Author's Notes: Thank you to everyone who's read and enjoyed this story! I really appreciate it. I had couple of reviewers who were asking that I pick up the pace and noted that the arch was getting a bit long. I'll explain my reasoning. If you're not satisfied that's alright, I just think it might help. For starters, this story is set after Naruto The Last but before they all have children (obviously). In The Last it was clear that though they'd matured quite a bit, they weren't at the level they are when the series picks up again roughly fifteen or so years later. If everyone remembers, Naruto is the Hokage, Sasuke is a genius ninja roaming the world in search of lingering bad guys out to destroy it and Sakura is the best medical nin in the world as well as a housewife. I personally believe that in order to get to that level, they still needed to be challenged. So what if they saved the world a couple of times? Most of that was due strictly to their battle skills and a hell of a lot of luck. The adults/ people in charge said "Hey! I found out that this dude/group is trying to destroy/take over the world." And they said. "Ok we'll defeat them for you." And they did. As rising leaders for the next generation they need to be the ones to say "Hey! I found this dude/group trying to take over/destroy the world. Here's my idea to defeat them. Can you send me XYZ to do it?" They need to surpass their teachers as well as their peers to take their positions later. They're not kids and teens running around on simple "Go here and do this" missions anymore. They're elite ninja who are learning to be the ones to find and defeat evil, not just defeat it. Also this story is focused a lot on the relationships between the characters and specifically romance. Stuff like that just naturally slows the pace of things. In the original series it was mostly "ACTION! Funny! ACTION! Feel." trying to keep the pace quick and light. Now that they're older and more mature as well as falling/being in love the pace is going to be more like "Feel! Funny! Action! FEEL!". And finally I actually do have a plan for exactly where this story is going and how it will end. Things always end up longer as I write it of course since I try to be detailed and accommodate reasonable requests. To those complaining about Onchou and Gaara having too many moments, I apologize I just like their relationship so far and want to explore it since like I said before I think Gaara deserves a little more love. I promise you that we are nearing the climax of this arc so be patient pretty please! Yes the Rookie 9 (including Hinata so there WILL be NarutoxHinata moments) plus Lee and Ten-Ten (Neji. I love you. Rest in peace. Tears!) will make an appearance. Alright! That rant was much longer than I intended it to be like most of these chapters have been…. Anyway onward with the story!
Sasuke sighed in his sleep as he became caught in the throes of a dream. He found himself at the old Uchiha hideout standing in front of the thick slab of cement bearing his clan's crest. It was where he and his brother had fought. Where Itcahi had died.
"Why am I here?" he muttered as he looked around the mountain of rubble. It was a little different than he remembered. Weathered by time with plant life springing to life between the slabs of broken cement and bricks.
"I had a feeling you'd come here." A voice said from beside him. He turned and was surprised to see his brother standing there dressed in a white kimono bearing the Uchiha crest on his sleeve. His eyes were warm as he stood before him. "Hello Sasuke, it's been a while."
"Itachi." Sasuke murmured. "How are you here?" he asked.
"I wanted to check up on my favorite little brother." Itachi replied with a smile. "I also had a feeling you wished to talk with me about something."
The younger Uchiha rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Well that's an understatement. There's a lot of things I want to talk to you about." He replied.
His older brother chuckled and sat down against the cement wall and patted the spot next to him. "Well, we've been granted a bit of time so come take a seat brother. My time is yours."
Sasuke sat down next to his brother and chuckled. "You know, that outfit of yours suits you much better than those Akatsuki robes did." He said with a smile. "Those things were hideous."
Itachi laughed. "You wore them briefly too right? I agree with you. I have no idea why they picked that design. Kakazu probably got the fabric on sale or something."
The younger Uchiha snickered and nodded. "That must be it. There's no other reason a respectable group of murderers for hire would wear such awful clothing." He sighed and pulled his knees to his chest. "You know, I totally screwed up after you left the second time." He admitted softly. "I helped save the world."
"I know. I saw that. I was so proud of you I thought I was going to get kicked out of heaven for bragging too much." Itachi said with a grin.
"You were?" Sasuke replied glancing at his brother. The older man nodded and he smiled slightly before it fell again. "Yeah, and instead of celebrating and moving on like any normal person would I decided to cast a horrible genjutsu on the girl who had saved my life just moments before and got into a death match with my best friend and blew off my arm in the process." He muttered flexing the bandaged fingers of his replacement arm.
"Yeah… I saw that too." Itcahi replied. "That clap of thunder you heard right before that final blow was actually my scream of frustration." He chuckled and then sighed. "You know, Naruto was right. I should've been honest with you from the start. Maybe you wouldn't have felt the desire to take that path if I had." He mused.
Sasuke shook his head. "No. At that point I was so far gone, I probably just would've found another reason to do what I did." He replied. "I was blinded by hate, and jealousy. I was drunk on my own power. That curse was pretty potent."
"True enough, but you managed to break it. That's what's most important." Itachi said ruffling his hair. "I'm proud of you for that."
Sasuke smiled and then glanced up as wind rustled by flowing a flurry of pink cherry petals into the sky. He reached out and grabbed one and pulled it in and smiled down at it. "Itachi, did you ever meet a medical ninja named Sakura Haruno?" he asked.
Itachi's head inclined slightly as a smile came to his lips. "Ah, I see. Yes I did."
"What do you think of her?" the young Uchiha asked twirling the pink petals in between his fingers.
The older Uchiha touched his chin as he thought for a moment. "Her strength is astonishing." He replied. "Her medical mind is also one of the best I've ever encountered. She's also loyal and caring. Easily one of the best kunoichies in the world." He remarked.
