirked, it was just like when they were kids all over again. Their last serious fight had proved that they were equal in strength but that didn't mean he was going to let the blonde idiot have his way with him. "Keep dreaming blondie." He replied.
Kakashi nodded and the three of them headed towards the door. Just before they left he turned back to face Kenshin and Ms. Mamiya. "Have a good day you two. I've already contacted the mangers of the building informing them about the hole in the bathroom wall. They'll arrive in about an hour to fill it." His eye narrowed ever so slightly. "Kenshin, if I hear even a whisper that you've tried anything like this again. I won't stop these two from giving you every ounce of punishment they think you deserve." He promised darkly.
Naruto chuckled darkly and Sasuke glanced back his eyes flashing blood red for a moment before changing back before the three of them vanished in a puff of smoke.
His attention returned to the present and he listened to Naurto and Kiba laugh loudly at one of the dog trainer's stories about Hinata's shyness. He noted that Naruto had been drinking and prayed it wouldn't cause him any problems. Sakura's hand lightly covered her mouth as she giggled and then she leaned towards Sai as he spoke softly to her. He strained his ears to catch the painter's words over the loud laughter coming from down the table.
"Sakura, was Ino ever like Hinata?" he asked quietly.
Sakura laughed. "Not really. At least not personality wise. I don't think that the term shy has ever been able to apply to her. She was lovesick over a boy like Hinata was once though."
The pale faced boy raised a dark brow. "Really? What boy was it?"
"This one." Sakura said motioning to Sasuke. "She and I would argue constantly over who he'd love one day and who would be his first kiss." She giggled and Sasuke got a terrible feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Sadly, neither of us were bestowed the honor." She mused.
"Oh? Then who was his first kiss?" Sai asked.
The Uchiha instantly reached out and pressed a hand to her mouth. "He doesn't need to know." He hissed in her ear.
"Know what?" Kiba asked.
"Sakura was about to tell me who Sasuke's first kiss was." Sai explained.
Kiba snickered and Sasuke knew it was all over. There was no way he'd be able to get to the dog trainer in time even if he teleported.
"Oh that's easy. It was Naruto." Kiba replied.
Sai's eyes widened and Naruto turned bright red. Sasuke's hand dropped from Sakura's mouth unleashing a flurry of giggles.
"I had no idea that you and Sasuke were that close Naruto. Is that the source of the unbreakable bond you once spoke of?" Sai asked.
"Shut up! It was an accident ok!?" The blonde snarled.
"If was your fault for getting in my face in the first place!" Sasuke spat irritated by the tinge of blush on his cheeks.
Naruto glared at him. "Fine! Whatever you say but the second time was definitely your fault!"
Sasuke groaned and hung his head covering his eyes with his hand. It had to be the effects of the alcohol on the idiot's brain. There was no other way he'd reveal that otherwise. It was a secret they'd both sworn to take to the grave.
"There was a second time?" Sakura asked her voice tinged with excitement. "I never knew about that."
"It was supposed to stay that way too." The Uchiha muttered.
"Oh yeah. It was back when we went on that mission to get that ugly statue back when we were genin." Naruto explained. "You know the one, when Saskue and I got stuck together."
Sakura nodded. "I remember that mission."
"Well, it happened while we were trying to get our hands separated." Naruto explained. "We were trying anything that came to mind to get out of it. There was a waterfall nearby with a rock jutting out of it so we thought that the force of our jump and the rock would break the sticky stuff. Boy were we wrong!" he said giggling.
"So what happened?" Kiba asked.
"Please stop talking before I make you." Sasuke groaned knowing that his words would be ignored.
"Our hands got caught on the rock but that stuff just stretched. When it stretched as far as it could we were shot into the air like a sling shot and our faces crashed into each other again." He explained. He snickered. "I still remember. Sasuke was all 'Why do I always end up kissing you!?'"
