Sasuke crossed the terminal, adjusting his baseball cap over his hair. He knew it was a stupid disguise, but people tended to be less watchful in an airport. Plus it was just him alone; if the rest of the band were with him, then it would be a different story. Naruto loved meeting fans, he'd attract hordes anywhere he went.

He hadn't been in an actual airport in ages, Sasuke realized. He couldn't remember the last time he'd taken a flight that wasn't in a private plane. But with only a few hours between Kakashi's call and the time he had to leave, the easiest way of getting back to Kumo was a commercial flight.

As a result he now had a seat in coach class, which was going to be a strange step backwards. Knowing the way these things tended to go, he'd probably be stuck next to a baby and a snoring old guy. Honestly, he probably deserved it after all the luxury flights he'd been on over the past four years.

He passed a few people and knew that one of them recognized him. They averted their eyes quickly, but when he looked back they were whispering excitedly into someone else's ear. Great.

Sasuke turned the corner and suddenly Sakura was right there, staring out from the wall. He raised his eyebrows and looked up at the large display. She'd done some stupid modeling campaign for some random cosmetics company a few months ago. She was leaning against a dark wall in the picture, wearing a pale gray dress and smiling slightly, but she didn't look anything like herself. Impossibly gorgeous, as always, but in a staged way. Sasuke hated all the people that were staring at it.

He was being a jerk about it—he knew exactly what Sakura would say if she could see him right now. "Jesus, Sasuke, really?" She'd raise an eyebrow and then she'd probably call him an asshole and the thought made Sasuke smirk.

Sasuke had forgotten how much he hated airports, and by the time he'd finally found his gate, he hated them even more because of the endless messages over the intercom and the blaring TVs and the crowds of people. He shoved his stuff under an empty seat in the far corner of the room and sat down, hunching over and scrolling through a series of texts he'd received from Naruto in the past hour. He tried to ignore the awful violin music they were pumping through the airport speakers in between security announcements.

But no one had come up to him yet, which was the only good thing about this whole situation.

Sasuke shoved his phone away, not bothering to respond to Naruto, and glanced around at the rest of the people at the gate. He had this corner to himself, everyone else was a few rows away. Sasuke realized that probably made him look way more conspicuous, but whatever.

And then a teenage girl appeared next to him. "Hi, sorry," she said. "This is really obnoxious, but are you Sasuke Uchiha?"

He was tempted to say no, but she was wearing a black Sand Siblings t-shirt, and he happened to like their music. Naruto was good friends with their lead singer, Gaara. Sasuke was surprised someone around her age was a fan (though that was probably a generalization on his part).

"Aa," he said, frowning.

She bit her lip. "I was just wondering if I could get a photo with you?" She raised her eyebrows.

"I don't do photos," Sasuke said. "Sorry."

To his surprise, she nodded and looked like she was on the verge of a smile. "I figured. Would you maybe sign something for me? It's just, I really love your band and I think your solos are genius."

"Thanks," Sasuke muttered. "I'll do it if it's quick. You have a pen?" If he took too long, other people would notice.

She beamed. "Yeah, one second!"

She dropped her backpack on the ground and rummaged around, coming up with a pen and a piece of paper. Sasuke scrawled his signature on it for her. He glanced around; no one was looking at them. The girl hadn't shrieked or anything when she saw him, which was probably why.

"So you like the Sand Siblings?" He asked as she slid the piece of paper carefully into a notebook.

"Yeah, they're sort of my favorite band. I mean, I really like you guys too, but—oh, wow, that was really obnoxious."

Sasuke smirked. "Nah." He didn't know why he'd even started the conversation, but she wasn't totally fake like so many of the people he met. Actually, he shouldn't really be saying anything; he liked most of the fans he met. Sakura's fans were definitely more annoying by comparison.

Though judging from his experience on Saturday night, that too had been a generalization. "I like them too."

"Your show in Ishi is going to be so good, I can't believe you're playing together." Her words tumbled out in excitement. "I tried to get tickets but they were...uh. Too expensive." She started rummaging in her bag.

If Sasuke (or any member of the band, for that matter) was in charge of ticket prices, he would immediately lower them to something reasonable. There had been too many times when he was stopped from going to concerts as a teenager because of prices. He hadn't thought about that in a long time, and made a mental note to ask Kakashi about it. Even if the finance people at the record company said no, he and his bandmates were the ones with the power. "Yeah, it sucks," Sasuke said.

