Chapter 8:

Sasuke went home from Hinata and Naruto's engagement party with his head turning. While anyone could see that Hinata and Naruto loved each other, it still surprised Sasuke that Naruto had found a wife before he had. Shikamaru, Sai, and even Choji were ready to be married to their respective lovers. His thoughts flickered to Sakura. She had cried when she learned that Hinata and Naruto were engaged. Her beautiful eyes were full of kindness as she watched them dance around in circles, flashes of pale purple and sunset orange.

What had surprised Sakura was when Sasuke offered her his handkerchief. She took it hesitantly, but not without a smile of gratitude on her face. When he told her to keep it, a blush had broken out on her face.

"Why aren't you dancing, Sakura?" He asked her, eyebrow cocked.

"Aa, I'm too much of a mess." She laughed at herself. "Besides…" she looked away and bit her lip. "No one has asked me to dance who I want to dance with."

Sasuke had felt his cheeks burn a little. Surely, she hadn't been talking about him. Not after the way he treated her. She was probably referring to Kakashi, who Sasuke was certain held her heart.

"I'm sure Kakashi will dance with you," he told her, face blank. She turned to him, angry and tearful.

"I don't want to dance with Kakashi, baka." She turned away from him again. "I already told him no. I don't feel that way for him."

Despite how his heart began to beat faster, Sasuke told himself that it didn't mean that she had feelings for him. It only meant that she didn't have feelings for Kakashi. Sasuke tapped her on the shoulder. When she turned around, Sasuke had his arm offered to her. "Would you like to go for a walk?"

Sakura's face had lit up. They spent the rest of the night walking together in the Hyuga's garden. She had chirped about her birthday party that was coming up in three days, about her work at the hospital, and about how excited she was for Naruto and Hinata's wedding. Sasuke had listened and even replied a few times. Then, when he took her home, he had poked her forehead again.

Sasuke knew that he had to do something about Sakura. He could not deny that he craved her presence, her affection, and even her temper. He was lost and confused. He had not taken Nanami out since the night at the theatre, and the young woman had already found a new beau in one of Kiba's relatives. When Team Seven went out, Sasuke found himself gravitating towards Sakura. At team dinners, they always sat together. After she had gotten hurt, he was incredibly protective whenever they were in public, always keeping an eye out for someone who could hurt her.

Sasuke hadn't talked to Naruto or Kakashi about his problems. He was beginning to grow desperate, though. Sasuke knew that Sakura was becoming more and more dear to him, and that scared him. He needed to talk to someone, he knew. He paced around his room, trying to decide who to go to.

In the end, he decided on someone who was closer to Sakura than he had ever liked. He cursed under his breath, throwing on a coat. He bolted out his front door, saddled up his horse Kuromaru, and sped to the Hatake residence. He beat on the door until Kakashi opened up, his eyes wide.

"Sasuke," he greeted his young student. "Come in."

The Uchiha looked desperate and confused. Kakashi wondered if he had finally realized his growing feelings for Sakura. The gentleman had watched the way Sasuke and Sakura were growing more and more comfortable. Anyone could see that their dynamic was changing. Whether Sasuke was going to make Sakura happy or not was another question.

Kakashi led Sasuke to Kakashi's private office. He then proceeded to pour a cup of sake for the Uchiha.

"So, what brings you here tonight, Sasuke?" Kakashi asked him as he handed him the drink. "Not that I'm opposed to your visiting, but you've never been here so late."

"Aa," was all Sasuke could let out. He was searching for the right words to say.

"This wouldn't have anything to do with a certain pink-haired young lady, would it?" Kakashi smiled cheerfully.

Sasuke gripped his cup tighter, his knuckles turning white. How had it been so obvious? "Hn," he confirmed.

"It's about damn time." Kakashi surprised Sasuke. "I've been waiting for you to realize you love her."

Love. That word hit Sasuke like a brick. It was a term he had only ever reserved for his family, the family that was long gone. As a child, Sakura had represented a different kind of family. She was part of his team. And now?

Now, Sakura held his attention like no one else ever had. She was beautiful, strong, and kind. She had a fearsome temper and she was incredibly brash. She cried too much, she laughed too loud, and she loved too fiercely. She was perfect, and Sasuke realized in that moment, he loved her.

