To Love and to Love Again Chapter 11: Promises Left Unspoken

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER AND AUTHORS NOTE: I do NOT own Naruto. The awesomeness of the Naruto Manga and World is the creation of Masashi Kishimoto. This is Purely Fanfiction. All things Medical in this entire fanfiction should not be taken as serious medical advice or facts. PLEASE CONSULT AN ACTUAL DOCTOR FOR ANY MEDICAL INFORMATION/QUESTIONS. THANK YOU AND ENJOY!

Sasuke stared at her foot. "Your ankle."

Sakura seemed confused before she looked down and saw that she was bleeding.

"What? Oh… it doesn't seem deep," she mumbled. "I just… I just need to… clean it," she said distractedly. She stepped away from Sasuke, but he reached out for her shoulder and forced her to sit down on the chair.

"Where's your first aid kit?" he asked, walking around the kitchen.

"You don't—"

"Where is it Sakura?" he demanded, effectively cutting her off. "I'm still your boss," he added. Sakura would have argued that it didn't matter in this setting, but pointed to the top cabinet anyway.

He brought the kit out and walked towards her. She was staring at the floor with a clouded expression. It seemed like she was trying avoid his gaze. This bothered him because this was the second time she's become reclusive. Something was clearly bothering her but Sasuke decided not to ask. It wasn't his business to know everything about her.

Sasuke sat on the stool next to her and opened the kit. This one seemed to be the adult version of her kiddy first-aid kit. It had plain bandages and a bigger bottle of regular alcohol among other things.

He glanced at her face and noted that she was still out of it. Just what was it that freaked her out so much? From his point of view, the lightning struck a few times and somewhere in between he saw her face change into one of shock… and he knew that he was the cause.

Without warning, Sasuke grabbed her ankle and pulled it upward until it was sitting across his lap. The gesture made Sakura grab onto the counter to prevent herself from falling over.

"Sasuke! At least tell me when you're going to do that!" she yelled. Sasuke ignored that outburst and just held onto her ankle with one hand while grabbing a cotton pad with the other.

"I didn't want to interrupt your daydream."

She pouted in annoyance and readjusted herself so that she could sit more comfortably. Sasuke dabbed the cotton with the alcohol and rubbed it against the cut.

She flinched at the burning contact and tried to pull her leg away but Sasuke increased his grip before she could.

"I can do that myself," she said as she tried to pull away. Sasuke's hand had a good grip on her foot preventing her from doing so.

"I suppose even doctors can't handle the burn of alcohol," he teased, enjoying her look of incredulity.

"Hey! I can take on an alcohol sting better than you. It's just a little awkward having my foot sitting across your lap," she admitted with a microscopic blush.

"Get over it Dr. Haruno," he mocked as he continued to clean the cut. It must have been deeper than she thought because it wouldn't stop bleeding. He pressed a little harder and she let out a small hiss.

"Ow…" she whispered. Sasuke stopped pressing her ankle and brought it up higher to his face so that he could inspect it.

Sakura started to panic. From the way he moved it looked like he was going to… to kiss her foot. She froze as he got closer. She held her breath as his face stopped a few centimeters away from her ankle. She could feel his hot breath on her skin as he inspected the cut.

If anyone were to walk in right now, they would find Sasuke and Sakura in a very unusual position. To her relief, he placed her foot back down on his lap and turned to look at her.

"It looks like there's a piece of the shattered cup lodged in there," he stated.

Sakura blinked before quickly pulling her foot away and looking at it herself. She pressed the area and could feel what he was talking about.

"Can you hand me those tweezers?" she asked pointing to the first aid kit. He complied and handed them to her. She proceeded to get the blasted piece of ceramic out of her foot, but so far, no success.

Sasuke watched in amusement as the all mighty Dr. Haruno Sakura suddenly became a novice who couldn't even remove a splinter like object from her own foot. She was saying "Ow" every two seconds.

Sasuke took the tweezers out of her hand and grabbed her foot again.

"I was doing just fine!" she cried, trying to grab the tweezers back.

"At this rate, you're just going to hurt yourself even more," he chastised. He carefully began to pick at the ankle until the tiny shard finally came out. "There." He placed the shard on the counter.

Sakura pouted in defeat as Sasuke disinfected and wrapped the cut, which was bleeding more from removing the shard. She watched as he carefully wrapped the bandages around her foot with that stupid smirk on his face.

