Chapter 20

Twack!

He hit the dummy right in the head.

Twack! Twack!

He threw a kunai again and this time one hit the heart but the other one missed its target.

Tch. Sasuke mumbled silently and from his crouching posture, he stood up straight and exhaled. After he was excused from the meeting, he went back to his training. This was really not his day.

When the Hokage had called for him, he knew this was not good news. She must be up to something now that her apprentice was back in town. The Hokage was really an evil being in a form a beautiful woman, he thought. And he believed he was right.

The idea of Sakura and her daughter staying in his place was utterly ridiculous. Absurd. But definitely something he can accept. After all, Sakura was his former team mate, he knew her…not just plainly knew her, but intimately speaking, what happened five years ago-

Ok, stop, stop! He didn't like where that thought was heading. He sighed. That was already in the past. And for him it's just a normal occurrence…the thing that had happened between him and her, usually happened between a man and a woman…in need.

He shook his head and tried to focus his mind on what's on hand. Sakura needed a place to stay for at least two days. His place was huge. And he's the only one living there though his former team members of Hebi were always a frequent visitor, especially Karin. And because of the constant bickering and noise, he was now planning on restoring the Uchiha district. That way, they can visit and stay in his place and he would still have a lot of space and peace. He also needed a private place where he can meditate and train on his own. The former Uchiha compound, their house had a huge backyard where he and Itachi were often trained when they were young. He remembered he was talking to Naruto about this and Naruto suggested that they should speak to Tazuna. When it comes to carpentry and building things, nothing beats Tazuna and now his grandson, Inori.* Naruto had informed him that from their mission in Suna, he will pass by and go to Wave and will ask Tazuna about it.

The Uchiha district being restored brings a ghostly smile across his face. What's good about it is that, the Hokage gave her permission on rebuilding the place, and she seemed genuinely happy about it. And thinking about the Hokage, his mind brought what happened awhile ago.

The pinkette stormed out of the office without a single word upon hearing the Hokage's suggestion. No, it's not a suggestion; it's more like an order. He just gave it a shrugged. Yes, he can spare and share his place for two days for the medic-nin and her daughter. But based on her reaction, he assumed she didn't want to.

Sasuke rubbed his temple. Thinking these things makes his head hurt. It's getting dark so he decided he should get home. Today's the start of the Moon Viewing Festival and he was actually invited by Captain Yamato for a drink. Sasuke glanced at the sky and sadness crossed on his onyx eyes. On the purplish sky, the big silver moon hung so eerily, yet enticingly beautiful and mysterious. He remembered that during this season, his mom would be very busy preparing stuff for the festival. The Uchiha clan owned a medium-sized lake where most kids had trained for their fire jutsu trainings. The place was actually designed for that. Aligned in the bank of the river were old sakura trees that seemed to glow under the full moon. Fugaku, his father, would always get the best place where they can do the moon viewing under the sakura trees. They would prepare picnic blankets and mats and his mom would always prepare delicious food for them, while his dad drinks his sake heartily while watching the festival performance. His brother, Itachi, would often poke his forehead, teasing him being a crybaby.

His family. They're just memories of the past…happy memories.

He clenched his teeth and closed his eyes. Then he relaxed his tensed shoulders. Somehow… anger, hurt and pain had embraced him, but he had come to terms with it already. His family and his past was something that he cannot change anymore. It would always hurt him, because a big chunk of who he was, what had become of him, was because of his family…his clan…and their love.

He picked up his Kusanagi, placed it at his back and headed to the direction of his home.

SxS

No luck. Sakura thought as she walked down the road, clutching little Ryuna. Her baby had already fallen asleep after they ate from the BBQ shop. The med-nin had been carrying her daughter after noticing that she will really fall asleep on the table after she finished her dinner. She tried her luck on the inns and hotels again, but it's no use. My poor baby. She thought as she walked off the road. She'll probably go to Naruto's place instead and use it without his permission. She knows where Naruto hid the keys of his apartment.