"So what do I do?" The Uchiha growled at Kakashi.

His sensei's eyes went wide, as though he was shocked at Sasuke's abrupt question. "You court her. Show her you love her. Make her happy. Then, you marry her."

"It's not that easy. I don't think she has forgiven me for leaving." Sasuke seethed.

Kakashi watched his pupil carefully and chose his words deliberately. "Sakura is a very strong woman. She has a frightening temper, and its believed that she will surpass Tsunade as a ninja, if she has not already. That does not, however, mean that her heart has changed. She has always wanted to help you. She loves you. From the day you left, she trained harder and fought for what she wanted so that when you returned, you would be proud of her. Along the way, she became proud of herself. She doesn't need your validation; she needs your love. She never forgave you, because she was never angry at you in the first place. If she's been cold or distant, it's because she loves you and doesn't want to get hurt." Kakashi paused, before continuing in a more cheerful voice. "But it seems as though you've been giving her the attention she craves. I knew that having you two spar would set things in motion."

Sasuke huffed. Of course his stupid, perverted sensei would attempt to set them up in the most cunning way possible. "So I just court her?" He asked through clenched teeth. He wanted to get the answer and get out of there as soon as possible.

"Sakura is not that simple of a girl," Kakashi clucked his tongue at him. "Her birthday is this Saturday. Start with that. Get her a present, dance with her at the party, make her smile. Do not ever go near the Kikuchi girl again, unless you want to feel the wrath of Sakura's temper. Give her attention. Let her know you care."

Sasuke nodded. He could not believe that he'd just asked his sensei for relationship advice, especially since he had believed Kakashi loved Sakura. Sasuke downed the entirety of his cup of Sake before standing.

"Thank you," he choked out before bolting from the office. Kakashi laughed as he left. Sometimes his students could be really thick-skulled, especially when it came to their own feelings.

Sakura got ready for her birthday party in a cheerful mood. The day had been a pleasant one, full of girl time with Hinata and Ino. Tenten, a fellow kunoichi, had been gone on an extended mission with Team Guy, and she was the only one missing from Sakura's normal girl group. They were in a spare room at Naruto's house, getting ready for the party and chattering away.

Her parents had bought her a beautiful gown to wear at the party. It was a beautiful cherry red silk that had rose gold corded accents all over it. The bustle came in at three different places as it trailed down her back, held in place by red and pink decorative roses. The sleeves were a beautiful rose gold lace with cascaded down her shoulders. The bust of the dress emphasized her lovely chest while the corset hidden underneath fit her snuggly. She wore a set of gold and ruby earrings and a simple cherry colored choker around her neck. Her gloves were pearly white, reaching past her elbows. Ino did her hair, coiling the small pieces of her hair into intricate nots around her head.

"Ah, Sakura, you look beautiful!" Hinata gushed. The beautiful future Uzumaki was wearing a periwinkle dress with pale yellow ribbons around the skirt and bodice. She looked like the embodiment of a star.

Ino, on the other hand, was all magenta and pewter. She looked incredibly enticing, but no man would touch her except for one. She had completely captivated Sai's affections in the last month. Rather than proposing, Sai told Ino after Hinata and Naruto's engagement party that they would be getting married at the end of June. Ino had promptly slapped him across the face before showering him in kisses.

Hinata and Naruto would be married by the end of April, Sai and Ino by June. Shikamaru and Temari were to be wed by July, and even Choji had a woman he loved and planned to propose to. Sakura couldn't help but feel left out.

Her thoughts flickered to Sasuke, and her heart began to flutter. He had changed his attitude towards her, and she could say that he definitely cared about her. Whether that care would ever turn into love, however, she did not know. He had stopped giving attentions to Nanami, and it had only gotten her hopes up. He had been so kind to her since the day she took a hit for him, but she told herself that it was nothing more than gratitude.

With a sigh, Sakura smoothed down her dress before smiling at her two friends who were watching her diligently. "Thank you for helping me! You both look beautiful!"

"Of course, forehead!" Ino hugged her best friend. "Now come on! Everyone's sure to be waiting for you down in the ballroom. You wouldn't want to keep your many suitors waiting, now do you?"

Sakura threw her head back and laughed. "Oh yes, the swarms of eligible men who are trampling over each other to acquire my hand in marriage. We mustn't keep them waiting."

