Date: 5/22/13
Rating: T
Genre: Drama, Romance
Prompt: 631 - Team 7 is on the battlefield and for a moment Sasuke catches himself staring at Sakura's back, and it brings him back to the times when they were all genin together and how much her back (hair, posture, clothes she's wearing) has changed, which sort of also is symbolic of how she's changed.

He never really had a good look at her back before.

"Sasuke-kun!"

Even when they were genin, she was never one to take the lead. It was always either him or Naruto guiding the team while Sakura followed close behind. But now, as Sakura and Naruto discussed their next plan of attack, Sasuke couldn't help but look at her.

"Do you want to go on a date?"

Of course, Sasuke didn't expect her to look the same. She was taller. She was leaner. And she no longer wore the same red dress, opting for something more womanly. As the wind blew through her hair she tucked a strand behind her ear. She even kept her hair short. But it was better that way, Sasuke thought to himself. Sakura had really changed since they were twelve. But it wasn't just in the obvious sense. Even her posture was different. She stood up straighter, prouder. She no longer radiated insecurity but confidence—confidence in herself, in her intelligence, and in her power—something Sasuke was interested to see.

Everything about her was just different.

Then, out of nowhere Sasuke saw Sakura take Naruto's hand in hers. He felt a knot form in his stomach. So what he heard the Fourth Hokage say was true; this confirmed it. He didn't know why, but even with everything that happened, he still thought that maybe she would still—His fists clenched. And Sasuke was met with the sudden realization that it wasn't just her appearance that changed.

He didn't even know who she was anymore.

Sakura said one more thing to Naruto and turned around. She looked at the ground for a moment before looking at him. And as Sasuke saw her smile—one that he never thought he'd see again—he felt himself relax. At first she seemed hesitant, taking a deep breath before reaching for his hand. And that's when Sasuke saw it again, her confidence, mixed in with a tint of pink. Her smile returned as she squeezed. "Sasuke-kun, are you ready?"

Sasuke smirked.

Sakura had changed. But not everything.

Not the important things.

"Hn."