Mission Abroad: Catching up


Sorry my story is moving a little slow and I promise it will be in other POV's than Sasuke and Sakura's. I just needed them to build the plot for a little bit. Let me know how I am doing constructive criticism is always welcome. Also apologies if it's still a bit wordy and some characters seem OOC. Please enjoy.

Again I do NOT own the Naruto series or Images displayed

Sakura's POV

The four of us bounded up the steps to the hokage tower just as a light snowfall began. Naruto cussed up a storm all the way to the top about it being too cold to be out in this weather. I just rolled my eyes and kept pace. Sai knocked on the door to Kakashi's office and the door opened. I was surprised to see the amount of people in there. All of teams 8, 10, and Team Guy. Looking around I was confused. Why were we all here? What was going on. "Sorry Kakashi-Sensei, we got lost on the path of life, didn't we guys?" Naruto smiled while rubbing his head. "Shut up you idiot" I whispered while smacking him in the back of the head. He can be really dense sometimes. Everyone was looking at us while Kakashi smiled behind his mask. I stood behind the boys with my head down.

"I'm glad everyone is here finally. Lets begin. What I am about to tell you guys may be upsetting, however you were all chosen specifically for your skill sets. Team Guy, you guys specialize in close-quarter combat. Team 10 you guys are good at buying time and interrogation. Team 8 is specialized in tracking and locating, and last but not least team 7." Kakashi paused and looked at us," You guys specialize in frontline support. As you all know we recently became allies with the Land of Iron. They have a village they've requested help getting established. Their hospital and school houses need proper education. They are also wanting to train some civilians to be shinobi. Currently they only have samurai as their means for a military but they are wanting more protection as they grow. You guys along will be stationed in the village hidden in the white mountains for approximately 10 months. In return they have handed over important scrolls and artifacts that are priceless to the fire nation and agreed to train a select few of you the ways of a samurai. You guys will all be set up with living accommodations based on team squadrons and monthly salary will be given to you all. I understand that this is a lengthy mission and just know that your guys cooperation is appreciated immensely by the land of Irion and me." Kakashi finished while bowing his head. Everyone looked around with all different emotions on their faces.

"10 months have you lost your mind sensei!?" Naruto whined.

"What about our duties here?" Questioned Rock Lee.

"That's an awfully long time to be away." Tenten sighed.

"What kind of food do they have there anyway?" Yelled Choji.

I was worried about my duties in the hospital all my patients, who would look after them?

I kept my head down and tried to think of the time that would be spent away. That's almost a whole year.

"Alright you guys, your duties will all be covered. They have plenty of tasty cuisine there, and besides this is the way of the shinobi. Sometimes you get sent on missions that will take a great deal of time but just know you are doing it for your village. I wouldn't be sending you guys if I didn't know you could do it and if it wasn't for the bettering of our nation. You have 2 days to pack all needed material say your goodbyes and head to the gates. Transport will be there at 5AM Tuesday Morning. Oh, and one more thing... Bring warm clothes it is quiet cold." Kakashi smiled his closed eyed smile and with a poof of smoke was gone leaving us 13 standing annoyed.

Oh this is just rich. This is going to blow. 10 months. In the cold for the most part. Away from home in an unknown village. We walked out of the homage's office all in our own world. Some people went their separate ways others stayed together. Hinata, Ino, Shikamaru, Naruto, Sai, and Sasuke stood in a circle talking. I couldn't make myself concentrate on what they were saying. I was too lost in my own thoughts. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad right? At least I had my friends and we got to all experience this together and help people who couldn't help their selves. Just then I felt eyes on me I looked around and noticed Sasuke's eyes on me. He was concentrating hard almost like he was trying to read my mind. No no no that's just silly Sasuke wouldn't care about what I was thinking about, right? He leaned closer to me and so quiet I wasn't sure if i actually heard him right whispered, "You okay?" I was stunned that he was going out of his way to actually talk to me so I did a double take looking around. He rolled his eyes and gave me a smirk. "Uh, ye-yeah Sasuke-Kun, I am fine." I stammered out. Why was he asking me if I was okay did I look that worried. When I looked around everyone was laughing and joking. I must of missed the conversation this far because everyone was talking about being excited to get out of the village for awhile and visit a new place with their comrades. Sasuke didn't look too convinced but he adverted his eyes and went back to just listening.

Most everyone was cleared out headed home to pack for the journey and say their goodbyes. Me, Hinata, Sai, Naruto, Ino, and Sasuke all decided to grab a bite to eat at none other than Ichiraku-Ramen. We piled in to the stall in the newly built booths. Ino grabbing Sai's hand and yanking him in next to her and Hinata squeezing next to Naruto I looked up and Sasuke was watching me waiting for me to slide in before him. He took his seat next to me not looking over at me in the slightest. What's up with that I thought. We all ordered and joked around to pass time.