Sasuke nodded his heart swelling with pride. "She is isn't she?" he said with smile which slowly fell.
"What is it Sasuke?" Itachi asked.
The younger Uchiha sighed and lowered his head between his knees. "She says she loves me." He replied softly.
The older Uchiha raised a brow. "Is that a bad thing?" he asked.
"No. It's not that." Sasuke replied rubbing his fingers through his hair. "It's not that at all. I'm glad she does because I…" he grit his teeth and then confessed. "I love her too." He admitted.
"Well look at you!" Itachi said nudging his brother's shoulder affectionately. "My baby brother has gone and fallen in love! Congratulations! I'm happy for you. Truly I am." He said smiling down at him.
"That's not the issue!" Sasuke protested shaking out his hair and then fisting his hands in it. "I've done such terrible, unforgivable things to her!" he exclaimed jumping to his feet in frustration as he began to pace. "I've torn her down so many times. Thrown her physical weakness in her face. Told her how useless and annoying she was! Pushed her away!" he stopped and stared at his hands. "I tried to kill her. With my own hands I nearly took her life!" he balled his good hand into a fist and slammed it against the cement his breathing erratic as his body trembled. "I don't have the right to even be in the same room as her but even so, she's by my side. I've held her, kissed her, felt her warmth and though it feels better than anything I can't help but feel this crippling guilt that I don't deserve it and I never will."
Itachi stood and gently touched him on the shoulder. "Sasuke, do you remember what I told you before I left you the second time?" he asked.
"You said you'd love me not matter what I did." The younger man replied softly.
The older man nodded. "Exactly. I've watched over you for as long as you've been alive and I still do even now. I see the man you are now and I know that it's not the same one you were when you did those things. She knows it too. You are now a man that can make her happy and protect her." He said with a smile. "Don't let the past hold you back. Our clan's obsession with the past is part of what led to their ruin. Look to the future and create something beautiful with the one you love by your side." He said with a smile. He glanced up at the sky and frowned. "Ah, it looks like my time is up. I guess you won't get to meet her today."
"Meet who?" he asked raising a brow.
He sensed another presence and heard a light, small voice. "Uncle Itachi! Grandma and Grandpa said it's time to come home! Dinner is almost ready!"
"I'll be right there lovely one!" The older man called out in response. He reached out and tapped his little brother in the middle of his forehead. "Until next time Sasuke." He said with a smile before he turned and began walking towards the setting sun.
Sasuke felt the world around them beginning the fade and chased after his brother. "Wait! Itachi! Who was that just now!?" he demanded rounding the corner of the cement wall. His eyes widened as he saw a little girl with jet black hair sitting on a large piece of rock swinging her legs as she waited. She had dark eyes like his own but they were a little bigger and softer. Her forehead was a little wider than most and she too wore a white kimono with the Uchiha crest on the sleeve. A Sakura blossom necklace shimmered at her neck. She smiled at his older brother and jumped into his arms giggling as she went. Itachi hugged her tightly and then tapped her in the middle of her forehead.
"Did you wait long?" he asked as he lowered her to the ground.
"Not long at all." She replied reaching up and grasping his hand tightly in her own.
Her eyes drifted back and met his and he felt his heart throb almost painfully in his chest. Tears sprang to his eyes as he studied them. "Brother. Is that…?" he murmured.
The girl smiled at him and then waved. "Sorry I have to go with Uncle Itachi." She said "I'll see you later Papa! Say hi to Mama for me!" and then they were gone.
Sasuke sat up in bed breathing hard and glanced around the room. It was early morning based on the lighting and he sighed as he dealt with the river of mixed emotions rushing inside him. He heard another person in the room shift and slide out of bed, their feet carrying them quickly but quietly to his side. Warm arms circled his waist and he closed his eyes as warm lips bushed against his own.
"Are you alright?" Sakura asked softly reaching up to brush a tear from his eye.
"I'm fine." He replied quietly pulling her into his lap and tucking her head under his chin. "It was just a dream."
"What was it about?" the pink haired girl asked playing with the color of his sleep shirt.
"I dreamed about Itachi." He replied his fingers running lightly over the curve of her waist.
"I see. What kind of dream was it?" she responded nuzzling his collar bone.
"It was a good dream. One of the best I've had in a while." He said closing his eyes at the pleasant sensation.
"I'm glad." Sakura replied with a smile. "Do you want me to let you go back to sleep? There's still another hour or so before we have to be up."
He nodded. "I think I will try to sleep a little more." He replied laying back down gripping her tightly and bringing her with him. "Like this though." He said shifting them so that she was laying with her head on his chest.
"Are you sure? Naruto is going to give us Hell when he wakes up." She replied even as she snuggled against him.
"Let him." Sasuke replied. "I can take what he dishes out and give him back just as much."
"Good point." Sakura replied. "Alright then. Goodnight Sasuke." She said closing her eyes her breathing slowing.
"Good night Sakura." He replied stroking his fingers through her hair and then tapping his fingers against her forehead. "I love you." He said softly before he closed his eyes and drifted asleep.
Against his chest, Saukra smiled and a little tear slipped from her eye. She'd heard it. He'd said the three words she'd been so desperate to hear and now knew with certainty what that special motion of his meant. "Thank you, Sasuke." She whispered. "I love you too."
Sakura stood between Sasuke and Sai at the training grounds focused on the violet haired woman in the middle of the field. Naruto and Gaara stood next to the painter quietly talking amongst themselves.
"Training?" Sakura asked her eyes flickering to Sai.
"Yes." He replied. "She said that it was about time for her to release excess chakra again. Naruto wanted to spar with her but she opted against it and said she wanted to focus on different training today. Something about focusing on the elements she struggled with most."