Hinata giggled and Ino chortled. The three women made their way downstairs and into the great hall. The sound of music and laughter was coming from the ballroom. Two of Naruto's serving men were waiting outside the doors, and opened them as the girls walked up.

Sakura looked into the ballroom, and tears formed in her eyes. Naruto's grand ballroom was all golden sunshine and warmth. Tonight, however, it was decorated with cherry blossom petals, roses, and orchids. It was pinks and reds and greens, and the air smelled of springtime. The room was filled with her friends, her family, her team, and the man she loved more than anything.

Sakura was met with cheers and applause when she entered. Naruto was in her face, crushing her in a hug. "Happy Birthday, Sakura-chan!" he cheered before letting go to give Hinata his attention. Sai walked to her and shook her hand with a "Many happy returns, Ugly" before moving to whirl Ino away to the dance floor.

Temari and Shikamaru, Gaara and Kankuro, Kakashi, Tsunade and Shizune, and everyone at the party came up to her to wish her happy birthday. She had seen everyone at the party except Sasuke. Her heart was beginning to feel doubtful. Why hadn't he come to talk to her? She had seen him before the whirlwind of people came up to her. He had looked as handsome as ever. He was wearing a red cravat and vest that matched her dress. It was uncanny.

Just as she made her way around the room, watching the dancers, she saw a darkly clad figure approaching from her peripheral. She turned to see Sasuke, determinedly walking towards her, a vision of dark, enticing handsomeness. His hair was down, framing his handsome face. Sakura longed to kiss him all over. She curtseyed at him when he stopped in front of her, and he bowed.

"Good evening, Sasuke-kun!" She smiled at him serenely, her heart feeling lighter.

"Good evening, Sakura," he smirked a small bit. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you," she blushed. "Are you enjoying yourself."

"Aa." He then held out his hand to her. "Would you do me the honor of allowing me to be your first dance of the night?"

Sakura screamed internally. She beamed at him, and he stared in disbelief at how beautiful she was. That red dress she was wearing was sinfully lovely. She seemed to be an angel sent to tempt him. "Of course, Sasuke-kun."

He escorted her to the middle of the ball room before placing his hand on her waist and taking the other in his. The pair whirled around the dance floor for more than one song. People began to turn their heads to the pair. They were perfectly matched on the floor, and more than one person began to surmise that the Uchiha was quite taken with the Haruno woman.

Sakura was floating on a cloud of happiness. Sasuke was giving her attention, and while she didn't know his reasoning behind it, she was too blissful to care. She was in the arms of the man she had loved since the age of twelve, and it was like a dream come true.

"Sasuke-kun," she murmured as they began yet another dance.

"Hn?" he looked oddly at peace, a rarity for him.

"Thank you," she blushed. "This is the best birthday present I could have asked for."

"Aa," Sasuke paused for a moment. "This is not your present."

"Wh-what?"

"I'm not dancing with you as a gift," Sasuke told her, his face totally serious and solemn. "I'm dancing with you because I want to."

Sakura blushed even harder. Sasuke thought she looked like a queen. A queen fit for an Uchiha. "Well then what is my present?"

Sasuke smirked at her. "You'll just have to be patient and see."

Sakura pouted at him but did not argue. As the song ended, Sasuke whirled her off the dance floor. He offered her his arm, and began escorting her around the ballroom. They reached a group of their friends who were all laughing and drinking punch. Naruto pounced on Sasuke, pulling him away for "guy talk". Sai and Shikamaru followed behind. Sakura was left with Hinata and Ino, while Temari left to dance with Kankuro.

"Forehead, since when has Sasuke been in love with you?" Ino demanded of her. "The way he stares at you! It's like you're the only person he cares to see."

"What are you talking about, pig?" Sakura laughed nervously. "He's just being kind because I saved him a few weeks ago."

"I don't think so," Ino laughed. "Sasuke-kun doesn't show affection in order to thank someone. I doubt he would be dancing the night away with you if he didn't care about you."

"No, really. There's no way he could love me," Sakura cast her eyes down.

"Sakura-chan, you cannot give up." Hinata grabbed her hand. Sakura looked into Hinata's warm eyes. "Believe us, please. You should tell him how you feel. Be honest with him."

