Sakura found herself back in her apartment that evening. She'd never been so thrilled to live in a studio. Everything was so close together, nothing was more than five steps apart. She threw some ramen together since the thought of cooking made her groan. As she said on her bed, she gazed out the window. Living on the fourth floor, she could see the roof-tops, small creatures running along rooftops, the steadily growing sunset and Sai…wait Sai?

She nearly jumped out of her skin. "Have you heard of a door!?"

What was it with ninja boys jumping into people's windows?

"Sorry Sakura. We're having get together tonight. You don't seem busy. Come."

Sai's overly pleasant smile made her groan. She wanted nothing more than to sleep, but how could she say no to his face?

"Uh…yeah. I'll be there," Sakura groaned as she began to peel herself out of bed.

"Bring the traitor, too!" Sai beamed. Before Sakura could berate him for his poor nickname choices, he was gone.

She stretched and figured she'd prepare a salad for this evening and bring a bottle of sake considering that's all she had to will to do. She also had all the ingredients available. As she began to slice the lettuce she heard a faint noise from the living area. As she glanced over she was startled by a blonde shinobi in her window.

"I am holding a knife you idiot! Why doesn't anyone use doors!?" She honestly should just remove the door all together as this point.

"Ah, Sorry, Sakura. Hinata sent me out to buy stuff for her to make a dish for Ino's tonight, but the market so busy. Do you have rice and fish by chance?"

Sakura groaned. Naruto was already halfway into her kitchen. Of course, she had rice and fish, she kept her pantry stocked so Sasuke would stop scolding her eating habits. Pulling out a basket and a few containers she loaded a to-go basket for him.

"The fish is smoked, but it'll do. Next time just do what your wife asks."

"You're not gonna tell her are you?" Naruto asked sheepishly.

Sakura sighed, rolling her eyes as Naruto looked at her. His fake pouting was honestly pathetic.

"No," she groaned. "I know Hinata's wrath, Naruto."

Naruto beamed one of his legendary smiles as he embraced her. She relished in the hug from her teammate then began to shoo him.

"Hinata is waiting, go!"

She finally was able to finish making her salad and found her way into her shower. Showers were something she thoroughly enjoyed. She didn't relish in them often due to missions and long nights in the hospital, but when she was able to…it was the best.

She realized she hadn't been to the clinic or the hospital is quite a while and felt a pit in her stomach. With her and Ino gone, Shizune had to have been so busy. Tsunade may have even had to step in. Not that there weren't enough medic-nins, but medic nins who could also run hospitals were hard to come by.

She turned off her shower she realized she hadn't grabbed a towel. Sakura groaned, she could be so forgetful. Doing her best to squeeze the moisture out of her hair and shake the rest of the water off her body. It was not particularly successful and she found herself dashing to her living area for a towel.

As she bent over a container to dig out a towel she heard a noise. She turned to find someone in her window for the third time that evening. She screeched, pulling a towel over her naked body.

"Why don't people use the damn door?!"

Her blushing and yelling was met with a smirk as the shinobi climbed into her apartment.

"Well, this is a pleasant surprise."

He walked toward her, pressing her body up against the wall, "And we're not on a mission anymore."

Sakura bit her lip, looking up at dark onyx eyes. "I suppose you're right, Sasuke."

Sasuke's hungry gaze was then met with a smirk which resembled his own. He was suddenly the one pressed against the bed. God this woman was annoying, he mentally sighed, smiling.

Sakura nuzzled into Sasuke's chest and sighed. That had been...amazing. It definitely defined the passionate aspect of their relationship. Finally remembering exactly the circumstances that lead to this she kissed his cheek and sighed.

"We're going to be late."

Sasuke's mind was on a whole different plane. "You should move in."

Sakura perked up. "W-what?"

Sasuke peered around the studio apartment, frowning.

"This place is far too small for you. The compound is huge. I also would like to share it with you."

Sakura smiled back. She knew how important tradition was to him. For him to invite a non-Uchiha into the compound, let alone to live there meant a lot. "Of course, Sasuke."

She paused for a moment, then open and closed her mouth several times before asking the question on her mind.

"So, are we uh together then?"

Sasuke pulled her closer to him, pushing his head into her hair. "Yes, Sakura." Sakura nuzzled into him and smiled.