"I see." Sakura replied. "Where's Ryuu?" she asked.
"He went with Temari to visit the training grounds. He's actually quite interested in the ninja training program so she offered to show him what it's like." Sai replied.
The pink haired medic nodded and smiled. "That sounds great! He's so good with water ninjutsu. If they were able to stay here, he'd be a great addition to their ranks."
On the field, Onchou's hands were pressed together, her eyes closed and her brow wrinkled with concentration. After a few moments of concentration she pulled her hands apart and a single flame emerged. She kept her eyes closed as she moved her hands around the flame using her wind chakra to encourage the flame to grow and burn brighter. After it had grown in size considerably she used her wind chakra to change its shape elongating it until it was nearly the length of her arm. She then began to move across the field her eyes still closed using her arms and hands to direct the flames as she weaved her way through obstacles.
"What kind of jutsu is that?" Sakura asked Sasuke as she girl moved her fingers flexing as she increased the heat of her flame changing it from red and orange to yellow with a light blue core.
"It's known as the fire whip." Sasuke replied as he watched the girl move. "It's a fairly difficult jutsu to master not only because the person using it needs to be able to use both fire and wind chakra simultaneously but because it's very hard to control once you manage to get it into the correct form. If you use too much wind chakra, you'll smother the flame, if you don't use enough the flames will run wild and burn you."
"That sounds pretty awesome." Naruto replied moving closer. "You can't do that can you Sasuke?"
The Uchiha shook his head. "No, I can't. I don't have that kind of control over my wind chakra." He replied. "Most fire wielders use wire like I do to direct their flames at specific targets. My mother could perform that jutsu though."
Sakura's eyes lit up and Naruto smiled at him. "Really?" The Uzamaki asked.
Sasuke nodded and smiled. "She was pretty famous for it actually. She was able to take that jutsu a step further as well and could make shapes out of it." He smiled. "When Itachi graduated from the academy she used her fire whip to make a weasel and chased the two of us around the yard with it during the celebration."
The ninja smiled at the Uchiha and then directed their attention back to the stadium as the amethyst eyed girl made a little grunt of exertion and pushed the whip further away from her body and changed the flame again to shimmering blue her body still gliding gracefully through the space.
"You know. It almost looks like she's dancing." Sakura mused.
Sai nodded. "It's actually quite beautiful to watch." He admitted.
"It kind of reminds me of how Gaara looks when he's fighting." Naruto said.
The Kazekage raised his brow slightly at that.
"It's true. He does have an air of grace about him when he fights with his sand." Sakura replied.
The Uzamaki nodded. "That's probably why you two work so well together. Your fighting style is similar even if what you use is different."
"I see." Gaara said as the Violet eyed girl's eyes opened and her hands dropped the flames vanishing into thin air.
She dropped to the ground breathing heavily and Sakura reacted quickly leaping over the bar separating the seats from the training field and sprinting to the girl's side.
"Are you alright?" she asked quickly pressing her fingers to the girl's wrist to check her heartrate.
"I'm fine." Onchou replied panting. "I just overdid it a little." She said. "Thanks for worrying about me."
In the stands the men watched and Sasuke shook his head. "It doesn't matter if it's in the middle of the battle field or the middle of the street, if someone falls down, she has to rush in expecting the worst." He remarked.
"That's part of what makes her such a great medical ninja." Naruto replied.
A few feet away from the leaf shinobi and Kazekage, a group of young men gathered talking amongst themselves.
"Did you see that purple haired chick?" One of them said. "She was smoking! And I'm not just talking about the fire." He said with a wink.
"I know right?!" Another one exclaimed. "I swear, her legs go on for miles! So sexy!" he growled.
Gaara stiffened next to the Uzamaki and he noticed sand beginning to swirl around the Kazekage as the boys spoke.
"Calm down." Sasuke said softly. "They're just a bunch of idiots."
"Yeah. They're not worth it." Naruto agreed putting his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"I don't know. That pink haired chick is pretty cute too." Another one of the boys said touching his chin. "I mean, don't get me wrong, that purple haired girl is hot but the pink haired one has more of the girl next door vibe."
"It's true." Another agreed. "I bed she's one of those that acts all innocent in public but is actually a total freak behind closed doors."
Naruto felt the air beside him rise ten degrees as Sasuke glared at the teenagers his eyes blood red.
"Remember what you said Sasuke." Sai said softly.
"Yeah. They're not worth it." Naruto reminded his friends.
"Hey, you know what's an even better thought?" one of them said. "Both of them together! The sexy exotic one and the hot innocent one, then you wouldn't have to choose."
"Sai. Help me." Naruto replied as the sand in the air became thicker and the heat continued to rise. "Those idiots are worse than pervy sage."
"I think Onchou is on her feet again." Sai said looking down at the field. "Maybe you two should find out from them what we should do for lunch today?"
Sasuke and Gaara stilled the flames in the Uchiha's hands vanishing and the sand swirling around the Kazekage dropping to the ground as they turned their attention to the girls moving towards the edge of the field.
"Right." Sasuke said walking towards the girls.
"Good idea." Gaara replied moving as well at a slightly slower pace.
"Phew!" Naruto exclaimed wiping the sweat from his brow. "That was close."
"Yes it was." Sai replied.
The pair of ninja walked up to the knot of boys.
"Hey guys?" Naruto said waiting until they focused their attention on him.
"Yeah, what is it?" One replied.
"Just a word of advice. You might want to keep talk like that behind closed doors." He said.
"Why would we do that?" another replied.
"Yeah, we can talk about what we want where we want." One protested.
"You're right." Sai replied. "However how people react to what you say is a different matter."