She found a bench and decided to sit there first and was deciding on what to do next. The road she was now was off from the busy street where people had been walking here and there because of the festival. She could still see a few people here and there but most will go the other way of the road. She sighed and adjusted her daughter on her lap so she would be comfortable in her sleep. Sakura smiled and kissed Ryuna's forehead. Her daughter had just demonstrated how tough she was today. She noticed that Ryuna's clutching her clothes and she's shivering a little. She must have been cold, she thought and hugged her daughter, slowly rubbing her arms and legs. It's not a surprise because it's almost autumn and chills can be felt in the air especially at night. She dug up the blanket from her bag and wrapped Ryuna with it, noticing that her daughter was sleeping soundly.

Now, what do to? She thought when she heard the fireworks starting to blast and lights the sky.

Beautiful. At least something beautiful to see happened today, she thought. She gazed up as different colors fade in and out of the cloudless sky. The shapes and colors mesmerize her completely. Even though the explosion was loud, it didn't even make Ryuna awake. It just shows how tired the little girl was.

Sakura keeps staring at the fireworks up above, enjoying the colors and shapes, and was thinking she had missed a lot of Konoha festivals when she had left. When her eyes finally leveled up to the road ahead of her, she saw him standing in the middle of that road.

Sasuke.

And he was staring at her.

It took her ten seconds to convince herself that she was actually looking at Sasuke. That it was Sasuke. And it took her another ten seconds to register that he's standing in that road, clutching a training bag, and he's on his way somewhere and he was freakin' in front of her, staring at her…NOW.

Oh God, how long has he been staring at her?

Gaping and breathless, Sakura forgot how the hell she was able to look at him without batting an eyelash. The man was really beautiful standing there. God, her heart was beating like a crazy drum again. Cold sweat runs through her. She just remembered that she's carrying Ryuna. Her mind was working hard and without noticing, she was gripping her daughter tighter than usual. Her mouth went dry. This was not the time…no…Sasuke might notice her daughter and-. You're thinking too much. This made Ryuna stir a little and that made the med-nin snap as well. That made her cut her eye contact with him and she stared at her daughter. She hushed and hummed a tune to keep Ryuna sleeping but she didn't notice that Sasuke was already in front of her. He was swift and silent she didn't even hear a footstep. A shadow cast over her, and slowly…she looked up at him. He's towering over her.

"S-Sasuke…-" Shit, why was she stammering now? With dry mouth, she tried to wet her lips by licking them, just to alleviate the nervousness.

"What are you doing here?"

"I—"

Sasuke smirked. "Today is the start of the Tsukimi*. Hotels and Inns are full during this time, I'm sure you didn't forget about that, right?"

"Of course I don't—"

"And by looking at you right now, you don't have any place to stay,"

"I do! I'll go to Naruto's apartment. In fact, I'm just on my way to his place right now," She retaliated. She's so nervous that she sounded defensive. Not a good thing. She must composed herself. She can't afford to sway in front of him, nor show any weakness.

"Aa, the Dobe doesn't live in that apartment anymore,"

"What?!" Sasuke didn't answer. She understood it. He's the type of guy who doesn't repeat what was already said. Sakura clenched her teeth upon the predicament she was in. There were a lot of things she didn't know. Shit, she should have at least prepared for her arrival in Konoha. But really, she was planning to stay at her parent's house. But found out that her mom and dad had decided they would travel without even informing her. "It's ok then, we'll just camp outside. I have bought stuffs with me anyway,"

Sasuke looked at her as if she had just told the lousiest joke ever. He lifted a brow at her and looked, without blinking, for ten seconds. That made Sakura felt conscious at herself.

"W-What?" she said.

"The Godaime told you to stay at my place—"

"It's okay really. We're going to be fine,"

Sasuke rolled his eyes. If anything else, what he hates the most was cutting him off when he's talking. And she knows that. Without saying a word, Sasuke picks up their bag, which made Sakura panicked.

