Sasuke placed me gently back down on the bed.

"Right…" he began "now that you're settled-"

I didn't hesitated giving him a stock in the jaw, which caused him to stumble back slightly.

"OW!" He cried, cradling his mouth "WHAT WAS THAT FOR!?"

My hand ached slightly, but that didn't hold back my fury, "what was for being a jerk!"

Sasuke moved his bottom jaw too, and fro. I watched his movements, the scold on his face, and the annoyance in eyes. My anger slowly melting away, the fact that he was standing in front of me, making me realise… Sasuke is actually alive.

I couldn't believe it! Even though Kakashi had told me he was fine. Actually seeing him, made my heart swell so much in happiness and relief. I tried to hold back the tears in my eyes...

"Damn, you still know how to throw a decent hook" he commented begrudgingly, "remain me never to annoy you, ever, again…"

I couldn't hold them back any longer, tears were now streaming freely down my cheeks. I used my hands to hide my face… suddenly feeling a little embarrassed.

"Oy…" spoke Sasuke awkwardly, "Look, it didn't hurt that bad… I… er…" It seemed my crying made him a little uncomfortable, because he didn't understand why I was in the first place. I can't blame him really, I went from a fit of rage, to punching him in the jaw, to crying my eyes out.

Yep! First degree head fuck, right here!

He carefully made his way back to me, and hesitantly placed a hand on my shoulder. I jolted slightly from the contact, I wasn't expecting him to come anywhere near me.

"I… deserved the punch…" he told me "I'm not mad at you."

"That's not why I'm crying!" I snapped shakily. Before he could respond, I wrapped my arms around his waist and buried my face in his chest. His movement stiffened at my embrace, he wasn't particularly a big fan of human touch, even when he was a kid. But I couldn't help myself, seeing him alive and healthy made me so gratified.

"You're actually here!" I whimpered. "I know Kakashi told me that you didn't die, and that you didn't suffer any serious damage. But I didn't… I didn't…"

I couldn't find the words anymore, and continued to sobbing into his chest. Sasuke finally relaxed, not much, but it was enough to assure me that he was gonna shove me away and give me the cold shoulder. Eventually, I let go of him and began to wipe my tears away.

"How?" I asked gasping, "your body went cold! You were gone!"

Sasuke's expression was hard to read, as he dusted off his shirt. There was a time were I could understand him so well, but now, I wasn't sure if I ever would again.

Eventually he answered, "remember that false kill he did with Zabuza? Well, it appears he did it to me. I don't think he ever intended to kill us."

I tried to work out in my head as to why. Why? Why was he willing to defy his masters orders?

"It's a shame, you are quite beautiful."

"I wish you didn't get involved."

"Forgive me."

"I'm sorry, but this is the only way it will be painless."

"I don't get it, if he was not trying to kill you, why was he attempting to kill me?" I questioned.

Sasuke hummed under his breath. "You're still here aren't you?" he stated, "I think if he truly wanted to kill you, he would have done so straight away."

He made a good point, Haku was ordered to take me out first. Yet, he made the process slow and painful. In some twisted way, that was him showing mercy.

Another awkward silence followed. It was just me and him, and we both knew that we had to talk sooner or later. The question was… who would have to courage to start.

"You scared me to you know."

Wow… looks like Sasuke is taking the bull by its horns.

I looked up at him surprised, he was now staring out the window. So, he wasn't gonna look at me. Fair enough, I kinda saw this as a blessing, it was ridiculously uncomfortable already.

"Seeing you just laying there, was the one of the worst things I've ever seen." He sighed, "It reminded me…" he stopped abruptly, as if he was struggling with his words. "It reminded me…"

"Stop" I softly interrupted, "you don't have to say it."

Looks like he still found the massacre hard to talk about.

Sasuke shook his head, "I know, I want to be able to talk to you about it. But its still…"

"A fresh wound, I know" I reassured. "Beside, I already know the basics of what happened, I'm not really sure if I'm ready to hear the details."

Sasuke sight still remained on the window, but was he now leaned against the wall near the bedroom door, with his arms crossed. "Tomoko…" He began with a sigh. "I'm not great at apologies, not anymore. But, I'll try. I regret saying those things to you."

"I know" I said, which made him mad.

"Just listen for a second" he cut in harshly, "once I'm done, you can talk my ear off all you want, if need be."

I pressed my lips together, but remained quiet for him to continue.

"This isn't me trying to make excuses for myself, but I was in a very dark place, I… I still am" Once again he paused. "I can never be what I was when we were kids, nor will I ever give up my revenge."