She wanted to wipe that smirk off his face with her dainty foot, which his hands held delicately and it was then that she noticed just how gentle he was being with her.

You wouldn't think that a man like Sasuke would be gentle. From the outward appearance, Sasuke looked more like a man that could break you with his height, lean muscular build, dark and almost rebellious hairstyle, and his eyes; those mysterious, steely, black orbs that had her so flustered on the night of the recital.

"Maybe you should have become a doctor," she mused as he released her freshly bandaged foot from his grasp.

"I'm not particularly good with people, as I'm sure you've noticed," he responded before picking up his cup of tea and taking a sip.

"No, I don't think it's that," she countered as she got up to clean the mess on the floor. The lighting wouldn't let up and the rain continued to pour down hard. "I think you're not good with annoying people, like those nurses from this afternoon," she thought as she swept the glass with a broom. "Personally I don't blame you for that. Working in a hospital tends to make people a little nutty."

She threw the trash into the trashcan.

"But, I know that you're not as antisocial as you claim to be," she continued. "You've got friends like Naruto, Neji and Shikamaru and you've raised the sweetest little girl I've ever met."

He shrugged as she sat back down. They sat in the kitchen for a few minutes, neither saying a word to each other. The lighting and thunder continued as the awkward atmosphere grew. Sasuke looked at the clock. It was past midnight, and now that Suki would be spending the night, he figured that he should get going. There was nothing more to do and he was sure that Sakura needed her rest.

Sasuke got up and faced her. "I'll be going then," he announced before he started walking towards the door.

"Are you crazy?" she asked incredulously. She got up and limped slightly from the cut, mixed with alcohol on her ankle. "Your plan on driving in that?" she asked pointing to the storm outside the window.

"I'll be fine," he said but Sakura wouldn't have it.

"I'm not about to let you run out and get into an accident. You can stay here," she offered.

Sasuke sighed. "Look, I appreciate the offer, but this isn't right. I already told you that I don't want to impose on you."

"You're not imposing," she insisted. "Do you really expect me as a doctor, not to know what can happen when you drive in these conditions? And do you expect me as a friend to just let you drive to a possible death?"

"Sakura—"

"No Sasuke. There's no room for argument," she interrupted. "You can stay in the guest bedroom. It would really make me feel better if you didn't drive tonight."

Sasuke looked at her and sighed again. She was being melodramatic, but… "Damn those eyes." They were like Suki's puppy dog eyes, only Sakura's were less innocent and more… he didn't even know. All he knew was that he was somehow, unable to say no to those eyes or to her.

After a quick debate in his mind, Sasuke consented. What's the worst that could happen? It's not like anyone from work would find out about this.

"Hn." He shoved his hands into his coat pocket.

"Do I take that as a yes?"

Sasuke looked at her as if his response was obvious. She was still looking at him as if expecting a straight answer.

"I'll stay here for the night," he mumbled looking away and scratching the side of his face awkwardly.

"Great," she said smiling in relief. "I'll get you some clothes." She turned and limped up the stairs.

Sakura went into her closet and shuffled through the back. She had some of Sai's old clothes that she occasionally liked to wear stored there. She pulled out a pair of black sweatpants and a gray sweatshirt. It was a little cold tonight due to all the rain.

Sakura looked at the clothes and briefly wondered what she was doing. These were her husband's clothes. Was she really okay with Sasuke wearing them?

She shook her head and cleared her thoughts. She was the one that insisted that he stay here. The least she could do was make him comfortable. She hopped back down the stairs and found Sasuke sitting on the couch waiting for her. He got up when he saw her.

She handed him the clothes. "They should fit," she said as he took them from her.

"Thanks."

"The guest room is down the hall. There's a bathroom right next to it. Just make yourself at home," she said before yawning.

"Alright then."

They both just stood there in the living room, not knowing what to do at this point. Sakura looked up at him as he looked down at her. The only noise that could be heard was the rain and thunder from outside.

"Well… goodnight Sasuke. And…thanks for this," she said pointing at her bandaged foot.

He nodded before walking down the hall.

Sakura watched him leave for a second before going upstairs again. She walked towards Sora's room to check on the kids one more time. She smiled at what she saw.