"You know who Kaii should be introduced to?"

Sakura blinked at her lover. Did he mind always race from place to place like this? Did he keep quiet to avoid sounding as random as he truly was? She grinned inwardly at the idea of Sasuke being as spazzy as Naruto.

"Who?" She responded, entertaining his random outburst.

"Tenten. He's quite the weapons master."

"Sasuke, there's more to compatibility than fighting style," Sakura laughed.

"They would make a good match, though. Besides, our fighting styles have nothing in common."

"Close-range and exceptional. We're alike," Sasuke dismissed.

Sakura smiled and shook her head sighing into him, wanting to mutter something she probably shouldn't. Something young Sakura wouldn't have had the will to do, but this Sakura, this Sakura could do it.

"I love you."

Sasuke squeezed a little harder. "Thank you."

Sakura's heart dropped.

"I love you too."

Her eyes welled up with happy tears and she nuzzled into him to disguise them. This was perfect.

Sakura found the sound of her alarm disgusting. She groaned, it was still dark out for god sakes. She heard an additional groan next to her and instantly remembered the evenings events. They hadn't been a dream. She'd be with Sasuke not once…not twice…but four times. Dear god, that was a new record. Her emeralds made their way down his body. He was still undressed and his forearm was thrown over his face. She smiled and slithered out of bed. She made her way to the shower and began to get ready for the day.

She began to walk out the door and as she did, she glanced at the man still laying in her bed and shook her head. She had never seen him sleep so soundly. Sakura made her way to the hospital, not wanting to be late.

The hospital was quiet, she always enjoyed it in the early morning. It was still bustling, but especially the administration wing nearly empty. While waking up early was awful, but an empty office healed all. She couldn't help but poke into Ino's office. Typically, the blonde woman came in early before she went to Intel. No sign of her. She rolled her eyes, having a feeling Ino wouldn't be in until after lunch.

She threw herself into her work, her happy place. And her happy place was currently miles of reports deep due to her recent absence. Hours went by and she heard a knock on her door. She looked at the time. Eleven-thirty… god she had been focused.

"Come in," she chimed.

"Forehead! You didn't come to my party!" The blonde noticed the bags under Sakura's eyes and sighed.

"Too tired?"

Sakura blushed. Ino was being understanding because she thought she was tired, she had never been a good liar. "Uh…yeah." A nervous chuckle followed.

Ino's eyes narrowed. "You have bags under your eyes…but you're glowing…" In realization, her eyes widened.

"You finally got laid! You're over Sasuke?!"

Sakura scowled. Why did no one have faith in her lover? It was a question she knew the answer to, but it still bothered her.

"No."

Ino rolled her eyes. "You have to stop having sex with guys when-"

"It was with Sasuke, Pig." Ino's jaw nearly hit the floor. Forehead had screwed Sasuke? No way. Ino wasn't even completely sure Sasuke could have romantic feelings, let alone sexual ones.

"…And I'm moving into the compound." Sakura crossed her arms across her chest, grinning haughtily. She had won their childhood rivalry over him.

"I win."

"You win what?" Ino snarled, suddenly more occupied on being competitive than the subject at hand.

"Sasuke. I win our childhood rivalry. I. Beat. You."

"I don't even like him anymore. I have Sai," Ino retorted, arms folded.

"But I still beat you," Sakura was the one with an impish grin now.

Ino sighed and turned to leave. "Yeah, yeah Sakura. You can have this one," she waved dismissively.

But then she turned and winked, "Now it's who can get married first."

Sasuke had been summoned to see Kakashi. He could feel why and cursed the rinnegan. There was nothing he wanted more than protect the village. More-so the people in the village, but he had just grown comfortable with the consistent company of his friends. It was nice. Traveling allowed him to see some of the most beautiful sights in the world, but no sight was better than the emeralds he'd grown to love.

He walked right into the Hokage's office feeling unbothered to knock. "Ah, Sasuke. I take it you know why you're here."

"Ah," he propped a hand on his hip.

"How long have you sensed it?"

"About two days. It's not nearby or an immediate threat. It's lingering."

Kakashi looked at him, noting the unhappiness on his student's face. "You are under no obligation-"

"My journey to atone is still not over. Yes, I am."

