Author's Notes: Thank you for all of the support of this story that is rapidly coming to a close. I apologize for downplaying Naruto and Sasuke's abilities. To be honest writing battle scenes isn't my forte and I have a couple of other reviewers that scalp me every time I misspell an attack or name so I try to stay away from things I don't know as well to try to keep the peace and my inbox empty. I was also trying to wrap up this story quickly so I was being a tad lazy. In addition, I may have unintentionally given the impression that it was Onchou who was killing the Dolls but it was actually her summons. Also, this is a story I made up so if it doesn't follow you taste don't read it. I'm not going to re-write the thing to suit your tastes and telling me how 'pissed off' you are that your ship isn't getting the attention you want is just annoying. I will try to do better in the future particularly in the sequel to this that I'm beginning to form in my head. This story started out as just a Sasuke and Sakura one shot and grew to what it was. As I wrote it, I liked the idea of Gaara saving someone in a similar way that Naruto had saved him years ago. I also felt like Sakura and Sasuke's relationship would benefit from watching how Gaara had to overcome part of his past and I wanted something to trigger Sasuke's need to wanders again (because I am planning a sequel that will involve Sasuke and Sakura's journey's together that doesn't have a mission involved with it)
Sakura sighed and arched her back against the uncomfortable desk chair she sat at and reached her hands high above her head as she stretched. "That was the last one." She muttered as she laid the last medical chart of the day on the desk.
"Are you done then?" Ino asked as the pink haired medic stood up.
She nodded. "Yup." She glanced at the clock. "Just in time too. It's almost time to leave isn't it?"
The mind transfer ninja smiled and nodded as she moved around the room. "So what's going to happen with the stone?" Ino asked. "Is it still inside Onchou?"
Sakura nodded. "Yes but she's decided to just leave it there for now."
"Why?" Ino asked.
"She said that the stone no longer serves the purpose it had originally intended and that she had a strange dream about a woman with pale eyes and skin trying to take possession of it. At first she wanted to cast the stone into the dragon dimension but without really knowing how to remove it, Gaara convinced her it was too risky and said that Suna would protect her and the stone's power until she could learn to remove it safely." Sakura explained.
The blonde nodded and put away the file in her hand. "Sakura? I was wondering, what's with that forehead poke thing Sasuke does to you?"
Sakura's green eyes widened as she touched the spot and then she blushed. "That's a secret." She replied with a smile. It was his way of telling her that he loved her. Though she didn't know where it came from, she was sure that was what it meant. Making a mental note to ask him about it when they were in private she slipped her pack into place on her back and then smiled at her friend. "Common! We don't want to be late. You know how Lee is."
Ino groaned. "He's going to push us so hard." She muttered.
Sakura giggled at her friend's disgusted expression as they made their way out of the lab and onto the streets of Suna. It was midmorning and the Leaf Shinobi having completed their mission were returning to their own village with the addition of a blond sand kunochi. The pink haired medic searched the crowd in front of her and smiled when she spotted a purple scarf tied around a mess of ink colored spiked and increased her pace slightly.
"Sasuke!" she called out as she neared the man.
He turned at the sound of her voice and nodded to her as she and Ino quickly jogged up to him. "Did you get everything taken care of?" he asked.
She nodded. "I left several dosages of the Black Water antidote behind along with copies of my notes on how to make it. If that crap ever pops up again, we'll be ready for it."
Sasuke nodded a little hint of smirk playing on his lips as he reached for her hand. "Let's go. The others are gathering at the end of the corridor."
%&%
Sakura smiled at the small crowd gathered at the entrance to Suna. They joined the group and began to say their goodbyes. The pink haired medic bowed low to the Kazekage. "Thank you so much for all you've done for us Lord Gaara." She said.
He shook his head. "I should be the one thanking you. You helped heal my people and saved the life of someone else who is precious to me." He said. "You are welcome here anytime."
She smiled. "Thank you very much." Her gaze then turned to Kankuro. "Don't hate us too much for taking your big sister away." She teased.
The puppeteer chuckled. "It was bound to happen sooner or later. I had a feeling it would end up like this the day they battled in the duel during the Chunin exams." He said watching the blonde lecture the pair of kunochi's who had been in charge of Ryuu's care for what seemed like the one hundredth time. Shikamaru walked forward and touched her shoulder gently and she turned to look at him her face softening slightly. "I don't mind as long as he makes her happy." He replied.