Sasuke hung his head as Sakura dissolved into a fit of giggles clutching her sides as she tried to keep her voice down. Kiba wasn't even trying to keep quiet as he laughed heartily and he swore the paper faced boy Sai chuckled. He was going to kill the blonde idiot for this humiliation.
"What are you looking so down about?" Naruto said hooking his arm around the Uchiha's neck. "That disaster of a mission really did strengthen our bond. So what if it was three days of Hell being stuck to you? At least we didn't do through Hell alone right?"
Sasuke thought for a moment remembering how much they'd fought one another and then together during that mission. It had without a doubt strengthened their bond. The blonde idiot had been so desperate to save Sakura in spite of their obvious disability. In reality, he himself had been just as anxious to save her but was worried about not being able to do it properly while stuck in such a terrible way. Naruto hadn't cared and his determination had rubbed off on him.
"You're right." Sasuke said quietly offering a small smile to his best friend who grinned widely back. "However…" he said moving his arm slightly. "That doesn't mean I'm going to let you off the hook!" he growled slipping out of the blonde's grip and putting him into a headlock. "We swore to take that secret to our graves!" he hissed as Naruto struggled in his grip.
"You're right. I'm sorry!" Naruto gasped as he flailed in the Uchiha's iron grip. "Forgive me Sasuke!"
"Never!" Sasuke replied before letting the blonde go. "Anyway, you should get going. You have to report back to the Hokage right?"
"Right. More useless paperwork." Naruto muttered. "Anyway, see you around!" he said before he bounded out of the restaurant.
Sasuke sighed at the scene his best friend always seemed to make and then turned his attention back to the rest of the group. His nose wrinkled a little as he realized that once again she was surrounded my males. Just two to be exact and he knew them both, but still.
"So are you really ready to take the next step with Ino?" Sakura asked.
The painted blushed and nodded. "I think so. I mean we've gone out on several dates and neither of us see anyone else. Doesn't that mean we should make it official?" he asked.
Sakura chuckled. "Sai, I'm pretty sure Ino already thinks is official. If you want to formalize it though, go ahead."
Kiba nodded. "Yeah. She tells everyone you're her boyfriend already so just make if official already."
Sai nodded. "What do I say though?"
Sakura reached out and patted his shoulder. "You're probably talking to the wrong people here considering this entire group is perpetually single. However I know Ino and I'm sure that as long as you speak from your heart she'll be happy. Just don't say the words 'I read in a book' at all during the conversation and you'll be fine."
Kiba nodded. "Yeah. Getting a gift would probably help too." He glanced at the clock and sighed. "Anyway, I've got to run."
"Why?" Sakura asked.
"I'm going to quiz the kiddos on your lesson today." He explained. "I want to see just how much sank in. See you guys later!" he focused on Sakura. "Let me know what day works best for you. I owe you dinner remember."
"Right! Sure thing Kiba." Sakura said with a smile.
Sasuke sat down and worked on finishing his meal. He'd committed himself to telling Sakura about what had happened with the next door neighbors after they ate but he wasn't sure how to go about it yet so he was stalling.
Sai turned back to Sakura his expression one of confusion. "Sakura, are you and Kiba dating?"
The Uchiha chocked on his tea at the question earning a concerned glance from Sakura. He shook his head indicating that he was fine and she shrugged turning back to Sai. "No Sai. Kiba and I aren't dating. He's just a good friend of mine. We worked together a lot after Pain attacked since he was the fastest message runner."
"Why did he ask you to dinner then? I was under the impression that was a date like activity." He said scratching his head.
Sakura sighed and shook her head. "He's just doing that to pay me back for teaching his genin on my day off. It has no special meaning."
Sai shrugged. "Very well. If you say so."
Sasuke walked side by side with Sakura through the streets of the leaf village in silence. After a few minutes Sakura spoke up.
"So what did you want to do?" she asked.