"Yeah, and you should probably pay better attention to your surroundings." He said motioning to where Sasuke was standing next to Sakura his hand resting on the top of her head. She had her arm wrapped around Onchou's waist supporting her and smiled up at the Uchiha a little blush coloring her cheeks as she talked to him. Opposite of them Gaara stood next to Onchou his hand in hers as he went to pull it over his shoulders and support her. The violet haired girl had a sheepish smile on her face her cheeks coloring as she nodded in response to what the Kazekage was saying.
The group of boy's eyes widened in horror. "Oh crap." One of them whimpered. "Weren't Lord Kazekage and Master Sasuke Uchiha standing here a moment ago?"
"Do you get it now?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah. Sorry. We'll be better from now on." Another replied before the group took off.
"What a bunch of idiots." The Uzamaki remarked.
"You were like that once too you know." Sai said as they walked down to there the rest of their group was waiting.
"Hey, coming up with sexy jutsu is one thing, openly talking about two girls like that in front of their men is on a totally different level of stupid." He retorted.
That evening, the leaf shinobi accompanied by Ryuu and Onchou walked down the streets of Suna their bellies full and happy talking with one another about their days.
"Did you hear that there's a music group performing in the main village square tonight?" Sakura asked as they watched. "The musicians are originally from The Land of Ogres and they're supposed to be really good."
"That sounds like fun!" Ryuu exclaimed. "We should go! I know Onchou and I love to dance." He said nudging the violet haired girl with his elbow.
"That's true." She agreed. "But only if everyone else wants to go as well."
"It'll be a blast! We're totally going!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Even if we said no, you'd made us go anyway." Sasuke remarked with a sigh.
"It's true." Sai replied.
The group neared the place where the band was preparing to sing and Onchou's eyes widened.
"Wait! We know these guys, right Onchou?" Ryuu said from beside her.
"Yes we do." She replied. "It's Fifield and his band."
The lead singer, a tall, lanky young man with light brown hair and hazel eyes turned at the sound of his name and then smiled as his eyes found Onchou and Ryuu in the crowd.
"Onchou!" he called bounding off the stage and rushing up to her. "It's been too long! I've been so worried about you!" he exclaimed wrapping his arms around her and squeezing her tightly.
She returned his embrace and smiled warmly. "I know." She agreed. "It's so good to see you again Fifield." She said as he released her. "I wasn't expecting to run into you here." He leaned forward and planted a kiss on each of her cheeks surprising the ninja. Onchou didn't even flinch though she didn't return the gesture.
He nodded and leaned down ruffling Ryuu's hair. "It's crazy!" he admitted. "I'm really so glad to see you both." He glanced around at her company. "Who are these people?" he asked.
"These are my… friends." She said decided that word was better than guard or companions. "This is Sai." She said motioning to the palest shinobi. "He's an artist."
"Nice to meet you." Fifield said extending his hand to the painter.
"Nice to meet you too." Sai replied.
"This young lady is Sakura Haruno." She said motioning to the pink haired medic.
"The famous medical ninja." Fifield said taking Sakura's hand and kissing it. "It's an honor to meet you in person milady."
Sakura blushed and then blinked. "Why thank you." She said nervously.
Onchou quickly moved on in the introductions. "This is Sasuke Uchiha." She said motioning to the raven haired shinobi who was unsure whether he should be threatened by the musician in front of him or not.
"I've heard of you too." Fifield replied extending his hand. "The last of your clan. That's something you and Onchou have in common. I'm glad she has someone she can relate to like you around."
"Thank you." Sasuke replied surprised by the man's response to him. Most strangers were afraid of him but not this one.
"Last but not least, this is Naruto Uzamaki." The violet haired girl said motioning to the blonde shinobi.
"I'm very pleased to meet you." Fifield replied with a warm smile. "Stories of your heroics continue to amaze me. I'm so lucky to have met you in person." He turned to the violet haired teen. "I really am happy to have run into you again. I understand why you had to leave us but it was still hard to let you go."
"I know." She replied. "I'm really sorry but we were able to meet again."
"I know! For old time's sake, why don't you come up on stage and play with us again?" he suggested.
The amethyst eyed girl blinked in surprise before blushing. "Oh, I don't know Fifield." She replied.
"Oh common!" he insisted. "It'll be great!"
"I haven't seen you perform in a while." Ryuu replied. "I'd like to see it again." He said with a smile.
She glanced back and forth between the two and then sighed in defeat. "Fine I'll sing but only one song."
"Five." Fifield countered.
"No way! Two." She argued.
"Four." The musician replied.
"Three and that's final!" she exclaimed folding her arms over her chest.
The tall young man grinned. "Excellent! Let's get you ready to go on stage!" he said grabbing her by the collar of her shirt. "I mean seriously! You can't wear something like this to perform in!" he said motioning with exaggerated disgust at her simple outfit consisting of a short sleeved black shirt and red pants with her silver belt.
"I'll get you for this Ryuu." She threatened as the musican dragged her away.
He grinned in response and the leaf ninja looked at him expectantly.
"Ok, explanation time." Sasuke said. "Who is that guy?"
"Are you jealous of that kiss Scary Eyes?" the child teased. When the Uchiha's eyes flashed dangerously he held up his hands. "Don't be, he does that to every girl he meets. I think it's a tradition from his home land." He replied. "Anyway, after Onchou and I first ran off, we ran into them. He let us travel with his band." He explained. "We left when the beasts started popping up. Onchou was afraid it might be linked to Takuma and didn't want to put them in danger."
"I see." Naruto said. He glanced up at the Kazekage's building situated nearby and noted the light on in Gaara's office. "I hope Gaara gets to come hear Onchou sing. I know I'm looking forward to it."