I smiled and shook my head, "I'm not expecting you to give up your revenge" I told him. "And yes, you've changed quite a bit since we were younger, but that doesn't mean we can't be friends."

Sasuke finally looked at me, his expression softened "I'm not good with this friendship thing, not anymore."

"And I was when you met me?" I asked in a jokey manner. "Sasuke, you pulled me out of one of the most difficult time of my life. Because of you I was able to cope with my mother's death." I took a breath, "you and your clan became my family, and you were always there for me."

I then stood back up and walked over to him, immediately he straightened up and uncrossed his arms. He watched me with an unsure expression, making him seem so vulnerable. When I got close enough, I held my hand to him. His eyes widened, because he knew I was repeating how he greeted me, the first time we met.

"Let me do the same for you…" I suggested.

He look at my hand, then back to me.

I sighed with a kind expression, "I can't promise that I can take the pain away completely. But I can make things easier… You don't need to face this alone."

A slight smirk crept upon his features, but this wasn't his usual, cocky, arrogant one. This one seemed content, and dare I say happy. Carefully, he took my hand and gave it a small shake.

I couldn't help but grin like a fool. Even though we still had a long way to go, I was happy to have him back.

"AAHHH!"

The door crashed open, making me and Sasuke jump from the sudden noise. Now on the floor, was both Naruto and Sakura, looking slightly disoriented.

"Naruto!" Sakura scold grabbing him in a choke hold "I told you not to lean so much on the door!"

"Ach! Tomoko-chan" he choked "Help me!"

Sasuke rolled his eyes, whilst couldn't contain my laughter. Things seemed like they were finally coming together.

It had been about a week since our battle with Zabuza and Haku on the bridge. My injures were much better but I still wasn't a hundred percent, I was still bed ridden and going stark crazy!

Thankfully, my teammates kept me company, and occasionally help me get my strength back by walking.

It was now the early hours of the morning, of the day we would go home. As I was putting my clothes on, for what felt like the first time in ages. A knock came to me door.

"Hang on a second!" I called pulling my cut off pants on, after becoming fully clothed, I called for the person to come in.

The door opened, "are you sure that's wise? I distinctly remember doctors saying no straining movements."

I looked up to see Sasuke standing there, obviously not amused.

Turning my back to him, I grabbed my waist coat and proceeded to pull my arms through. "I'm much better than last week, besides, the bridge is finally finished, we'll be going home today! There is no way I'm having anyone carry me back!"

Sasuke watched me as I tied my front knot, then gazed at my stomach, which still heavily bandaged. Since our talk, Sasuke had become, a little over protective? It was a little annoying, but his heart was in the right place.

"I wasn't gonna try and stop you" he informed me, "I actually came to give you these back."

I turned to face him again, to see what he was on about, and what he was holding up in his right hand.

"My Vambrace!" I cheered slightly, and took them back, "how did you?"

"I grabbed them whilst you were in treatment. I figured you wouldn't want to deal with Kakashi if he got his hands on them again" he explained calmly.

I raised an eyebrow "so you weren't curious on what they are, at all?"

Sasuke pulled a slight baffled look "N-no!"

I rolled my eyes "because that's convincing, did you get very far?"

Sasuke's eye twitched, obviously realising he had been caught.

"No" he answered "but that was only part the reason, honest! I got an earful from Kakashi when I stole them."

Well at least he was being truthful.

I nodded my head in thanks and packed them in my backpack.

"Oh and another thing" spoke Sasuke, "Kakashi wants us to pay our respects to Haku and Zabuza before we leave."

"When?"

Sasuke shot a look out the window, "Now."

I followed his gaze, to see the sky had already begun to turn pink. "We best get going then" I announced and walked out the room. Sasuke followed not far behind and we headed to the front door, already there was the rest of our team.

"Are you sure you're well enough to walk?" my Sensei asked me.

"I don't have much of a choice."

Kakashi gave me a strict look, maybe I should rephrase my answer.

I cleared my throat, "I'll be fine Sensei, really. But the doctor still thinks I should get a check up as soon as we get back."

Nothing else was said on the matter, and we all left the house. The graves weren't far, the we're both perched on a hilltop, looking out to the sea and newly built bridge.

Both graves were made of wood, symbolising a cross. Behind it, Zabuza's sword was stuck in the ground, whilst Haku's had his sash wrapped it. The sun was now raising higher, but still just touching the ocean, making it a golden/pink colour. The sound of the waves sang in my ears, creating a peaceful sensation. Sakura had taken the time to create a ring of flowers for the graves, and began hanging them across.