"Hey forehead. Why the long face? We get to spend 10 months together! Aren't you excited?" Ino laughed. Was I excited? "Oh no Ino-Pig I'm fine. Just caught up in my thoughts is all. Shew, I don't know about being around you for that long.." I chuckled. She shot me a glare but laughed anyway. Sasuke's leg kicked mine under the table and I shot a confused look in his direction he just had his head down with his hair in front of his face. He slightly tipped his head up enough I could see the smirk plastered on his face.

Our food came and we all slurped it down while having light banter. "Hey Sai, you wanna come back to my place and help me pack?" Ino asked looking over at the blank face sitting to her side. "I suppose, is that what being a boyfriend entails?"

Sai questioned looking back at Ino. "Only if you're whipped!" Naruto laughed. "You're just jealous cause you can't get one Naruto!" Ino yelled. "Me and Hinata-Chan have went on dates before, right Hinata-Chan?" Naruto stated while looking over at Hinata, who was as red as a tomato. "Uh-uh-Yes Naruto-Kun we have been on a d-d-date before." Hinata stammered while looking down. "Ugly, have you been on a date before?" Sai questioned looking at me.

All eyes were on me including the onyx pools to my right.

My face grew as hot as I imagined Hinata's just was. "I don't have time for dates or stupid questions like that Sai." I yelled while trying to sound more stern that embarrassed. "You probably couldn't get a date with that attitude." Said stated. Before I knew it my fist was connecting with his nose. "SAI HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU QUIT BUTTING INTO MY DAMN LOVE LIFE." I screamed. "Or lack of..." Naruto tried to mumble. My fist wacked him upside of the head not even a second later. "OWW, Sakura-Chan! I was just kidding I know you get asked out all the time, you didn't have to punch me that hard!" Naruto whined rubbing his cheek. "Anyone else have anything to say!?" I growled shaking my fist and looking around.

Ino was laughing and Sasuke put his hands up as if to say he was good, while Hinata shook her head. I paid my check and scooted out of the booth marching outside. The snow had started to fall a little faster as I picked up the pace.

A hand caught my arm and I stopped and turned to see none other than Sasuke holding my arm. "You come to make fun of me too?" I sighed looking up at him. "No. That's not my style. Just wanted to see if you needed help packing?" he said coolly. "Don't you have to pack too?" I asked looking around. Why would he want to help me? "You forget that I just got back? My stuff already packed." He smirked. "Oh.. you're right... well sure if you want to. As long as it's no bother to you." I said shyly. "Hn." Is all he said dropping my arm and waiting for me to start walking again.

The walk back to my house was quiet. I had so many thought going on in my head. Why was Sasuke being so nice? Why did he want to walk me home and help me pack? Maybe he just felt bad for me after what just happened at lunch. Yeah that had to be it. We stopped at my door and I unlocked it walking inside and stepping out of my boots. Sasuke just stood there looking uncomfortable. "Make yourself at home. Do you want tea or anything?" I asked putting my keys on the shelf by the door. He nodded his head and took off his shoes while placing his cloak on the hook. He looked around the room before his eyes landed on the picture frame on my book shelf. He walked over to it staring at it sadly. "You kept this?" He asked sounding sad. "Of course. It's one of my most cherished memories, being on team 7 in our genin days." I said as if it was the most obvious things in the world. He chuckled a little and looked down at the picture for a few seconds longer before setting it down and sighing. He continued to look around at my book collection and other pictures around the room.

I finally wondered off to the kitchen to steep some tea for us to warm up. Once it was done I grabbed our cups and headed into the living room. Sasuke was knelt down looking at a picture of me standing with Tsunade-Sama at my graduation from the medic-nins course. I graduated top of my class and was given the title Dr. Haruno that day. That was a month after my parents were killed by an envision of the village. I was so sad that day the picture was taken. I wanted them to see I finally made something of myself. But they never got to and they never will. Maybe this is what Naruto and Sasuke felt like all these years. Sasuke must of sense me behind him and stood up and turned to face me. "Congratulations on your achievements Dr. Haruno." He said looking me in the eye and grabbing the tea out of my hand. I gave him a weak smile. "They saw you know? I bet they're proud of you as well." He whispered quietly. My eyes got big as I looked up at him. How did he know? Was he able to read my mind? "Naruto told me, this morning when we were walking here and I had asked why you live alone. Don't be mad at him, he didn't have any bad intentions." He said while grabbing my hand and sitting me down. I just stared at him for a second feeling so vulnerable.