He shrugged. He didn't really care what they did as long as she was with him and away from all of the love sick idiots in the village. They drew near to a park and to his surprise Sakura's face lit up and she dashed towards it. She jumped onto an empty swing and pumped her legs to get it in motion. He watched her as she moved her face turned up into a smile. It never ceased to amaze him how little things like this seemed to make her so happy. He knew that she had experienced more than her fair share of horror in her life. She'd killed people, lost people, and was one of the top medical minds in the world. No one would blame her or be surprised if she was off brooding somewhere dark and secluded but instead, here she was swinging in a children's play area. She truly was a ray of sunshine.
"Did you know that this was the park where Tobi attacked us and sent us into that alternate world?" she asked him drawing him out of his thoughts. He shook his head and moved closer. "Yeah. Naruto and I were on a date and ended up here." She pointed across the park to a spot where the cement seemed newer. "It was right there. There used to be a massive crater there left from it." She explained.
Sasuke was only half listening as his mind whirled. She and Naruto had gone on a date?
"What's wrong?" she asked him. "You seem different. I'd say you're quieter than normal but you've never spoken much. You just seem distracted or something."
He glanced at her and then sighed. "You're right. I'm sorry. I guess I just have a lot on my mind." He replied.
"I know I say this at least once a day, but you really can talk to me." She said letting her toes drag on the ground as the swing slowed.
He glanced her way and found himself captivated by her emerald eyes. They were so warm, so sincere. Every emotion she felt for him could be read as clearly as she met his gaze. She cared for him in the truest, purest way possible. There were no ulterior motives, no desire for increased status or power. She didn't want him by her side to be a trophy like his fangirls. She didn't want him close to use his powers for her own goals like Ororchimaru, Tobi, and Madara had. It was clear in those endless pools of green that she wanted to stand by his side and be his strength because she loved him truly from the bottom of her heart. He wanted to reciprocate her feelings, he truly did. Watching her interact with them men of the village was maddening, the pervert next door and all of the hateful emotions he felt towards him, and even how he'd reacted to Sai's innocent question made it clear that he felt something for her. It had gone beyond the scope of what a teammate felt towards their comrade, beyond what a friend felt for another friend, it was even deeper than the feelings a brother might have for a sister. Was this love? The overwhelming desire to monopolize all of her affection, the crippling bouts of jealousy. It had to be right? There was one way to know for sure though. One touch would be able to tell him everything he needed to know.
"Sakura." He said softly moving towards her. He extended his hand and tapped her lightly in the middle of the forehead, his fingers brushing the indigo spot that he knew she'd worked hard to achieve partially for his sake. Warmth spread through him at the brief skin on skin contact but it was different from the feelings he'd experience with Itachi. It was nearly as intense, but hotter, more like lightening than fire. It sparked to life inside of him a strong desire to pull the woman in front of him into his arms and never let her go. He grabbed her hand and pulled her up from the swing and then tugged her towards him until she crashed against his chest. His arms encircled her and pressed her petite form to his own taller one marveling at how perfectly her body felt against his own. He bent his head tucking hers under his chin and breathed deeply taking in the fruity scent of her shampoo and the silky smoothness of her blush colored hair.
"Sasuke?" Sakura spoke from where her head was pressed to his chest. "What are you-?"
"Shh." He shushed her quietly not wanting the spell to be broken.
She obliged and he felt her arms hesitantly encircle his waist before she nestled into his embrace a little sigh of contentment escaping her lips. After a few moments it occurred to him that he was feeling too good. He had no right to feel this amount of peace of contentment, not after what he'd done. His arms began to loosen even as Sakura's tightened.
"You're doing it again." She murmured against his chest. "Thinking those ridiculous thoughts about how you don't deserve to be happy."
His eyes widened. How did she know? Was he that transparent or was it something else?