Sakura nodded. "He will. I'm sure of it." Her attention then turned to the silver haired child standing next to the eldest brother of the sand siblings. "Look after yourself Ryuu." She said ruffling his hair.
He nodded and stepped forward giving her a tight hug. "Thank you so much for saving Onchou." He said before releasing her and looking up at her. "Will I see you again?"
She smiled and nodded. "Yes. We're friends right?"
Ryuu beamed. "Alright!" he glanced at Sasuke. "You better take good care of her scary eyes!" he snapped trying to frown but failing.
"I will. Don't worry." Sasuke replied. Ryuu nodded and Sakura moved to stand in front of Onchou.
The violet haired girl reached out and hugged her gently. "Thank you for all you've done for me and Ryuu." She said before she released her. "If you ever need anything from me let me know."
Sakura smiled. "I was happy to do it." She said. "It's such a wonderful thing that you've been accepted as official citizens of Suna. That'll make you much easier to find."
Onchou smiled. "Yeah. I finally have a home again. It's kind of a strange feeling but I think I like it." She admitted blushing a little. Her gaze flickered to Sasuke and she extended her hand towards his. "Thank you Sasuke, for everything." She said. "I'm sorry about all of the rude things I said before."
He blinked in surprise and clasped hands with her briefly. "It's alright." He assured her. "You had your reasons."
The violet haired girl nodded and then smiled. "You know, Itachi loved you with all of his heart. He really was a gentle soul in spite of everything."
The Uchiha's smiled slightly. "I know that. Thank you."
Onchou smiled. "You're welcome. Look after Sakura. She's has one of the biggest, strongest hearts around but it hasn't been cared for as well as it should have."
Sasuke nodded. "I will. I promise."
She snickered. "I'll hold you to that."
Naruto stopped in front of the newest citizens of Suna and grinned at them as he hugged Ryuu tight. "I'm going to miss you buddy!" he said ruffling his silver hair.
"I'll miss you too Naruto." Ryuu replied. "But we're friends so we'll see each other again right?"
The blonde grinned. "You better believe it!" he said as the boy beamed.
Onchou bowed to him and gasped in surprise when the Uzumaki hugged her. "You'll never be alone again Onchou, you got that? We'll be there for you whenever you need us." he said.
She nodded and blushed and Sakura didn't miss the barely perceptible twitch of the Kazekage's eye as he watched the scene.
"Yes. Thank you Naruto." Onchou replied hugging him back. "Thank you so much."
He grinned and took a step back. "The next time we meet you better let me have a ride on one of those dragons."
She chuckled. "Of course." She replied before her face became serious. "Naruto, when the time comes that Ryuu begins to struggle with the beast inside of him, would it be alright if called on you then to help him?"
The blond ninja nodded. "Of course. I'd be happy to."
The violet haired girl smiled relief tinging her eyes. "Thank you. All of you." She said raising her voice slightly. "I'm honored to have gained such loyal, honorable friends."
"We should be saying the same think." Kiba said with a grin. "Feel free to visit any time."
Temari nodded. "Seriously! Don't be a stranger. We're practically family already." She said with a wink.
The amethyst girl's cheeks colored at the comment and the blond kunochi laughed. "We'll see you around I'm sure." Shikamaru said putting his arm around his fiancé.
"Thank you all for coming." Gaara said stepping forward. "We are grateful to you. You are all welcome here when ever you'd like."
"Sure thing Gaara." Naruto replied with a grin. "We'll see you later then!" he said turning to lead his group out.
"Since we are here in the zenith of youth I propose a training exercise that Guy Sensei himself created in this very desert years ago!" Lee exclaimed. "Let us partner up and carry someone by piggy back to Konoha!"
The group turned to cock a brow at the jumpsuit wearing ninja. After a few minutes of awkward silence TenTen sighed and shook her head. "Oh what the hell." She muttered. "Let's go Lee!" she said scrambling onto his back.
"Wait! Are you guys serious!?" Kiba exclaimed.
Naruto grinned. "Alright then! Hinata get on!"