The girl was still looking around in her bag. "Found it! Look, do you think you could sign..." She tentatively held up a Firestyle poster.

Sasuke raised his eyebrows. "You carry that around with you?"

She turned bright red. "I bought it a while ago. The thing is, I've been away so it hasn't come out of my backpack. Don't worry, I don't kiss your face before I go to bed or anything. That kind of thing totally creeps me out."

Sasuke just raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, never mind." She started to roll it up, clearly mortified.

"No, it's fine." Sasuke waved a hand. "I'll sign it." I've gotten way too soft.

"Thanks, you have no idea—how much it means." She smiled and bounced up and down slightly. It reminded him of Sakura. "I play guitar and listening to you guys has made me keep at it."

"What's your name?"

"Matsuri."

Sasuke nodded. "Look, if you give me an address I can have someone send you comp tickets to Ishi."

She gaped at him, and her expression alone was worth it. "I—Seriously?"

"Yeah." What was he doing? "Shouldn't be stopped from coming because you can't afford it."

"Holy crap. Thank you! This is the best day of my life." She rattled off her address to him and he put it into a blank email to send to Kakashi.

"I hope not," Sasuke said. He stood up. "Gotta get on the plane."

She nodded feverishly. "Thank you so much! For everything!"

"S'fine." He looked around again, making sure no one was listening in, and then went to get in line at the gate.

Sakura's father had driven Sasuke to the airport earlier that morning, pulling up just outside Sasuke's terminal, and his words came back to Sasuke as he waited to show his boarding pass.

Kizashi had stopped the car but didn't unlock the doors. This is it, Sasuke couldn't help thinking. Now he'll threaten to break your legs if anything happens. "I just want to thank you," Kizashi said. "It's obvious Sakura wouldn't have made it through this past year—or at least, wouldn't be nearly this healthy—without you. Mebuki and I are extremely grateful."

"It wasn't—I, uh…"

"No response necessary," Kizashi said with a grin. "But Mebuki wanted me to make sure you knew that. I'll be honest, we had our doubts about you, but Sakura's never been happier in a relationship with anyone else, and that says something. And it's been a pleasure having you to stay. Assuming you don't break Sakura's heart, you're always welcome."

"Thanks," Sasuke said, lost for words. "Thanks so much."

Kizashi clapped him on the back. "Have a good flight."

It had been a better trip than he ever could have imagined.

Sasuke filed onto the plane, feeling huge in the tiny aisle. He had a window seat, and the row was empty when he sat down. He shoved his bag under the seat and stared out the window at the ground. He'd never really liked planes; they were too claustrophobic. Sakura loved flying.

He avoided looking at any of the people coming down the aisle, because eye contact was ten times as likely to result in a reaction.

Still, looking away didn't mean he could always ignore it when he felt someone's eyes on him. He glanced up at the aisle to find someone staring at him, a girl about his age. She bit her lip and kept walking as soon as he looked at her, but the recognition was obvious.

After that it was like a domino effect. A minute later, another girl came right up to his row. "Can I get your autograph?" she asked him. The woman in the seat next to Sasuke shifted, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.

Mercifully, a flight attendant appeared at that moment right next to their row. "I'm sorry, ma'am, could you keep moving, please? We need to make sure everyone is seated on time."

The girl pouted but moved away. The flight attendant shot Sasuke a thumbs up, and he nodded in thanks. No one else tried to talk to him, though he was the subject of whispers throughout the plan and, he suspected, covert photos taken from several rows away. Pictures were what really made him paranoid. It was the constant suspicion that someone could capture you at any moment without your permission.

Being recognized had been a novelty for a few months. Sometimes people would gape at him on the street, or come up to him, and at first Sasuke would look around to make sure it was actually him they were looking at. For years he'd gone unnoticed, an afterthought in households and easily able to blend into the background at school, albeit with a perpetual scowl.

The plane rumbled and began to inch its way to the runway. Everyone's attention went to the outside world or to shutting off their phones, and then Sasuke was just another anonymous person on the plane. At least, that was what he liked to think.

Sakura had kissed Sasuke goodbye in private and hugged him goodbye in front of her parents. Then he had left with a promise to text her when he got back to Kumo. Sakura had made plans with Tenten and some other high school friends for that afternoon—Tenten had invited everyone over to her house—and Sakura couldn't help being slightly glad that Sasuke wasn't coming. As much as she wanted him to meet her friends, it would throw off the dynamic. Meeting Shi had been weird enough. At least now, things would be closer to normal.