As usual, Sora was sprawled across the bed with one foot hanging off the side with his arms flung out. Suki on the other hand was curled up into the corner near the wall. Sakura came over and gently placed Sora back onto the bed and re-tucked him in. Suki stirred and Sakura noticed that she was shivering a bit.

She went to Sora's closet and pulled out a thicker comforter. She placed it over both Suki and Sora. She brushed the bangs out of Suki's face and smiled down at her. She really was the cutest little girl Sakura had ever seen. She was so adorable and innocent.

After making sure that the kids were fine, Sakura went back to her room and climbed into bed. She let her thoughts drift for a bit before they finally settled into what she usually thinks about before sleeping… Sai.

Sasuke woke up at roughly 5:00 that morning. After a mere four hours of sleep, his internal clock forced him out of bed. It took a few seconds before it registered that he was not in his house. Recalling last night's events, Sasuke realized that he and Suki would need to be going home soon so that he can get ready for work and Suki can get ready for school.

He went across the hall and into the guest bathroom to freshen up. After doing so, he went into the kitchen and found Sakura's coffee pot and made whatever coffee that she had available. He grabbed a mug from the cabinet where Sakura got the teacups and walked into the living room. He found the remote and turned the TV on to watch the morning news.

Most of the broadcast was on the earthquake from yesterday and all the damage that was caused from it. One particular announcement caught his interest.

"Several injuries resulted from the quake sending dozens of citizens to the nearest hospitals available. Thus far, Konoha Medical Center has been the facility with the most in-patients admitted as of yesterday. Known for its range of specialties, top notch medical staff and accommodations, there is no doubt that KMC will remain true to its standards and provide nothing but the best patient care."

Sasuke had to admit that he felt a sense of accomplishment from that announcement. KMC was the foundation of his family's success and it was good to be acknowledged by the public. After flipping through the different news stations, one more announcement caught his interest.

"Several schools are claiming this day off due to the need for organization and preparation for the students to return.Parents are advised to keep their children indoors for the next twenty-four hours with emergency supplies in reach in case of any concurrent aftershocks.The following schools are closed: Konoha Leaf Academy, Tok…"

Sasuke stopped listening at that point.

He turned the TV off. Now that might serve as a problem. With all the new business at work, Sasuke knew he would have to be there and oversee the order. He knew Sakura would definitely not be able to watch the kids. Being the doctor that she is, she would be needed there more than anything.

There was no choice but to wait and see what she would say. It was around 6:30 in the morning by now and Sasuke wondered when Sakura would wake up. He still needed to get home regardless of what she would do but he didn't want to just take Suki and leave without her knowledge of it.

Sasuke heard the phone ring then. He couldn't exactly pick it up seeing as how this was not his house. He heard some shuffling upstairs and the sound of rushed footsteps. The next thing he saw was quite amusing.

Sasuke saw her race down the stairs half awake. Her shirt was wrinkled and her hair was a mess. She practically dived for the phone across the counter. Sasuke briefly wondered if this was the only phone in her house.

"Hello?" she croaked into the receiver before clearing her throat. "Hello… oh really now? I see, well thank you for calling, bye." She hung up and sighed. She turned from the counter and jumped when she saw Sasuke on the couch.

"Oh my…!" she gasped and clutched her chest. "You scared me. I forgot that you're here," she admitted as she walked over and she sat down on the opposite end of the couch. "The school just called," she informed.

"The kids have the day off. It was on the news," he explained when he saw her questioning face. "Not only Konoha Leaf Academy but several other schools in the city as well."

"Oh. When did you get up anyway?"

"Around five," he answered. Sakura eyes widened.

"How can you get up so early on your own free will?" she asked while letting her head fall back on the couch.

"I'm not one for sleeping in."

"That much is obvious from your stress test," she returned as Sasuke gave her a look.

"How long do you plan on holding on to that test?"

"As long as it takes for you to bring those high blood pressure levels down," she replied. "I'll enlist Naruto's help."

"You expect the Dobe to reduce my stress?" he asked as if she were stupid.

"Why not? He's your best friend and he only wants to help. It's sweet really. He's truly concerned about your health, like I am."

"Hn," was all he offered, making her sigh. "Suki and I should get going now."

"It's 6:30 in the morning Sasuke," she groaned giving him a look. "Let the poor girl sleep. It's not like she needs to wake up at dawn like you."