"I was wondering, Kakashi-sensei" said Sakura, as she finished placing the last flowers over Haku's grave.

Kakashi hummed to let her know he heard her.

"Does a ninja really have to be the way they said a ninja should be?" She asked solemnly. Naruto had now stepped closer, he was standing in the middle of the graves, just in front. Myself, Kakashi and Sasuke stayed back.

"Ninja are not supposed to seek their reason to exist" Kakashi clarified, as Sakura was walking back to us. "It's important that they exist as a tool. That idea exists in Konoha, too."

Naruto turned his head to our Sensei. "Does becoming a real ninja really mean that?" He now turned to face us, "I… Kind of… don't like that."

"I come from the most strictest country on this earth" I commented, "but even I find that a little harsh."

Sasuke lifted his head slightly "Do you think so, too?" he asked directly to Kakashi.

Kakashi hummed in thought, "Well no. That's why ninja unconsciously suffer from that idea" he answered truthfully, "Like Zabuza, and that boy."

"It's only gonna get harder from here isn't it?" I drawled sadly.

"I'm afraid so" Kakashi confirmed. We all fell silence, only the sound of the waves could be heard.

"All right!"

Everyone hummed in surprised at Naruto's sudden outburst.

He looked up to the sky, grinning. "I've decided! I'm going to follow my own, 'Way of the Ninja'. I'm going to run straight down the path, where I'm not going to regret anything!"

I couldn't help but smile 'own way of the ninja huh?' I thought, and glanced at Sasuke. He to, glimpsed back, the corner of his mouth rising in a small smirk.

'I guess you're right Naruto, my path will be with my friends… my team.'

later that day, we we're now bidding goodbye to the villagers at the bridge. No, literary, the whole village was here to say goodbye. But I guess we really changed their lives for the better, and it made me feel good about the path I was taking. I enjoyed helping people, I always had. And being a ninja enabled me to do that.

"We've completed the bridge thanks to you" Tazuna spoke, "but we are going to miss you."

"Be well" Tusami told us.

"Thank you for everything" Kakashi told them

Naruto grinned "Now, now old man Tazuna, we'll visit you again one day."

"promise?" Inari sniffed, trying to hold back his tears.

Naruto gave him a surprised look, then too began to get teary eyed. "Inari… You're going to get lonely, aren't you?" I gave him an amused look, this was actually happening.

"You can cry, you know. Cry…" he told the little boy.

"I'm not going to cry!" Inari argued "you can cry, too, Naruto."

"Yeah Naruto, go ahead and cry" I teased. There was no way in hell, I was gonna let him live this down.

they both just stared at each other, trying there damn hardest not to crack, and it was hilarious!

"see ya!" Naruto cried, and Abruptly turned around, clearly not wanting Inari to see him cry. I shook my head at their silliness and faced the crowd once again. Everyone else in my team began walking, but I lingered a little longer.

Sasuke, realised my absent and waited for me.

placing my left hand over my right shoulder, I gave them a blessing.

"Bearf sé fréo Mistuko, ládmann þín eftsíð æt éadnes."

Tazuna blinked a couple of times, but then nodded in appreciation.

I hurried meet back up with Sasuke, and then we both caught up with the others, and walked along side them.

"All right!" Naruto cheered, "Once I get home, I'm going to have Iruka-sensei treat me to ramen, to celebrate the completion of this mission."

I laughed "I bet it was driving you stir crazy not having any, right Naruto?"

"You bet!" he answered, "Also, I'm going to make Konohamaru listen to my tale of bravery."

"Hey, Sasuke-kun" Sakura piped in, "do you want to go on a date once we return to the village?"

I choked on my breath slightly, that was a bold move!

"No, I decline" he emotionlessly answered, making me pierce my lips together nervously. I figured it was best I didn't say anything.

Sakura stopped walking, looking so defeated.

"Hey" whispered Naruto, stopping with her "Hey, I will!"

I didn't see what happened, I did however, someone grabbing the other, shaking them in the air, as well as Sakura screaming at him to shut up.

"By the way Tomoko" Kakashi spoke, "what did you just say to the villagers?"

I was about to answer, but someone already beat me to it.

"It was something along the lines 'May Mistuko give you peace', right?" Sasuke answered.

I nodded, which left Kakashi baffled.

"I didn't know you understood Yamakureism?" he stated to his student.