"Now that Naruto has joined in the rest of the group is sure to follow. I must choose a partner quickly." Shino muttered.
"Get on shadow boy!" Temari exclaimed tossing her fan to Shikamaru who blushed and gaped at her.
"You're kidding me right!?" he stammered.
"Nope. Now listen to your elder and get on before I let someone else get on my back." Temari replied with a wicked grin. Shikamaru cringed and grudgingly climbed on the sand kunoichi's back.
"I'm going to make you pay for this later." He assured her letting his teeth scrape her ear.
"I'm looking forward to it." She replied before she took off across the desert.
"Sai! Let's do this!" Ino exclaimed climbing onto the painter's back.
"Are you sure about this?" he muttered.
"Just think of it this way. We're strengthening out bond as a couple." She replied nuzzling his ears. He blushed and shrugged.
"Alright then." He muttered.
Sakura looked at Sasuke who cringed. "Don't even think about it." He muttered.
"Only if you hold my hand." She replied with a smile.
He sighed and nodded twining his fingers with hers as they moved through the desert.
"We did it TenTen!" Lee exclaimed as they skidded to a halt just inside the village.
The brown haired girl groaned and slumped over across his back. "Why did I agree to this?" she moaned.
"Nice job!" Naruto exclaimed coming in a few moments later with Hinata on his back.
Ino and Sai arrived minutes later with the blonde smiling as Sai groaned. "Thank you sweetie!" the blonde exclaimed.
"Sure." Sai remarked blushing.
Sakura and Sasuke arrived next and rolled their eyes. "Alright. Who's going to report in?" Sakura asked.
"I'll do it!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Excellent. In that case, I'm going home to take a shower." Sakura replied. "Are you going to come with me?" she asked the Uchiha.
He blinked in surprise and Ino snorted. The pink haired medic's eyes widened as she turned red up to the tips of her ear. "That's not what I meant!" she exclaimed putting her arms out in front of her defensively. "I meant…"
"Yeah sure you didn't." Naruto teased.
Sakura groaned in frustration and quickly dashed across the roof tops towards her apartment mortified at her own words and actions.
"So, are you going to join her?" Naruto asked wiggling his brow suggestively.
Sasuke rolled his eyes and said nothing as he walked down the street towards the medic's apartment.
"He's totally going to join her." The blonde whispered in Hinata's ear. He yelped as a small lightning bolt struck the spot just in front of his feet and chuckled nervously. "I'm only joking!" he called out.
"Seriously, don't tease them so much or it'll be your own fault when you lose another arm." Shikamaru chastised.
The Uzumaki grinned. "I can't help it." He admitted. "I'm just so excited that he's actually giving her the attention she deserves and letting himself thaw out a little in the process."
Sakura groaned as she let the water cascade over her body. "I am such an idiot!" she muttered as she scrubbed her scalp as she rinsed the shampoo from her hair. "How could I say something like that to him?" Satisfied with the state of her cleanliness she turned off the water and stepped out quickly wrapping a towel around her body. She remembered what Sasuke had said about the hole in the wall and crouched down to examine the spot nodding in satisfaction when she found it had been properly filled in. A little sigh escaped her lips as she walked out of her bathroom.
"What should I do for dinner today?" she muttered rubbing a towel over her hair as she studied the floor.
"How about going out somewhere with me?" a low voice suggested.
Sakura's eyes widened and she jumped as she spotted the Uchiha standing near her bedroom door leaning against the wall smirking at her. "Whaa!" she exclaimed clutching the towel closer to herself. "What are you doing here?"
He snickered and walked forward reaching out to touch her damp hair. "You're the one that invited me in." he reminded her.
She blushed darker than her hair and chewed on her bottom lip nervously. "That's not what I meant and you know it." She muttered.
He chuckled at her expression and tapped her in the middle of her forehead. "I'll shower and then we'll go somewhere." He said before he walked past her brushing his fingertips over her bare shoulders sending goosebumps over her flesh.
"Well what should I wear?" she asked.
"Something nice I guess." He replied waving to her before he vanished through the door.
Sakura blushed and went into her room frowning slightly. Nice? Did she have anything that really qualified as nice in her closet? She pulled the doors open and scanned through her clothes.