She didn't have a car, so Sakura's mother dropped her off at Tenten's house later that afternoon, but no one answered the door. Sakura walked around the back, where she could hear voices coming from the pool. She opened the pool gate and stepped inside, slightly hesitant.

"Sakura!" Tenten shrieked, practically bouncing out of the pool and running to hug her. "Oh my God, I love your hair."

"Thanks," Sakura said with a laugh.

"I hope you brought a bathing suit," Tenten said.

"I'm wearing it," Sakura said. "You think I'd leave it behind?"

The two of them joined the group of guys by the pool. It had been almost two years since Sakura had seen Sai, Neji, and the others. It felt good to be back in Tenten's backyard as if nothing had happened (albeit without Ino's presence).

"So where's Sasuke?" Tenten asked with a mischievous smile.

"He actually had to go home earlier than expected," Sakura said.

"We were hoping to meet him," Sai said, frowning.

"We'll meet him at their wedding, Sai," Tenten said. "Don't guilt-trip Sakura."

Sakura laughed. "I think it's a little to early to think about a wedding."

"Oh, yeah, totally, I'm sorry!" Tenten said.

"Anyway, I just wanted to hang out with you guys like old times," Sakura said. She pulled off her shirt and shorts and waded into the pool with Tenten.

"So tell me about everything," Tenten said. "Your life seems crazy."

"She didn't know if you would come today," Neji said.

"Oh, stop." Tenten poked her boyfriend's arm. "I just didn't know if you'd have time."

"Of course I have time. I can see why you might think—Yeah. But I don't want to be that kind of person. You guys are still the people I feel closest to." The last thing Sakura wanted to be was the kind of celebrity that left her old friends behind in the dust.

"Aw, yay," Tenten said.

"Well, we did all grow up together," Sai said. "School is a connecting thing."

"Speaking of that, how is school for all of you?" They were all at various local universities.

Tenten sighed. "You wouldn't believe how much I studied this past year. Neji comes over and drills me. It's the most unromantic thing ever."

Neji rolled his eyes. The two of them had been dating since senior year of high school. "You're graduating top of your class, that's for sure."

"Don't remind me about graduation," Tenten said, but she smiled. "Sakura, we've got one more year of school and I still have no idea what I'm going to do with my life."

"I think that's pretty normal," Sakura said. "Not that I should be saying anything, I guess."

"Yeah, you've got it sorted out," Choji said from his chair across the pool. "No offense."

"Uh, none taken."

Sai chuckled. "Well, I will be a proud starving artist."

Sakura felt people's gazes on her at his words, probably because she was an artist who was decidedly not starving. It's not like they know about Cobra's diets for me, she thought and then felt bad for even comparing the situations.

"I'm going to go use the bathroom," she said, climbing out of the pool.

"Okay! You remember where it is, right?" Tenten asked.

"Yeah, I'd hope so," Sakura said, smiling. She toweled off quickly and went inside.

The house was cool and quiet; Tenten was still living at home, though her parents weren't around today. Sakura went to the downstairs bathroom, careful not to soak the rug.

As much as she loved her friends, Sakura couldn't help thinking that something about this whole afternoon, and their conversation, was off. Had she changed that much in the past year and a half?

It wasn't just her—most of them weren't nearly as jokey or eager to talk in her presence. It was as if they sensed a divide (one that she wasn't particularly comfortable with) and had unconsciously distanced themselves. They were friendly, but also polite in a way that Sakura wasn't used to.

She confessed as much to Tenten later that afternoon after volunteering to help her carry out sodas and chips from the kitchen. "It's just 'cause they haven't seen you in forever," Tenten said as she rummaged in the fridge. "Aha!" She pulled out a can of salsa. "Plus, like, you being rich now might have something to do with it. Not to be blunt."

"Yeah."

"Don't worry, Sakura, it'll be back to normal soon enough."

"It's just that I'm leaving in less than a week, and I don't know when I'll be back again. I feel like this will perpetually happen."

"Don't think like that," Tenten said. "We'll all get used to it."

"I hope so."

After they rejoined the boys, Sakura couldn't ignore the nagging realization that she didn't have much in common with them anymore. Though what connections had been there in the first place? Sakura, Ino, and Tenten had been friends since middle school. Neji had been a constant presence because of his connection to Tenten; Choji and Ino had been family friends. Sakura had dated Sai for a brief few months before he broke up with her, but later he had come back to their friend group and they'd developed a close friendship. It had been formed through common acquaintances rather than common interests. In high school, she'd never thought about that because they all got along well and had a lot of fun. There was every component of a well-balanced group of friends: comic relief, impulsiveness, kindness, a serious side. Plus they had all come from similar backgrounds.