Kakashi nodded, understanding it was pointless to argue Sasuke.

"I do have one request."

Sakura groaned as she finally signed the last report, glancing out the window. It was dark, and she hadn't even touched the floor today. The days where she didn't practice medicine were the worst ones. She understood the need for her position for paperwork, but she was healer. She wasn't meant to fill out paperwork from dawn until dusk.

A knock at her door was a welcome surprise, but the knocker did not wait for her invitation. "Sasuke," she smiled, both confused, but thrilled by his presence. "You're awake," she teased.

He smiled back at her, appreciating he antics. "Ah, you kept me up late." His smirk followed and she found it impossible to hide her blush.

"Not that I mind, but what are you doing here?"

"I put together a small dinner for us. I thought we could enjoy it by the river," he suggested as flat as ever.

She furrowed her brow for a moment. Despite popular belief, Sasuke was a considerate person. Making her dinner was reasonable, so was offering to walk by the river.

But asking to do both? That was a little much.

She brushed the confusion off. "I think I'd like that," she smiled softly and walked around the desk.

He placed his hand on the small of her back as he guided her out the door. She could barely hide the gasp that escaped her lips. This was too much.

As they approached the river Sakura couldn't help but admire the moonlight. The moon was a creature she appreciated more since her adventures on it.

Sasuke, however, couldn't help but admire how the moonlight reflected off her hair and face. She glowed.

He unrolled a blanket and began unpacking dinner as she sat beside him. He handed Sakura an onigiri and placed several fruits and vegetables on a small plate. Sakura thanked him and bit into her onigiri, only to glance at him. "Pickled plums…"

Sasuke nodded. "Your favorite," he noted.

Their side glances met each other and he smiled gently. He did listen when she spoke. Everything she said he made sure to note. Information was a person's greatest strength and apparently that wasn't only true for war.

Sakura felt the warm wind native to Konoha and noted how Sasuke's hair moved in the wind. He was beautiful. Not only was he beautiful, but he knew her. He understood her and her intricacies and she did everything her power to return the favor. She stood up as she finished her meal and began walking toward the river.

"It's warm, I'm going to wet my feet." Sakura slipped off her sandals and dipped her feet into the river. Ah, that was perfect.

She felt a strong, calloused hand take hers. "I love you and I want to be with you," the husky voice stated. Sakura opened her mouth to talk, she felt the other shoe dropping, but was cut off.

"I must travel and find the people who are intent on hurting Konoha." Sakura felt her head drop and she instinctively went to retract her hand, he squeezed harder. She glanced up at him, betrayed. He was facing ahead, stoic at ever. His face showed no answers.

"But," he finally turned to face her. "I want you to join me, as my wife."

Both of their worlds were spinning. He had finally done it. He was proposed and now everything rested on whether or not the woman he adored loved him enough to travel the world with him. He knew she hated traveling, but she hoped she would travel with him.

Sakura couldn't find the words. She couldn't think. Sasuke wanted to travel the world with her? And just regular old her, he wanted to travel the world with his wife. She was sure he heart hadn't beaten in five seconds.

"Yes," she whispered. His eyes widened and smile grew across his face.

"Yes!" Sakura repeated, excitedly, embracing her now fiancé.

Sakura stood with Sasuke at the Konoha gates for the third time in their life. Naruto and Hinata stood with them. "Bastard, if you don't take care of Sakura, I will kill you!"

Sakura rolled her eyes, hands on her hips. "I can take care of myself, Naruto." She couldn't help but smile as she embraced her blonde friend. She would miss her loud-mouthed best friend.

"Take care, Sakura, Sasuke. Take this for your first meal on the road," She handed them a small lunch box and Sakura bowed lightly.

"Thank you, Hinata. Your cooking is the best." Sakura glanced up and Sasuke, who hadn't spoken yet.

"Are you ready, dear?" Sasuke nodded, smiling down at his wife.

Sakura and Sasuke turned and walked down the path away from this village. This time they left Konoha together.

The End

I hope you all enjoyed this! Especially if you reread for the edited version! Please review and let me know what you think (and if you have any guesses what will happen for the sequel)!

This was my first fic in ten years, so it holds an extremely place in my heart.

Thank you all again for reading! :D

Update: The sequel: Forgiveness is up! :) Enjoy!