Once again she cursed her lack of selection and settled on a red top the zipped in front similar to what she wore in during her chunin days and paired it with a knee length black skirt and pink sandals. She decided to omit the headband and let her hair fall naturally to frame her face. She took a deep breath as she slipped the cherry blossom necklace over her neck touching it gently before a thought occurred to her. Quickly, she left the room and walked to her kitchen and picked up the newly installed phone there and dialed a number.
"Hello?" a feminine voice answered.
"Hey mom. It's me." Sakura replied. "I'm back from my mission."
"I'm glad to hear it." Her mother replied "How did it go?"
"Pretty well." The pink haired medic replied. "I was wondering if you and dad are going to be home tonight."
"We should be." Her mother replied. "Is there something you need?"
Sakura smiled. "Yes actually. I'd like to introduce you to someone if that's alright."
"That's fine." Her mother replied. "Just come over whenever. Our door will be open."
"Thanks mom." She replied. "I'll see you tonight." She said before she hung up the phone.
"You have a phone now?" Sasuke asked as he entered the room dressed more formally than she'd seen him before with a black collared shirt bearing the Uchiha crest and slacks.
"Yeah. Kakashi ordered it actually. He said he wanted to be able to contact me quickly in case of emergency." She said with a shrug. "The only ones who really call me are Naruto, my parents and Shizune."
He smirked. "Only because you haven't given your number out to anyone else right?"
She blushed. "To be fair, I didn't give it to Naruto either. He swiped it from Kakashi."
He shook his head. "Alright, are you ready to go then?" he asked.
"Sure." She replied. "Where are we going?" she asked.
"You'll find out." He replied as the left her little apartment. They stopped at the flower shop run by Ino's family and the Uchiha bought two bouquets of flowers before continuing through the village nearing the place where the Uchiha compound used to stand.
Sakura watched as Sasuke knelt down and laid the flowers down in the spot where his house once stood. His eyes closed as he bowed his head and pressed his palms together. After several moments he stood again. "I know that they have official graves erected in the cemetery but I feel closer to them here. Itachi too." He murmured.
Sakura nodded and bowed to the place where his life had changed forever tears slipping down her cheeks as she reflected on all of the heartache and sorrow he'd experienced. She glanced over at the last Uchiha whose eyes were dry but clearly reflected pain. Instinctively she reached out to him and wrapped her arms around his waist laying her head against his chest. "You're very important to me Sakura." Sasuke said softly. "That's why I brought you here."
"Thank you Sasuke." She said softly. "I'll visit them often."
He nodded. "Thank you." He murmured before grabbing her hand and walking with her back towards the main part of the village. They opted for one of the smaller, quieter restaurants in town to preserve their privacy. They didn't talk much though they didn't need to as they brushed one another's hands and feet comforting one another without words.
"So where are we going now?" Sasuke asked as the pink haired medic pulled him from the path to her apartment and towards the more compact part of town.
"You introduced me to you family." She said as she stopped at a door and knocked. "Now you can meet mine."
A blonde woman answered the door and beamed at the medic. "Sakura!" she exclaimed pulling her in for a hug.
"Hi mom." She replied hugging her back. "Is now a good time?"
"Of course." The older woman replied stepping back. Her eyes flickered to the Uchiha and her brow furrowed slightly. "Please come inside. Your father is in the living room."
Sakura nodded and gave Sasuke a reassuring smile as she stepped over the threshold of her parent's house and slipped off her sandals.
Sasuke took a deep breath and followed her in and repeated the same motion. He wasn't a fearful man. Just days ago he'd stared down a fire breathing dragon and didn't flinch, however he was afraid now as he followed Sakura into her parents cozy home. He looked at the photos on the wall that chronicled her life from birth to most recently where she'd been named one of the world's top medics. He felt a pang of regret as he studied the pictures from her chunin days wondering how he'd been so blind to her growing beauty.
"Sasuke, you can sit in here." Sakura said motioning to a chair situated across the living space from the couch where the Haruno couple sat.
He nodded and sat down stiffly his heart pounding in his chest. Sakura offered him a smile and sat down in the chair next to his.
"Mom, dad this is Sasuke Uchiha." She said motioning to the young man. "I wanted to introduce him to you formally since I don't think I ever have in the past."