"I know you Sasuke." She said softly. "I know that you're sorry for everything you've done. I know that your heart aches because all of the people that you've killed and tried to kill. I know you hate yourself for being manipulated and used by evil people for despicable purposes." She reached up and touched his face. "I also know that you miss them. Your parents and Itachi. I'm sure you feel incredibly lonely." Tears leaked from her eyes as she focused on his onyx orbs. "You don't have to be strong all of the time you know. I'm here for you. I might not be strong enough to protect you physically, but please let me protect your heart. Let me share your burdens, I want to. I love you Sasuke."
Something within him broke. Without another word, he scooped the pink haired medic into his arms and ran with blinding speed through the village intent on his goal. Within minutes, he'd arrived at his destination and set Sakura down on her bedroom floor. He slammed the window and the curtains shut before turning away from the pink haired girl as he fought for control to repair the walls beginning to crumble.
"Sasuke." She said softly her voice thick with emotion. He could hear the sadness, the concern, the love in her voice. All of those feelings were for him, all of the tears were for him. Her slim but strong arms wrapped around his waist from behind and held him tightly and the walls turned to dust. For the first time since Itachi's death, Sasuke Uchiha cried. Tears of guilt, frustration, anger, confusion, sadness and loneliness tumbled silently down his cheeks as he slumped to the ground. Sakura moved with him and laid her head against his shoulder and he could feel her own tears on his skin.
Several minutes later, his eyes dry he reached for Sakura's hand resting in his lap. "Sakura." He spoke her name with infinite gentleness as he tried to convey all of the things he couldn't tell her yet but wanted to and all of the feelings for her growing in his broken heart. "Thank you. For everything."
"You don't have to thank me." She said as she shifted moving her arms from his waist and trailing them up his back to his shoulders in a movement he recognized was meant to relax away some of the tension in his muscles. "I'm actually quite happy at the moment. You finally opened up to me." She rose from the floor and opened the bedroom door. "I could use a cup of tea and some rice balls right about now. Care to join me?" she asked smiling at him. He could feel the joy radiating off of her and it made him feel better in spite of the frustration at himself for showing his weakness.
He nodded and followed her into the kitchen. She moved gracefully through the space humming a little tune he didn't recognize. She glanced at him and blushed prettily a shy smile ghosting over her lips before she turned back to the task at hand. As he watched her work, he thought that maybe this wasn't wrong. It felt right having her close and it had clearly made her happy when he'd held her. Maybe, just maybe it was alright to do things that made him feel something besides pain especially if it made her this happy as well.
"Here you go." Sakura said setting the plate of rice balls and two cups of tea down on the table in front of him.
"Thank you." He said taking one and nibbling on it. They had been his favorite food when he was younger and he was still quite fond of them. A yelp suddenly sounded through the wall and the two shinobi jumped as a voice hollered loudly from next door.
"It hurts mother!" Kenshin cried. "It's probably broken. That damn Uchiha!"
Sakura raised an eyebrow. "What's he whining about? Didn't he just say Uchiha?" she asked looking at Sasuke.
He sighed. Now was as good a time as ever to tell her what had happened. "Sakura, there's something you should know." He started.
Minutes later, he had her arms trapped behind her back as she flailed wildly. "Let me go!" she roared. "That pervert is going to die!"
He sighed and just held on tight. "Calm down Sakura." He muttered even though he knew it was useless. Just as she was about to wriggle out of his grip a knock sounded at the door. He released her and barely made it to the door ahead of her ready to shove her back inside if needed and found Mei a messanger from the Hokage's office standing there.
"Hi." She said nervously clearly intimidated by the Uchiha. "Umm… Lord Hokage sent me to fetch Master Sasuke and Lady Sakura."
"Really? What for?" Sakura asked her anger dissipating as she focused on the girl.
"He said it's urgent but nothing else. Please come with me." She said bowing respectfully.
"Yeah. Ok." Sakura said slipping into her shoes. "I wonder what he wants."
"Who knows." Sasuke said as he pulled his own sandals on. "We should probably hurry though."
"Right." Sakura said as the pair left her apartment locking it securely before they followed the young woman onto the streets.