If she'd gone to college like the rest of them, had a normal student's life of this drastically different lifestyle, would she be having these thoughts right now? Probably not. Then again, she would've made new friends in college based on her own interests. Maybe this realization would've come anyway. She hoped so.

It would mean she hadn't become someone else entirely.

Ino called her that evening once Sakura was back home, and she went out to the backyard to talk to her. "What's up?"

"I just needed to hear your rational voice," Ino said.

"Is this about Shikamaru?" Sakura asked.

"We haven't had sex yet. Is that weird? Because it's literally never happened with any other guy."

Sakura laughed. "Well, it happened the opposite way with Sasuke and me, and I think our relationship has turned out pretty well. Maybe it's a sign."

"You've got to be kidding me."

"Hey, you never know." Privately, Sakura felt naïve (and guilty) for assuming sex had already been a large part of Ino and Shikamaru's interactions.

"So you and Sasuke…"

"We had one date, and then…yeah," Sakura said, blushing faintly.

"Damn," Ino said. "That is not like you."

"Well, neither is what you're doing, so my point stands. I think it's a good sign."

"Let's hope so. Ugh, I really like him. It's bad."

"Why?" A smile pulled at Sakura's lips.

Ino rolled his eyes. "You know." It was the vulnerability that clearly scared her. "Anyway, how's Konoha?"

"It's been great. I went over to Tenten's this afternoon, she had a bunch of the old crowd over."

"Aw, I'm jealous. Did Sasuke go?"

"He actually flew back to Kumo this morning. Emergency press stuff."

"A scandal?"

"No, a magazine interview."

Ino laughed. "Bummer."

"Are you okay with—You know, that it hasn't happened yet?"

Ino didn't answer for a moment. "Yeah. Like, I really like the way it's been going. But I'm worried that…Well, that he'll dump me as soon as we do it."

"What?" Sakura was incredulous.

"Oh, come on, it makes sense! A guy bangs you and he's won, he can add you to the tally and move on to the next girl."

"Ino, that's ridiculous. You've been going out for what, almost two months? I think you'd know by now if he wanted to add you to his tally."

"Yeah. It sounds ridiculous, but still. I hate catching feelings, you know?"

"I'm aware," Sakura said, amused. "But you two obviously have a good thing going. I think it might be best to just go with it."

"You're right," Ino said with a sigh. "I really like him. I haven't had something like this in—I don't know, ever? Ugh, I hate this."

Sakura bounced up and down on her toes and laughed. "It'll be great, Ino."

"Yeah. When are you coming back, again?"

"Next Saturday."

"Good. Shikamaru's going to Oto next week."

"Are you going with him?"

"No, I have to rehearse for Ishi."

"Oh." Sakura paused. "Hey, can I ask you something? Don't make fun of me."

"Sure?"

"Is it weird that I feel different around everyone? Not Tenten, but some of the guys. Sai, especially. It feels like something's shifted. The conversations were so awkward. And Sai made some weird comments about Sasuke. I was getting this vibe that was so strange, like I barely knew them. Or like they thought I was a stranger."

"Why would I make fun of you for that?"

"I just figured you'd say something about my status, or whatever."

Ino snorted. "Okay, yeah, that's valid. But I know the problem isn't that you're snobby now, because you're not." She paused for a moment. "You were always too good for Sai." At Sakura's exasperated sigh, she spoke louder. "I'm sorry, he was nice, but way too critical of everything. And he was bound to be weirdly jealous of Sasuke. I mean, he's probably kicking himself that he broke up with you, even if that's ancient history. He and Shi were always weird around each other, too, but you never noticed. As for other people...It isn't just the fact that you're selling millions of albums, or whatever. We're growing up. You're bound to grow away from some people you used to be close to. I'd better be the exception."

Sakura couldn't help laughing. "Of course you are."

"You're different than you were in high school. Nothing you can do about it. I'd say it's a good thing."

"Different how?"

"More confident? Sure of yourself? Completely comfortable owning a stage in front of thousands of people, or being interviewed? Knowing what your priorities are, balancing work and a relationship? If I remember correctly, you broke up with Shi because he was pulling you away from your music. You and Sasuke's thing is different."

"You always know how to set me straight."