Sasuke shrugged, "I had a good teacher."

I blushed slightly, knowing it was me that taught him. Yes, I was very much looking forward to going home.

"Oh Tomoko, I sent a pigeon to Konoha about your hospital treatment. Everything should be in order when you get back."

"Okay" I replied nodding, but Kakashi wasn't done.

"Er, another thing… well… it seems that… your brother caught wind of it…"

Sasuke threw me a 'oh dear god!' look.

Yeah, so you know that excitement I was feeling earlier? Well… lets just say that it's now completely vanished.

"We need to stop" I huffed, and leaned my upper body over slightly. Sasuke stayed by my side the whole time, but didn't say a word. The rest was just two steps ahead of us.

Kakashi looked at me concerned as I gripped my stomach, which clearly showed I was in a bit of pain.

"Oh come one" Sakura groaned, "we're almost home!"

I glared at her, this was about my fourth time I had to stop. Every now and then, I'd get these incredibly nasty shots of pain into my stomach. The pain would fade after a couple of seconds, but this was different.

"I'm sorry…" I heaved "it just… gets worse with each step. I think…"

My Sensei sighed. "I feared this would happen" he commented "alright, Sasuke, carry her on your back the rest of the way."

"What! no!" I snapped, but caught myself, that came out a little wrong. "I mean… I'll be alright, honest."

"The village isn't far, would it really be bad for you to be carried?" Kakashi challenged.

I opened my mouth to speak, but I couldn't hold an argument. Defeated, I grumbled fine as Sasuke leaned on his knees so I could climb on his back.

"Hey! Hey!" Naruto yelled "I wanna carry Tomoko-chan!"

Sasuke stood up holding my legs tightly, my arms wrapped around his neck.

"You're too small to carry her dope" Sasuke commented, leaving Naruto fuming.

"Are you sure this is okay?" I whispered.

Sasuke closed his eyes "don't worry about me."

We set off again. Like Kakashi said, it didn't take us long to arrive back home. I was then reminded of what was waiting for me…

"Is this the only entrance to the village?" I asked randomly.

Sakura gave me a very confused look "why would there be any more?"

"Oh I don't know, some people may have a very over protective brother waiting for them, who has a reputation of over reacting."

Sakura giggled "oh come on, he can't be that bad!"

"TOMOKO!"

I immediately hid my face in Sasuke's back "put me down."

"What?"

"Put me down now!" I hissed. Straight away, he placed me back on my feet. But it wasn't for long, as I was grabbed and held just above the ground. I was met with a very familiar forest green eyes.

"WHAT'S THIS I HEAR ABOUT YOU SERIOUSLY INJURING YOURSELF!? I THOUGHT YOU WERE ON A C-RANK MISSION!"

There was no way I was telling him the truth, otherwise he would seriously flip out.

"It seemed that the client lied to us."

Thanks Sensei, you have no I idea what you've unleashed.

"LIED?!" Haruo bellowed "THAT BASTARD PUT MY SISTER IN DANGER!"

"Haruo calm down!" I barked "the man was poor, he had no choice!"

"I DON'T CARE!" He shot back.

Everyone one watched in utter shock as my brother continued his rant, it was along the lines of never doing a C-rank again and making sure the mission was legit.

"Okay Aaron, I get it! Now can you please put me down!" I sneered.

Haruo blinked a couple of times, realising all my teammates were watching.

"Oh my!" he chirped dropping me suddenly, since I wasn't expecting it, I crashed down on the floor. "How embarrassing, I hope you don't think I'm some raving lunatic" he confessed, as he scratched the back of his head nervously, and laughed.

"Oh no, where would they get that impression?" I asked sarcastically rubbing my back, that was not a soft landing.

Sakura chuckled apprehensively "I'm Sakura, that's Naruto and…"

"I know who he is" Haruo cut in sternly, which caused me to throw him a warning look.

"Oh of course you do!" Sakura chirped "how could I forget?"

"Oh its pretty easy, after all, he was a total jerk to-"

"And that's enough!" I interrupted, jumping up and clasping my hand over his mouth. "My, dear Aaron? You were about to take me to the hospital, right?"

"I'll come with you…" Sasuke began, but shut up as soon as I threw him a 'Don't-even-think-about-it!' glare.

I grabbed Haruo's hand and proceeded to drag him away "come on! The sooner we get there, the quicker I can get you up to speed."

All my teammates could do was stare, slightly terrified, as I disappeared from sight.

"Brothers are scary..." Naruto mumbled.