Gaara sighed as he trudged through his paperwork. The end was in sight. He could count the number of documents that needed is seal and signature with one hand. Then he could go home and talk with Onchou before actually getting into bed before midnight for once.
"Almost there." Kankuro remarked seemingly on a similar wavelength as his brother. The puppet master glanced out the window. "Did you hear about the concert tonight?" he asked as muffled music filtered through the walls of the building as the concert started up.
The Kazekage nodded. "I approved it a week ago." He remarked. "They're a pretty popular band it seems. I think the woman who submitted the request squealed with delight as soon as she left my office with the paperwork approving their entrance to the Village." He murmured.
The older ninja chuckled and then moved closer to the window. "Is that who I think it is?" he asked.
"What do you mean?" Gaara replied scanning through the document in front of him. There was only this one and one more to go.
"I think Onchou is on stage with the band." Kuro remarked.
The Kazekage arched a brow in response and stood up to look out the window himself. Though it was a fairly large distance, he recognized the girl on stage with a mic set up in front of her while her fingers brushed at the strings of the electric guitar in her hands.
"Did you know about this?" Kankuro asked.
Gaara shook his head. "I knew that she could sing but I didn't know she had any connection with this band."
The puppet master quickly pushed Gaara away from the window to his desk. "Hurry and get this done." He instructed. "I know you're dying to go see for yourself and I'm pretty interested myself."
The Leaf ninja watched with pleasant surprise as Onchou stepped on stage. Her clothes had been changed out and now she wore a pair of black slacks, and a ruffled sleeveless white top. Chucky silver bangle bracelets shimmered at her wrists and her hair was pinned back away from her face. Neon yellow pumps adorned her feet and she smiled as her fingers moved over the guitar strings and she sang along with Fifield.
"Good morning and goodnight. I wake up at twilight. It's gonna be alright. We don't even have to try it's always a good time!" she sang raising her hands in the air as she moved on stage grinning at her on stage partner who smiled back.
"She's really good." Naruto said with a smile.
"I'm surprised." Sakura said moving to the beat of the music.
"Onchou is really good at this." Ryuu proclaimed proudly as he jumped along to the beat. "This is one of my favorite songs." He confessed shaking his hair in rhythm to the music.
The song ended and the group bowed. Onchou set down the electric guitar and reached for an acoustic. Fifield moved to the keyboard as she adjusted the mic.
"I want to dedicate this next song to a couple friends of mine who have helped me so much lately." She said. "Without them, I wouldn't be here so here you go guys. If you waste this opportunity I'll curse you forever." She warned even as she smiled.
The music started and a slow, sweet, melody flowed from the piano and guitar.
"A slow song?" Naruto remarked. "I'm out of here. You're coming with me." He said grabbing Sai and Ryuu by the collars of their shirts. "Protect me from those fan girls!" he instructed glancing at the hungry looking young women milling about. "My heart only beats for Hinata!"
"We know that." Sai replied.
"Yeah, but they don't!" the blond exclaimed dashing away from the girls who were dying to dance with the war hero.
Sakura blushed and Sasuke groaned looking down at the ground. "This feels like a set up." He muttered.
"Is that bad?" she replied "It's just dancing."
He shrugged and then blushed "It wouldn't be if I knew how." He muttered.
The pink haired girl chuckled softly. "That's alright. I can teach you." She said. "I taught Ino how to bring a fish back to life so this is nothing." She said putting her hand in his and pulling the other to her waist. "Just move in a circle." she instructed. "It's not too complicated." She assured him. After they established a rhythm, she sighed and moved closer resting her head on his chest. "Well, I can check this item off my wish list." She said with a smile.
Sasuke smiled back and rested his chin on the top of her head as they moved. He'd never imagined that there would come a time where he'd be dancing with her like this but here he was. It was a new experience filled with warmth and tenderness, two things he hadn't experienced much of over the past few years of his life. He decided that if the world suddenly ended, he really wouldn't mind as long as she was in his arms until the last moment.
"Ah I love this part of the song." She murmured. "It matches how I feel so well."
The dark haired Uchiha shifted his focus and listened carefully to the words. "I have died every day waiting for you. Darling don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more. And all along I believed I would find you. Time has brought your heart to me. I have loved you for a thousand years. I'll love you for a thousand more."
His heart warmed at the words even as a pang of guilt throbbed within him as well. He pulled her closer and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "I'm sorry for making you wait so long."
"It's alright." She replied. "I really would've waited forever if that's what it took."
He smiled and released her hand to tap her in the middle of her forehead. "That's a little excessive don't you think?" he teased.
She rolled her eyes and smiled. "I don't think so." She replied. "But you didn't make me wait that long so we're good."
He nodded and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Yes we are." He agreed as the music finally came to a stop. They reluctantly pulled apart and Naruto quickly ran up to them.
"You two make me sick, being all lovey dovey like that." He muttered.
"You're just jealous because Hinata isn't here." Sasuke replied.
The Uzamaki sighed. "Yeah, you're right. Along with the fact that I had to spend the entire song dodging fan girls." He muttered.
"Poor baby." Ryuu mocked. "Just tell them to get lost. That's what Sasuke does."
Sakura giggled and the Uchiha shrugged.
"But that's because Sasuke is a mean guy." Naruto argued. "I'm a nice guy so that just doesn't work for me."
"That's true. No one takes it seriously when you say things like that." Sai admitted.
"What's raccoon eyes doing here?" Ryuu asked glancing towards the back of the square.
"Ha! I told you he'd show up!" Sakura exclaimed elbowing Sasuke in the ribs. "You owe me."