"Yeah, duh."

"It's just...Sad."

"Well, yeah. But no use thinking about it too much." There was the sound of scuffling. "I gotta go, we're going to dinner."

"You and Shikamaru?" Sakura grinned.

"Yes," Ino said. "Come back soon. We're never going a year without seeing each other again."

"Definitely not," Sakura said. "Talk to you soon."

They hung up, and she went back inside. Her parents were watching TV in the living room.

"Was that Sasuke?" Sakura's mother asked.

"No, Ino."

"I miss having her around," her father said. "Really stirred things up in a good way."

"I'm glad you two are still as close as ever," her mother said.

"Yeah, me too." Sakura curled up on the couch next to her. "Thanks for being so welcoming to Sasuke. I know he really appreciated it."

"Of course," her mother said. "Basic manners don't deserve a thank you."

"It's just...He was worried about it."

Her father laughed. "I can see why. Not exactly a normal scenario, is it?"

"Well, we enjoyed having him here," her mother said, shooting her father a glance. "And it was reassuring."

"What, because now you know for sure that I'm not dating a slimeball?"

"No. Well, yes, I suppose." Her mother smiled reluctantly. "But now we have a better idea of what your life is like."

Sakura nodded. "Can you come visit soon? Because the money's not an excuse anymore, I'll pay for flights and everything." Her parents exchanged a glance. "I'm serious. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable about it. It's the least I can do."

Her father looked at her mother. "We really did a good job with her, didn't we?"

Her mother just smiled, amused. "We'll come visit as soon as we both can take time off work. We wouldn't want to be on top of you and Sasuke."

Sakura felt a twinge despite how good-natured her parents were about, well, everything. She still felt so young, but her life had shifted so much. "I don't want you to worry about that, but okay." They watched TV in silence for a bit. "Do you guys mind that Sasuke and I are serious?"

"Asking the hard questions tonight, are you?" her father said.

"I just wanted to know one way or the other."

"Sakura, if he treats you like the amazing woman you are and keeps you grounded when you're out there, then I don't mind at all," her mother said.

"Got it in one," her father said.

Sakura felt a rush of relief, not that she would have changed anything if they'd disapproved. But knowing it solidified her contentment. "Thanks."

Sakura got back to Kumo late on Saturday night, feeling more energized to go to work than she had in months. Her plane had been delayed a few hours; it was nearly two-thirty now, though she wasn't particularly tired. She felt a rush of excitement as she ran up the stairs to the apartment, duffel bag over her shoulder, something she hadn't expected. It had taken the trip back home to realize that this place was starting to feel like home, too. She had Sasuke to thank for that.

She'd told Sasuke not to wait up for her after the delay was announced, but a light was still on in the living room when Sakura slipped into the apartment. The TV was on, and bluish light flickered on Sasuke, who was fast asleep on the couch. Clearly he'd had the intention of staying up anyway.

He looked absurdly peaceful when he was asleep. Sakura had noticed it before, but it hit her again now. His face was calm, expressionless, every guarded layer temporarily washed away. He looked younger, especially because his cheek was smashed into the pillow and his legs were curled up on the couch cushion like a cat.

Sakura set her bag down and the slight noise made him stir. He blinked and looked up at her, then sat up abruptly. "Jesus. Fell asleep."

"Yeah. Thanks for trying to wait up, though." She hopped onto the couch and snuggled in next to him. Sasuke put his arm around her. Their faces were at an even level, and Sakura leaned in to kiss him quickly. To her surprise, he held onto her, kissing her back and more deeply.

Sakura hoped that she would always feel this way, that relationships weren't just passionate when they were young and relatively new.

"Do you think it'll always be like this?" she asked him when they pulled apart.

Maybe it was the time of night, or his drowsiness, but Sasuke didn't pull a face or hesitate at the vagueness of the question. "Yeah," he breathed.

A/N: A few people were asking about direct inspiration for Sakura and Sasuke's respective sound. I think I mentioned this in an author's note earlier on, but Tori Kelly is probably the closest to what I imagine Sakura sounding like (her live shows give off the vibe that I imagine Sakura having, especially last chapter). For Sasuke's band, I guess I imagine it as sort of a mix of Fall Out Boy/Foo Fighters/Nirvana? Honestly, it's whatever you want it to be. I don't want to pin down either one with real life.

Thank you so much for all of the reviews last chapter—if that keeps happening, there's a 99% chance this story will be finished by the end of the summer :)