"I need to get to the hospital as soon as possible. There'll be more work than ever."

"Why don't you take the day off?" she suggested. "You're the CEO. You don't have to be there every single day. You make your own schedule. And this way you can spend some time with Suki."

"She'll be staying at my parents' house. I need to get to work," he repeated as he stood. He was still wearing the clothes that Sakura had given him and he needed to change before he left.

"Sasuke, I'm serious," she continued. "I know it's tempting for you run to the hospital and all, but you should really take some time off and be with Suki. Do you know how many times she asked for you yesterday?"

Sasuke turned around and looked at her.

"She hasn't seen you at all except to say goodnight and now you're telling me that you'd rather work than be with your own daughter?" she asked unbelievingly.

"This can't be helped."

"Yes it can. It's one day off. One day with your daughter. You know how much that would mean to her?"

"And what about you?" he asked. "Aren't you going to be leaving your son to get to work?"

"I'm a doctor with patients that need me Sasuke. It's completely different from you. I'm going to call Ino and see if she can watch him until I get back."

Just then, they both heard a small voice from upstairs.

"Daddy?"

Sasuke and Sakura turned their heads to the top of the stair case where the saw Suki in Sora's clothes. She looked tired and her hair was messy but once she saw Sasuke, she quickly climbed down the stairs.

"Daddy!" she yelled as she ran up to Sasuke. He picked her up and she clung to him tightly.

"Hi Tenshi, why'd you wake up?" he asked gently as he kissed the top of her head.

"The phone rang… and I missed you," mumbled Suki into his shoulder as she hugged his neck tighter. Sasuke felt guilt wash over him for not being with her all day. He chanced a glance at Sakura, who was smiling at him. Either that or she was slyly smirking at him.

"Now he'll never be able to say no to a day off," she thought happily. Suki sure did have good timing.

"Are you going to… (yawn) leave again?" Suki asked innocently. Sasuke looked into her big, green, tired eyes and sighed in defeat.

"No I'm not. We'll stay home today, just you and me," he answered. Suki smiled and hugged him again before another voice was heard from the top of the staircase.

"Mommy?"

Sakura looked up at Sora and smiled again. Sora had some bed hair but he was obviously still sleepy judging by the way he was rubbing his eyes. He was also missing one sock, but that was normal.

"Hi sweetie," she greeted. "I'm surprised you're awake," she said as Sora came down the stairs. Sakura bent down and kissed the top of his head when he got next to her. Sora realized that Sasuke was here… in pajamas.

All Sora could remember was that Suki was here yesterday, but she was supposed to go home with her dad. But why was he here? He couldn't help but get that strange feeling again when he saw Sasuke wear those clothes.

"Mommy, are you gonna go to work?" Sora asked after looking away from Sasuke. Sakura's smile faltered for a bit. She knelt down to his level.

"Yeah… sorry sweetheart. I have a lot of people to take care of," she said running her hands through Sora's hair. "But I'm going to see if Aunty Ino can watch you, and then you can play with Akio. You guys don't have to go to school today."

"When are you coming home?" he asked. He wouldn't admit it, but after yesterday, he felt scared without his mom around.

"As soon as I can, I promise." She hugged him before letting go and got up with a cheerful face. "Well, since we're all up, who wants breakfast?"

Sasuke internally sweat dropped. "How can she be so perky this early in the day?" They agreed to stay and joined them for breakfast. Afterwards, Sasuke decided it was best to get home. It was almost 8:00 am by then.

"Remember Sasuke," Sakura said as he was about to leave. "You have the day off. Don't even think about coming near the hospital." She was already dressed in her blue scrubs.

Sasuke raised his brow. She was the one that worked for him, so where did she get the nerve to tell him what to do? She had guts that's for sure. No woman has ever told him what to do, in fear of facing his wrath.

But Sakura was different, and he was definitely intrigued. He looked down at Suki, who was sitting in the floor and putting her shoes on. She was dressed in her ballet uniform, since that's what she was wearing when she came here.

Tying her shoes was something that she never quite got the hang of yet, so she was having some trouble getting them on. Sasuke was about to kneel down to help her, but Sakura beat him to it.