"W-Wait—"

"It's an order from the Godaime and an order is an order. It's getting late," he turned and started to walk, leaving Sakura gaping, unable to utter a single word. She didn't know what to do. Follow him, or leave and go the western part of Konoha and camp? But her bag was picked up by Sasuke. With nothing else to do, she followed him but kept her distance from him. She was shaking now, and unconsciously tightened her hug to Ryuna. Why is this happening? We're really going to stay at his place? What if… The pinkette looked at the stoic man five meters ahead of her. She was walking slowly, trying to put more distance from him. Feelings and memories started to resurface one by one. Most of them are painful, but there were fond memories…and that unforgettable night. That moment when he was towering over her, she could smell that familiar scent…foresty and spice. She closed her eyes and tried to shake off the uncomfortable feeling. This was the first conversation after he had left her in that village, yet it seems he didn't remember any of that. There's no sign of whatsoever and that brought a lot of conflict inside her. Was she the only one who still clings to that moment? Of course she was. That night was special. She gave herself to him and only him. And that was the reason why she had Ryuna with her right now. She loved him, but she can't do it anymore, for the sake of pride, for the sake of everything else.

Sasuke went left at the corner and she had to speed up to catch up to him. After a few minutes of walking, they finally arrived at his apartment. When they went in, Sasuke left the door opened and she was hesitant to come in. This is it. So she entered and slowly closed the door. The whole interior of the living room was simple, Japanese style. The floor was made of tatami and there was a low table lying in the center of the room. Typical of an Uchiha to choose old-style designs, she thought. Sasuke went passed the living room and went right to a corridor so she followed him. He stopped at a large shoji door and waited for her.

"This is going to be your room," he said then he opened the door and went in, dropped the bag on the floor. Sakura followed him inside and her jaw dropped when she realized what room they were in.

The room was fairly large, with a huge bed in the center covered in satin black bed sheet. Above it hung the insignia of the Uchiha clan. Aside from the night table and a tall lamp sitting in the corner, the room was literally bare. And Sakura realized, this room was Sasuke's room.

"Oh no, we can use other room that you have. We can't possibly use your room!"

Sasuke lifted a brow again, "This is the only room that has its own bathroom,"

"But—"

"This talk is over Sakura. Rest." Then he went passed her and went right at the entrance.

"Sasuke—!" She tried to stop him, to protest. To argue. To let him stay just for little more while. But what should she say to him? Thank you? How are you? Sasuke stopped his stride but he didn't turn. Obviously, he was waiting for anything she has to say. Instead, she paused and sighed in surrender, "T-Thank you…" she softly said. He just slightly nod and went out of the room.

C'mon Sakura, you're acting like not yourself.

She sighed. Maybe a good night's rest was all she needed to sort everything inside of her. She placed Ryuna on the bed, uncover her and stare at her daughter…Sasuke's daughter. She didn't realized until she felt it on her hands…she was crying. Why was she crying? Because everything you want, everything you dreamt is right here…at the grasp of your hand…so near, yet they're so far and will probably remain a dream forever. Yet, you're still feel incomplete. She wanted a family. She wanted Ryuna to have a father…to know the love and care of a father. But because of her foolishness, she let her daughter suffer. She cried. For herself, and for Ryuna. For hiding the truth. For being selfish. And for her love to the only man she had devoted her life… that it will be locked away forever. This is the right thing to do. To protect her daughter. To save Sasuke from another misery.

She had to stop. So she placed Ryuna comfortably on the bed, tucked her in after removing her shoes and changed her in her pajamas. After that she kissed her goodnight. She grabbed her bag, went to the bathroom (the only other door she saw in the room) stripped her clothes and went under the shower. Tomorrow, she needs to get up early to find a place. She can't stay here for more than a day.

..::: SxS :::..

Soft lips kissed him on the mouth. She was panting and moaning under him, and moaning sensually.

It was music to his ears, a very erotic and lovely sound.

"Sasuke…"

He nibbled her ears, teasing and biting. He was rewarded with a gasp and a bite on his shoulder which made him groan. Again, his mouth went to the junction on her neck and gave her another bite. He could smell her lovely scent, sweet essence of sensuality and allure.