"I see." Kizashi replied setting down the paper he was reading. "So you're back in the village then?"
"For now." Sasuke replied. "I helped with the same mission Sakura was sent on recently."
"I see." The pink haired ninja replied. "I trust the mission was a success?"
Sakura nodded. "Yes it was. Relations between Suna and Konoha are now stronger than ever."
Her mother smiled. "That's good to hear." She said before her eyes flickered to her husband who nodded. "Sakura dear, would you mind helping me in the kitchen for a few moments?" she asked.
"Not at all." Sakura replied standing. "We'll be back." She assured her companion before she left the room with her mother.
Sasuke sighed. He knew what was coming next but that didn't mean he was ready for it. Sakura's father wasn't an enemy he could just cut down or cast a genjutsu on and defeat. If he was serious about his feelings and relationship with Sakura, he'd have to answer to this man for everything he'd done and he knew that the older ninja wouldn't be as forgiving as his daughter was.
"So, what do you want with my daughter Sasuke Uchiha?" Kizashi asked his eyes meeting the Uchiha's.
"I'd like to pursue her." The raven haired shinobi replied his muscles tense. Talking wasn't his thing but being brutally honest generally speaking was.
"I see." The pink haired man replied crossing his arms over his chest. "What makes you think you've earned that right?"
Sasuke sighed and pressed his palms together and looked down at the floor as the demons from his past hissed and writhed within him. "Nothing." He replied simply. "I haven't done anything to earn the right to be by her side. In fact I've earned every right for her to tear me to pieces and leave me to die on the side of the road." He murmured as his body trembled. "Yet in spite of all that, she says she loves me and wants to be by my side."
"And what about you?" The Haruno asked. The young man raised his head and looked at him. "What do you feel for Sakura?" he asked.
The ink haired man blinked and then glanced towards the kitchen where he could hear Sakura talking with her mother though she couldn't make out what they were saying. "She's more than I will ever deserve." He murmured.
"Do you love her?" Kizashi asked.
Sasuke smiled. "I do." He replied before turning his gaze to the pink haired man. "I really do."
The older ninja sighed and nodded his head. "Very well then." He muttered. "I guess I'll allow it." His eyes bored into the Uchiha. "Don't get the wrong idea. I don't like you nor do I trust you. I heard my little girl cry herself to sleep far too many times over the years for that, however I acknowledge that you seemed to have changed for the better. Not only that but…" he sighed and bowed his head. "even if I said no she'd still do whatever she wanted anyway."
The Uchiha chuckled. "That's true. She does what she thinks is right no matter what anyone else says."
The pink haired ninja nodded and then glared at the young man. "If you do anything to hurt her, I will end your life with my own hands." He threatened.
Sasuke sighed. "I figured as much." He admitted. "You don't have to worry though. I've already decided to spend the rest of my life protecting her and giving her that kind of life she deserves."
"Good answer." Kizashi said with a wink.
%&%
"Just come out and say it mother. I know you want to." Sakura said as she went to work brewing tea.
Mebuki sighed as she pulled down the cups. "I don't think you should be with that man." She said. "He's done horrible things to you. You deserve someone who will treat you with respect like Naruto."
The pink haired medic sighed. "Mom, I told you already. Naruto is like a brother to me and always has. He's engaged to Hinata now anyway."
"Well what about Kiba, or Rock Lee? They've both been very loyal and devoted to you." The blond woman argued.
Sakura sighed and lowered her head. "Mother. I love him." She said softly.
Mebuki sighed. "I understand that dear but he's dangerous."
"Not anymore." Sakura replied. "He's changed for the better and he truly wants to make up for all of the awful things he did." She blushed and looked down. "Mamma, he told me that he loves me. I heard it from his own lips." She looked at the blonde woman tears shimmering in her eyes. "He's lost everyone he's ever said those words to before. Think about how much emotion had to be behind that."
The blonde haired woman's eyes widened and then softened before she shook her head. "I see." She said before she pulled her daughter in for a hug. "I that case, do what you feel is best. You weren't going to listen to what I said anyway."
The pink haired medic hugged the woman back. "Thank you mom. I really do love him."