I finally spoke up tears starting to weld up in my eyes. "How do you know that they saw me or that they're proud?" I looked him in the eye then. His eyes looked so torn and distant like he was someplace else besides sitting here with me. "Because I know Itachi sees all I have done to right my wrongdoings, and my mother and father know that I am trying to build back up the Uchiha clan name. If they didn't than why am I still here? Why are we all still here and not burnt out and the worst version possible? I can feel them you know. When I helped an old farmer harvest his field, or when I give my room at an Inn to a homeless family for a night so they can be warm while I sleep under the stars. I don't have to be in one place to feel them, I mean really feel them smiling down on me." He said blinking his eyes and coming back to the present with the same sad smile. "So I know they're proud of you Sakura, and I know they saw you accomplish every last thing." My tears fell silently as I nodded my head and smiled up at him "Arigato Sasuke-Kun." He opened his mouth to say something but a loud knock at the door stopped him. I dried my face the best I could and went to open the door. Naruto stood with his hands in his pockets looking down with Hinata by his side

Naruto POV

Me and Hinata-Chan walked side by side to Sakura's house. I felt bad for teasing her earlier and wanted to apologize to her in person. I knocked on the door and shoved my hand in my pockets while thinking of what to say to her. I heard foot steps approach the door and it swung open to reveal a teary-eyed Sakura. "Sakura-Chan! I'm so sorry for being an ass earlier it was-!" I stopped mid sentence when I walked in to see Sasuke sitting on the couch with a grouchy look on his face. Why is he here? What did he say to Sakura-Chan?! Did he make her cry? "TEME WHAT DID YOU DO!?" I yelled feeling my blood boil instantly. If he said one mean thing to my friend he'd have another thing coming for him. "No no no, Naruto. He didn't do anything. I am fine, see?" She said smiling and shoving my shoulder.

I looked around trying to find some indicator of what was going on.. Then I saw it. The picture from Sakura-Chan's graduation and I knew what that meant. "Ohhhhh, haha okay. So like I was saying before Sakura-Chan, I am deeply sorry for making jokes earlier with Sai. Completely uncalled for. I am here to offer my services to help you pack in exchange for uhh what's that word?" I said trying to rack my brain. "Amnesty?" Sakura questioned. "Uh Yeah that's the one for sure!" I smiled sticking my thumb up. Hinata giggled and Sakura rolled her eyes and pulled us in shutting the door behind her. I sighed in relief and went to walk into the living room. "Naruto shoes off!" Sakura screamed at me. I looked over at Hinata who already had hers placed neatly by the door and was walking to the living room to sit. I chuckled and followed suit. "What're you doing here teme?" I questioned Sasuke sitting beside Hinata.

He glared at me and rolled his eyes. "Helping Sakura pack you dobe." He stated standing up. Sakura giggled and looked around the room. She grabbed Hinata's hand pulling her out of the room with her. They went into Sakura's room and shut the door with a slam. Me and Sasuke looked at each other confused and I leaned back and tried a few times to make small talk. Of course Sasuke still wouldn't budge. "I'm thinking about asking Hinata-Chan to be my girlfriend!" I tried to say coolly. That one caught his attention cause he turned to face me with his cold eyes. " I just don't know what to say yet or how to bring it up. I don't want to sound uncool or anything but I for sure don't have any experience in the girl department. So I was hoping you could give me some advice on how to ask her ya know?" I complained. His eyes narrowed "What makes you think I know how to ask a girl out?" He said annoyed. "Well come on Sasuke its no secret that your are a ladies man and always have been. You must of had plenty of girlfriends!" I laughed.

He rolled his eyes once more "I've never had a girlfriend you dobe." I laughed there's no way. "Oh yeah I am sure and next you're going to tell me you've still never kissed a girl!" I laughed holding my belly on that one. Who did he think I was an idiot? I looked over at him and his cheeks and ears were tinted red. I stopped laughing instantly when I realized. He shot me a death glare and my mouth hung open. "You have to be kidding me right? Tell me you're joking teme? You are 19 years old and... YOU'VE NEVER KISSED A GIRL!" I couldn't hold back the laughed and tears coming out my eyes. If looks could kill I'd be a dead man! He punched me in the shoulder. "Shut up Naruto. What I do is none of your business. When do you expect me to have time for that between seeking revenge, starting a war, and atoning for my sins." He growled while looking me in the eye with a vicious look. I was just about so say something when I heard Hinata-Chan scream. Without thinking I jumped from the couch and ran to Sakura's bedroom with Sasuke hot on my tail. I flung the door open and what I saw made my mouth drop and sweat form.