Date: 5/19/13
Rating: T
Genre: Angst, Drama, Romance
Prompt: Sasuke gets made Hokage.

***Note: This was written before we all found out Sasuke wanted to become Hokage.

He didn't know what she was waiting for.

At first, he tried to ignore her, figuring she'd either gather the courage to actually knock or decide to leave him alone. But there he was, now fifteen minutes later, and she was still behind the door. It was so irritating. Sasuke huffed. But then again, he wasn't surprised. Sakura had always been annoying.

And when he couldn't take it any longer, Sasuke stood up from his desk, stormed towards the door, and swung it open with so much force it was a wonder how it remained on its hinges. He took a sharp inhale, about to yell at the girl when he felt Sakura's fist knock on his chest, the reprimand disappearing as he exhaled. Her eyes were closed, as if bracing herself for an blow. She didn't even seem to notice that she was knocking on flesh and not wood. Sasuke rolled his eyes, grabbing her fist before she could land another knock on him. "That's enough, Sakura."

Sakura slowly opened one eye, and when she realized her mistake she snatched her hand from Sasuke's grasp. "Sorry about that," she said bashfully as Sasuke moved aside to let her inside the office, his office. "I'm just here to pick up some of my things. I never had a chance to get them before Tsunade-sama," Sakura stopped mid-sentence and turned away. "Well, here it is! I guess I'll be on my way now."

"Hey," Sasuke said before Sakura could leave, her hand on the doorknob, "next time don't take so long to knock."

Her back still facing him, Sakura blushed and said softly, "Of course, Sasuke-kun." There was a low grunt from Sasuke as she heard him return to his desk, but other than that, he said nothing. Sakura sighed. Her hand slowly turned the doorknob, but before she could open the door Sakura changed her mind and said, "Naruto-kun is doing better, in case you were wondering."

Sasuke didn't even look up. "Hn."

"He's been asking about you," Sakura added as she walked towards him. "He's still waiting for you to visit."

"I've been busy."

"Sasuke-kun—"

"And I'm still busy," he said callously, as if to shoo her. "You know, Hokage business."

Sakura crossed her arms, unimpressed with his excuse. "I don't care. I'm not leaving."

"Damn it, Sakura!" He slammed his fist on his desk and stood up. If he was irritated before, now he was fuming. He didn't even care who heard him. Sasuke was just so tired. Tired of this. Tired of everything. However, Sakura didn't even so much as flinch. "What do you want from me?"

"I just want a reaction!"

"A reaction," Sasuke repeated flatly.

"Anything! I don't care what it is! I'm tired of you pushing everyone away. Me. Naruto-kun. Kakashi-sensei. I'm not asking for much, Sasuke-kun. I just," Sakura sighed, "I just need to know you feel something."

Sasuke stared at her. "You think," he said coldly, his voice shaking, his fists clenching, walking closer to her with every word, "I don't feel anything? That I don't regret my choices? That I don't feel guilty that I was named Hokage and stole Naruto's dream? That I don't hate myself because I'm the reason he's in the hospital in the first place? Sakura, I'm pretty sure I feel all the time. And I'm tired of it."

He had her backed up against the wall now. There was a dangerous glint in his eye; his aura was frightening. And yet, Sakura was unafraid. "It's okay, Sasuke-kun. It's okay to feel. But," she said gently, placing a hand on his face, "you don't have to be alone." And gathering all the courage she had, shoving all of her insecurities aside, Sakura kissed him.

She only meant it to be an innocent kiss, something to show Sasuke that she still cared despite everything that had happened. But when she began to pull away, Sasuke placed his hand on the small of her back, bringing her closer and deepening the kiss. It was only when they heard someone knocking that they stopped, but Sasuke made no move to answer the door, instead choosing to ignore it.

"So how do you feel now?" Sakura asked when the knocking finally stopped.

"Better."