The raven haired man winced and nodded. "Yeah, I guess I do." He admitted.
Naruto chuckled. "Of course he showed up. I bet he saw her from his window and then blew through the rest of his work to hurry and get here." He said moving towards the Kazekage.
"What's up Gaara?" Naruto said as he stood beside the sand wielder.
"What is the meaning of this?" the sand wielder replied his arms crossed over his chest as he observed the girl shifting on stage pick up the electric guitar again.
"Ryuu and Onchou used to travel with this band." Sakura explained.
"Yeah, Onchou played on stage with them all the time." Ryuu remarked. "We left them because we were worried Takuma was on to us and just ran into them again."
"Fifield wouldn't let her get away without agreeing to play three songs with him." Sai said glancing at the stage. "This will be song number three."
The amethyst eyed girl began to play and sang into the microphone. As the song progressed her eyes found the group and her gaze found the Kazekage. Her gaze remanded trained on him as she sang.
"Oh no I do not hook up, up I go slow. So if you want me I don't come cheap. Keep your hand in my hand your heart on your sleeve. Oh no I do not hook up, up I fall deep cause the more that you try the harder I'll fight to say goodnight." She sang her lips upturning in a little smile before she turned her gaze to the rest of the crowd and sang the rest of the song. Sakura grinned at the little spark in Gaara's eyes as he watched the violet eyed girl perform. Her gaze once again returned to him as she sang another set of lyrics. "Cause I feel the distance between us could be over with the snap of your fingers!"
Naruto grinned and nudged the Kazekage with his shoulder. "You heard that right?" he whispered in the red head's ear. "She's totally into you."
Ryuu snorted. "Yeah right! She's just putting on an act for the audience."
"Just keep telling yourself that kid." Sasuke replied rolling his eyes when the child glared at him.
The song ended and Onchou bowed. Fifield rose from his spot behind the piano and hugged her. "Let's hear it once more for Miss. Onchou!" he said raising her hand. "Ugh! We miss you! If you ever decide to come back to show business, you'll always have a place here with us."
She smiled and nodded. "Thanks Fifi." She teased. "It was good singing with you again. Now get on with the show!"
"You're right." He replied with a smile as she jumped from the stage. He picked up the guitar she'd been playing and smiled. "Let's keep this part rocking!" he exclaimed as he tapped out the beat for the next song.
The violet haired girl threaded her way through the crows grudgingly accepting their praise and sighing in frustration as a group of young men surrounded her.
"You were so great!" one exclaimed. "I had no idea!"
"Thanks." She replied. "I need to get going though." She said trying to push her way through.
"Do you have to? Come and dance with us." Another protested.
Irritation flared inside her. She knew exactly what their idea of 'dancing' was and she wasn't interested.
"I'm really sorry. Maybe later but I have to go talk to my friend. I need to explain things to him." She said stretching on her tip toes in spite of her sky high heels searching for an escape from the irritating males.
"It looks like Onchou needs a little help." Naruto remarked watching the circle of men around her grow.
"Yeah. Her chakra is starting to flare. They must really be having trouble taking no for an answer." Sasuke remarked.
Gaara sighed. "What a troublesome girl." He muttered, his tone dark before striding across the square.
"Wow." Naruto muttered. "He looks and sounds pissed."
"This is a textbook example of what is commonly referred to as jealously." Sai remarked.
"You would know." Sakura replied.
Ryuu huffed. "I don't mind raccoon eyes saving her this once. I'd just get stepped on if I went over there."
The Uchiha rolled his eyes. "Good for you kid."
Onchou took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she tried to control her temper. She could hear the soul songs of the men pressed around her loud and clear and what they wanted, she was not offering. She needed a way out but using her wind chakra to blow them and their dirty thoughts away would cause much more damage than it was worth. "Only barely." She muttered to herself as one of them brushed not so casually across her back side.
"Please excuse me." A low voice with a deliberate drawl said from just outside the circle.
She knew that voice. It was Gaara and from the sound of it, and his soul song, he was not happy. The group immediately parted and she cringed at the dark look in his eye.
"Lord Kazekage." One of the men stammered. "What brings you here?"
The sand wieldier ignored the man and strode forward without a word and grabbed her by the arm. "Come with me." He said.
She knew by his tone that it was an order not a request and she quickly obeyed following him to the entrance of an alleyway that connected the main square to one of the smaller shopping districts.
"Would you care to explain what's going on here?" he demanded crossing his arms over his chest.
With a sigh Onchou slipped out of the uncomfortable shoes and leaned against the wall. "Ryuu and I used to travel with Fifield and his band right after we first escaped from Takuma." She explained.
"I wasn't talking about that." He retorted sharply. "I was talking about that circle of men."
She blinked in surprise. "They just gathered around me." She replied. "I didn't ask them to or anything."
"Why didn't you move away from them?" he asked.
"I was trying to, but more and more kept coming and I couldn't really force my way through." She replied.
"Why not?" he asked.
She raked her fingers through her hair. "You saw how thick the crowd was. I couldn't exactly just push them out of the way with my wind chakra."
"Yes you could have." He retorted.
"Why are you so angry?" she asked tilting her head to the side slightly.
His brow furrowed in response. "I'm not angry." He replied. She cocked a brow in response. It was obvious by the way he was standing, the sand swirling around him and his soul song that he was angry. She just didn't know why.
"Ok, but you are upset. Why?" she asked.
His eyes narrowed. "Do you have any idea what those guys were thinking? How they were looking at you?" he demanded.
"Yes." She replied. "I can hear things like that."
For some reason instead of calming him like she thought it would, his anger flared and he took a step towards her forcing her to shrink back against the wall. "If you can hear what they're thinking why did you stay there?!" he demanded.