"I know that." Mebuki replied. "From the time you were small I knew it." She said stepping back. "If he breaks your heart again though, I'll break that pretty face of his."
Sakura snorted. "I bet you will." She glanced at the living room. "I'm pretty sure there will be a line too."
The blond kunoichi laughed as she arranged sweets on a plate. "Let's get back out here before your father bores the kid to death."
The pink haired medic smiled. "Right." She said pouring the tea and following her mother back to the living room.
&%&
An hour and a half later with night now engulfing Konoha, Sakura and Sasuke left her parent's home promising to visit again and made their way towards the medic's apartment.
"I'm sorry we were there so long." Sakura said as they walked.
Sasuke shrugged. "It's fine. I was expecting it."
She arched a brow at him. "Well then, did everything go as you expected it to?"
The Uchiha nodded. "Pretty much. Your father said he'd kill me if hurt you again."
Sakura chuckled. "Of course he did." She remarked as they arrived at her door. She opened it and slipped out of her shoes and padded into the kitchen. "Are you ready for bed?" she asked as she moved to the living room floor and unfolded the futon for him. When he didn't reply, she stood and turned and her heart immediately jumped in her chest as his eyes met hers. They were filled with something dark yet exciting and she immediately blushed. "Sasuke?" she said surprised by how breathy and shaky her voice sounded.
He walked over to her using determined strides and she felt a little like a rabbit being stalked by a wolf as she stood rooted to the spot her pulse pounding in her ears. He came level with her and reached out to stroke her hair. "Sakura." He murmured as he stepped closer and pressed his lips to hers. His lips were hot, greedy, and demanding as they moved against hers his hands slipping under the fabric of her shirt. He tore his lips from hers and laid them against her ear. "I want you." He whispered. "All of you." His hands gripped her waist under her clothes. "If you don't want this, I'll leave. I just…"
She grabbed his face and brought it to hers and kissed him with all of the love and passion she felt for him pulling away when she became desperate for air. "Take me." She said looking into his eyes. Those eyes that had captured her from the moment she'd laid eyes on him. "I'll give you every part of me."
He groaned in response and laid his lips on her neck as his fingers found the zipper to her top and pulled it down. He roughly pushed it off of her shoulders and moved his mouth down to her collar bone as his hands quickly undid the clasp of her bra and pulled if from her body. She squeaked when his good hand gripped her breast.
"How are you so good at that already?" she asked breathlessly as she tugged at his shirt. He smirked as he moved away to pull it over his head ignoring the buttons.
"I'm a quick learner." He replied before he swept her into his arms and then laid her on the futon and quickly pulled the skirt from her hips and hovered over her. She looked beautiful with her hair splayed around her head like a halo, her firm rose tipped breasts, the slim waist and gentle curve of her hips that led to slender legs. "You are so beautiful." He murmured.
She blushed and covered herself as best she could. "Don't stare at me like that."
He smirked and trailed his fingers of her skin memorizing the shape and feel of her as a bolt of desire went through him. He tugged his own pants off and then laid over her claiming her lips with his groaning at the sensation of his skin on hers. His lips moved down her neck sucking and nibbling at the skin as his hands focused their attention on her breasts stroking and squeezing the soft mounds. Her mews and moans sent another wave of desire through him as he fisted his hands in her hair. His mouth traveled lower and captured a rose colored nipple in his mouth earning a cry from her which made him smirk against her skin. He sucked at the bud loving how her hips squirmed and bucked in response.
"Sasuke!" she moaned and he opened his eyes drinking in the sight of her eyes closed her head thrown back as she arched into his touch. He moved his attention to her second breast and then cautiously moved his hand down the flat planes of her stomach and lower to the scrap of cotton that covered the part of her he'd only seen once. He cupped her womanhood and her eyes flew open and she jumped. His hand started to move away but she shook her head. "Don't stop." She whispered. "It just surprised me. Please don't stop."
He nodded and rubbed her through her panties as he brought his mouth to her breast again sucking and nipping at the bud as he felt her becoming wetter through the cotton. After a few more moments he stopped and moved up to look at her. "Sakura, can I take them off?" he asked blushing slightly.