"Here Suki," she said as she took the laces from her and tied them. Suki smiled at her and that's when Sasuke remembered the night when Suki asked whom her mother was. Looking at Sakura and Suki, Sasuke also remembered the promise he made to himself. The one where he would find Suki a mother.

"Thank you," Suki said sweetly as she smiled up at Sakura.

"You're welcome sweetie." Suki stood up and took Sasuke's hand.

"Right then," said Sasuke as Sakura stood up. "Thank you for everything."

"Anytime." She smiled down at the small girl. "You know Suki is welcome here whenever she wants."

"Thanks. I'll see you at work."

"Not today," she reminded. Sasuke nodded in understanding. Sakura knelt down and hugged Suki before seeing them off.

As she watched them drive off, Sakura couldn't help but feel like she was watching her husband and child drive off to work and school. Shaking her head, Sakura decided that she was just making something out of nothing at all.

Still, she had a feeling. She didn't know what it was or if it was good or bad. It was just something she would have to figure out.

Sasuke and Suki decided to go out and spend the rest of the day together, as suggested by Sakura. Sasuke—not being one for days off—didn't really know what to do with Suki so when he asked her what she wanted to do, she immediately wanted to go to the park.

"The park it is then," he said as he drove them there.

When they got there, Suki went ahead and played on the equipment while Sasuke stood near her and watched. They had small conversations about things such as school and her friends.

There were two people in particular that Suki couldn't get enough of. Every other thing was about either Sakura or Sora.

"We're you scared yesterday Tenshi?" Sasuke asked as he pushed Suki on the swings.

"Uh huh. It was scary. But then Aunty Sakura came and I felt better."

"You really like Sora's mommy… don't you?"

"Uh huh."

"Why?" He was curious to know what his daughter thought about the annoying pink haired woman.

"Because she's nice and pretty and she smells like flowers and she makes good pancakes and she fixes my boo boo's and she gave me a necklace," Suki listed quickly. "And she has the same eyes as me."

"Really now."

"Yeah," Suki continued. "I like Sora too. He can draw really cool stuff and he's nice to me. We helped fix everybody with his mommy yesterday. She say's I'm her little helper," she said proudly as she got off the swing.

Sasuke watched her as she smiled as wide as she could. "I wanna be just like Sora's mommy when I grow up," she claimed as she ran to the jungle gym.

Sasuke knew that she liked Sakura, but he didn't know that she liked her that much. He couldn't really blame Suki though.

For the short amount of time that he's known her, Sasuke had come to know Sakura as a very gentle and caring person… with a bit of fire on the inside. She was clearly a loving mother and dedicated doctor. She was all the things that he respected in a person and Suki clearly loved her.

But did he see her in that light? He contemplated this as he watched Suki play on the jungle gym. As he took in her smiling face, Sasuke could think of nothing more than wanting to have her to smile like that forever.

He wanted her to be happy, and it was up to him to make that happen.

The sun was setting as Suki and Sasuke decided to go out and get some dinner. On the way into town, Sasuke made a plan for himself. He was going to find Suki a mother, which meant that he would need to start dating again. The question was: who would he choose to pursue?

He was certainly never going to succumb to an arranged marriage again and he wasn't close to any particular women. He didn't even think he knew what he wanted in a potential date.

Just then, his mind showed him images of pink hair and green eyes. She seemed to be the only one at this point. She treated him as a friend and annoyed him with little things. She was commanding and caring at the same time. She was the only woman that could make his precious daughter smile a mile wide.

Dr. Sakura Haruno: was he really going to consider dating her? She's a doctor at his hospital. If it didn't work out, they would have to see each other all the time. Not to mention that she did have her annoying moments.

But still, she was undeniably beautiful. He could no longer deny the fact that he was indeed checking her out that night at the recital. He was a man after all, and men notice these things, like it or not. He noticed a lot of things during the physical exam.

Her hands were soft and warm against his skin. They were both gentle and in control of their actions. The earthquake was another thing altogether. The way her body was pressed against his bare chest so intimately was playing through his mind. Yes, he noticed how she felt against him. He wouldn't deny that he liked it either. Granted that it was during an emergency but it didn't matter.

"It's risky… but I'm doing this for you," he thought as he watched his daughter from the rear view mirror.

He had made up his mind. He would consider asking Sakura out on a date. Consider it, and see what her deal is, because she also had a child she needed to think of. They both had demanding jobs and balancing that with their children would be tough enough as it was.