He touched her… everywhere his hands could reach. It could not stay in one place. It was impossible. Soft, soft skin, right curves, smooth in every glide. It was driving him crazy…and all he wanted was more.

"Sasuke…" she moaned.

He had to taste her…everywhere. Slowly, his mouth trailed down to his creamy neck to her breast. One hand cupped the right breast, kneading and flicking one nipple. Her moans became louder and he could see her arched her backed. He smirked. She's so beautiful like that…eyes closed in ecstasy. Then his mouth trailed down to take the other peak, sucking and biting her nipple. He saw her bite her lower lip to control her screaming.

"Sasuke…"

Then his hands trailed down…down…down..smoothing and sliding, and found its destination…between her legs. She's wet when he touched her and she jumped a little. He rubbed and caressed…

She kissed him hard on the mouth, while his hands work their wonders between her legs. He didn't stopped kissing her…until her breath become heavier, her breaths harsher.

"Sasuke…"

His fingerwent in and out.

"Sasuke…"

In and out.

"Sasuke!"

In and out…faster.

"Sasuke!"

"SASUKE!"

He woke up. Fully aroused and sweating.

And he's sporting a raging, throbbing, hard-on.

"SASUKE-TEME!"

It was Naruto. So the Dobe already returned from his mission in Suna.

He sighed. He pulled himself up and sat at the edge of the bed. His hard-on was still obvious so he throw the cover on his lap. Anytime, the dobe will barge into the room and he's been used to it since the day he returned in Konoha. Naruto keeps visiting him even if he had already told him that he's a nuisance in his peaceful life.

The dream. He closed his eyes and rubbed his hands on his sweaty face. The dream looks so…real. The touches, her smell…her voice.

God, her voice.

"Sasuke…"

It's the same voice five years ago, on that night.

"Sasuke…"

A sound so sensual….so erotic that it would make every man reached their orgasm in no time.

Shit. What's happening to him?

"TEME, you asshole!" came Naruto, opening the door, "why are you not answering my call you bastard,"

Sasuke had no time to argue with his bestfriend this so early in the morning, with him still sporting a hard-on. He is irritated. So he just looked at the blond Jinjuuriki standing on front of the door.

"Where is Sakura? I came flying here when I heard from Baa-chan that she's staying in your place!"

God, Naruto is so noisy, he thought. A headache was coming on its way so instead of answering him, he just pointed out the other room, which was understood by Naruto right away. "Oh, you mean, she's in your room? At least you got hospitality in you teme. Have you seen Ryu-chan? Isn't she pretty? Does she remind you of—"

"Naruto?" Sakura's voice was heard from the hallway. Immediately, Naruto exited the room and came running and jump to Sakura for a hug.

"Sakura-chaaaaannnn. I misss you!"

"We just saw each other a month ago Naruto,"

Sasuke heard them chattering with his door left open by Naruto. So he muttered 'Dobe'.

"I heard that Teme!" Naruto shouted. Sasuke heard Sakura giggle. "Where's Ryu-chan?" Naruto asked.

"She's still sleeping, and I was about to punch you for making all the noise you know!"

"Sorry~ I was just too excited to see you. So you'll be staying for good?"

"Y-Yeah," Sakura said softly.

"Yattaaa~Welcome home! Let's gather everyone and throw you a welcome party!"

"I don't think that's—"

"No, no. We must celebrate your return, and everyone should meet Ryu-chan,"

"Uhm…"

The voices went hushed but he could still hear them. Maybe they went away from his room.

Sasuke stood up irritably the blanket he covered on his raging hard-on fell on the floor. Naked, he walked and closed the door. He could still hear the two chattering but in muffled sounds.

He sighed. Just the first day and this was the effect when Sakura was around. It wouldn't do. It's not right because she meant nothing to him. What happened between them was in the past and shouldn't be brought up. And he knows Sakura was intelligent enough to do that.

So that was just a dream. Nothing more, nothing less.

He didn't want her.

He never would. Ever.

He sighed again. And silently went to the bathroom. He intends to take a very very cold shower. This will definitely pass.

And he will forget everything.

TBC 10.11.13