"Thank you two, both of you," Sakura smiled at them. "But I've already confessed my love to him once. It's up to him. My feelings have been laid bare for him to see."

"But-" Hinata cut Ino off. The men were walking back towards the group. Naruto was laughing at Sasuke, his arm around his best friend's shoulder. The Uchiha looked ready to kill his best friend. Removing Naruto's arm, the darkly clad man walked up to Sakura and stood beside her.

"I believe it's present time!" Ino declared. She grabbed Sakura's hand and pulled her away to a table that was filled with presents. Sakura gasped at the sheer amount of things there were in front of her.

"C'mon Sakura-chan, open mine first!" Naruto cheered as he shoved a large box in her face. With a giggle, Sakura began opening her many presents.

Naruto bought her a set of kunai and a red ruby bracelet. Hinata gave her a new set of gloves and a fan. Ino gave her perfume and fabric for a new gown, Sai a new quill and set of ink. She received parasols, medical books, flowers, and multiple other small gifts. They were all sweet and she thanked everyone from the bottom of her heart. By the time she had opened her last gift, most of her friends were off dancing. She sighed with content, happy to finally be done. She thanked the friends around her, and they all wished her happy birthday before leaving to dance again.

Sasuke was the only one who stayed by her side, which did not go unnoticed by Hinata, Ino, Kakashi, and Naruto.

"Will you accompany me for a walk?" Sasuke asked her as a few maids took away the remainder of her presents.

"Of course, Sasuke-kun." She smiled at him and took his warm, strong arm.

The young pair walked around the ball room to the side door that led to the Uzumaki's garden. All around were twinkling candles illuminating the yellow rose bushes and brick walkway. Naruto's garden was very different from the Uchiha ones. They were not as lovely, but they seemed warmer. Sasuke led Sakura around, watching her carefully. She looked ethereal amongst the flowers, like a goddess of Spring. They walked to Naruto's gazebo, where they stood together and watched the stars.

Sasuke felt the small wooden box in his pocket growing heavier as every moment passed. Deciding it was time, he cleared his throat carefully.

"Are you alright, Sasuke-kun?" Sakura's wide eyes turned on him, his face contorted in delicate concern.

"No," he almost growled. She shrunk away from him. Dammit. He didn't want that. Why was this so difficult? If it were any other woman, he would have just given her the damn present and given it to her. But this wasn't just any woman.

"Sakura…" he pulled the box out of his pocket. It was wrapped in red paper and tied with a black ribbon. "Happy birthday." He handed her the box as her eyes widened with curious delight.

Her delicate fingers pulled on the ribbon and removed the paper, revealing a thin oak box with cherry blossoms carved inside it, wrapping around the Uchiha fan. Sakura's eyes widened, and she stopped breathing. She looked at Sasuke, who was watching her expectantly and nervously. She opened the lid carefully, not wanting even a smudge marring the beauty of the box. Laying against a bed of black silk was a beautiful golden hair brush and mirror, both covered with red velvet cherry blossoms on the back. It was incredibly beautiful and Sakura could not believe that such a present could come from Sasuke.

"Sasuke-kun…" She breathed.

"The box was my mother's." He watched carefully as her lips parted in disbelief.

"But, why would you give that to me?" Sakura watched carefully as he raised his hand carefully to stroke her cheek. He did not speak, but an understanding came between them just by looking in each other's eyes.

"Aa," Sakura breathed in understanding. Sasuke cared for her. She was special to him. She had to be in order for him to give her his mother's box and a brand new brush and mirror. It looked like the brush was likely made of pure gold. She blushed heavily. It was obvious that Sasuke had thought the gift over carefully.

"It's beautiful," she murmured. She reached to touch the hand that was stroking her cheek. Electricity flew between the two. "Thank you, Sasuke-kun."

"You're welcome," he replied quietly. He couldn't help but wrap his other arm around her waist and pull her in. Sakura looked up at him. He was so damn handsome, his dark eyes never leaving her own. She carefully placed the box on the railing of the gazebo before placing her hand on his chest. His hand moved to her hair, carefully placing his fingers on the back of her head.

"Sasuke-kun?" Her voice was thick with nerves and attraction. She knew that after that night, everything would change.

Hearing her voice say his name drove him wild. He wanted to feel her underneath him as he drove himself into her, making her moan. Instead, however, he carefully pulled her face to his, and met her lips with his own.