"I was trying to find a way out." She assured him.
"That's not what it looked like to me." He replied.
She sighed. "Seriously, I'm sorry. I knew that if I just pushed past them that it would be giving them exactly what they wanted. A chance to touch me."
He opened his mouth to talk when the sound of shuffling feet startled both of them. A man walked down the alleyway his gait a little rough. His eyes fell upon the couple and he grinned crookedly.
"What a pretty lady." He murmured moving towards Onchou. "Come with me and leave that shorty behind. I'll treat you right." He said his words slurring as he stumbled forward his eyes clouded with lust and alcohol.
Onchou sighed and opened her mouth to decline when Gaara's hands shot out with blinding speed slamming into the wall on either side of her head caging her with his arms. He lowered his head his pale eyes boring into hers with an intensity she'd never seen before that had her breath hitching in her throat. The sand thickened slightly and swirled around them. She trembled as the grains slid over her neck and across the bare skin of her arms her hands flexing instinctively against the stone wall behind him. 'How can just his sand have such an effect on me?' she wondered in her head as he Kazekage moved closer to her until there was only an inch between them and her heart thundered in her chest. His gaze turned murderous as he turned it on the drunk man.
"Did you say something?" he asked his tone darker than she'd ever heard it before.
The man's eyes widened and he stumbled backwards. "L-Lord Kazekage." He stammered his voice shaking in fear. "I-I didn't realize it was you."
"Get lost." Gaara hissed as the sand swirled thicker around the couple.
"Right away." The drunk replied half running half stumbling back the way he came.
With the drunk gone, the sand thinned and he sighed letting his head fall forward his hair brushing her forehead. "I'm sorry about that." He muttered.
"Why? You were just trying to protect me, right?" She replied. It dawned on her then why he was so upset. He felt protective of her. She's spent most of her life protecting her mother from the harsh words of her grandmother, herself from Takuma and his men, and Ryuu from everything. Having someone who not only wanted to protect her but was actively trying to, was a new experience for her. She realized her mistake and smiled at him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I'm used to dealing with stuff like this on my own." He glanced up at her and she felt the tension leaving his soul song. Her ears picked up on the beat of the music and she grinned. "Come on!" she said slipping out of his arms and grabbing him by the hand. "I love this song! Let's dance!"
"I don't dance." He replied as he stumbled after her.
"You do now." She said as they joined the rest of their friends in the middle of the dance floor.
Gaara watched as she moved next to Sakura and grinned at the pink haired medic and moved her body to the beat of the music. She reached up and unpinned her hair letting it tumble down her back and shook it loose tossing it with the beat of the music. He couldn't help but smile then as he saw how radiant she was.
Sasuke watched as Saukra moved to the beat of the music with Onchou. Her eyes would occasionally close as she whipped her hair and raised her arms above her head. She bumped into the violet haired girl frequently laughing out loud as she did. The younger girl didn't seem to notice and smiled working to synchronize her movements with the rose haired ninja. Sweat glinted off her in the soft lamp light of the square and she looked innocent, and cute with just a little hint of sexiness as she glanced over at him and winked before returning to her female dance partner.
"I didn't know Sakura was such a great dancer." Naruto admitted.
"Neither did I." The Uchiha replied watching the pair move. "There's a lot of things I don't know about her." He admitted.
"Yeah, but the fun part is finding all those things out." Naruto replied with a wink before he bounded over to join the girls dancing awkwardly so that they laughed.
"I wish I had that kind of confidence." Sai said as Ryuu too joined the group. He linked hands with the two girls and they laughed and moved together making waving movements with their linked arms.
"Agreed." Gaara said standing next to the two raven haired ninja.
"It is nice to watch them like this though. Sakura has been so stressed trying to break down the components of that Black Water stuff she hasn't smiled as much." Sasuke remarked.
"Onchou's seemed pretty troubled by all of the documents she's been writing as well." Sai said.
Gaara cringed a little and then sighed. "Seeing them like is reassuring at least." He remarked.
The Uchiha's eyes once again met the pink haired medics and he smiled. "Yes it is."
The group of Leaf shinobi parted ways with Gaara and his two house guests shortly after the song ended and Sakura smiled as she leaned against Sasuke who has his arm around her shoulder.
"That was so much fun!" Sakura said grinning as she walked.
"It was." Naruto agreed. "Except for the whole getting chased by fan girls thing."
Sasuke, Sakura, and Sai chuckled as they neared their hotel. They walked inside and moved towards the elevators that were pretty busy from guest returning from the concert.
"I don't think the four of us will be able to fit in one." Naruto said glancing around the crowded space.
"It's alright." Sasuke replied. "You and Sai go ahead and get on this one, Sakura and I will wait for the next one."
"Are you sure?" the blonde responded. "You're not going to do anything are you?" he asked.
"In a crowded elevator?" Sasuke replied incredulously. "Common Naruto, not even you would try something like that no matter how willing Hinata was."
The Uzamaki blushed and nodded. "Point taken." He admitted. "See you soon then." He said as he and Sai slipped into the elevator. As soon as the door closed, Sasuke pulled Sakura with him away from the crowd by the elevator.
"What are you doing?" Sakura asked. "Didn't you just tell Naruto-"
"That was a lie." He responded quickly. He led them outside and then yanked her up into his arms.
"Sasuke, what are you doing?" Sakura demanded.
"Just be quiet for a minute." He responded before he leapt into the air and scrambled up the side of the building landing lithely on the roof. "There, much better." He said as he let her down.
"Wow! It's so beautiful up here." She murmured. "The stars are gorgeous tonight."