Would they be able to make it? Would she even want to date him? All these things had to be considered before he made a move. He was officially in pursuit of a particular woman, and he'll be damned if he let anyone know about his little agenda, especially Naruto. The Dobe couldn't keep his mouth shut to save his life. No, he needed to be discreet.

"I need to know," he thought. "For Suki."

Sakura sighed as she grabbed her purse from underneath her desk and walked out of her office. Today was hectic with all the new patients from the earthquake. Quite a few of them were expectant mothers who needed checkups to see if their baby was okay.

Sakura's hands were tied all day. It was almost 6:00 pm and she needed to pick up Sora. Ino was watching him with her two kids as well. Sakura felt guilty the entire day about leaving Sora with her, but it couldn't be helped.

As she got into the car and drove off, she replayed all the events she had to deal with today. She got to thinking about last night and the following morning. She didn't realize it then, but last night was the first night that she ever had a man sleep in her house, that wasn't her husband.

"It's not like it was anything bad," she thought. But still the fact that Sasuke, her boss, had spent the night in her home left her with an unsettled feeling. She probably wouldn't be feeling that way if Sasuke didn't remind her of Sai. "He's not Sai… but I can't help but think of him when I'm with Sasuke."

Sakura knew that she would have to move on eventually. Sora needed a father after all to do father-son stuff—stuff that she wouldn't be able to do with him.

Often times she felt selfish for depriving him of a father. He deserved someone to guide him and teach him things about being a man. He needed someone smart and strong and kindhearted, someone who'll set him straight when he messes up and give him the guidance that a son needs.

"But he had a father," she argued. "He had a wonderful father. But… Sasuke's a great dad too."

Sasuke was very loving when it came to his daughter; that much was obvious regardless of his stiff exterior and brooding persona. Sakura found herself thinking more about him or rather, thinking about him and Sai. But why was she doing it? That was the question.

She recalled Tenten's question about moving on.

"I understand that you loved Sai. I really do. But you have to move on eventually and you have to stop using every excuse you can to avoid the subject. Think about Sora. He's going to need a father figure as he gets older. And do you really want to spend the rest of your life alone?"

Of course she didn't. No one wanted to be alone, not truly anyway. But seeing Sasuke and thinking about Sai made her think about the topic of moving on more frequently.

What she didn't know was whether or not she was thinking about this because it related to Sasuke or if it was because of Sasuke.

He's a very handsome man. But there was something else about him that drew her in. She could relate to him sure. He knew where she was coming from when it came to their kids, but there was something more about him that had Sakura confused.

Was she drawn to him for him…or because he reminded her of her lost love?

She paused her thoughts as she pulled up to Ino's house and walked up to the door. After knocking a couple of times, the door opened to reveal Ino who was dressed in pajama bottoms and a purple top.

"Hey Forehead, you finally decided to show huh?" she joked as she let Sakura in.

"I'm so sorry about that Ino-pig. Where's Sora?"

"Upstairs with Akio," she answered. "Those two have been at it for a while. They're practicing for their karate class. Sora your mom's here," Ino called from downstairs. Sakura could hear the sound of footsteps running around the hall and out came Sora, followed closely by Akio.

"Hi Sweetie."

"You're home late," Sora pouted as he hugged her. Sakura tightened her grip on him.

"I'm sorry Sora," she said kissing his forehead. "But you had fun here right?" He nodded his head.

"Why don't you guys stay for dinner?" Ino suggested. "I'm attempting to make some use out of my kitchen and if all else fails, we'll order in."

"Thanks Ino. Where's Shikamaru?"

"I made him go out and get some juice boxes for the kids. He should be back soon."

After Ino's attempted to make dinner, which went by smoothly since Sakura was there to help her, the two made their way to the patio in the back of their house to do some girl talk.

"So how've you been?" Ino asked conversationally.

"Fine," Sakura answered with exhaustion evident in her voice. "Works going well and Sora seems to be adjusting nicely."

"You want to talk about it?" Ino asked knowingly.

She looked away. "Talk about what?"

"The thing that's been bothering you since you got here," Ino clarified. "Don't try to deny it either."

Sakura sighed. She and Ino were best friends back in the day and even then, she could read Sakura like a book. "Tenten and I had a discussion when I first got here about me moving on with someone."