She nodded and he moved to kneel between her legs and slid the cotton from her finally revealing herself to him. Another wave of desire went through him as he slid off his own boxers and laid on top of her pulling the blankets over both of them as he did. He groaned at the sensation of his length against her leg and slid up further kissing her with passion that astounded both of them. He loved her more than anything. He was sure of it. She alone had the power to get rid of the ice and darkness in his heart. He felt the burning almost uncontrollable desire to sheath himself in her warmth and moved his lips to her ear. "Sakura, are you ready?" he asked.
She nodded. "I am."
"This is my first time." He admitted. "Forgive me if I hurt you."
She chuckled. "It's alright. I love you Sasuke." She said wrapping his arms around his neck. "We'll figure this out together alright?"
He nodded and touched his forehead to hers as he guided himself to her entrance and then pushed inside her with a grunt. He felt something within her break and heard her hiss of pain even as his brain became fuzzy overloaded with the sensation of her warmth. "Sakura." He hissed. "Do you want to stop?"
"Don't stop." She replied. "This pain is nothing. Keep going, you don't have to hold back."
Her words were all the encouragement he needed as he slammed his hips into hers his body dripping with sweat as his hands fisted in the sheets. Her arms wrapped around him clutching at his hair and his back as he continued to move. He could feel her warmth penetrating his being as he surged within her erasing all of the shadows and demons in his soul as they writhed together joined as one. He felt something building up inside of him and cried out as heat unlike and he'd ever felt exploded and he spilled himself inside of her with her name tumbling from his lips. He collapsed on top of her panting and peppered her face with butterfly kisses before he rolled to the side and pulled her into his arms.
"Sakura, are you alright?" He asked after he got his breathing under control.
She nodded. "I'm more than alright." She assured him. "I'm so happy right now that I could die."
He chuckled and pulled her tighter against him. He knew from the moment that he'd entered her that he'd never be able to live without her again and now he knew she felt the same. He reached down and tapped her in the middle of the forehead. "I love you Sakura." He said softly.
"I love you too Sasuke." She replied. "So much."
After a few moments, the Uchiha spoke again. "Sakura, I think I need to leave again."
She blinked and sat up bringing the blankets up with her to cover herself. "Leave? Why?" she asked.
"I just feel like there are still things I need to see and people I can help." He sat up and ran a hand through his hair. "Naruto has touched so many lives for the better. Gaara was able to help Onchou and Ryuu because he was following Naruto's example. He even managed to stand up to those on the council who have hated him for years." He glanced out the window. "I want to be able to help others like that as well."
"Can't you do that from here?" she asked him. "I mean it's our job to help others right?"
He shook his head. "I want to be able to make my own path." He replied.
"I see." Sakura replied standing up. "Well, you'll write me this time right? And you won't be away for as long either." She said turning away from him.
Sasuke's eyes widened and he quickly jumped to his feet. "Wait." He said reaching for her.
"It's fine." She said pulling away. "You need to do what you need to do."
He rolled his eyes and wrapped his arms around her one gripping her waist while the other wrapped around her shoulders pressing his face to her hair. "You misunderstood me." He said softly. "I said I felt I needed to leave but I didn't say that I intended to go alone."
She turned in his arms her eyes wide. "What are you saying?" she asked.
"Come with me Sakura." Sasuke said touching her face. "I want to see more of this world but with you by my side."
Her green eyes shimmered with moisture that spilled down her cheeks. "Of course. I'll go anywhere with you."
He smiled and kissed her gently. "Then we'll go together and keep moving towards tomorrow. That's what Naruto taught us after all."
Sakura smiled and leaned against his chest listening to the steady rhythm of his heart and felt for the first time that it was truly within her grasp. They laid down together on the futon and as she drifted asleep wrapped in Sasuke's arms she saw a little girl. A girl with dark hair, big eyes and a wide forehead smiling at her. "See you soon Mamma."
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P.S. And that concludes my first attempt at fanfiction! Whoot! This was a lot of fun to write and I'm really surprised at how well it went. It didn't go exactly according to plan but I'm satisfied with it none the less. I am working on a couple of sequels to his one that will focus on Sasuke's and Sakura's travels together and one that explores Gaara and Onchou's relationship so watch for those if you're interested. Sorry to those I disappointed and thanks for all the feedback. I really have grown as a writer from this which was my goal. Anyway, see you next time!