"They are." Sasuke agreed. "I think you're more beautiful though." The pink haired medic blushed and look away from the Uchiha's warm gaze. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing's wrong and that's the whole problem." She admitted. "You've never been this nice to me before and don't get me wrong, I like it, I'm just a little thrown off by it."
He blinked and then smiled as he reached for her. "Sakura." He said softly waiting until her eyes met his. "Do you remember what I said before I left the village after all of that stuff with Kaguya happened?"
"When you decided to go on your journey?" she asked. When he nodded she thought for a moment. "You said your sins had nothing to do with me so I couldn't come with you." She replied.
He sighed and shook his head. "I did say that, but before that, I said that I wanted to see the ninja world with my new eyes." He replied.
"Oh yes. I do remember that." Sakura replied.
He nodded and leaned his forehead against hers. "These new eyes of mine have shown me many things, one of which is you." He said softly.
She blinked in surprise and looked into his eyes. "What do you mean by that?" she asked.
"Before my eyes were always clouded by revenge or darkness. I could see your warmth but I only found it and therefore you annoying because it was a distraction from my goal. Now with that obstacle gone, I can see you for who you really are. Who you've always been." He murmured. "A beautiful, caring, strong, loyal warrior who has unimaginable worth to the world and to me." He said softly. "I'm treating you the way I should've always treated you."
"Sasuke." Sakura replied reaching up to cup his cheek with her hand. "I love you."
"I know." He said grabbing her hand and pressing a kiss to it. "I'm sorry I denied your feelings before. I never realized how genuine they were until that whiskered idiot cut me down to size. I'll have to thank him for that one day." He admitted.
The pink haired medic smiled at him. "Is that why you brought me up here?" she asked. "To tell me that?"
He nodded. "It was part of the reason." He admitted his eyes darkening slightly as he guided her backwards until she was pressed up against the wall of the building covering the stairs that led to the roof. He pressed his lips against hers and stroked his fingers across her neck making her shiver. "I also wanted to be alone with you." He admitted his hands trailing down the curve of her body before coming to rest at her hips gripping them possessively making her jump. "Do you have any idea how hard it was to not whisk you away from the town square and bring you to our room? You looked so tempting dancing there with your hair tangled in the wind and that heat in your eyes when you looked at me." He pressed his mouth to hers again and swept his tongue against the seam of her lips asking for entrance. She opened her mouth in response and his tongue slipped between her lips to move against hers. He pressed his body against hers and slipped one hand under the back of her shirt feeling the hot skin there as his opposite hand slid up to unto the buttons holding her high necked red top in place. When he got past them, he tore his mouth from hers and moved his attention to her neck kissing, licking and nipping at the skin smirking at the whimpers that came from her mouth. He pulled the neck line of her shirt down and focused his attention on her collar bone even as his hand moved up to brush across her chest.
She gasped in response and slipped down against the wall away from his touch. He opened his eyes and flames of desire turned to lightning as he saw the passion burning in her eyes.
"Sasuke." She murmured panting with her top in disarray. He caught a glimpse of red lace and the swell of her chest and groaned grabbing her and pulling her back to him.
"Damn!" he hissed as his hands ran down the length of her back and brushed against her back side. "I wish that blonde idiot and the painter were anywhere else but in our room." He growled as his lips latched onto her neck sucking at a sensitive spot.
"Why?" Sakura managed to ask between gasps. Her fingers left trails of fire on his skin as she slipped her hands under his shirt to caress the muscles of his lower back.
"I want you Sakura." He murmured in her ear before taking her earlobe between his teeth and tugging lightly.
She shuddered in response to his words and he was pleasantly surprised when she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his face to hers kissing him with passion he didn't know she had even as her hips ground against his. He groaned in response and pressed his fingers into her back as his other gripped her hip tracing the contours of the bone there and tugging at the fabric of her shorts so that she pressed closer to him. His control began to fade as he slipped his fingers inside her shirt to brush against the red lace of her bra and cup her breast in his hand. It was just the right size in his mind and sent a fresh, stronger bold of desire through him. When she moaned at the action and another bolt ran through him, he groaned and removed his hand grabbing her by the shoulder and pushing her away from him.
"We have to stop." He panted.
"Why?" she replied her voice breathless. He glanced at her and immediately regretted it as he took in her ruffled appearance, her kiss swollen lips, and her emerald eyes that still shimmered with passion.
"Because I want to do this properly." He ground out. "Gosh don't look at me like that." He hissed as she licked her lip absent mindedly.
Sakura chuckled and fingered a lock of his hair. "You worry about the silliest things Sasuke Uchiha." She murmured. "But it that's what you want, that's what we'll do." She quickly buttoned up her shirt and adjusted her hair. "We better get back to the others before they come looking for us." He nodded and fixed his own hair when she stretched up on her toes and laid her lips against his ear. "I want you too." She whispered before nibbling on it gently. He groaned in response and captured her lips for another passionate kiss.
"Keep it up and I'll take you right here on the roof you damn, little, tease." He hissed.
She chuckled and smirked. "I won't tease you anymore today." She assured him. "Tomorrow is a different story though." She said with a wink before she pulled him towards the stairs.
He shook his head in response and then followed her down the stairs half dreading and half excited for what the next day would bring.
P.S. Ok. I did it… I'm changing this story's rating to M. I just couldn't resist. Not a lot of action happened in this chapter because I was focusing on their relationships in preparation for the drama, action, and over all darker nature of the next coming chapters. Like I said, I do have a plan and to all my impatient readers, the climax of this arc is coming much sooner than you think. Anyway, enjoy and I'm sorry that it's not meeting everyone's taste. Also the unedited version of this was posted first so please forgive me. Thanks! You guys are awesome!