Underneath Naruto's gazebo, on Sakura's nineteenth birthday, Sasuke and Sakura shared their first kiss. Fireworks exploded as their soft flesh met chastely and carefully. Their kiss was all sweetness and delicacy. When Sasuke broke away for air, he saw his beautiful companion looking at him with wonder and pure, unadulterated love. It caused his heart to swell. No one had ever looked at him that way. He knew then that there was no way he would ever give Sakura up.

She would be his wife, no matter what he had to do. "Thank you, Sakura." He whispered to her.

"For what, Sasuke-kun?" She breathed.

"Everything."

Though Sakura seemed a little confused, she accepted his words. "We should probably return soon." She told him reluctantly. "Unless you want Naruto coming to find us."

Sasuke shook his head. He was going to kill that annoying blonde one day. He offered his arm to Sakura again. She took his arm with one hand and grabbed her present with the other.

"Sasuke-kun?" she asked him as they made their way back to Naruto's ballroom. "You didn't…you didn't do that out of pity, did you?"

Sasuke stopped dead in his tracks. He turned to stare at her, his eyes burning with anger. "No."

"Ah, Sasuke-kun, don't be angry at me." She plead with him. "It just surprised me." She turned his face to look at her rather forcefully. She was stronger than she knew. "Please."

He looked at her, his anger almost disappearing. "I'm not angry. Just know that I don't do something unless I want to." He poked her in the forehead before turning away and beginning to walk again.

Her face brightened at that and she let out a giggle. Sasuke wanted to kiss her! The couple continued inside and joined the others on the dance floor. Sakura began to chatter about how much she loved her present. "…I thought that getting to dance with you looking so handsome was a present enough!" She blushed at that, realizing she had let something slip that she hadn't want to.

Sasuke, however, just smirked. It made his pride swell that she found him handsome. What thoughts had she been having about him? "I'm sorry, that was forward of me." She told him, not daring to meet his eyes. She looked up when she heard him chuckle.

"I don't mind," he was smirking at her.

"Well don't get used to it!" She snapped at him. She did not like the condescending look on his face. "And from now on, I expect a great deal of compliments from you." She paused for a minute. "That is, if you plan on continuing to give me your affections."

It was Sasuke's turn to blush and avert his gaze. "I do," he murmured and looked away stonily. Sakura giggled at him. It was as though he was embarrassed by his own affections.

"Also, if I ever hear or see you with another woman, I will beat you to a bloody pulp." Her voice was deadly.

"Yes Miss Haruno," Sasuke snickered at her. His face then turned deadly serious. "And I will kill any man who goes near you."

"Well, I fully expect you to take me to see the cherry blossoms bloom every day this week."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

"You must ask my father for permission to court me."

"I already have." Sakura almost stopped dancing at that moment. How long had Sasuke been planning for this?

"When did you ask?" She looked at the Uchiha, eyes wide.

"When you were training with Tsunade yesterday." Sasuke replied. Sakura began laughing.

"What brought all this on?" The night seemed unreal to her.

"You did." Sasuke was not going to give her anything else. She did not push him, but rather gripped his hand tighter as her heart soared with pure bliss. The new couple continued their waltz on the dance floor, lost in each other's eyes.

Unbeknownst to them, Kakashi was watching from the opposite side of the room with Sai. Ino was dancing with her father, leaving Sai on the sidelines.

"It seems as though Sakura's influence over Sasuke has grown," Sai observed to his sensei.

"Yes, it has. Things are changing within Sasuke's heart." Kakashi remarked.

"I've noticed," Sai thought for a moment longer. "Does he intend to court her?"

"I believe he is already."

"Hm." Sai had watched the interactions between Sasuke and Sakura growing from animosity to companionship carefully. He had seen the changes happening as Sasuke realized his feelings for Sakura. "I suppose he'll want to marry Ugly?"

Kakashi snorted. "That's the plan. I just hope everything goes well for them." Kakashi knew that Sakura and Sasuke were meant to be. He also knew that outside forces were threatening the world around them, however, and he was worried for all of the young couples in Konoha. "We'll just have to see that way the world changes around us."

Sai cocked his eyebrow, but did not question Kakashi. "I suppose so."