Ino blinked. "…Oh. Well, do you want to?"

"I don't really know," she admitted. "But I think about Sora and I know that I have to move on for him. He deserves to have a father around."

"I know Sakura. But it's not all about him. This is about finding love again. To be with someone who loves you for you. That's what moving on is all about."

Sakura stayed quiet. She knew that… and that was the problem. Sure, she might be able to move on but would she ever be able to love another man as much as she loved Sai?

"That's what's so hard about this," she lamented. "I don't know if I can love another man. I promised to love Sai forever, and I'll always will."

"Sakura… I never met Sai," Ino began. "But I know that he was a great guy. I mean he'd have to be in order to be able to put up with you right?" she joked. Sakura chuckled a bit. "But even so, even though I've never met him, I know… I just know that he wouldn't want you to live in the past. He wouldn't want you to be alone Sakura. He would want you to continue living your life and find a man that would love you as much as he did."

Sakura eyes watered and soon a few tears slid down her face. Ino patted her arm in a comforting motion as Sakura wiped the tears away.

"I know," she sobbed. "I know he would… but I just can't let him go. I loved him so much. I don't want to let go."

"I know that it's hard," Ino soothed. "Life usually is, but you're one of the strongest people I've ever known. You've done things that most people wouldn't even dream of accomplishing. And you're a great mom. You've raised quite a kid. I know you can handle anything that comes your way and that includes love."

"Thanks Ino pig."

They spent a few more minutes talking before Sakura decided it was time to go. After getting Sora, Sakura bid farewell to Ino and drove home. Talking to Ino was nice, but she still had her doubts. Even if she decided to move on, who would she move on with?

Sakura and Sora walked into the kitchen and turned on the lights.

"Would you like some juice Sora?" she asked as she walked to the fridge. Before she could open the fridge door, Sora wrapped his arms around her legs from behind and hugged them tight.

Sakura tried to regain her balance while turning towards him. She knelt down and held his shoulders.

"Sweetie, what's wrong?" she asked as she looked into Sora's eyes. Sora looked like he was trying hard not to cry.

"Yesterday was… (sniff)…scary and I… (sniff)…missed you," he cried as he lunged into her arms.

Sakura's heart broke all over again. Her baby was scared and she left him alone. She held him tightly and kissed his cheeks.

"Oh I'm so sorry sweetie, I'm sorry I left you alone." She kissed his cheeks again. "I'm here now. Mommy's right here," she soothed as she picked him up and took him to the living room.

She sat down on the couch with him in her arms. She held him close and ran her hands through his hair in an affectionate manner. The action always seemed to sooth Sora. Even as a tiny baby, whenever Sora would become fussy, Sakura would just sit with him in her arms and brush her fingers through his hair for a while and he would fall asleep.

"Mommy," Sora whispered as his eyes began to droop.

"Yes?"

"…Why was Suki's dad here?" he asked. That threw Sakura off for a bit.

"Umm… he came to get Suki, but it was raining too much for them to go home, so they both stayed here. Why?"

Sora didn't answer her. Instead he just snuggled closer to her. Sakura looked down at him. He looked so much like Sai.

"You know Sora," she said gently as Sora began to doze off. "You're so much like your daddy," she whispered. Sora's eyes opened only a bit.

"My daddy…" he thought as he finally went to sleep.

Sakura carefully carried him to his room and tucked him into his racecar bed. She stroked his little head one more time and looked at his face. He was his father's son and it showed in every way.

As she looked at his sleeping face, Sakura promised herself that she would do everything she could to rebuild her broken family.

Ino was right. Sai wouldn't want her to live like this. He would have wanted her happiness and Sora's as well.

"I promise I'll start again… for you baby," she vowed as she kissed her son's forehead.

Authors Note:

Hello reviewers. I know this chapter is chapter is shorter than what I usually write :) but I didn't want to go overboard. I just wanted to get the point across that Sakura and Sasuke are finally ready to start dating again.

So of course, I look forward to your reviews.

Oh and you know what? There is this Awesome fic out there called "All I ask of You" by Sweet Tradgedy. It's an awesome Sasuke Sakura fic and Sweet Tradgedy thinks it's her worst work ever. Please encourage her that it's brilliant because it really is. (She's probably cursing me right now for advertising)

…I heart reviews.